Here’s an update on disinfectant use in schools from our colleagues over at the Cornell Pesticide Management Education Program (PMEP). Thank you to Mary Centrella, PMEP Director and Educator, for putting it together.

As more people become vaccinated and things begin to open again, it is essential that we continue to use disinfectants correctly.

Before using a disinfectant:

Assess whether it is necessary. Could soap and water be just as effective? Is the surface you are disinfectant high risk (i.e., used frequently by many people)? Be aware that recent information from the CDC shows that the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) on surfaces is considered low.

Keep in mind that disinfectants cannot cut through grime. In order for disinfectants to be effective, you must first clean the surface you want to treat.

After deciding to use a disinfectant:

Make sure the product you are using is legal in New York State! Illegal disinfectants and inaccurate health claims surrounding SARS-CoV-2 are still cropping up across the country, with the EPA having to intervene in NV and CA to stop illegal sales and in PA to stop inaccurate claims.

In NY, disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 must be on this list generated by New York State Department of  Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).  Because this is an emerging pandemic, many of these designated products that can be used to combat SARS-CoV-2 do not yet feature instructions specific to the virus on their label. In this case, the NYSDEC list will tell you which instructions to follow for a similar or harder-to-kill pathogen that is listed on the label.

If the product you are using is in any container other than its original, manufactured container, then it is considered a service container and you must label it with the product name, the manufacturer’s contact information, and the maximum capacity (volume/weight) of the service container.

Use the product properly and safely:

Disinfectants are pesticides and you can use them only as directly by the label. If overused or improperly used, disinfectants can pose risks to your health.

Always read the label and follow the label directions for either SARS-CoV-2 or the pathogen specified on NYSDEC’s list. Pay attention to the personal protection equipment (PPE) that might be required to use the disinfectant, including gloves or face masks. Masks used for pesticide protection must not be used for other purposes; likewise, face coverings worn to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will not protect you from pesticide exposure. You must remove and properly clean or dispose of your pesticide protection face mask before donning the face covering you wear to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Pay attention to dwell time:

For a disinfectant to be effective, the treated surface must remain wet for a designated period of time, or dwell time. You must adhere to the dwell time listed on the label to kill the virus. Some labels may also require you to wipe the service dry after dwell time has been reached, while others allow for air drying. If a label allows you to disinfect food contact surfaces or utensils, you must rinse with water afterwards.

In all cases:

• Never mix different disinfectant products together because doing so is dangerous. For example, mixing bleach with acids (such as vinegar) or ammonia releases life-threatening toxic fumes.
• Never use disinfectants or disinfectant wipes on your skin. Instead, wash with soap and water; you can also use hand sanitizer on your hands.
• Never wash fruits and vegetables with soap, sanitizers, or disinfectants as this could also result in poisoning. Wash produce only in clean water. For more information on disinfecting your home and how to handle food during this crisis, visit CDC and Cornell Institute for Food Safety.

For any lingering questions, reach out to experts!

• For questions about pesticide safety: Cornell’s Pesticide Management Education
• For questions about pesticide regulations/compliance:  NYSDEC Bureau of Pesticide Management.