PDI Perspective Q&A Series: “Use of Cleaners and Disinfectants During the COVID-19 pandemic”

Author: Debra Hagberg MT (ASCP), CIC

We recently engaged members of our Clinical Affairs Team for support in answering frequently asked questions around the flood of information coming in around COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some Q&As specific to the use of cleaners and disinfectants during the pandemic:

Q. Has the COVID-19 pandemic led to unsafe use of disinfectants?

A. Since March, there has been an increase in the daily number of calls (2019 v. 2020) to poison control centers in the US regarding exposures to cleaners and disinfectants, specifically with household use, as a result of individuals’ attempts to protect themselves against SARS-CoV-2. The largest percent increase was seen in exposures among children aged < 5 years old. Bleach accounted for the greatest percent increase (62.1%) with alcohol free disinfectants (36.7%) and hand sanitizers (36.7%) showing substantial increases as well. Regarding exposure type, inhalation represented the largest percent increase – 35.3% – for all cleaners and an increase of 108.8% for all disinfectants.[1]

Q. What are the reasons for the unsafe use of disinfectants?

A. According to an opt-in internet panel survey of 502 U.S. adults regarding knowledge and practices of household cleaning/disinfection conducted in May 2020, knowledge gaps were identified in several areas:

1. preparation of cleaning and disinfectant solutions
2. use of recommended personal protective equipment when using cleaners/disinfectants
3. storage of hand sanitizers, cleaners, and disinfectants.[2]

Q. What are some of the unsafe practices that people have engaged in as reported in the internet survey?

A. Thirty-nine percent of the survey respondents reported as engaging in some unsafe practices in order to prevent COVID-19 infection. These practices included:

1. washing food products with bleach
2. applying household cleaning/disinfectant products to bare skin
3. intentionally inhaling or ingesting these products.

Respondents who engaged in unsafe practices were more likely to have experienced an adverse event associated with that practice.[3]

Q. What are the best practices to follow when using cleaners/disinfectants?

A. It is important for people to continue to follow current CDC and public health guidance for prevention measures against COVID-19. These measures include frequent hand hygiene and frequent cleaning/disinfection of high-touch surfaces. When using a cleaner/disinfectant, it is important to:[4]

1. Read and follow all product label instructions for use
2. Use room temperature water if product needs to be diluted prior to use
3. Avoid mixing of cleaner/disinfectant solutions together. Many chemicals are incompatible and can cause potentially hazardous conditions for the persons exposed.
4. Wear protection for your skin and consider eye protection if splashing could occur
5. Use cleaners/disinfectants in areas of adequate ventilation
6. Store cleaners/disinfectants/hand sanitizers out of the reach of children and pets
7. Perform handwashing after using cleaners/disinfectants even if gloves were worn