Facility managers, janitorial staffs, cleaning companies, and anyone working in a shared occupancy space since the Novel Coronovirus entered the world stage began to stock up on Surface disinfectants. We also began to review the surfaces within the environments we're responsible for, including work spaces and our homes. In the first weeks of the pandemic, the lack of known information regarding SARS-CoV-2 was causing concern as to how to effectively clean areas that had been potentially exposed to SARS-CoV-2. To help, The EPA has provided the List N for disinfectants for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. The EPA N list includes registrants that either:
Demonstrate efficacy (e.g. effectiveness) against a harder-to-kill virus; or
Demonstrate efficacy against another type of human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2.
EPA N LIST The N List includes an EPA Registration Number, Active Ingredients, the Product Name, and instructions such as contact time required to kill SARS-CoV-2. Our short synopsis of this list (as of 6.27.2020) includes that the roughly 430+ registered chemicals can be reduced to roughly 40 individual ingredients that are used solely or in conjunction with other N list active ingredients. For instance, the ingredient Quaternary Ammonium by itself is listed frequently, including 175+ occurrences as a singular active ingredient and another 35+ formulas where Quaternary Ammonium is paired with additional ingredients. Facility managers and consumers will notice many familiar brands as well as encounter brands they have not yet heard of listing Quats. Pricing and availability vary among Quat suppliers. Within the Quat family, you'll find ingredient labels containing:
Effective Chemicals against SARS-CoV-2 can negatively impact indoor air quality and cause harm themselves
While Quats can be effective against the SARS-CoV-2, they do irritate you skin and can create lung discomfort and have been linked to asthma, fertility issues, and can cause reproductive harm. Extended use of quats can lead to superbugs, or antibacteral-reistant bacteria. These side affects have led demand for safer alternatives. If you're using a safer alternative to quats, that may or not be listed on the N list, how do you know it's effectively cleaning your environment or effective against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2?
Confused Yet? Let AriseDX provide you answers and peace of mind.
Get answers to the questions you have, that are particular to your environment. Schedule AriseDX to assess the effectiveness of your current chemicals against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and their effectiveness as a cleaning chemical. Regain environmental control, increase safety and increase the confidence of your staff, customers and key stakeholders that your cleaning is effective and safe.
