Decision Making and Selecting Disinfectants and sanitizers are regulated as pesticides by the US EPA. If the Design for the Environment (DfE) label is not on the product, use disinfectants and sanitizers that contain ethanol, isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), hydrogen peroxide, L-Lactic acid, or citric acid. During use of chemi- cals, ventilate the space with outside air by opening doors and windows, or by bringing in outside air with your air handling system. Refer to the San Francisco Department on the Environ- ment resource, listed at the end of this fact sheet, for additional guidance on disinfectant ingredients. Safer Disinfectant Options Ethanol, isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) Hydrogen Peroxide L-Lactic Acid, Citric Acid The EPA Design for the Environment criteria for disinfectants/sanitizers is used for defining safer chemicals. Paracetic acid is one ingredient on the DfE that is not generally recommended. “Peracetic acid is sold in solution as a mixture with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to maintain its stability, but is highly corrosive and exposure to it can severely irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.” Paracetic acid is typically sold in concentrations of 1 to 5 percent and is diluted before use in food and health- care industries. Try to avoid products containing peracetic acid. What Else is Important for Product Selection?  Cleaning is always the first step. Disinfectants and sanitizers do not work on dirty surfaces.  Cleaning is different from sanitizing and disinfecting (see the box on page 1 for definitions). Disinfectants are widely misused and overused, including improper concentrations and solutions. More is not necessarily better—often, cleaning is all that’s needed.  Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, may be needed. Refer to the product label or Safety Data Sheet to see if specific protective measures are recommended. You will need to consider if the product is being sprayed into the air (which makes it easier to inhale) or placed on cloths (which can cause skin exposure), as well as how concentrated the product is and if it should be diluted.  Dwell or contact time matters for sanitizers and disinfectants. They work only if left on a surface for specified times. See the manufacturers’ instructions on the label.  Use the right product for the surface! Refer to the label—not all surfaces are the same. For example, what works on fabric may not work on stainless steel. Some products work on bacteria but not viruses. Some must be diluted, such as bleach. Some can be used in sprays others cannot. Is it certified for your purpose by EPA or another reputable body? DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCES | SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH deohs.washington.edu Peracetic acid ! Ilustration: iStockphoto.com/Hanna Siamashka