Hazard Communication for Disinfectants Used Against Viruses

Overview

This information is intended to be used by employers and workers who use cleaning products and disinfectants, specifically those identified as effective against viruses, including avian (bird) flu, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

This page offers information about the health hazards that could be caused by cleaning products and disinfectants and the recommended barrier and respiratory protection workers can use to protect themselves from these hazards. When using disinfectants, the proper barrier protection should be used. This information, focusing on worker safety, supplements existing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for disinfection of viruses.

Both cleaning and disinfecting are important for reducing the spread of viral illnesses. Some viruses may remain viable (living) for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice for preventing the spread of viral illnesses in the workplace. Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs that remain on a surface after cleaning, disinfecting can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Considerations regarding the use of disinfectants

Many chemical disinfectants can be harmful to workers if they are unsafely handled and/or improperly used. Therefore, it is important that disinfectants are selected and used properly to ensure effective disinfection and avoid harm to individuals and damage to surfaces. Proper use of disinfectants should include:

• Selecting the appropriate disinfectant based on the type of surface to be disinfected (e.g., hard surface, soft surface, electronics, fabric, etc.)
• Understanding all potential health hazards and using all recommended protective measures, including barriers to prevent contact with body parts and respiratory protection (see table below)
• Following manufacturers’ instructions and product label directions for safe, effective use
• Using the proper concentration and application method
• Making sure to follow the required contact time (i.e., the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet) following application
• NEVER mix disinfectants with cleaners, other disinfectants, or other chemicals
  • Mixing some chemical disinfectants with other chemical substances could be hazardous. For example, the toxic gas chlorine can be released if you mix sodium hypochlorite (bleaching solutions) and acidic cleaning agents.
  • Mixing a disinfectant with anything else could change its properties and it may no longer be effective.

Health hazards and protective measures for chemicals used as disinfectants

The table below provides information about health hazards associated with recommended disinfectants for use against viruses and suggestions for how individuals can protect themselves against those health hazards while using the products. The table includes the following information:

• The chemical name and common names for that chemical
• The chemical abstract service number (CAS No.)
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) pictograms
• Health and flammability-related hazard statements
• Recommended glove barriers
• Recommended respiratory protection (commonly known as personal protective equipment).

The GHS pictograms and hazard statements for each chemical were obtained from the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs). If the ICSC did not have this information available for a chemical, the GESTIS database from the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance was used to identify this information. If neither GHS pictograms or hazard statements were available from these resources, then data from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) substance infocards were used to supplement the chemical information.

The table does not include an exhaustive list of all barriers for each chemical. The recommended barriers included in the table are from the Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing.[1] Glove material is often referred to by the generic materials, including butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, and polyvinylchloride (PVC). Some barriers may offer better protection for a variety of chemicals than other barriers, and thicknesses of the barrier materials can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer [1]. Selection recommendations are based on data from permeation and degradation under laboratory conditions. The most common ways chemicals pass through a protective barrier include 1) penetration, such as a tear or rip, 2) permeation, where the chemical diffuses through the barrier, and 3) degradation, which is the break-down of the protective material.  Permeation breakthrough time is the time that it takes a chemical to diffuse through a barrier at a specific permeation rate [1]. The barriers included for each chemical are categorized by reported resistance to chemical breakthrough of greater than four hours (>4 hours) or greater than eight hours (>8 hours) under conditions of continuous contact with the chemical. “Greater than 8 hours” does not mean there was not permeation; this means that permeation did not exceed 1.0 µg/cm²/min during the 8-hour test. More information, including more glove barrier options, is available in the Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing.[1] Personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers may also provide additional information regarding PPE products.

The recommended respiratory protection for a chemical is typically listed in the manufacturer’s safety data sheet and many chemicals have respirator recommendations in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air, which includes particle respirators and “gas masks.” Other respirators, like airline respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators should only be used when engineering or administrative control systems are not feasible or fully effective. Engineering control systems, such as adequate ventilation or scrubbing of contaminants, are the preferred control methods for reducing worker exposures. Proper use of respiratory protection (respirators) requires a comprehensive written respiratory protection program by the employer, and is described in Occupational Health and Safety Standards 29 CFR 1910.134.

Health and flammability hazards and barrier recommendations for common active ingredients in disinfectants

Health and flammability hazards and barrier recommendations for common active ingredients in disinfectants

Chemical (concentration) Other names*	CAS No.	GHS Pictogram(s)	Health and Flammability-related Hazard Statements	Recommended Glove Barriers §	Recommended Respiratory Protection**
Acetic acid † Ethanoic acid	64-19-7		Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled. May be harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. Causes damage to the respiratory tract through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for acetic acid.
Calcium hypochlorite β Bleaching powder	7778-54-3		May intensify fire; oxidizer. Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Chlorine dioxide solution β Chlorine peroxide	10049-04-4		Toxic if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided for chlorine dioxide (liquid) in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for chlorine dioxide.
Citric acid β, §§	77-92-9		Causes serious eye irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinyl chloride	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (Quaternary ammonium compound) β	7173-51-5		Toxic if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid β	27176-87-0		Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Ethyl alcohol † Ethanol	64-17-5		Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber >4 hours: Neoprene rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for ethyl alcohol.
Formaldehyde†, ††, §§	50-00-0		Extremely flammable gas. Fatal if inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause allergic skin reaction. May cause respiratory irritation. May cause cancer if inhaled.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Nitrile rubber >4 hours: Neoprene rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for formaldehyde.
Glutaraldehyde (50% solution) †, §§ Glutaral	111-30-8		Toxic if swallowed. Fatal if inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. May cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Neoprene rubber >4 hours: Nitrile rubber Polyvinyl chloride	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Glycolic acid β Hydroxyacetic acid	79-14-1		Harmful if inhaled. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinyl chloride	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
1,2-Hexanediol β DL-hexane-1,2-diol	6920-22-5		Causes serious eye irritation.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Hydrochloric acid solution β,§§ Hydrogen chloride	7647-01-0 (anhydrous)		Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Neoprene rubber >4 hours: Natural rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinylchloride – PVC	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for Hydrochloric acid.
Hydrogen peroxide (>60% solution in water) †, §§	7722-84-1		May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer. Harmful if swallowed. Toxic if inhaled. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. May cause damage to upper respiratory tract through prolonged or repeated exposure.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinylchloride – PVC	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for hydrogen peroxide.
Isopropyl alcohol † Isopropanol Propan-2-ol	67-63-0		Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for isopropyl alcohol.
Lactic acid β 2-hydroxypropanoic acid DL-Lactic acid	50-21-5		Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinylchloride – PVC	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Octanoic acid β Caprylic acid	124-07-2		Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	>8 hours: Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
ortho-Phthalaldehyde †, §§ OPA	643-79-8		Toxic if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. May cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
ortho-Phenylphenol † 2-phenylphenol 2-Biphenylol 2-Hydroxybiphenyl	90-43-7		May be harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
ortho-Benzyl-para-chlorophenol β Clorofene	120-32-1		Harmful if inhaled. Causes skin irritation. May cause allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye damage. Suspected of causing cancer. Suspected of damaging fertility. May cause organ damage with prolonged or repeated exposure (affected organ: kidney).	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Peracetic acid † PAA Peroxyacetic acid	79-21-0		Flammable liquid and vapor. Heating may cause a fire. Fatal if inhaled. Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber >4 hours: Neoprene rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Phenol †, §§ Carbolic acid Hydroxybenzene phenic acid	108-95-2		Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Suspected of causing genetic defects. Causes damage to central nervous system, the heart, and kidneys. Causes damage to organs with prolonged or repeated exposure. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber >4 hours: Neoprene rubber	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for phenol.
Potassium Peroxymonosulfate β Pentapotassium bis(peroxymonosulphate) bis(sulphate)	70693-62-8		Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Sodium chlorite β Chlorous acid	7758-19-2		May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer. Toxic if swallowed. Fatal in contact with skin. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (route of exposure: oral; affected organ: spleen).	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate β Troclosene sodium Sodium dichloro-S-triazinetrione	2893-78-9		May intensify fire; oxidizer. Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Sodium hydroxide †, §§	1310-73-2		Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinyl chloride	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards respirator guidance for Sodium hydroxide.
Sodium hypochlorite (solution, active chlorine >10%) †, §§ Bleach	7681-52-9		Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation.	>8 hours: Butyl rubber Natural rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber Polyvinyl chloride	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Thymol β 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol	89-83-8		Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.
Triethylene glycol†, β, ββ 2,2′-(1,2-Ethanediyl bis (oxy))-bisethanol 2,2′-Ethylenedioxybis(ethanol) Triglycol	112-27-6	No classification	No harmonized hazard statements.	No barrier guidance is provided in Forsberg (2020). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on the product safety data sheet.	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations in the product safety data sheet.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, also known as the “Right to Know Law” [29 CFR 1910.1200], requires that employees are informed of potential work hazards and trained on associated safe practices, procedures, and protective measures. Employers must ensure employees have access to cleaning products’ safety data sheets (SDSs) and are informed of potential hazards and trained on the associated safe practices per the information found in the SDSs. Additionally, the 2008 Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) Guideline recommends each worker be informed of the possible health effect(s) of exposures to chemicals. This information should be consistent with SDSs, EPA regulations, and OSHA requirements and identify areas and tasks where there is the potential for exposure.

Additional resources

• OSHA/NIOSH InfoSheet: Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals
• Protect yourself: Cleaning Chemicals and Your Health
• Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 — National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020–March 31, 2020