The worldwide COVID-19 outbreak is something we’ve never seen before. While this is an uncertain time with a lot of unknowns, we do have resources available that can give you some peace of mind. This includes a list of disinfectants to use against the coronavirus to use in your home or workplace.
Before we dive into these resources, please remember that the most accurate information comes from the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is where we, at INTEK, get our resources and information.
Information on Disinfectants
In response to the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, the EPA activated its Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides. This action allows registrants to submit claims that their registered disinfectant meets the eligibility criteria to be effectively used against COVID-19.
As the EPA processes the claims, the effective disinfectants are added to this list:
Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
This list includes products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. There are nearly 300 products on this list. Per the EPA’s instructions:
When purchasing a product, check if its EPA registration number is included on this list. If it is, you have a match and the product can be used against SARS-CoV-2. You can find this number on the product label – just look for the EPA Reg. No. These products may be marketed and sold under different brand names, but if they have the same EPA registration number, they are the same product.
Because COVID-19 is such a new virus, the listed products have not yet been tested against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. However, the EPA expects them to be effective based on:
- Demonstrated efficacy against a harder-to-kill virus;
- Qualified for the emerging viral pathogens claim; or
- Demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2.
See this Frequently Asked Questions resource from the EPA for more information on the list, Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
SteraMist™ Disinfection Against Coronavirus
SteraMist™ is a transportable disinfection/decontamination system that can disinfect and decontaminate both the air and all the surfaces in a sealed space and has been known to reduce infection rates by 99.9999%. As an exclusive provider of this effective cleaning system, we’re happy to share that SteraMist™ has been a successful disinfectant against COVID-19.
Recently, a hotel in the UK tested positive for coronavirus after having two sick guests stay in the room. After their stay, a local SteraMist™ provider answered the call to decontaminate the room using the SteraMist™ technology. The application was a success in removing the contaminants from the room! You can read the full case study here.
What’s that mean for you? Well, INTEK is an exclusive provider of SteraMist™. If someone in your home or workplace has been sick with COVID-19 (or any other virus, for that matter) this effective, transportable system is a great option for you in South Dakota.
General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting
The CDC has issued recommendations for routine cleaning practices for the following groups during the COVID-19 outbreak:
- General households
- Households with people isolated in home care (suspected/confirmed to have COVID-19)
According to the CDC, current evidence suggests that the coronavirus may be viable for days on many surfaces, and the best practice is to clean and disinfect surfaces to prevent respiratory illness.
Read the CDC recommendations for in-depth disinfecting instructions for your home and other preventative measures against COVID-19.
South Dakota, INTEK is Here to Help
We understand that this unprecedented time may be scary. But, by wisely following the EPA and CDC recommendations for disinfecting, hand washing, and distancing, we can each do our part to keep COVID-19 from spreading too quickly.
If your home or business needs disinfecting and sanitizing during this time (or, anytime!), that’s exactly why INTEK is here. Let us know how we can help you by calling us at (800) 456-5004 or filling out the online form.
