Science- The EPA has approved two household disinfectant sprays proven to kill the
coronavirus on household surfaces. - While the CDC recommends the general public use EPA-approved disinfectants, Lysol
Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are the first to be proven to kill the coronavirus in a lab. - The sprays should be sprayed on surfaces and left wet for two minutes before wiping away with a paper towel.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (
Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist were tested in a laboratory against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Prior to the green light for these specific products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told Americans to use any EPA-approved disinfectants to kill the virus on household surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and light switches.
What separates these two sprays from the rest is that they've been directly tested on the coronavirus. Because the coronavirus is so new, it was only recently that researchers could complete and replicate testing in a lab setting.
"EPA is committed to identifying new tools and providing accurate and up-to-date information to help the American public protect themselves and their families from the novel coronavirus," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in a press release. "EPA's review of products tested against this virus marks an important milestone in President Trump's all of government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19."
Disinfecting household surfaces is important because of how the coronavirus is transmitted. According to the CDC, the novel coronavirus is primarily spread through person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets, which can spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking.
If droplets land on household items and surfaces, the virus can be transmitted to others who touch them if they are not disinfected.
The best way to utilize the sprays is by spraying the surface, leaving it wet for at least two minutes, and then wiping down with a paper towel.