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Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Updated 11/02/2020

Cleaning and disinfecting should reduce risk from pathogens, but if materials are not used properly, they can actually increase risk.

  

Definitions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Control (CDC) advises, “Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation. The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible blood and inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity of the disinfecting agent.”

In terms of materials, sanitizers, which are designed to be used on humans, are distinguished from disinfectants, which are used on inanimate surfaces. Sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while disinfectants are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 2016, FDA banned 19 antimicrobial ingredients in hand soap, including triclosan, finding them no more effective than plain soap and water.

Disinfectants and Sanitizers in Public Health Emergencies

It is important during public health emergencies involving infectious diseases to scrutinize practices and products very carefully so that hazards presented by the crisis are not elevated because of the unnecessary threat introduced with toxic chemical use. Beyond Pesticides is compiling and updating resources for you to utilize.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants

Fight the coronavirus with commonsense prevention and safer disinfection products. Avoid products that increase vulnerability to respiratory problems or weaken the immune system.

With the management of viral and bacterial infections, it is always important that we do not exacerbate the risk to individuals in the process of avoiding or controlling the threat. In the case of COVID-19, we have measures of protection—both practices and products—that can protect us without using toxic products that increase risk factors.

Review the Beyond Pesticides' COVID-19 Factsheet: “Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants.”

Q&A Factsheet: We address your questions about “Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (coronavirus) without Toxic Sanitizers and Disinfectants.”

Products: What to Use and What to Avoid

Check the Product Label!

It is important to observe all chemical ingredients on the disinfectant and sanitizer product labels. Also, look at the use instructions to ensure that the method of use is compatible with your need. Some products require a longer contact time with the surface than others. Some may be applied as a spray, while others may be wiped onto the surface.

The first chemical ingredient is not the only chemical ingredient to consider when looking for a non-toxic sanitizer and disinfectant. Even if the first chemical ingredient is non-toxic, the following chemical ingredients are not always non-toxic. (e.g., Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic sanitizer, while hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid is a highly toxic disinfectant).

Use the information below as a guide on what to look for when buying disinfectants and sanitizers.

Sanitizers

Only products with active ingredients ethanol, isopropanol, or benzalkonium chloride can qualify as "hand sanitizers" according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective. Glycerol or aloe as part of the remainder can help counter the drying effects of alcohol on the skin.

Good Hand Sanitizers

Look for sanitizers using ethanol or isopropanol, which are effective and relatively safe. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective.

Toxic and Recalled Hand Sanitizers

Avoid hand sanitizers containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC), which is a quaternary ammonium compound (or “quat”). It is an irritant that can cause asthmatic reactions and adversely affect the respiratory system. BAC is also associated with changes in neurodevelopment, selection for antibiotic resistance, and provoking irritant and/or contact dermatitis.

FDA has recalled hand sanitizers that either contain the toxic alcohol methanol or contain an inadequate concentration of ethanol or isopropanol.

(08/14/20) NOTICE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warns Consumers to Avoid Hand Sanitizers Contaminated With 1-Propanol, “A Toxic and Potentially Life-Threatening Alcohol When Ingested.”

"FDA is warning consumers and health care professionals about certain hand sanitizer products, including those manufactured by Harmonic Nature S de RL de MI in Mexico, that are labeled to contain ethanol or isopropyl alcohol but have tested positive for 1-propanol contamination."

Hand sanitizers contaminated with 1-propanol are especially dangerous to children who may accidentally swallow the product or those who might consume the product as an alcohol substitute. It is also harmful when absorbed through the skin.

Exposure to 1-propanol exposure can lead to disorientation, unconsciousness, shallow breathing, and reduced pulse rate and breathing. Encountering 1-propanol via the skin or eyes can cause irritation and a possible allergic skin reaction. FDA warns that ingesting 1-propanol can cause central nervous system depression which can result in death. 1-propanol should be distinguished from the closely related isopropanol or 2-propanol, which is not hazardous.

(08/03/20) NOTICE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) Recommend Consumers Avoid Sanitizers Containing Low levels (<60%) of Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) or Isopropyl Alcohol.

Recent FDA test results display that certain hand sanitizer products contain low levels of the active ingredients ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. FDA and CDC advise consumers to AVOID using sub-effective (sub-potent) products and to use sanitizer products containing at least 60% ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

(7/24/2020) NOTICE: “Serious Adverse Health Events Associated with Methanol-based Hand Sanitizers,” Say CDC and FDA.

Most commercial alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs (ABHSR) contain active ingredients, ethanol or isopropanol. However, on June 19, 2020, FDA warned consumers not to use hand sanitizer products produced by Mexico-based company “Eskbiochem SA de CV” as it may contain methanol (wood alcohol), a ‘toxic alcohol’, as an active ingredient. Currently, FDA is working with product manufacturers and distributors to recall all ABHSR products the agency identified as containing methanol. A list of the contaminated products can be found here.

Methanol poisoning can occur via skin absorption or ingestion, which can cause blindness and/or death. FDA notes those who are at particular risk to methanol poisoning, “Examples include young children who accidentally swallow these products and adolescents or adults who intentionally swallow these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute. The clinical effects of methanol and ethanol poisoning are similar (e.g., headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of coordination, and decreased level of consciousness), but methanol poisoning may result in severe metabolic acidosis and blindness, and can be fatal if untreated.”

To keep updated on information about sub-potent and methanol-based sanitizers visit, “FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers Consumers Should Not Use.”

To keep updated on relevant health and safety information from FDA visit, “MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.”

A list of the contaminated and sub-potent products can be found here.

Disinfectants

The virus on surfaces can be detached and broken down with soap and some disinfectant products. EPA’s ”List N” contains products approved for use against the coronavirus. Disinfectants should be used only after washing to remove dirt, which makes the disinfectant less effective. While all of these disinfectants eliminate the virus, some are safer to use than others. Some may actually increase risk from coronavirus through their effects on respiratory and immune systems.

 

Use the information below as a guide on what to look for when buying disinfectants.

Updated 03/19/2021