We've been hearing more and more from our customers that they are being told to only use List N products in the cleaning and disinfection of their facilities. This is a worrying trend. Why? As a maker of both cleaning and disinfecting products, we are keenly aware that they are created for two very different purposes. You need BOTH to clean AND THEN disinfect per CDC guidelines. List N is a list of products categorized as disinfectants by the EPA. Not all disinfectants are created equal, and some use chemicals that come with a bevy of health risks. These include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Eye irritation
- Poor indoor air quality
- Cancer
- Reproductive disorders
- Respiratory ailments
- Eye and skin irritation
- Central nervous system (CNS) impairment
- Oxidative damage
- Possible cause fertility issues in male and female reproductive processes1
Does this mean you shouldn't use disinfectants? Definitely not. Disinfectants are an important part of the fight against COVID-19. But it DOES mean you should be aware of the risks they impose and use them only when needed. You should use products like our Multi-purpose cleaners that can not only clean a surface so that disinfectants can do their job, but that also clean away the harmful residue left behind by disinfectants.
We've recently launched a new Pandemic Cleaning Guide (replacing our Outbreak Cleaning Guide) that is full of resources to help you combat COVID-19 responsibly. We invite you to check it out.