03/22/2020
SARS-CoV2 Covid19 – How to treat your house and avoid getting scammed!
The EPA has released a list of disinfectants that were not tested specifically against the SARS-CoV2. EPA states on their website FAQs:
While these products have not been tested against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, they are expected to be effective based on:
• Demonstrated efficacy against a harder-to-kill virus;
• Qualified for the emerging viral pathogens claim; or
• Demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus. Such pathogens are often unavailable commercially for laboratory testing.
Professional grade products are usually rated on a non-porous surface that has been pre-cleaned. Each product has a separate “Dwell Time”. The application is how we utilize a chemical into any given situation. Application and Dwell Time are critical to the application of any chemical. Simply stated: Spraying chemicals into the air WILL NOT WORK!
Professional cleaning of a contaminated environment typically involves: 1) Content Removal 2) Containing the contaminated area 3) Setting negative pressure in the affected area 4) Removing the source of contamination 5) Cleaning all affected areas within containment 6) Post Remediation Verification –where a third party confirms that the structure is sanitary 7) Cleaning contents properly before reintroducing them to the structure
There are some companies that are utilizing ULV (UItra Low Volume) fogger (also called “Cold Fogging”) to aerosolize chemicals. These machines take a liquid and run it over a vacuum motor on reverse which causes the liquid to break into a fog that goes into the air. The chemicals stay suspended in the air for an unknown period of time.
Breathing of these chemicals may cause respiratory distress or an unforeseen reaction.
In summary, at this time no one can make a claim to “Disinfect or Sanitize Covid-19”. Best case scenario, they take your money and cause no damage to your health or property. Worse case they damage your property or your health.
Here is what you can do:
1) Clean your house (viruses and bacteria love dirty areas)
2) Burp your house (Open all the windows and doors – and exchange the air)
3) Replace your dirty HVAC filters
4) Clean all handles and high touch point areas of your property
5) Clean your towels and “Touch Fabrics” more often than typical
Here is the disclosure: I am not a doctor, infection control specialist nor any level of a medical professional. This is based on my reading of published information and my experience in the property restoration industry in accordance with standard best practices. All information in this is subject to and likely to change as more information becomes known.
Please be careful. Be Safe!
