GBAC Offers Clarification to Updated CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines

In response to updated cleaning and disinfecting guidelines released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council^™ (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, released clarification emphasizing the critical importance of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and other pathogens.

The CDC’s latest guidance noted that “cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases risk of infection from surfaces.” However, ISSA and GBAC recommend the use of products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and included on the EPA’s List N as it ensures cleaning professionals are applying expert-reviewed formulations that have been approved for use against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, cleaning for health is most effective at mitigating the spread of illnesses when it is a multi-step approach that involves first cleaning surfaces to remove or reduce soil loads and then disinfecting to kill bacteria, fungi, and inactivate viruses.

“While there are still many uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, it is clear that facilities can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks when they have a comprehensive program that starts with a risk assessment” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “There are many layers to this issue, but as authoritative leaders within the space, we feel it’s important to clarify that with the current pandemic, in addition to indoor air quality needs, cleaning professionals should continue their enhanced efforts in cleaning and disinfecting public facilities with added focus on high touch points.”

The CDC also stated that, “in most cases, fogging, fumigation, and wide-area or electrostatic spraying is not recommended as a primary method of surface disinfection and has several safety risks to consider.” While surface disinfection equipment is not necessary for every facility, ISSA and GBAC support the use of sprayers with the proper training, as these tools can be incredibly useful for high-traffic facilities and those with occupants with an increased risk of illness. When using chemicals and disinfection equipment, it is important to read the label and use products correctly to prevent unnecessary overuse and exposure.

ISSA and GBAC were not the only organizations to weigh in on the updated CDC guidelines. The Household & Commercial Products Association (HPCA) issued a statement explaining its views on cleaning for COVID-19.

“As we know, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spread primarily through exposure to respiratory droplets and the risk of becoming infected through contact with a contaminated surface is low,” said Dr. Steve Bennett, HCPA Executive Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. “However, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and public areas should remain a priority if there has been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 to help mitigate the potential transmission of the virus. Cleaning products are effective at removing dirt, soil, and stains, but have not been proven to kill viruses on surfaces—only disinfectants registered with the EPA can make those claims.”

Green Seal, on the other hand, concurred with the CDC’s guidance, writing a blog encouraging a limited use of strong disinfectants.

“There is a natural instinct to turn to the harshest chemicals available to attack a nasty virus, but the CDC’s new guidance should reassure us all that we can follow the science to avoid a dangerous reliance on disinfection,” wrote Green Seal CEO Doug Gatlin. “Doing so will avoid health risks ranging from cancer to serious respiratory disease—an especially grave risk for vulnerable populations such as children and the 1 in 13 Americans with asthma.” 

For more information on proper facilities cleaning and disinfecting now and post pandemic, visit www.issa.com/coronavirus.

Hear comments on the recent CDC guidance on cleaning and disinfecting directly from biorisk expert Patricia Olinger; Dr. Paul Meechan, formerly with the CDC; and Michael Diamond, Executive Director of The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS), in the latest Straight Talk! episode below.