EPA launches web-based app to help people find approved List N disinfectants

Posted May 14, 2020

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its List N Tool, a new web-based application that allows smart phone users and others to quickly identify disinfectant products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The agency also announced new actions to ensure that new disinfectant products that are safe and effective to use against SARS-CoV-2 can be added to EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 as quickly as possible.

For more than two months, EPA has provided the public with List N, a list of more than 400 surface disinfectant products that meet the agency’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2. The agency transformed the data from the List N webpage into a browser-based web app that allows users to rapidly identify the disinfectant products best suited for their needs. Users can search by:

• use site (e.g., home, business, health care, etc.),
• surface type (e.g., hard, non-porous surfaces like countertops; porous surfaces like fabrics),
• contact time (i.e., the time the product needs to be visibly wet),
• EPA registration number,
• active ingredient, or
• product name.

EPA is also continuing its efforts to ensure that List N is updated as quickly as possible with new disinfectant products. Building on the agency’s previously announced expedited review for EPA-registered disinfectants that do not require review of new efficacy data, today, the agency announced an expedited review process for other products that would like to qualify for EPA’s List N. These other products include currently registered products that require a data review and applications for new disinfectant products.

EPA may also consider expedited review of new active ingredients or new uses for currently registered active ingredients (including higher application rates, new application methods such as fogging and electrostatic sprayers, or use sites such as porous surfaces).

When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet.

This article was written by Ed Zalewski of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.