Sofia Martinez
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a heightened awareness of hygiene and cleanliness. The virus, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can survive on surfaces like plastic and cardboard for hours, prompting the use of disinfectants like Lysol to combat the spread. While Lysol products have proven effective against similar strains of coronavirus, the question remains: does Lysol kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus on plastic surfaces? The EPA has approved specific Lysol disinfectant sprays and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as effective against SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. However, it is important to note that Lysol products have an expiration date, and their efficacy decreases over time, which could impact their ability to kill viruses and bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Lysol products are effective at killing SARS-CoV-2, with greater than 99.9% efficacy. |
| Active Ingredient | Dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, which breaks open the virus and destroys it. |
| EPA Approval | The Environmental Protection Agency has approved Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as effective against SARS-CoV-2. |
| Testing | The EPA has completed its review of laboratory testing data confirming the products' effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 when used according to label directions. |
| Application Method | The substance should be allowed to remain wet on surfaces for two minutes before wiping clean. |
| Surfaces | Lysol is effective on hard, non-porous surfaces. |
| Expiry | Lysol loses its efficacy after 6 months from the date of manufacture and should not be relied on to kill germs after this period. |
| Safety | Lysol should be stored properly, away from children and pets, and not exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. |
| Limitations | Lysol has not been tested or approved for use with fogging, fumigation, wide-area spraying, or electrostatic spraying methods. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist to kill SARS-CoV-2
- Lysol products are effective due to the active ingredient dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate
- Lysol products are proven to kill similar coronavirus strains, such as SARS and MERS
- The EPA allows approved registrants to claim their products may be effective against SARS-CoV-2 based on their ability to kill similar strains
- The CDC recommends using common EPA-registered household disinfectants to kill SARS-CoV-2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist to kill SARS-CoV-2
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two Lysol disinfectant products to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These products are Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist.
The approval of these products is significant because they are the first disinfectants specifically tested and proven effective against SARS-CoV-2. Prior to this approval, the CDC had recommended common EPA-registered household disinfectants, which were expected to kill SARS-CoV-2 due to their effectiveness against similar viruses. However, with the emergence of the novel coronavirus, the EPA implemented its Emerging Viral Pathogen Policy, allowing approved registrants to make limited claims about their products' potential effectiveness against the new virus.
Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist have been thoroughly tested in laboratories and confirmed to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 when used according to label directions. It is important to follow the instructions on the product labels, including allowing the surface to remain wet for two minutes before wiping clean.
The active ingredient in these Lysol products, dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, breaks open the virus and destroys it, providing greater than 99.9% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. This approval is an important milestone in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, as it provides consumers with a trusted and effective tool to disinfect surfaces and protect themselves and their families.
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Lysol products are effective due to the active ingredient dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate
While Lysol products have been used for cleaning and disinfecting since the late 19th century, it is important to note that their effectiveness against specific pathogens depends on laboratory testing and approval from regulatory bodies like the EPA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, specific Lysol products were approved by the EPA for their ability to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride, which is known to be toxic to various organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates. However, the Lysol "Power and Free" line contains hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient.
Bill Wuest, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry at Emory University, explains that Lysol products are effective against SARS-CoV-2 due to the presence of dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate. This chemical compound breaks open the virus and destroys it. Thus, Lysol products containing this ingredient can be used to disinfect surfaces potentially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, contributing to the prevention of its spread.
It is worth mentioning that the effectiveness of Lysol products, like any disinfectant, decreases over time. Lysol products have an estimated efficacy period of six months from the date of manufacture. After this period, they may not effectively kill the bacteria and viruses stated on their packaging. Additionally, certain signs, such as changes in consistency, foul smells, or discolouration, indicate that a Lysol product should not be used, even if it is within its expiration period.
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Lysol products are proven to kill similar coronavirus strains, such as SARS and MERS
While Lysol products cannot claim with 100% certainty that they can kill the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), they have been proven to kill similar coronavirus strains, such as SARS and MERS. The EPA's Emerging Viral Pathogen Policy states that products that can kill "similar" coronavirus strains on hard surfaces may be recommended for use against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
Lysol makers have registered hard-surface pesticides that can kill SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. This is significant because SARS-CoV-2 can linger on surfaces like plastic and cardboard for hours, as shown in a New England Journal of Medicine study. Thus, Lysol products are effective at combating COVID-19, with greater than 99.9% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
The active ingredient in Lysol products that enables this efficacy is dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, which breaks open the virus and destroys it, according to Bill Wuest, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry at Emory University. The EPA has specifically approved Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as effective against SARS-CoV-2 when used according to label directions.
It is important to note that the EPA is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to help protect the public from the novel coronavirus. Therefore, consumers should follow the EPA's recommendations for disinfecting against COVID-19, which include using products on EPA's List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and following safety directions on product labels.
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The EPA allows approved registrants to claim their products may be effective against SARS-CoV-2 based on their ability to kill similar strains
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as effective against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. These are the first two products for which the EPA has completed its review of laboratory testing data confirming their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. The active ingredient in Lysol products that makes them effective against SARS-CoV-2 is dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, which breaks open the virus and destroys it.
Before these specific Lysol products were approved by the EPA, the agency allowed approved registrants to make "limited" claims about their products' potential effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 based on their ability to kill similar coronavirus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. This policy was implemented to provide consumers with information on emerging pathogens.
Lysol Makers took advantage of this policy and updated their website with a message stating that specific Lysol products have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on hard, non-porous surfaces. They also listed the Lysol products that could be used against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in accordance with the EPA Viral Emerging Pathogen Policy.
It is important to note that, while Lysol products can be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread through the transmission of respiratory droplets when individuals are within six feet of one another. Droplets from sneezing, coughing, or loud talking can enter another person's mouth or nose or be inhaled into the lungs. Touching contaminated objects and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes is a less common route of transmission. Therefore, while using Lysol products may help reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is essential to continue following other safety precautions, such as social distancing and proper respiratory etiquette.
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The CDC recommends using common EPA-registered household disinfectants to kill SARS-CoV-2
Lysol, a well-known disinfectant brand, has been at the forefront of the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Specific Lysol products have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their effectiveness against the virus. Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are the first two disinfectants to receive this approval. These products have been rigorously tested and are proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 when used according to the label directions.
According to the CDC, traditional disinfectant methods such as liquids, wipes, or disinfectant spray bottles are typically sufficient to reduce the risk of virus transmission. However, in certain situations, newer technologies such as electrostatic spraying, fogging, or misting may be more practical and effective, especially in healthcare settings. It is essential to follow the safety directions on product labels and ensure that trained professionals apply these newer technologies.
The EPA's approval of Lysol products is a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19. By providing effective disinfectants, the public can better protect themselves and their families from the virus. Additionally, the CDC and EPA offer resources and guidelines on their websites, such as the "Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Disinfectants" page, to help individuals make informed decisions about disinfection and safety.
While Lysol products are effective tools in combating SARS-CoV-2, it is important to use them properly and in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as social distancing and proper respiratory etiquette, to maximize protection against the virus.
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Frequently asked questions
Lysol disinfectant wipes are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. However, it is important to note that Lysol products cannot claim with 100% certainty that they will kill the virus on plastic surfaces specifically.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends letting disinfectant wipes sit on frequently touched surfaces for 30 seconds to ensure they kill viruses.
Yes, Lysol disinfectant wipes do expire and will lose their efficacy after 6 months from the date of manufacture. Therefore, it is important to check the expiry date before use, as they will not be effective in killing bacteria and viruses after they have expired.
Bleach solutions are effective in killing the coronavirus on non-porous items like plastic toys. These items can be immersed in bleach for 30 seconds, while household surfaces should be exposed to bleach for 10 or more minutes. Additionally, alcohol-based solutions with an alcohol concentration of around 70% are also effective against coronaviruses.
