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  2. Coronavirus and Disinfectants

Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

View all frequent questions about disinfectants, List N, and Coronavirus (COVID-19) below.

On this page:
  • List N
  • Disinfectants
  • Registration and Enforcement

NOTE: The disinfectant questions below refer to EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.

List N

  • I have a question about a word or phrase on the List N website. I’m not sure how something on List N helps me fight COVID-19.

  • I can’t tell if the product I’m interested in is on the list or not. Can you help me?

  • How does EPA know that the products on List N work on SARS-CoV-2?

  • I want to use a product to kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) but it isn’t on List N. Is it effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

Disinfectants

  • Can disinfectant products be used on people?

  • Why are disinfectants marketed and sold under different brand and product names?

  • Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?

  • Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?

  • Are disinfectants harmful to children? Can children apply disinfectants?

  • Is there anything I can do to make surfaces resistant to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

  • Can I use common household substances to kill the novel coronavirus?

Registration and Enforcement

  • Does EPA regulate companies that require cleaning services claiming to disinfect for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

  • Are there any changes to the registration of disinfectants due to COVID-19?

  • Will EPA take enforcement action against companies making false claims that their disinfectants work against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

  • What is the process for EPA approval of disinfectant products related to COVID-19?

  • Why aren’t hand sanitizers listed on List N?

  • What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?

  • Do I need to register disinfectant products with EPA in order to import them?

  • What’s the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces?

Coronavirus and Disinfectants

  • Disinfectants
  • About List N
  • Frequent Questions
Contact Us About Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Disinfectants
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 12, 2024
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