The Environmental Protection Agency approved two Lysol products as the first disinfectants to kill the coronavirus.
What we know:
- The EPA lab tested two versions of Lysol disinfectant spray and found that they could effectively kill the novel coronavirus. The agency announced that the sprays could prevent the spread of COVID-19 on “hard, non-porous surfaces.” Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist meet the EPA’s criteria and can kill the virus two minutes after contact.
- In March, the EPA released a list of over 400 products that were likely to kill coronavirus. The list caused the products to fly off the shelves and led to many shortages at stores. Hoarding became a serious problem as people bought up supplies of disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and toilet paper. Stores around the country are still limiting the number of cleaning supplies people can purchase. Supply chain experts have said that manufacturers were not in a good position to meet the suddenly high demand for cleaning and hygiene products.
- The products on the EPA’s list are effective against “harder-to-kill” viruses than COVID-19, but these two Lysol sprays are the first to be directly tested against coronavirus and proven effective.
- Lysol made a statement saying that they are testing more of their products for use against coronavirus. “In the face of the pandemic, Lysol continues to work with a wide range of scientific and health experts to educate the public on the importance of hygiene,” stated Rahul Kadyan, executive vice president of Lysol’s parent company Reckitt Benckiser.
The CDC recommends that people read the instructions on cleaning products and wear protective gear while using them.
