Did you know the US EPA tests materials – such as copper alloy surfaces – to substantiate claims of effectiveness against viruses? Recently, the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention announced the first amended registration to the Copper Development Association for an emerging viral pathogen claim to be added to the label of Antimicrobial Copper Alloys-Group 1 (EPA Reg No. 82012-1).
What does this mean? It means the surface of the copper alloy, made up of at least 95.6 % copper, can continuously kill viruses that come in contact with it. The US EPA expects products made up of this alloy, such as doorknobs and countertops, will eliminate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 within two hours.
While copper alloy surfaces are now the first material to have an amended registration stating virus kill claims, EPA’s List N Appendix will contain more materials as they are approved. These product surfaces will not replace cleaning and disinfecting but they provide new tools in the fight against the spread of illness caused by viruses. “Providing Americans with new tools and information to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 is one of EPA’s top priorities,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff.
To learn more on testing and the EPA process for approving surfaces, you can read about it here. You can always find effective disinfectants on EPA’s List N tool. Enhance your search and look for environmentally-friendly active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or citric acid. Contact BEP if you have questions on safer disinfectants.