The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that everyone should practice regular hand washing, consistent social distancing, wearing a mask in public like in the grocery stores or pharmacies, and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily to prevent contracting the deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
It is important that people keep themselves clean and their surroundings as the virus could also stay on surfaces for some time, and someone might contract the virus by touching an object or surface.
To clean those frequently touched surfaces, CDC has also published its recommendations. They highlighted the use of EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following the instructions written on the product.
Last week, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the first surface disinfectant products that are tested in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Two Lysol products "effectively kill" coronavirus on surfaces
According to a report by the Miami Herald, Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127) were found to be effective in killing the virus after a series of laboratory testing.
These two surface disinfectants were approved by the EPA last week, according to their news release on Monday, July 6. However, this does not mean that they are the only products that can be used effectively against the virus.
"EPA is committed to identifying new tools and providing accurate and up-to-date information to help the American public protect themselves and their families from the novel coronavirus," said Andrew Wheeler, the EPA Administrator.
Moreover, he said that the review of the products tested against the coronavirus by the agency marks a significant milestone on President Trump's all government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Wheeler added.
Products, such as pesticides, cannot legally make claims that they kill a particular pathogen like the SARS-CoV-2 without a review and authorization from the EPA. Since novel viruses are not immediately available for laboratory testing, EPA has established guidelines for Emerging Viral Pathogens.
The guidelines were activated for the first time in January in response to the outbreak. This will allow manufacturers to submit data showing their products are effective against COVID-19.
EPA's List N
EPA has reviewed newly released products using the Emerging Viral Pathogens guidelines. More than 420 products were able to meet the agency's criteria for use against COVID-19. EPA has called this list of products as List N.
The agency was able to approve claims within 14 days for many cases. Some of the products written on the list were some Clorox products from other major cleaning brands and also some bleach products.
They have already updated their list and included the two Lysol products, the first List N products that EPA has reviewed laboratory testing data and approved claims of fighting the coronavirus. They expect to approve more products to be included in the List N in the coming weeks.
Most of all, EPA reminds everyone to follow the label directions for safe and effective use of the disinfectant.
