Co-sponsored by Maryland Pesticide Education Network & Beyond Pesticides
ONLINE VIDEO LEARNING
Maryland experts Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Asst. Professor Dr. Ana Rule and Environmental Health Chair for American Academy of Pediatrics - Md Chapter, Dr. Michael Ichniowski present on the
Eliminate the risk with safer disinfectants.
Download the fact sheet and list for health care facilities.
Potential Dangers from Spraying Disinfectants
During COVID-19
"In indoor spaces, routine application of disinfectants to environmental surfaces by spraying or fogging (aka fumigation or misting) is not recommended for COVID19."
Safety and effectiveness may change based on how a product is used.
 “Spraying or fogging of certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde,
chlorine-based agents or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats),
is not recommended due to adverse health effects…” 
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
Concerns About Foggers, Misters and Spray Technology
Foggers and misters deliver very small droplets that passively deposit onto surfaces. Foggers release droplets that are 10 microns, and misters release droplets that are 200 microns. Where they land is highly determined by the direction of the spray.
  • Rely on effect of gravity to deposit onto a surface, which may result in:
·      Uneven coverage of the surfaces that need to be disinfected
·      Reentry times may be delayed for the area that has been disinfected
  • Foggers and misters allow the disinfectant to remain suspended in the air
 
What does this mean for your facility?
  • Increase potential for inhalation exposure from particles that stay in the air
  • Will not clean the air due to particle physics which prevents most particles from colliding with each other
  • Does not efficiently cover a surface and is based on direction of spray, particle size, distance, and gravity
  • Spraying is associated with increased risk of asthma and respiratory symptoms
  • Considered "hygiene theatre" because it creates a false sense of security
EPA's List N: Are all these products really safe?
As of July 2020, there were 469 approved products on List N: 231 quats, some mixed with other chemicals, 69 sodium hypochlorite (bleach) which have serious safety concerns for respiratory and immune health.
Safer Disinfectants Are Effective
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Isopropyl alcohol / isopropanol
  • Ethanol
  • Thymol
  • L-lactic acid
  • Citric Acid
Reducing Pesticides That Can Exacerbate COVID-19 Symptoms
Now more than ever, it is crucial to evaluate your approved pesticides list and pesticide use protocol with your pest management company and staff. Reviewing your IPM practices will greatly reduce the use of hazardous pesticides that may exacerbate patients’ COVID-19 symptoms and support a safe environment for vulnerable patients and essential staff. 
 
The IPM Project is available to review your vendor pesticide use log book to offer feedback on which products can exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms and recommend safer products and practices. 
 
Especially vulnerable to toxic effects of pesticides are the ill, the elderly, pregnant women, chemically sensitive individuals, infants and children.
  
For pro bono assistance or to schedule a free pesticide log review,
please contact berlin@mdpestnet.org 
 
The IPM in Health Care Facilities Project’s mission is to support Maryland healthcare systems in implementing the safest patient and staff protocols in regard to pesticide use and disinfectant policies. IPM in Health Care Facilities Project supports facility pest-free goals by focusing on non-chemical pest prevention with only least-toxic pesticides used as a last resort. 
Our mission is to serve your health care facility.
Contact us to learn more.