Global Environmental
Restoration, Inc.
EPA UPDATE – Using Disinfectants to Control the COVID-19 Virus
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.
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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:
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Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-VOV-2
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We have submitted our request to EPA to be added to the list.
Our qualification is outlined below:
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GUIDANCE TO REGISTRANTS:
PROCESS FOR MAKING CLAIMS AGAINST EMERGING VIRAL PATHOGENS NOT ON EPA-REGISTERED DISINFECTANT LABELS
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The guidance specifies different sets of requirements depending upon whether the new virus is classified as a small non-enveloped virus, large non-enveloped virus or an enveloped virus.
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The guidance for enveloped viruses like COVID-19 requires that there be at least one already approved study on another enveloped virus. The SNiPER study of the H1N1 virus, another enveloped virus, was approved by EPA and use of SNiPER against the H1N1 virus is registered. Consequently, that upon request, SNiPER will be added to EPA’s list of disinfectants for control of COVID-19. The process involves a submission to EPA that would add COVID-19 to the master label.
EPA UPDATE: Please find the completed Agency action for the product, “SNiPER,” EPA Reg. 71700-2. The purpose of this submission was to add emerging viral pathogen claims to the product label. This list includes the EPA Reg. No. of each product that EPA has approved for controlling SARS-CoV-2, along with the product name, registrant, and use information.
The main way a user can determine if their product is approved is to match the EPA Reg. No. on their product to a number on List N.
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An important point to remember is that there are likely many products not on list that are effective against COVID-19. (This is actually mentioned on the EPA list). An important point to mention is the ability to implement an effective protocol with the disinfectant.
This is where SNiPER provides the most benefit when compared to other chemicals. As shown on our SDS, SNiPER has the lowest toxicity rating on all routes of exposure, non-corrosive and non-damaging to surfaces, emits no harsh chemical fumes to the indoor environment. Without all the abrasive and negative chemical side effects SNiPER can be sprayed on to virtually every surface and thus providing better protection against the spread of infection and reducing the rate of cross contamination of surfaces.
SNiPER™ has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, SNiPER™ can be used against SARS-CoV-2 when used in accordance with the directions for use against Canine Parvovirus ATCC VR-953 on hard, non-porous surfaces. Refer to the CDC website for additional information.
Using products effectively:
To kill the virus, the surface must stay wet for the entire time on the label. Look for “contact time” or “dwell time”.
SNiPER™ recommended dwell time is 10 Minutes. SNiPER™ is Non-Damaging to surfaces and can be left to dry. “Spray and walk away”.
Surface wipes can dry out during use. They must remain wet to be effective.
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“Cleaning” wipes do not kill viruses. They do not make claims to disinfect and are not registered by the U.S. EPA.
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Each product has only been shown to work where the label says it can be used. Look for “use sites” on the label.
Disinfectants may not work on all surfaces. Follow the label carefully.
SNiPER™ is ideal to use on most surfaces such as glass, plastic, painted or finished wood, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized coated surfaces, polyurethane coated hardwood floors, glazed ceramic tile, sealed concrete and linoleum floors, etc.
Examples of surface types
Consider these steps to reduce your risk when using disinfectants:
To avoid chemical exposure when using disinfectants, follow the label’s “precautionary statements”. If no label guidance is provided, consider wearing gloves, eye protection, shoes with socks, and long sleeves/pants.
SNiPER™ is ideal to use around children, the elderly and those with allergies, asthma or immune deficiencies. SNiPER™ does not emit or produce harsh chemical fumes. SNiPER™ is ideal for multiple applications. SNiPER™ has a EPA Level IV toxicity Category in all areas of exposure (Lowest allowed).
Keep children, pets, and other people away during the application until the product is dry and there is no odor.
SNiPER™ is ideal to use around children and pets.
Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Step away from odors if they become too strong.
SNiPER™ does not emit or produce harsh chemical fumes.
Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes.
SNiPER™ is a powerful disinfectant and all-purpose cleaner that is a mild, environmentally friendly product which is non-irritating to the skin, and doesn’t produce harsh chemical fumes and is non-abrasive to surfaces. SNiPER ™ can be applied to most any surfaces and left to dry.
Keep lids tightly closed when not in use. Spills and accidents are more likely to happen when containers are open.
Do not allow children to use disinfectant wipes. Keep cleaners and disinfectants out of reach from children and pets.
SNiPER™ is ideal to use around children and pets. SNiPER™ does not require protective equipment when applying . SNiPER™ has an EPA Level IV toxicity Category in all areas of exposure which is the lowest allowed.
Throw away disposable items like gloves and masks after use. They cannot be cleaned.
Do not use disinfectant wipes to clean hands or as baby wipes.
References:
Mysz, A.; Martinez, J. Indoor Carbaryl Dust Cleanup; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2011.
Mysz, A.; Martinez, J. Indoor Carbaryl Dust Cleanup; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, 2011.
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.
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: Atlanta, GA, 2011.
OSHA Fact Sheet: Mold Hazards during Disaster Cleanup; U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Washington, DC, 2013.