ACMT & PEHSU Safer Disinfectant Use Mini Web Series FAQs

Disinfection and Sterilization

One component of the COVID-19 pandemic response is the use of cleaning and disinfecting agents to decrease potential fomite-related transmission. There are some important differences between the various physical or chemical agents, and safety implications related to the intended applications and use of these agents; many terms are frequently confused. Sterilization and Disinfection are terms that apply to agents used to treat materials - not people; and vary by intended use of the device or equipment. On the December 9, 2020 webinar, Dr. David Weber from the University of North Carolina Medical Center provided a detailed presentation focusing on use of disinfectants in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 as an enveloped virus. Sanitizers – which can be used on intact human skin - will be covered on a future webinar, as will other special application settings other than healthcare facilities. See below for Disinfectant FAQs.

FAQs - Disinfection and Sterilization

Last updated: January 15, 2021 

 

 

Series Co-Hosts

American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) 
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU)

 

 

  

Disclaimer:

This presentation was supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and funded (in part) by the cooperative agreement award number 6 NU61TS000296-02-01 from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The content in this presentation represents the views of the presenter. It does not represent the views of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/ATSDR and does not represent endorsement by CDC/ATSDR of the purchase of any commercial products or services that are mentioned.