The longer we battle Covid-19 the more we are learning about it from prevention, disinfectant, and treatment standpoint. From the onset, there has been a lot of confusion over products that will kill the virus on surfaces, approved hand sanitizers, and various preventive measures. Separating myth from fact and science is very important with any type of pandemic or virus.
The EPA and the CDC have both released updated guidance protocols to help businesses, manufacturing, schools, churches, and families disinfect their facilities and homes. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler notes that “these cleaning and disinfectant protocols will help incur the health and safety of everyone in our homes, schools, offices, and businesses.”
The best way to see if your cleaning/disinfection product is approved for COVID-19/SARS/CoV-2 is to go to EPA Covid-19 and enter the “EPA Reg.” number on the product you want to know about. It’s important to remember that these products are not for human consumption or ingestion, but are recognized as products that will kill the virus/bug that causes Covid-19 on surfaces, not humans, pets and other animals.
Cleaning v.s. Disinfecting
Not all disinfectant products clean and not all household/commercial cleaning products will disinfect. Surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected. Dirty surfaces once disinfected can be a return breeding ground for all kinds of viruses, mold, etc. The EPA has established guidelines for the proper way to disinfect and clean here. Both tT\he CDC and EPA encourage everyone (business, schools, in the home, etc.) to develop a plan for cleaning and disinfecting. Once you develop a plan stick to it and make sure you are using the products per the label instructions. Wearing gloves, masks, and eye protection. Update your plan as necessary.
Not So Safe Hand Sanitizer
Recently the FDA ruled on several hand sanitizers that contain potential harmful and cancer-causing agents such as methanol. Make sure your hand sanitizer at home, work and in public is 60% ethanol/ethyl alcohol. To get a list of the brands you should not use go to.
If your company is using an environmental services provider to clean and disinfect make sure you have their scope of work and plan in writing. Ask the types of products, their intended schedule, safety protocols, downtime to provide services, and when the rooms, buildings, equipment, etc. can be used upon cleaning and sanitizing. For example, a room or surface where a confirmed Covid-19 case has inhabited has different timetables and protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, and how soon it can be re-occupied, or used again. Professional services want their clients to know exactly what they are doing and the full scope of work.
The CDC and EPA are still recommending:
- Reduce your exposure to Covid-19 as much as possible
- Report any suspected exposure whether family, friends or in the workplace
- Practice thorough hand-washing
- Social distance 6’ minimum
- Wear a mask outside of your home in public, work school, etc.
Pinnacle Environmental Services, Inc., is an environmental services company focused on customer service and compliance. We provide a diverse portfolio of services including but not limited to hazardous and non-hazardous waste recovery, solid waste disposal and recycling, e-waste, chemical recycling, waste audits, recycling, and total waste plans that have the goal of zero landfills. Our primary goal during the pandemic is to provide safe workspaces, materials, and supplies for our team and customers.
Mike Watts, President
Pinnacle Environmental Services, Inc.
864.236.5450
