Cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants contain toxic chemical ingredients. The health dangers of these products include but are not limited to triggering an asthmatic or allergic reaction, chemically burning skin, and causing blindness. Additional safety hazards include fire, chemical reactions if stored with an incompatible product (e.g., bleach and ammonia form a toxic gas), and spills.
Step 2: Select Safer Products.
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When selecting a food service sanitizer or disinfectant for reducing exposure to COVID-19, check EPA’s List N for products labeled as “safe for food contact”. List N is the Environmental Protection Agency's list of disinfectants that are effective for killing SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19). Select products with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, isopropanol, l-lactic acid, sodium bisulfate, hypochlorous acid, or citric acid.
What do third-party certifications on products mean? Trusted third-party labels mean the certifying body - for example the EPA in the case of the EPA Safer Choice Label - has evaluated the product using the following criteria:
What do third-party certifications on products mean? Trusted third-party labels mean the certifying body - for example the EPA in the case of the EPA Safer Choice Label - has evaluated the product using the following criteria:
- Health criteria - does not cause cancer, is not corrosive to skin or eyes, is not harmful to nervous system, does not impact reproductive health, and does not cause asthma.
- Environmental criteria - does not harm aquatic life, is neither persistent nor bioaccumulates.
- Adequate and verified performance. Yes the products are as effective as traditional products.
Independent Third-Party Certifications to Look for:
Cleaners:
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Sanitizers & Disinfectants:
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Select Safer Choice cleaning products at EPA's website: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products.