Which EPA-Approved Disinfectants Kill Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides permits pesticide manufacturers to prove the efficacy of their disinfectant product against pathogens like COVID-19.
Disinfectants that qualify are added to the EPA’s LIST N - an exhaustive compilation of EPA and CDC-approved disinfectants proven efficient at eliminating coronaviruses and other harmful viruses.
EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, stated, “Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of reducing and preventing illness spread along with other critical aspects, such as hand-washing.”
The EPA also provided that coronaviruses are “enveloped viruses,” meaning they are one of the easiest pathogens to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. That said, not all disinfectants have equal efficacy across surface types.
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And Not All Disinfectants Hold A Kill Claim Against The Virus That Causes COVID-19.
According to the EPA’s LIST N Criteria, “all surface disinfectants must prove efficacy on surfaces such as counters and doorknobs.” However, not all disinfectants that meet efficacy standards provided in the Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance have been specifically tested against COVID-19.
In order to prove their disinfectant product’s efficacy, a manufacturer must prove the product demonstrates efficacy against a harder to kill virus, or, another type of coronavirus similar to COVID-19.
A proper application method employed by trained, certified, and skilled professionals is critical in carrying a product’s kill claim against harmful viruses out.
During this presentation on Electrostatic Spray Efficacy for Personal PPE Protection, the EPA noted that Electrostatic Disinfection demonstrates, “more uniform distribution of liquid decontaminates,” and could reduce cross-contamination among field personnel and equipment, as well as minimize additional risks.
When applied by certified technicians, electrostatic sprays of EPA-approved disinfectants cover surfaces with a “wrap around” effect that provides safe, quick, disinfection and sanitization. Not all Commercial Cleaning Companies utilize Electrostatic Spray Methods to apply EPA-Approved Disinfectants.
To learn more about achieving this level of coverage and efficacy anywhere in the United States, employers should speak to a specialist at S Grace Facilities- a nationwide, commercial cleaning company that specializes in applying EPA-Approved Disinfectants using Electrostatic Spraying.
How To Find EPA-Approved Products With Human Coronavirus Kill Claims By Using LIST N:
The EPA’s List N provides five categories of information for each EPA and CDC-approved pesticide qualified to protect facilities against coronavirus and other harmful viruses. The categories include:
The product’s name and active ingredients.
The product’s EPA registration number.
Which virus the product has proven efficacy against.
The product’s contact time- or, the length of time it takes for the disinfectant to kill stated microorganisms.
To learn more information about each product, enter the first six numbers of the product’s EPA Registration Number into the LIST N search function.
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These Top 3 Disinfectants On List N Kill COVID-19 And Are Used By S Grace Facilities:
1. Clorox Disinfectants - Manufactured by Clorox
EPA Registration Number (Clorox Total 360): 67619-38
Clorox Total 360 Disinfectants are strong yet safe enough for use in Commercial and Healthcare facilities. With a contact time of two minutes, Clorox Total 360 kills Human Coronavirus on every surface from upholstery and floors, to toilets, keyboards and glass partitions. Clorox Total 360 is a high-powered disinfectant that is safest when applied by certified technicians, and its efficacy is augmented when specialized technicians apply it using Electrostatic Spraying.
2. HDQ Neutral Disinfectant
EPA Registration Number: 10324-155
Cost-effective HDQ Neutral Disinfectants kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA and Human Coronavirus, with a contact time of 10 minutes. HDQ Neutral is also effective against HBV, HIV Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus, and is widely used in Healthcare Facilities and Commercial Settings as it is safe, powerful, and cost-efficient. Certified Technicians applying HDQ Neutral should always wear splash goggles, rubber gloves, and other PPE.
3. GS Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner
EPA Registration Number: 1839-169
With a contact time of 10 minutes, GS Neutral Disinfectant is formulated to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms and disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces such as floors, walls, metal surfaces, stainless steel, and ceramic tiles. This unscented, cost-efficient disinfectant is most ideal in large areas. While it has a strong kill claim against Human Coronavirus and other harmful viruses, it must be properly prepared and safely applied by skilled technicians.
The CDC Provides Comprehensive Guidelines For Choosing, Preparing, and Applying Disinfectants and Bleach Solutions.
Disinfectant solutions with at least 70% alcohol may be used in workplaces to reduce and prevent the spread of coronavirus and other harmful viruses. Bleach solutions will keep surfaces disinfected for up to twenty-four hours- so long as the bleach solution’s label displays a hypochlorite concentration of 5%-6%.
The CDC also charts six steps for using disinfectants safely and effectively in this document. Updating cleaning regimens to protect against Human Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and other harmful viruses requires updating influenza plans that businesses should already have in place.
A product should be EPA-approved and only be applied to surfaces and sites it is intended for. The CDC recommends pre-cleaning surfaces, and ensuring they do not dry too quickly throughout the disinfection process.
Pesticides And Disinfectants Should Only Be Used In Commercial Settings By Licensed And Insured Professionals.
Employers should learn as much as possible about the breadth of disinfectants available for application in their facilities. Choosing the right disinfectant solutions for high-touch zones in the workplace, such as refrigerators, desks, and door knobs- is no longer a simple or informal decision.
While commonplace household cleaners like Hydrogen Peroxide and Bleach are available to anyone for use; it’s imperative that businesses develop and implement long-term Safety Continuity Plans that include PPE preparation, like those coordinated by the professionals at S Grace Facilities.
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Other Notable Disinfectants With Human Coronavirus Kill Claims Include:
PurTabs Disinfectants
EPA Registration Number: 71847-6-91524
PurTab Disinfectants can be applied by certified professionals utilizing electrostatic spray techniques, like those found at S Grace Facilities.
Learn more about PurTabs Disinfectants here.
Find out where to get GS Neutral Disinfectant Cleaners here.
Hydrogen Peroxide
EPA Registration Number: 8383-12
Contact time: 2 minutes
Proven Effective Against: Norovirus
Hydrogen Peroxide should never be mixed with vinegar. The combination creates peracetic acid- a corrosive acid that can harm the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Arm & Hammer Essentials Disinfecting Wipes
EPA Registration Number: 95337-1
Contact time: 5 minutes
Proven Effective Against: Rhinovirus
Soft Scrub with Bleach
EPA Registration Number: 64240-44
Contact time: 3 minutes
Proven Effective Against: Rhinovirus
Although Bleach is an inexpensive and common disinfectant with a high efficacy against harmful viruses like coronavirus, it is dangerous to combine bleach with other cleaning supplies. Learn more about eco-friendly cleaning products approved by the EPA and CDC here.
For More Information On EPA And CDC-Approved Pesticides And Disinfectants Best Suited For Your Workplace:
Enter a disinfectant’s EPA Registration Number into List N.
Utilize the EPA’s Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Infographic.
Learn more about Electrostatic Spraying with this EPA Presentation
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