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Updated 11/02/2020

Cleaning and disinfecting should reduce risk from pathogens, but if materials are not used properly, they can actually increase risk.

  

Definitions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Control (CDC) advises, “Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation. The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible blood and inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity of the disinfecting agent.”

In terms of materials, sanitizers, which are designed to be used on humans, are distinguished from disinfectants, which are used on inanimate surfaces. Sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while disinfectants are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 2016, FDA banned 19 antimicrobial ingredients in hand soap, including triclosan, finding them no more effective than plain soap and water.

Disinfectants and Sanitizers in Public Health Emergencies

It is important during public health emergencies involving infectious diseases to scrutinize practices and products very carefully so that hazards presented by the crisis are not elevated because of the unnecessary threat introduced with toxic chemical use. Beyond Pesticides is compiling and updating resources for you to utilize.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants

Fight the coronavirus with commonsense prevention and safer disinfection products. Avoid products that increase vulnerability to respiratory problems or weaken the immune system.

With the management of viral and bacterial infections, it is always important that we do not exacerbate the risk to individuals in the process of avoiding or controlling the threat. In the case of COVID-19, we have measures of protection—both practices and products—that can protect us without using toxic products that increase risk factors.

Review the Beyond Pesticides' COVID-19 Factsheet: “Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants.”

Q&A Factsheet: We address your questions about “Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants.”

Products: What to Use and What to Avoid

Check the Product Label!

It is important to observe all chemical ingredients on the disinfectant and sanitizer product labels. Also, look at the use instructions to ensure that the method of use is compatible with your need. Some products require a longer contact time with the surface than others. Some may be applied as a spray, while others may be wiped onto the surface.

The first chemical ingredient is not the only chemical ingredient to consider when looking for a non-toxic sanitizer and disinfectant. Even if the first chemical ingredient is non-toxic, the following chemical ingredients are not always non-toxic. (e.g., Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic sanitizer, while hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid is a highly toxic disinfectant).

Use the information below as a guide on what to look for when buying disinfectants and sanitizers.

Sanitizers

Only products with active ingredients ethanol, isopropanol, or benzalkonium chloride can qualify as "hand sanitizers" according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective. Glycerol or aloe as part of the remainder can help counter the drying effects of alcohol on the skin.

Good Hand Sanitizers

Look for sanitizers using ethanol or isopropanol, which are effective and relatively safe. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective.

Toxic and Recalled Hand Sanitizers

Avoid hand sanitizers containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC), which is a quaternary ammonium compound (or “quat”). It is an irritant that can cause asthmatic reactions and adversely affect the respiratory system. BAC is also associated with changes in neurodevelopment, selection for antibiotic resistance, and provoking irritant and/or contact dermatitis.

FDA has recalled hand sanitizers that either contain the toxic alcohol methanol or contain an inadequate concentration of ethanol or isopropanol.

A list of the contaminated and sub-potent products can be found here.

Disinfectants

The virus on surfaces can be detached and broken down with soap and some disinfectant products. EPA’s ”List N” contains products approved for use against the coronavirus. Disinfectants should be used only after washing to remove dirt, which makes the disinfectant less effective. While all of these disinfectants eliminate the virus, some are safer to use than others. Some may actually increase risk from coronavirus through their effects on respiratory and immune systems.

 

Use the information below as a guide on what to look for when buying disinfectants.

Updated 03/19/2021