EPA Updates List N with First Disinfectants Laboratory Tested Against COVID-19

Last week, the EPA updated the status of two surface disinfectant products on its List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This update is significant, since these are the first List N products for which the EPA has performed and reviewed laboratory testing to verify label claims of effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. These new products are Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127).

Background on EPA List N Disinfectants

EPA began assembling List N as early as January, and the list now contains approximately 430 disinfectants that are approved for use against COVID-19. However, because COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was not well understood and laboratory testing was not immediately available at the time, the addition of disinfectant products to List N was based upon approval criteria contained in EPA’s guidance for Emerging Viral Pathogens.

Under this guidance, product manufacturers are allowed to submit data, even in advance of an outbreak, that demonstrates the effectiveness of their products against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2. If manufacturers’ disinfectant product data meets the approval criteria established in the EPA guidance, those products are eligible for addition to EPA’s List N.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127) are the first disinfectant products the EPA has actually tested directly against SARS-CoV-2, but the Agency expects to continue reviewing label claims for additional List N products over the coming weeks.

Safe Use of List N Disinfectants

Workers and other users of EPA List N disinfectants should ALWAYS follow safety data sheet (SDS) and container label directions for safe and effective use, and pay special attention to the approved contact time provided in List N, which is the amount of time surfaces should remain visibly wet to ensure thorough disinfection from SARS-CoV-2.

VelocityEHS is Here to Help

In light of the increased reliance on workplace chemical cleaning products to help keep workers safe during COVID-19, VelocityEHS is offering free access to our EPA List N VelocityEHS eBinder containing a growing library of manufacturer SDSs and printable workplace container labels for nearly 300 List N disinfectant products, including Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127).

Visit our VelocityEHS COVID-19 Resource Site for free access to SDSs for EPA List N disinfectant products, as well as a growing library of resources to help you keep your workers safe from during COVID-19.