EPA Nod For 2 Lysol Disinfectants That Kill Coronavirus On Surfaces

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its approval of two Lysol products that are effective in killing the coronavirus when used on solid and non-porous surfaces.

The two products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist, meet the criteria of the federal agency for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused COVID-19. The agency announced in a statement Monday, July 6, that laboratory testing found both products exterminate the virus in a matter of minutes after contact.

The EPA recognized that over 420 disinfectants were potent enough to work against “harder-to-kill” viruses than the novel coronavirus. However, the two Lysol products were the first to undergo testing against the coronavirus and prove effective.

Andrew Wheeler, the EPA Administrator, said the federal agency’s review of products against the virus was an important milestone in the government’s approach to combating the spread of the disease.

“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,” Wheeler said.

The news comes a month after a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found people are cleaning more often due to the pandemic. However, only about half of them know the intricacies of cleaning and disinfecting their homes safely. Many of those who participated in the survey and acknowledged they use high-risk practices to curb the spread of COVID-19 were found to have health problems related to cleaning. The CDC recommends people should always read instructions and labels on cleaning products.

Lysol, in a statement, said it is presently testing the efficacy of its other disinfectant products against the virus.

“In the face of the pandemic, Lysol continues to work with a wide range of scientific and health experts to educate the public on the importance of hygiene,” according to Rahul Kadyan, the executive vice president of Reckitt Benckiser, Lysol's parent company, in the United States. Kadyan also said hygiene is the foundation of health and is an important tool in curbing the spread of disease-causing germs.

For its part, the CDC advises people to wear gloves and other protective gear, and avoid mixing cleaning chemicals as it might generate unseen and toxic fumes when cleaning surfaces.

CDC also recommends cleaning surfaces with soap and water before using disinfectants. It asked people to give more attention to items like doorknobs, light switches, tables, handles, countertops, keyboards, desks, toilets, sinks, and faucets is good practice as these are the most frequently touched surfaces.

An advisory on the CDC website highlights the importance of ensuring adequate ventilation when cleaning an area. It is also better to use disinfectants as instructed on the label and not to exceed the amount recommended.