How Many LISTS do we Need? REALLY!

If you have been keeping up with the lists from the EPA for Emerging Viral Pathogens, the newest is LIST: Q.

At the time of this article, there are over 400 on the Emerging Viral Pathogens List. Here is the link to LIST: Q https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/disinfectants-emerging-viral-pathogens-evps-list-q

NOW, WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE?

It is that operations, managers, and frontline staff are NOT following directions, don’t have the proper knowledge of the processes for using the disinfectants, and don’t RINSE.

YES, I SAID RINSE! Why is this such a phenomenon that can’t be understood? No matter what chemistry you use in the process of cleaning and disinfecting, the surface MUST be rinsed to make it safe and healthy.

You do this with your dishes! You do this in the shower, with your hair, your body! You do this with your car! You do this with your laundry!

You must know that some viruses are more difficult to kill than others, and a disinfectant’s effectiveness can change based on how you use it.

So here are some simple steps from the EPA to ensure you choose an appropriate product and use it effectively.

First, determine which disinfectants are expected to be effective against the virus you intend to inactivate.

The EVP guidance divides viruses into three categories: 

• Tier 1: Enveloped viruses are the easiest to inactivate. When disinfectants damage their lipid envelope, the virus is no longer infectious. 
• Tier 2: Large, nonenveloped viruses are encased in protein capsids that make them more difficult to inactivate compared to enveloped viruses. 
• Tier 3: Small, nonenveloped viruses are the hardest to inactivate. Both their protein capsids and their small size make them less vulnerable to disinfectants compared to other viruses.

To find disinfectants for use against the emerging virus you intend to kill, you need to know which category that virus falls into. Use the product correctly, THEN RINSE!

SO WHY DON’T YOU RINSE THE SURFACES YOU ARE WORKING SO HARD TO MAKE SAFE AND HEALTHY? WHY?

Whatever list you’re working from.

Whatever chemistry you are using to mitigate our exposure to pathogens, JUST RINSE afterward!

We all want a safe surface to use.

To learn more, attend the next Rock Star Infection Prevention class. Learn More HERE.