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Proper Use of Disinfectants
PROPER USE OF DISINFECTANTS AIR QUALITY PROGRAM
A disinfectant is a chemical solution used on inanimate objects to destroy harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Disinfectants are crucial in fighting COVID-19, but it is important to make sure the right steps are followed so that the disinfecting process works, and that you are safe while using these hazardous chemicals.
When you are purchasing a disinfectant, look for the EPA’s Design for the Environment Safer Disinfectants logo. Although it may be tempting to make a homemade disinfectant, the EPA does not advise this since they may be ineffective. In addition, the chemicals needed to make effective disinfectants can cause skin or lung irritation, injury, or burns. So, once you have selected a safe product and are ready to disinfect a surface, follow these eight steps:
Step 1: Read the label
Use the proper concentration. Note the contact time on the label. Follow product label hazard warning instructions. Do not use around children.
Step 2: Take precautions
Use gloves and eye protection in well-ventilated area, or as directed by the product label.
Step 3: Prepare the surface
Clean the surface with soap and water, rinse, and dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Follow instructions carefully
Step 5: Leave surfaces visibly wet for required contact time
Set a timer for the required contact time. While you are waiting, dispose of wipes in the trash. If reusable cloths were used, place directly in washing machine.
Step 6: Remove gloves and discard them in the trash
Step 7: Rinse surface with potable water
This is required if the surface may come into contact with food.
Step 8: Wash and dry your hands USING BLEACH AS A DISINFECTANT
Bleach is a type of disinfectant that you may already have in your home. It is a pretty intense chemical, so it’s good to know how to use it without causing any adverse health effects. Bleach can cause asthma, so choose a different disinfectant if anyone in your household has asthma.
PRECAUTIONS
First of all, don’t mix bleach with anything but cool water. Bleach plus ammonia creates extremely toxic vapors, which can cause severe burning of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. In fact, any acid including vinegar or alcohol could create mustard gas, so be sure to use a clean, dry container to mix your bleach solution in. When working with bleach, be sure to use gloves and eye protection in a well-ventilated area. Label the bottle of bleach solution before mixing so you don’t forget. Put the contents, ratio, and date mixed on the bottle.
MIXING
Now it’s time to mix your bleach solution. Use five tablespoons of bleach mixed with one gallon of cool water, or four teaspoons of bleach per one quart of cool water if you’re using a smaller container. Make a fresh solution daily as the solution will lose its strength quickly.
DISINFECTING
Clean the surface with soap and water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a paper towel. Apply bleach and water solution to the entire area to be disinfected. Allow the surface to air dry for at least two minutes and then rinse the surface with a clean wet towel.
ASTHMA-FRIENDLY DISINFECTANTS
When choosing a disinfectant to use in your home, you may want to avoid certain chemicals that can cause asthma. Take a look at the list of ingredients on the product label and look for the following chemicals:
SAFER INGREDIENTS
Hydrogen peroxide; lactic acid; citric acid; alcohol-ethyl alcohol; isopropyl alcohol
THESE MAY CAUSE ASTHMA
Quaternary ammonium compounds (widely used as surface disinfectants); bleach; acetic acid (found in vinegar); thymol; glutaraldehyde; peracetic acid
