A Clean Start: Controlling Viruses and Bacteria in Schools with Healthy Cleaning Practices (Part 3)

Resources from EPA on Cleaning Schools

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A Clean Start: Controlling Viruses and Bacteria in Schools with Healthy Cleaning Practices

Part 3: Safe and Effective Disinfection Practices

You asked, we answered! The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor Environments Division received many questions from the recent webinar Cleaning Schools to Control for Viruses and Bacteria: Maintaining Healthy Indoor Learning Environments that were not able to be answered during the presentation. Over the summer, questions will be answered in the Schools IAQ Connector series: A Clean Start: Controlling Viruses and Bacteria in Schools with Healthy Cleaning Practices.

 Person and a question mark

 

Question: What disinfectants are recommended and can be used as a part of a healthy green cleaning program in schools? What are the proper procedures for using disinfectants? And how can disinfectants be integrated into effective cleaning and maintenance plans?

Answer: Safe, effective disinfectant use starts with proper chemical management, materials selection, and source control, all components of an indoor air quality (IAQ) management program. The foundational support of a strong IAQ program will help ensure that you are effectively cleaning and disinfecting your school facilities while also improving student health and academic performance. Refer to List N or the interactive List N tool for the most up-to-date disinfectant list from EPA. 

To learn more, join the EPA for the upcoming webinar Cleaning for Health: Proactive Plans to Effectively Clean and Promote Healthy IAQ in Schools on Thursday, August 6, 2020, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EDT. Register for this webinar to learn how to tailor your cleaning and maintenance plan and procedures to help implement cleaning and disinfecting guidance for schools and reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.


Back to Basics

These resources can help kickstart a school chemical management plan as part of a comprehensive IAQ program:


Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use

Refer to the following resources when planning to use disinfectants to ensure a healthy indoor environment for students, teachers, custodians, and staff:

 


Coronavirus-Specific Resources

Use the following additional resources when considering disinfectant products and practices in relation to coronavirus:

  • Find a disinfectant: Refer to List N or the interactive List N tool for the most up-to-date disinfectant list from EPA.
  • Disinfectant FAQs: EPA has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disinfectants and coronavirus, including questions on List N, alternative disinfection methods, and the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting: Refer to the CDC guidance on how to clean and disinfect your facility.
  • Indoor Air and COVID-19: EPA has a new website and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about indoor air and coronavirus, including information about ventilation and HVAC systems.
  • CDC Schools page: Find guidance, FAQs, and videos on how to respond to coronavirus in school settings.

Questions?
EPA offers free IAQ Tools for Schools resources—including the School IAQ Assessment Mobile App—to help schools maintain a healthy indoor environment by identifying, correcting and preventing IAQ problems. Learn more about the IAQ Tools for Schools guidance and access other valuable school environmental health resources at www.epa.gov/iaq-schools.

If you have any questions about the IAQ Tools for Schools guidance, please contact the IAQ Tools for Schools Connector Coordinator at iaqschools@epa.gov.