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Using disinfectants to control the COVID-19 virus

Topic Fact Sheet

This guidance is for the public and professionals to control the COVID-19 virus on surfaces. The coronavirus named "SARS-CoV-2" is the cause of "COVID-19" in people.

This information applies to sprays, surface wipes, and other liquids. You may see them called "antimicrobials", "disinfectants", or "biocides" on product labels.

Antimicrobial Products List

There are currently no EPA-registered disinfectants that specifically include the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the product label. Refer to the following list from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for products that control the virus:

List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

 

Using products effectively:

Table 1. Porosity of common household materials1,2,3,4
Porous Semi-porous Non-porous
Carpeting
Clothing
Bedding
Pillows
Mattresses
Upholstered furniture
Fabrics
Leather
Wall Insulation
Ceiling tile
Wood
Drywall
Tile grout
Hardwood floor
Linoleum
Concrete
Some tiles
Some sealed countertops
Glass
Metal

Consider these steps to reduce your risk when using disinfectants:

For questions about disinfectants and other pesticides call us at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Please cite as: Using disinfectants to control the COVID-19 virus; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services, 2020. https://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/amicrob/covid19.html.

Additional Resources:

  1. Guidance to Registrants: Process for Making Claims Against Emerging Viral Pathogens not on EPA-Registered Disinfectant Labels - U.S. EPA
  2. Interim guidance for environmental cleaning in non-healthcare facilitates exposed to SARS-CoV-2 – European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

References:
  1. Mysz, A.; Martinez, J. Indoor Carbaryl Dust Cleanup; EPA Region 5: Chicago, IL, 2011.
  2. Emergency or Incident Response. National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Research Foundation: Arlington, VA, 2014, pp 144–145.
  3. Johnson, M. Letter to Steve Renninger, On-Scene Coordinator, US EPA: Documentation for Previous Verbal Consultations that ATSDR Provided to the US EPA and the Cincinnati Department of Health Regarding Excessive Spray of Malathion in Several Residences; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Chicago, IL, 2011.
  4. OSHA Fact Sheet: Mold Hazards during Disaster Cleanup; U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Washington, DC, 2013.
Last updated March 05, 2020

Related Topics:

What are pests?

Learn about a pest

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Integrated Pest Management

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Herbicides

Disinfectants

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Natural and Biological Pesticides

Repellents

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