MACS Monthly Newsletter - 2020 - JUN3

OSHA asking for guidance on the subject, but we'll have to
wait for their response at this point. And considering the
complexity of the topic, we don't expect an answer too soon.
Plus, we want a response that specifically addresses mobile
air conditioning systems in addition to cleaning for general
service and repair.
There has been general guidance focused on household
settings, which say that cleaning must come before sanitizing or disinfecting.

these words as related to product descriptions or effectiveness. They're just marketing terms.
We have many concerns with some of the products being
advertised for A/C systems. Most say they are cleaners or
deodorizers, and a few claim to be sanitizers too. We even
found machines online that claim to be "atomization sterilizers", whatever that means. In any case, none of the products on EPA's list (as of 5/11/20) are designed specifically for
automotive HVAC use.
Still, shops have to do something, and many think that
something is better than nothing. So even though we don't
have exactly what we need, there's still a lot we can do.
Look for the EPA registration number on the product
you're considering, which verifies that it has been registered
by the manufacturer to kill the germs claimed on the label.
Compare that information with EPA's official list on their
website.

First let's start with definitions

The words cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are often
used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings
that are important to know when choosing certain products
(and when performing services, too!).
According to EPA, the term "cleaning product" means
a substance or mixture of substances (such as chemical or
biological substances) that is intended to clean away or remove inanimate material from a surface, water or air, and
that makes no pesticidal claims. Cleaning uses a detergent
and water to physically remove dirt, grime and germs from
surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs. It can
also remove molds and allergens.
Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on hard surfaces
or objects to a safer level - at least 99.9%. For food surfaces
the level should be a 99.999% reduction in microorganisms
within 30 seconds. Products should state on their label the
surfaces they are intended to be used on.
Disinfecting inactivates 99.999% of germs on surfaces or
objects if allowed to sit visibly wet or remain on the surface
for the recommended amount of "dwell" time. It should be
used on high risk areas that collect lots of germs, such as
keys, doorknobs, handles, etc. A disinfectant must stay on
the surface for at least the recommended amount of dwell
time or it will not kill all of the germs. Not doing this may
lead to the creation of "super bugs", or germs that are resistant to disinfectants and/or antibiotics.
So, why can't we just use a disinfectant product everywhere? Disinfectants don't necessarily clean surfaces. Germs
can hide under dirt and grime (such as that sticky gunk that
builds up on certain types of steering wheels and gear shifter
handles) and are not affected by them. The products used
to disinfect are more toxic and can be more expensive than
products used to just clean. Plus, overusing antimicrobial
products may also lead to the spread of those "super bugs".

Which products are effective against SARS-CoV-2?

Steve Schaeber

EPA updated its list (called "EPA List N") of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 on April 17, 2020. All of
the products on their list meet EPA's criteria for use against
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Please note
that products listed are for use on surfaces, and not on humans.
All listed products will have an EPA registration number
(Figure 4), so you should check the product you're consider-

Figure 4: This can of household disinfectant spray shows its EPA
Registration Number is 777-99. Comparing that with EPA's list
shows the product's active ingredients (Quaternary ammonium;
Ethanol), name (Lysol Disinfectant Spray), preparation for the following virus (Norovirus) and contact time (10 minutes).
ing using, and make sure it has an EPA number that is on
the list.
If you can't find a product on the list to use against SARSCoV-2, look at a different product's label to confirm it has
an EPA registration number and that human coronavirus is
listed as a target pathogen.
No matter which product you decide to use in your shop,
be sure to read the label completely and follow the instructions for safe, effective use. In particular, make sure to follow
the contact time (or dwell time), which is the amount of time
the surface should be visibly wet. Otherwise its use may not
be as effective.

Hazards of Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants

Many cleaning and sanitizing chemicals can cause health
problems. Manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients on the label. Most cleaning, sanitizing or disinfection
products sold are not safe, even though they are available at
most stores. Only the chemicals that kill bacteria, viruses, or
mold (disinfectants) have to be labeled.
Finally, the words "natural," "nontoxic," and "green" that
appear on product labels are unregulated by the government. That doesn't mean the products themselves are unregulated, but the government has no "legal" definition for

June 2020

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MACS Monthly Newsletter - 2020

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