Center for Biocide Chemistries Helps EPA Rapidly Respond to Coronavirus
Currently,
there is significant attention on the outbreak of a respiratory illness caused
by a novel Coronavirus. The World Health Organization declared the new Coronavirus
outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The virus was
first identified in Wuhan, China at the end of December, and the first case in
the United States was reported on January 21.
Reports from China have varied, but it is believed that the virus has
resulted in more than 2,000 confirmed cases and over 120 deaths in the
country.
It can be
concerning when a virus, which doesn’t have a household name, is seemingly
impacting the entire world. It is important people feel confident that there
are protective measures and products they can use to help stop the spread of
the Coronavirus.
This is why
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is taking this threat seriously and are
proactively and aggressively working to detect and contain the virus to
minimize risk to U.S. citizens. Simultaneously, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) are
playing a role.
EPA evaluates
biocides, also known as “antimicrobials,” in products, for their efficacy
against viral pathogens, such as the current Coronavirus. In instances where there is an outbreak of a
less common and unpredictable pathogen, it is unlikely that any products have
been tested to disinfect against this specific virus (compared to those more
common pathogens that have been tested against over the years). This makes it challenging for the Agency to
be able to evaluate existing products in a timely manner against the emerging
pathogen.
However, there
are members of the CBC that are proactive thinkers, and have spent years conducting
research to develop products that can be used for disinfection in cases such as
this Coronavirus outbreak. And, the EPA has a rapid response program in place
that allows and encourages manufacturers of biocidal products to bring those
products to your attention.
Products
produced by CBC members, deemed safe for their intended uses by EPA, are
helping to reduce the transmission of disease-causing viruses such as the Coronavirus.
When surfaces like floors, fixtures, and countertops are treated with
disinfectants, it can help protect you and your family by preventing the spread
of the virus. By using biocidal products, especially in crowded or high traffic
spaces, harmful viruses, such as the Coronavirus, are killed and their spread
halted. This critical role – helping to stop the spread of Coronavirus – helps
agencies such as EPA and the CDC protect U.S. citizens and makes biocidal
products an invaluable tool to keep you and your family safe.
In addition,
practicing good hygiene on a regular basis, which is already important during
this time of year, also relies on the use of household disinfectants (a type of
biocidal product).
In its
efforts to help protect public health, the CDC and state health officials have identified
some recommended
precautions in response to this Coronavirus outbreak. At this time, these precautions are the same
as what is recommended for day-to-day prevention against respiratory viruses. This
includes:
- Washing your hands;
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
with unwashed hands; - Covering your cough or sneeze; and
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched
objects and surfaces.
For up-to-date information, and additional details about the Coronavirus and the outbreak in the U.S., please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
For more information on EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Claims guidance, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/guidance-registrants-process-making-claims-against-emerging-viral-pathogens
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