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This page was written as a collaboration between the National Pesticide Information Center, the Virginia Poison Center, the Oregon Poison Center, and the American Association of Poison Control Centers. To download and share full-sized images, click on the picture next to each question.
Please do not mix any chemicals. Some combinations can be very dangerous. To reduce improper use and prevent unnecessary chemical exposures, users should always read and follow directions on the label, only use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label), avoid mixing chemical products, wear eye and skin protection, ensure adequate ventilation, and store chemicals out of the reach of children. From MMWR report: Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 — National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020–March 31, 2020. |
Contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 if a child has licked or swallowed hand sanitizer. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning. A poison specialist will provide emergency treatment advice based on your child’s age, size and the product consumed. Always store the product up and away and out of sight after each use. Retrieved from: Hand Sanitizer Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 3, 2020. |
Hand-washing with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs from hands. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be applied to children’s hands by an adult. Effective alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Children should be supervised at all times to ensure proper use and prevent swallowing. Put enough sanitizer on hands to cover all surfaces and rub hands together until they feel dry (about 20 seconds). Always store the product up and away and out of sight after each use. Retrieved from: Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and Recommendations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 13, 2020. |
Home remedies do not have labels that tell you how to use them, how much, where, and how often. This could lead to overuse and harm to people or pets. Even too much of a low toxicity ingredient can be harmful. No label also means no guidance about wearing gloves or protective clothing and no first aid instructions. Never mix cleaning chemicals of any kind! Home remedies are also not tested to see if they are effective. |
Disinfectants are not hand sanitizers and are not for human skin. Follow the first aid instructions on your label. As soon as possible, thoroughly rinse or wash the skin. If you are experiencing symptoms, call the poison center at 800-222-1222. If you have non-emergency health questions, call NPIC Monday-Friday 8am-12pm (PT) at 800-858-7378. |
The U.S. EPA has a list of disinfectant products expected to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. These products can be used on surfaces only, not on people. It’s called "List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2". If you use a product from this list, follow all label instructions carefully. |
Always follow the label of your disinfectant, including any reapplication instructions. Some products may direct “as-needed”, while others may limit how often you reapply. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), clean surfaces with soap and water first. In a home with an infected individual, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in common areas. High touch surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, remote controls, toilets, sinks, faucets, etc. Retrieved from: When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2, 2020. |
Disinfectants are for use on surfaces, not humans. They can be effective in controlling viruses and other pathogens on surfaces only, if used according to the label directions. |
Always follow the label and never mix chemicals. Household products may not have precautions or how to use them. Even too much of a low toxicity ingredient can be harmful. EPA has a list of disinfectants for surfaces (List N). See CDC's page 'When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home'. |
Check with your usual stores about finding products in your area. Some disinfectant products contain hydrogen peroxide, but not all products are made the same. Household hydrogen peroxide may not have precautions or how to use it. This may sound like a simple question, but your risk is situation-dependent. Call NPIC at 800-858-7378 M-F 8am-12pm PT. For tips from CDC, visit 'When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home'. |
Sodium hypochlorite AKA "Bleach" should never be used on the body. If the label says "disinfect," follow all instructions including what surfaces it can be used on. Not all bleach products are made the same. According to the CDC, some may not be suitable for disinfection. See CDC's page 'When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home'. |
People diagnosed with asthma should avoid cleaning and disinfecting products that are known to trigger asthma. Use of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as well as spray products and aerosols have been known to exacerbate asthma and should be avoided. Instead of spraying products directly onto the cleaning surface, pour the cleaner onto a cloth to wipe on the surface. In some cases, it may be best to have someone else who doesn’t have asthma do the cleaning and make sure that people with asthma are not in the room. Safe use of disinfectants and cleaning products can reduce the risk of exposure:
Managing Asthma During COVID-19 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Update on asthma and cleaners – Zock, et al. Curr. Opin. Allergy. Clin. Immunol. 2010 Apr; 10(2): 114–120. |
Poison Centers assist with poisoning treatment advice/information and do not have retail information on hand sanitizers. Please continue to check the places you would normally buy from. Hand-washing with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs from hands. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used. Effective alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Always store the product up and away and out of sight after each use. Retrieved from: Hand Sanitizer Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 3, 2020. |
If you're experiencing a poison emergency, or need immediate assistance related to a poisoning, call 800-222-1222. For non-emergency questions about disinfectants or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.