Press Room
The Truth About Disinfectant Products and Their Labeling
When using surface disinfectants, most people assume that a quick spritz or wiping of the surface is all you need to eradicate the nasty organisms listed on the container. You may be surprised that this is not the case. Most of the time the everyday consumer is using these products improperly, both in the home and at the gym.
It is important to remember that with disinfectants, as with all chemicals, following the directions on the label is extremely important. In today’s hectic world we have become numb to labeling instructions and assume we understand proper usage, when in fact a closer review of the label may indicate we have not been using the product as intended. Adherence to the instructions, especially with these “pesticides” (the category disinfectants are classified under with the Environmental Protection Agency) is important.
Disinfectant labels are registered with the EPA and local state agencies and are considered federal documents. They must be adhered to for safe and proper use. The instructions on the label are important even for products that are considered “Safe”, “Low Toxicity”, or “Household” products.
Many gym patrons often ask for the “Antibacterial/Antimicrobial” or “Disinfectant” wipes and/or sprays, but do they really understand what they are requesting? The club owners and employees must take note of a couple of important items before providing this type of item for general use:
1. Is the label available and visible for the general public? If not, the public cannot follow the proper instructions and subjects the club owner to possible prosecution by Federal enforcement.1
2. Are the proper personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, goggles, respirators!) provided to disinfectant users? If not, the public cannot use the product per the FEDERAL instructions and subjects the club owner to possible prosecution by Federal enforcement.1
3. If the first two items are met, kudos to the club owner, but are the patrons actually using the product as instructed? If the surface is not thoroughly wet for the specified time (often 3-10 minutes surface contact time), the patron is essentially using a cleaner and deodorizer product with limited disinfectant efficacy.
4. Lastly, the club owner needs to consider the effect the chemicals have with repeated use by every user in the facility. The disinfectant chemicals tend to be aggressive to the equipment, thus a safer product is recommended for the club patrons.
The proper use for disinfectant products in a gym or wellness facility is during off-peak or low traffic periods. They should only be put in the employee’s hands and NOT the general public, ensuring that specific labeling can be followed properly and effectively. Members should be given access to general purpose cleaners so they may clean as they go. The club owner is exposed to great risk with improper usage of these regulated products and could face fines and penalties with planned EPA audits. Club owners and facility managers should implement a proper protocol with regard to cleaners and disinfectants. They should take steps to make sure that their staff and members are using the correct product for the job, in a manner that will be safe and effective. When in doubt, always consult the manufacturers of disinfectants…too much is at stake for them and their customers! Questions? E-mail: athletixproducts@contecinc.com
1 Per FIFRA – Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and specific Environmental Protection Agency’s Label Review Manual.
