Written on: October 26, 2020 by SprayTM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Procter & Gamble’s Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray (EPA Reg No. 4091-20-3573) as effective at killing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The EPA conducted a data review and provided approval. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray was also tested by a third-party lab, in accordance with the EPA testing guidelines, and was shown to kill SARS-CoV-2 in 60 seconds.
In addition to providing an initial kill of the virus that causes COVID-19, Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray is approved to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including viruses that cause common colds and the flu. Microban 24 also provides a protective shield that keeps killing bacteria for up to 24 hours, even when the surface is touched or contacted multiple times.
“Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray was introduced in February to give consumers a sanitizing product that works as hard as they do, providing protection against bacteria for up to 24 hours,” said Martin Hettich, Senior VP North America Home Care, P&G. “As Americans shifted from their standard sanitizing routine to one focused on protecting their homes against the COVID-19 virus, Procter & Gamble has been diligently working with scientists and health experts to ensure that Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray provides the effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus that people need.”
While COVID-19 has been a primary concern for many Americans over the past eight months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed the importance of reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like the flu, this fall and winter. In addition at this time of year, bacterial illnesses, such as strep throat, are more common, P&G said.
“With delays in COVID-19 virus testing, having any infection may lead to significant disruptions at home, school, and work,” said Dr. Frank Esper, an expert in respiratory viruses & emerging infectious diseases and an Advisor to Microban 24. “Therefore, over the coming cold and flu season, it will be especially important to ensure protection against viruses and bacteria that can cause infections. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, sore throat, fatigue, and cough) are indistinguishable from many common bacterial and viral infections that continue to circulate in the community, so it’s best to use the tools that provide you with as much protection as possible.”
Prior to this approval, the EPA included Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray (EPA registration #4091-20-3573) on the EPA List N, which provided a list of products shown to be effective against harder to kill viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, under the EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Policy.
Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray is available in both Fresh Scent and Citrus Scent. The products are sold at major retailers nationwide in store and online. Microban 24 Professional is sold through P&G Professional.
