The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week that it has approved two Lysol disinfectant sprays for use against the novel coronavirus.
According to a press release from Lysol’s manufacturer, RB (Reckitt Benckiser), Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are the first two surface disinfectant products that the EPA has approved as effective against COVID-19.
After being evaluated in accordance with EPA testing guidelines, Lysol Disinfectant Spray was found to kill the virus “at 2 minutes of use.” It was also analyzed in a peer-reviewed study commissioned by RB, which found it to be more than 99% effective against the virus.
“The EPA’s approval recognizes that using Lysol Disinfectant Spray can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces,” said Rahul Kadyan, EVP NA Hygiene for RB. “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.”
The research, published in May in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), was the first “comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of well-known brands like Lysol” in the fight against COVID-19.
According to the press release, Lysol is currently testing other disinfectant products in the brand’s portfolio, as part of the company’s “relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.”
The EPA has a list of more than 430 disinfectants that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19. The two Lysol disinfectant sprays are the first on the list that have been reviewed by the EPA for laboratory testing data and approved label claims against the novel coronavirus.
In order for a product to be on the EPA’s disinfectant list, it must either demonstrate efficacy against COVID-19, against a virus harder to kill than the novel coronavirus, or a similar type of human coronavirus.
Other products that have made the list include several Scrubbing Bubbles products, Clorox Bleach, Arm & Hammer Essentials Disinfecting Wipes, and Windex.
