Seyfarth Synopsis: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of disinfectants to use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
EPA today released a list of disinfectants to use against SARS-CoV-2 that qualified through EPA's Emerging Viral Pathogen Program. We previously blogged on EPA's guidance for utilizing EPA-registered disinfectant products against emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen which causes the disease known as COVID-19, that are not otherwise identified on the product's label.
The list contains a wide array of publically- and commercially-available disinfectants, including sprays, gels, wipes, and dilutable liquids. As a result of EPA's publication, manufacturers with listed products are now are allowed to make "off label" claims as to the product's effectiveness for use against SARS-CoV-2, for example in social media, technical literature, and other advertising. Prior to publication of the list, manufacturers faced potential penalties from EPA if they made claims that their product was effective against SARS-CoV-2.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, good hygiene practices are still the best defense against contracting COVID-19, but cleaning and disinfecting touched objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe may help prevent person-to-person spread. Now, EPA has indicated which household cleaning sprays or wipes it considers approved for such uses. Though some disinfectants may be in short supply, manufacturers are ramping up production in an attempt to meet demand.
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