Today a reporter asked me a bunch of questions about disinfectant wipes. I thought it might make a nice tweet thread. (1/28)
You may have also heard a certain elected official who is making disinfectant recommendations that were not exactly based on science. Questions and answers below. (2/28)
—What is the difference between disinfectant wipes and antibacterial wipes? (3/28)
Before we get to that question, let me direct you to this webpage: cdc.gov/flu/school/cle… which talks about the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. (4/28)
In short, cleaning *removes* dirt (and germs), disinfecting *kills* all the germs that might be there, while sanitizing *reduces* germs to safe levels, but might not kill all the germs especially if they are present at high levels. (5/28)
Sanitizing is something that we should all do to keep our homes sanitary. Disinfecting is something that we need to do if we think that there is a suspected COVID-19 case in the house. (6/28)
Disinfectant claims are regulated by the EPA. Products that are believed to provide disinfection level activity for COVID-19 be found on this EPA List N page: epa.gov/pesticide-regi… (7/28)
It is important to note that these products have not been tested against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, but because of their activity against related viruses are believed to be effective. (8/28)
A product that claims to be a disinfectant, must meet EPA disinfectant standards. A product that claims to be anti-bacterial means only that, it is tested against bacteria. It may or may not be effective against viruses. (9/28)
List N only includes EPA-registered surface disinfectants. Hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes and antibacterial soaps are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (10/28)
—What can each of them kill? I.e. bacteria, germs, viruses, COVID-19...
“Germs” is kind of a short hand phrase that we used to talk about many microscopic organisms including viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. (11/28)
“Germs” is kind of a short hand phrase that we used to talk about many microscopic organisms including viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. (11/28)
As noted above, a product that bears an anti-bacterial claim, is only guaranteed to work against bacteria. Any product with a disinfectant claim will work against viruses because of the nature of the EPA regulations. (12/28)
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19 disease and it is a virus. (13/28)
—What is the best practice for using these types of wipes? I.e. should you fold them over and use alternating sides, wipe for at least X amount of seconds in order for them to be effective, etc. (14/28)
The most important advice is to follow the directions on the label. As noted below, products designed for use on skin should never be used on food. (15/28)
These products may not be effective on hard surfaces. Product design for hard surfaces should never be used on skin or food. (16/28)
—In terms of household cleaners, what are the most effective options for killing the following and why?: Bacteria, viruses, COVID-19 (17/28)
I think it’s important to try to understand what the CDC is communicating here: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20… (18/28)
This is their “Interim Recommendations for U.S. Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”. (19/28)
If your household does not have a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, these strong measures are not needed, and you can just continue to clean your house the way you usually do. (20/28)
Remember that your single biggest risk of contracting COVID-19 is my personal contact with an infected individual. This is why it is very important to continue social distancing. (21/28)
There is a small possibility you may get the virus on your hands when you are out in public, which is why it’s a good idea to wash your hands and or use hand sanitizer when you get home. (22/28)
—Anything else worth noting about what people should keep in mind when using these types of wipes and/or their efficacy? (23/28)
On the topic of sanitation generally, I do want to highlight this recent report cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/6… (24/28)
This report shows that the National Poison Data System Has shown a significant uptick in Poison control calls related to cleaners and disinfectants (approximately double what it usually is). (25/28)
The key message here is in your effort to stay safe from SARS-CoV-2, please do not put yourself or your family at risk of poisoning. It’s very important to read the label directions, and never mix two different cleaners. (26/28)
See the sad story of Case #1 who “filled a sink with a mixture of 10% bleach solution, vinegar, and hot water, and soaked her produce” and ended up with a trip to the hospital. (27/28)
Finally as noted above, it’s also very important to note that these disinfectant wipes are only designed for hard surfaces (door knobs, countertops, etc.). They should never be used on food or skin.
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