• N95-style masks imported from overseas have fallen short of certification standards.
• Sanitizers have been improperly labeled, riddled with false claims, formulated with suspect ingredients, or otherwise out of compliance with FDA guidelines.
• The disinfectant market is now being exploited in a similar manner. We will reference the handful of examples pictured above throughout this post:
  1. Disinfectant that was falsely labeled as a registered disinfectant.
  2. Unregistered stickers that claim to provide protection against viruses without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  3. Unregistered disinfectant wipes shipped from Asia without EPA registration.
  4. Unregistered disinfectant that promises long-lasting or residual protection specifically from COVID-19 without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA. 
  5. Unregistered lanyard that claims to provide 60-day residual protection against the virus without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  6. Services claiming use of multi-week residual disinfectant without supporting evidence and in direct conflict with statements from the EPA.

EPA Regulation

As explained in a previous post, disinfectants are considered pesticides—further classified as antimicrobial pesticides—because they control bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi, which are considered pests. As such, they are regulated by the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, and any disinfectant sold or distributed in the United States must be registered with the EPA.

In order to register a product, manufacturers submit:

• Proposed labeling.
• Safety data.
• Efficacy data:
  • In order to be labeled a disinfectant, a product must meet specific testing requirements against certain bacteria.
  • Any virucidal claims, such as efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), are considered additional claims, and they must also be supported by data and approved by the EPA.

If the EPA is satisfied with the information provided by the manufacturer, registration is granted. While the burden of EPA regulations and registration should pose a larger hurdle to entry into the disinfectant market, the tidal wave of newcomers is both mostly unaware of their violations and too large for the EPA to police. Eventually, these dishonest marketers will receive fines and be ordered to cease and desist, but until then, buyers (and users) must beware.

Illegal Disinfectants

Illegal disinfectants are sold or distributed without a valid EPA registration. This includes products without an EPA registration number listed on the label—such as examples 2 through 5 above—as well as products using a fake EPA registration number—such as example 1 (click here for more information).

To ensure that a disinfectant is legal:

• Don’t buy or use products from suspicious sources.
• Don’t buy or use products that seem unusual in their packaging or labeling.
• Check the label, which must be in English, for:
  • A valid EPA registration number (validity can be confirmed here).
  • A list of active ingredients, as any product registered with the EPA must state them on the label.
  • Hazard and precautionary statements.

Illegal Claims

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

There are also disinfectants approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2, based not on a demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, but on demonstrated efficacy against:

• A pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
• A different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

To confirm the legitimacy of a disinfectant’s claim that it outright kills SARS-CoV-2 or that it is recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2 due to other kill claims:

• Navigate here and input the EPA registration number found on the label. If there are 3 sets of numbers (separated by hyphens), only input the first 2. 
• If there are no matching records found, the disinfectant’s claims are illegal—as is most evident in examples 4 and 5 above (which claim 99.9% protection against COVID-19 and to "block coronavirus," respectively).
• If there is a matching record found, but the product information does not match the information on your label, it is likely a sub-registration marketed under a different name, which is legal. 
• Note that List N search results also indicate whether a product is proven or simply expected to kill SARS-CoV-2.

Because the EPA has not evaluated the “long-lasting” or “residual” efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses . . .

Residual Claims and Treated Articles

There are products that claim 24-hour sanitizing against bacteria only. 

Because the EPA has not evaluated the "long-lasting' or "residual" efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses over hours—as in example 4 (24 hours)—days—as in example 5 (60 days)—or weeks—as in example 6 (3–6 weeks), with the exception of 1 recently granted short-term exemption.

In a similar vein, there are antimicrobial pesticides that can be incorporated into plastics, textiles, or other materials to protect the “treated article” from mold or bacteria that would harm it, such as a shower curtain. These pesticides are used more in the manner of preservatives, preventing discoloration, odor, or deterioration, and treated articles may not have any claims associated with public health. In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Our Promise

We would like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that each Betco® disinfectant is registered with the EPA and adheres to their every guideline. Not only can we guarantee our total regulatory compliance, but as demonstrated by our legacy in disinfectants, we can also guarantee their quality and efficacy.

We have prioritized production toward disinfectants that appear on List N and are recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2. We are currently maximizing output of all products effective against the spread of COVID-19, and we continue to take every possible step to ensure the health and safety of our customers.

If you would like to request information about List N disinfectants, please click here to fill out the online form, and a Betco representative will contact you.

The FDA regulates the manufacture of hand sanitizers as over-the-counter drugs. Prior to COVID-19, all hand sanitizers sold in the U.S. were required to be made at FDA-registered facilities and formulated with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Grade ethanol. USP Grade ethanol must be tested for adherence to very strict impurity limits, which are summarized in the table below.

As you can see, USP Grade ethanol can contain methanol, and so too can the hand sanitizers that have been formulated with it. However, it is such a minute amount that it is far below contamination levels and has been deemed acceptable by the FDA.

It is important to note that this is NOT the same as formulating a hand sanitizer with methanol, which is both dangerous and illegal. 

How has methanol in hand sanitizers changed due to COVID-19?

Due to the pandemic and resulting spikes in demand, the FDA has temporarily adjusted their policies to facilitate the production of greater quantities, though certain requirements must still be met.

Among those requirements, which are available in their entirety online here, is an active ingredient of either:

• Ethanol that is not less than 94.9% ethanol by volume* OR
• USP Grade Isopropyl Alcohol

So, under the temporary policy, ethanol no longer has to be USP Grade, but that does not mean that any ethanol can be used. Ethanol may be considered for use in hand sanitizer if:

• It is produced in a facility used for consumable goods and with the same fermentation and distillation processes.
• It is derived from synthetic processes and meets USP Grade or FCC16 (used in food applications) Grade requirements.
• It is produced in facilities normally producing fuel or technical grade ethanol AND:

◦ It is produced using fermentation and distillation processes used for consumable goods, and no other additives or other chemicals have been added.
◦ It meets USP or FCC17 Grade requirements OR the conditions summarized in the table below.
◦ It has been screened for any other potentially harmful impurities (not specified in the USP or FCC requirements) possibly present based on the manufacturing environment.

As you can see in the table above, there is flexibility for certain impurities under the temporary policy, including methanol. While more methanol is acceptable, the interim limit is still vastly lower than the contamination levels found in the banned hand sanitizers, and still no hand sanitizer can be formulated with methanol as an ingredient.

*Lower ethanol content alcohol is acceptable in the temporary policy if it labelled accordingly, and the finished sanitizer meets an 80% ethanol concentration.

**If fuel or technical grade ethanol does not meet these limits because the sum of all other impurities exceeds 300 ppm, it may still be considered for use if individual impurities are identified and meet the interim limits in Table 2 on p. 11 of the entire temporary policy.

What is used in Betco® hand sanitizers?

None of our hand hygiene products are formulated with methanol.

The active ingredient in all Betco® hand sanitizers is USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) Grade ethyl alcohol that meets the stringent requirements specified by the FDA.

In fact, Betco is an FDA-registered facility, which means we have proven that we have identified and are effectively preventing potential hazards regarding the hand hygiene solutions being produced in our facility, as well as strictly following cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines for their manufacture, fill, and shipment. The FDA even conducts audits of our facility, in which we have never incurred a major violation, thanks to:

• On-staff scientists, who perform rigorous quality testing of raw materials—including ethanol—production and storage equipment, as well as final products.
• A dedicated skin care manufacturing and filling room that prevents cross-contamination and features a closed system.
• A quarantine area, from which skin care products are only released for shipping after having passed testing for contamination.
• Storage of samples from every run 1 year past the expiration date and examination of them for product integrity prior to disposal

The safety and health of our customers is our number one priority, and we take every possible step to ensure it. Hand sanitizers produced at Betco can be used with complete confidence in their ingredients, efficacy, and overall quality.

How were the banned hand sanitizers contaminated?

Although we don’t know for sure, it is safe to assume that if the level of methanol is over 1%, either a contaminated source of ethanol was used (certainly not compliant with FDA recommendations) or methanol—which is cheaper than ethanol—was intentionally added.

How can I avoid hand sanitizers with methanol contamination?

We encourage everyone to regularly check the list maintained by the FDA and to cease use of any hand sanitizer product from the companies or with the names or National Drug Code (NDC) numbers on the list. Do not use a hand sanitizer that:

• Has been tested by the FDA and found to contain methanol.
• Has been made at the same facility as a product that has been found to contain methanol.
• Is labeled to contain methanol.
• Is being recalled by the manufacturer or distributor.
• Is fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved” (no hand sanitizers are approved by the FDA).

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to contaminated hand sanitizer?

Methanol is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. If you are experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning—such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, weakness, visual disturbances, and loss of consciousness—seek immediate treatment for potential reversal of toxic effects.

How do I dispose of suspect hand sanitizers?

The bottle and remaining sanitizer within should be disposed of in a hazardous waste container. It is important not to flush or pour them down the drain or to mix them with any other liquids.

Do you have other questions regarding methanol in hand sanitizers that were not addressed by this post? Please email us at social@betco.com, so we can add your question and the answer to this list.

As shown in the table above, citric acid:

• Is not a carcinogen—nor is it likely to have endocrine disruptor properties.
• Does not cause reproductive issues—nor is it likely to cause developmental, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues.
• Is not a skin or lung irritant—nor does it have any unresolved or unreasonable adverse effects.
• Is not toxic to aquatic life.
• Does not break down slowly in the environment or accumulate in humans and other species.

Further, each of these active ingredient safety and health assurances also extends to all of GE Fight Bac RTU’s inactive ingredients, which—along with its rating in the lowest EPA toxicity category—have qualified GE Fight Bac RTU for the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label for use on antimicrobial products, like disinfectants and sanitizers.

This label is intended to help distributors and end users identify products that are proven safer by meeting the program’s stringent requirements and high standards. Currently, there are only 11 disinfectants that have qualified for DfE certification, less than half of which appear on EPA’s List N and are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

In fact, GE Fight Bac RTU and its ingredients are so nonhazardous that this product scores 0 for every category on the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) scale*! 

• Minimal Health Hazard: The slash in the left box indicates that the chemical does not cause chronic health problems, and the 0 in the right box that these chemicals cause little or no significant acute health risk. This category includes chemicals that are basically nonirritating to the skin and eyes.  • Minimal Flammability Hazard: These chemicals will not burn when exposed to a temperature of 1500 degrees F for a period of 5 minutes. • Minimal Reactivity Hazard: These are chemicals that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and are not reactive with water. • Furthermore, no special technical protective measures are necessary, which is why the white box at the bottom usually reserved for PPE is blank.

*HMIS is a voluntary hazard rating scheme to aid employers and employees in day-to-day compliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). It includes a rating system for acute and chronic health, flammability, and physical hazards, with ratings based on a 0–4 scale: 0 represents minimal hazards or risks, and 4 represents significant hazards or risks.

2. It's Effective

GE Fight Bac™ RTU is a hospital-grade disinfectant that kills 15 viruses and bacteria in just 3 to 5 minutes, saving on time and labor costs.

In 3 minutes, kill Hepatitis B and C and the common cold.

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella enterica
• Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA
• Aids Virus
• Influenza A virus
• Feline Calicivirus

Plus, in 60 seconds, sanitize food contact surfaces against Staph and E. coli. GE Fight Bac RTU is also tuberculocidal, meeting OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards.

Because it has demonstrated efficacy against harder-to-kill feline calicivirus, citric-acid-based GE Fight Bac RTU is recommended by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 under the emerging viral pathogen policy.

All the various viruses and bacteria that GE Fight Bac RTU is proven effective against are listed in the table on the right.

3. It's Versatile

Because GE Fight Bac RTU is free from harsh chemicals, it can be used:

• As a food contact sanitizer with no rinsing or wiping required.
• In sensitive environments—such as day care centers.
• On sensitive surfaces without leaving damage, streaks, or residue.

A more complete listing of surfaces on which and areas in which GE Fight Bac RTU can be used are summarized in the table on the right.

GE Fight Bac RTU is also versatile when it comes to application methods, because package sizes range from quart bottles, gallon bottles, and 5-gallon pails all the way up to 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon disposable totes. The quart bottles come with a trigger sprayer for immediate use, and the larger package sizes can be used to fill:

• Pump-up sprayers
• Electrostatic handheld sprayers, backpack sprayers, and carts
• Airless sprayer floor units and carts

4. It's Available

Quaternary ammonium compounds—often referred to as simply “quats”—are the active ingredients in most disinfectants. In the U.S., the 3 main producers of quats create them by reacting alkyl halides with tertiary amines—the latter of which are made from ammonia and alcohols. An explosion in demand for quat-based disinfectants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with related challenges regarding importation of necessary raw materials from usual international sources, has led to quat shortages.

As a result, alternative disinfectant active ingredients are gaining traction in the industry, such as citric acid, GE Fight Bac™ RTU’s active ingredient. Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, particularly lemons and limes, and is currently much easier to source than quats.

Because citric acid is abundantly available at the present moment, Betco is running a promotion on 55-gallon drums of GE Fight Bac RTU through the end of July. To learn more and begin leveraging this citric-acid-based disinfectant as a sustainable alternative to quat-based disinfectants, please click here.

1. Site Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2. The Right Application Method and Disinfectant
3. Proper Infection Control Procedures
4. Critical Touch Points
5. Documentation of Tasks Performed

What Is GBAC Star™ Accreditation?

GBAC stands for the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, and it is a division of ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic reopening, the council formed the GBAC Star™ performance-based facility accreditation program. Accreditation is intended to help facilities demonstrate a comprehensive system for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention, including:

• Commitment to strict protocols
• Confirmation of work practices, procedures, and documented systems in place
• Convincing customers that a facility is safe for business

Comprised of 20 steps, GBAC Star is promoted as the “gold standard of prepared facilities.” It is currently the industry’s only outbreak preparation, response, and recovery accreditation, though others may soon follow.

How Does the Smart Tools Program Support Accreditation?

Clearly, the goals of the Betco Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program and GBAC Star accreditation have much in common. Adoption of the Betco program and the act of seeking GBAC Star accreditation are extensions of the mission to provide safe and clean environments. Both communicate to facility occupants that providing services in a way that exceeds quality and compliance standards means something to your organization, and both lead to higher quality cleaning and disinfection, as well as better business performance.

The difference between the two, however, becomes more apparent in the steps themselves. While the steps for accreditation focus on actions a facility must take, the Smart Tools program is your go-to source for easy and straightforward information on how to take those actions. For example, the GBAC Star accreditation stipulates that “the facility shall share their PPE requirements for their cleaning and disinfection activities with the GBAC STAR™ review team.” Step 1 in the Betco program equips you with the knowledge to determine which types of PPE will be necessary, as well as resources for proper donning and doffing techniques.

In fact, the processes and tools in the 5 steps that comprise the Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection plug directly into the 20 steps that are required for GBAC Star accreditation, as demonstrated in the comparative guide below. In other words, Smart Tools provides a simple recipe and almost all of the ingredients for a stress-free and successful accreditation attempt the first time.

Click here to download the flyer.

With Smart Tools, you can get started immediately with our online tools that remove the guesswork and minimize disruption to your facility. Resources—many of which are available in both English and Spanish—include: 

• Outlines: Guide selection of the best products and application methods based on the needs of a specific facility
• Task cards: Explain cleaning procedures with step-by-step instructions and guide clean teams to specific chemical products and equipment to accomplish any cleaning or disinfection task
• Wall charts: Define chemicals, show the proper methods of application, and highlight the surfaces on which chemicals should be used
• Touch point lists: Establish a baseline for a successful disinfection program by identifying and confirming critical high-touch surface disinfection objectives
• Certificates, posters, signs, flyers, and table tents: Provide reassurance to your employees, customers, and vendors that enhanced disinfection was completed according to the highest industry standards
• Survey: Confirms your facility has been disinfected properly with EPA-registered products that meet CDC guidelines

With Betco, you are also gaining a partner in the process every step of the way. Our experts provide practical, straightforward guidance for your specific business model. Whether your facility is large or small, new or established, Betco’s Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program can stand on its own and—should you wish to pursue GBAC Star accreditation—provide an “easy button” to help you streamline your application efforts for a positive outcome.

If you’re interested in learning more, please click here to fill out the online form, and a Betco representative will contact you.

• N-95 surgical mask or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)
• Eye protection – face shield, safety glasses, safety goggles
• Disposable gown or properly laundered reusable covering
• Gloves
• Shoe covers or shoes that can be properly decontaminated

16. Are all sprayers in the Application Method Guide available at Betco?

No, Betco only makes the disinfectants that can be used in these sprayers. Please consult the applicator companies directly for purchase.

17. Can I use microfiber wipes to apply the disinfectant?

Yes, microfiber wipes are an excellent way to apply disinfectants. These wipes must be changed when visibly dirty and should be laundered on a frequent basis.

18. Which products are safe to use when disinfecting food-contact surfaces?  

All Betco disinfectants can be used on food-contact surfaces (areas where food may be prepared, served, or stored). You simply need to rinse with potable water after the required dwell time.

Betco’s Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer may be used to sanitize food contact surfaces and does not require a rinse with potable water. Please consult the product label for more specific instruction.

19. How long do you have to wait after disinfection before allowing people to enter the room?

This answer depends greatly on several conditions, such as the size of the room, the amount of ventilation and air flow in the room, and how the disinfectant is applied. In general, if spraying a coarse spray directly on the surface, people should be able to enter the room shortly after the necessary dwell time (5–10 minutes).

20. How effective are alternative disinfection methods, such as ultrasonic waves, high-intensity UV radiation, and LED blue lights?

From the CDC, “The efficacy of these disinfection methods against the virus that causes COVID-19 is not known. EPA only recommends use of the surface disinfectants identified on List N against the virus that causes COVID-19. EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices. Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.”

21. Can sanitizing tunnels at a building's exit or entrance prevent the spread of COVID-19?

CDC does not recommend the use of sanitizing tunnels. There is no evidence that they are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Chemicals used in sanitizing tunnels could cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation or damage.

22. How do I disinfect children's toys?

Be careful when disinfecting any item that could enter children’s mouths. The best recommendation is to wash the toys in soap and water, rinse, and allow to air dry. If this is not feasible, use either Betco’s Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer or Sanibet RTU according to label directions, making sure the toys are completely dry before allowing children to use them.

23. How long are dilutable disinfectants effective for after dilution? 

Check the specific label. In general, if a disinfectant solution becomes visible dirty, it must be discarded. A few products at use-dilution have bactericidal stability for extended periods, like Symplicity Sanibet (up to 5 months) or Triforce (up to 1 year). Other diluted products on List N must be made fresh daily according to the EPA label.

24. How often should cleaning and disinfecting be done?

The CDC states, “Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, bathroom surfaces, and handrails, should be cleaned with soap and water or another detergent at least daily when facilities are in use. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use. For example, certain surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected before each use. Cleaning removes dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but it reduces the number of germs on a surface.”

25. Is there any residual efficacy after the disinfectant dries?

No, that is why it is important to disinfect high-touch surfaces and areas. Be wary of products that claim residual efficacy. These claims are only relevant to preserving the surface where they are applied (prevent odors or staining). They do not have residual viral efficacy and none of these products are recommended on List N.

26. How long do I leave the disinfectant on the surface?

All disinfectants have different and specific dwell times depending on the organism you are trying to kill. Refer to the EPA List N for the recommended dwell time for use against SARS-CoV-2.

27. I have heard the virus can spread on shoes, is this true?

A recent study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can potentially be spread by shoes. In the study, researchers took samples from various surfaces at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, the early epicenter of the outbreak—including samples from the soles of ICU staff members' shoes. Half of the samples taken from the shoes tested positive for the virus.

This demonstrates the importance of disinfecting floors during corrective disinfection.

This depends on the disinfectant and the surface. Most surfaces can be allowed to air dry. For sensitive surfaces like electronic equipment, after the required dwell time, it is advised to wipe any residue from the surface. Food-contact surfaces should be rinsed with potable water after disinfecting.

29. Is it safe to vacuum a facility after a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case has been present?

According to the CDC, “The risk of transmitting or spreading SARS-CoV-2 during vacuuming is unknown. At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 associated with vacuuming. If vacuuming is necessary, first follow the CDC recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities that apply, which includes a wait time of 24 hours, or as long as practical.

“After cleaning and disinfection, the following recommendations may help reduce the risk to workers and other individuals when vacuuming:

• Consider removing smaller rugs or carpets from the area completely, so there is less that needs to be vacuumed. 
• Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) filter, if available.
• Do not vacuum a room or space that has people in it. Wait until the room or space is empty to vacuum, such as at night, for common spaces, or during the day for private rooms.
• Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the facility. 

30. Do I need to disinfect the tools and equipment used after performing corrective disinfection? 

Yes, it is advisable to disinfect all materials. Betco has a guide to proper equipment disinfection.

31. How does the EPA regulate companies with cleaning services claiming to disinfect for COVID-19?

The EPA does not specifically regulate cleaning companies. However, if the company uses a product or makes an efficacy claim that cannot be backed up by an EPA registration, then that is a violation, and the company can be subject to substantial fines and penalties.

32. Are non-alcohol hand sanitizers effective?

The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and has stated, “Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol 1) may not work equally well for many types of germs; and 2) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright.”

33. How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on various surfaces? 

According to an NIH (National Institute of Health) study, SARS-CoV-2 remained active on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces for 2–3 days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 4 hours on copper. The virus was detectable in aerosols (in the air) for up to 3 hours. These times will vary under real-world conditions, depending on factors including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the amount of virus deposited.

34. What is the recommendation for areas that cannot be disinfected, like paper or cardboard (that break down when wet)?

Since the virus has only been shown to survive for 24 hours on these surfaces, it is best to remove these items to a secure spot and not handle them for a few days.

35. Should outdoor playgrounds in schools and parks be disinfected?

From the CDC, “Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public.”

36. Is it recommended to disinfect roads or sidewalks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

CDC does not recommend disinfection of sidewalks or roads. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and roads is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. The risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective on these surfaces.

37. Is it necessary to disinfect the duct work in the ventilation system?

It is not necessary to disinfect the HVAC system, including ductwork. We are focusing on the high-touch points.

38. Does an ATP meter show the virus is killed?

An ATP meter shows how much organic material has been removed from a surface and is a good measure of cleaning performance. It cannot show if there are any microorganisms present or what those specific organisms are. The only way to do this is to swab the surface, transfer to a growth plate, and check for growth over 24–48 hours. This is normally done in a microbiology laboratory.

Our new Smart Tools™ Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program provides the framework, tools, techniques, procedures, safety guidelines, and support materials for facilities of all types to develop and execute a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection work plan, allowing them to confidently reopen while keeping all who enter safe.  It combines evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility occupants at ease in just 5 steps. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to visit our dedicated SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 web page, which also has crucial information and resources.

As stated in List N’s introductory text, "these products may be marketed and sold under different brand names, but if they have the same EPA registration number, they are the same product. " These are known as supplemental, secondary, or sub-registrations.

Currently, Betco® has a collection of products formulated to stop COVID-19 in its tracks. We have isolated them for your reading convenience in a Betco-only version of List N, which you can download by clicking here.

All disinfectant product labels must include the EPA registration number. For secondary registrations, a company EPA ID follows the registration number, which is why Betco's ID—4170—appears after the EPA registration number on our labels.

3. How does the EPA know these products work against SARS-CoV-2? 

Because SARS-CoV-2 is such a new virus, it is not available commercially for laboratory testing. The EPA expects these disinfectants to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 based on:

• Demonstrated efficacy against a harder-to-kill virus
• Demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2
• Qualification for the emerging viral pathogens claim

4. What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases defines emerging infectious diseases/pathogens as those “that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.” Many of the emerging pathogens of greatest concern are pathogenic viruses, and the ability of some of these viruses to persist on environmental surfaces can play a role in human disease transmission. SARS-CoV-2 is such a pathogenic virus.

Because the occurrence of emerging viral pathogens is less common and predictable than established pathogens, few if any EPA-registered disinfectant product labels specify use against this category of infectious agents. Therefore, in 2016, EPA provided a voluntary, two-stage process to enable use of certain EPA-registered disinfectant products against emerging viral pathogens not identified on the product label.

A company can apply for an emerging viral pathogen claim, even before an outbreak occurs, based on previous EPA-approved claims for harder-to-kill viruses.

The emerging viral pathogen guidance was triggered for SARS-CoV-2 on Jan. 29, 2020. EPA reviews the supporting information and determines if the claim is acceptable. Once approved, a company can make certain off-label claims as specified in the policy in the event of an outbreak such as SARS-CoV-2. For instance, the company can include an efficacy statement on:

• Technical literature distributed to health care facilities, physicians, nurses, and public health officials
• Non-label-related websites
• Consumer information services
• Social media sites

5. Why are there no skin care products on list N? / Can skin care products make COVID-19 claims? 

List N only includes EPA-registered surface disinfectants. Hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes, and antibacterial soaps are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EPA-registered surface disinfectants, including surface wipes, SHOULD NOT be applied on your skin or ingested.

Only products approved as pharmaceutical drugs can legally make COVID-19 claims, not over-the-counter topical anesthetics, which skin care products are considered. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. It does not differentiate between different types of soaps (antibacterial or plain soap). When soap and water is unavailable use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

6. What is the difference between disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaners?

Cleaners use soap or detergents to physically remove dirt, dust, other soils. While cleaners do not kill germs, they do remove them. Cleaners are not regulated or tested by the EPA.

Sanitizers reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9%, while disinfectants kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and fungi. Both sanitizers and disinfectants are regulated and tested by the EPA and must be proven efficacious for specific germs.

7. How do I use disinfectants against coronavirus?

The CDC recommends pre-cleaning surfaces before using a disinfectant.

All disinfectant label instructions should be followed carefully, especially with regard to:

• Dwell time, or amount of time that the surface must stay wet to ensure that germs are killed
• Concentration, as some products may need to be diluted before use
• Application method, including whether to use a sponge, paper towel, microfiber cloth, etc.
• Personal protective equipment and other safety considerations
• Suitability for use on different types of surfaces (see question #9 below)

8. Can I use disinfectants in an electrostatic sprayer, fogger, or mister?

In order for a disinfectant to remain effective, it has to be applied as a wet spray. Most disinfectants recommend a coarse wet spray. This can be achieved by use of a spray bottle, pump up sprayer, or an electrostatic sprayer. The key is that the particle size of the droplets has to be greater than 80 microns, and most electrostatic sprayers are 80–150 microns. Check the specific disinfectant label for further instructions on use in these machines.

Foggers/misters create a thick fog or—in the case of thermal (heat) foggers—steam and use very little product. This is an insufficient delivery system for disinfectants.

9. What surfaces should I disinfect?

All reachable hard, non-porous surfaces can be disinfected, but high-touch surfaces should be paid special attention. These include but are not limited to tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

The World Health Organization says studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 may last for a few hours or several days on surfaces, depending on the kind of surface, temperature, and humidity. Under the conditions in at least 1 experiment, the virus remained active on plastic and stainless steel for 2–3 days.

Not all disinfectants are appropriate for use on medical devices or food-contact surfaces. Disinfectants that are suitable for use on these surfaces may, furthermore, require additional actions, such as rinsing after disinfection. This information will be located on the product label.

10. What about soft or porous surfaces, like carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes?

No disinfectant can claim to disinfect soft surfaces. You may, however, sanitize with an EPA-registered soft surface sanitizer, such as Betco’s Triforce Disinfectant and Soft Surface Sanitizer, according to label directions.

You may also clean soft surfaces with soap and water or a suitable cleaner, then launder if possible (see question #11 below).

According to Juan Dumois, a pediatric infectious-diseases physician, “In general coronaviruses last a lot longer on hard non-porous surfaces compared to porous surfaces.”

11. How should I do laundry with regard to SARS-CoV-2?

Clothing, towels, linens, and similar articles should be laundered using manufacturer’s directions in the warmest suitable water and be completely dry before use. Items used by an infected person can be washed with other items.

Dirty laundry should not be shaken to avoid releasing the virus into the air and should only be handled when wearing disposable gloves. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing the gloves.

Remember to pre-clean and disinfect hampers according to label instructions.

12. How should I disinfect electronics?

First, always check with the manufacturer of the electronics to see if there are any explicit requirements or specifications. To apply disinfectant to most electronics, spray the disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth or towel, do not oversaturate the fabric, then wipe the surface and allow to air dry.  Never spray directly on electronics.

13. What precautions should I take when cleaning/disinfecting?

If someone in a facility is sick, all areas they have used should be closed off, with any outside doors and windows opened to increase air circulation. Wait 24 hours or as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting all areas and surfaces used by the sick person.

Whether a sick person has used an area or not, always wear disposable gloves and gowns for the entire cleaning and disinfecting process, including handling trash. After you carefully remove these items, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If hands are not visibly dirty and soap and water are unavailable, you may use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Additional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, might be need based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash. Always consult product labels and ensure proper ventilation of the area.

Never mix bleach with any other chemicals.

Our new Smart Tools™ Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program provides the framework, tools, techniques, procedures, safety guidelines, and support materials for facilities of all types to develop and execute a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection work plan, allowing them to confidently reopen while keeping all who enter safe.  It combines evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility occupants at ease in just 5 steps. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to visit our dedicated SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 web page, which also has crucial information and resources.

There is much more to learn about how the virus (2019-nCoV) spreads, severity of associated illness, and other features of the virus. Investigations are ongoing. Based on current information, however, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time. Nevertheless, the CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

The following information is for Common Human Coronaviruses:

Symptoms of human coronavirus may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore threat
• Fever

The transmission method when spread from an infected person to others:

• The air by coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination

Usually infections occur in the fall and winter, although there is a possibility of infection throughout the year.

Best prevention measures include:

• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, discarding the tissue, and washing your hands with soap and water—or, when soap and water are unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 60% alcohol as recommended by the CDC.

Betco® Advanced Alcohol Hand Sanitizer is a new formula that contains 70% alcohol. Though tough on germs, this sanitizer is gentle on hands, thanks to added aloe that moisturizes and conditions.

• Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #79504-00 
  • 6 - 1000 mL Clario Bags Item #79529-00 

   

• Advanced Alcohol Gel Sanitizer
  • 12 - 900 mL BIB Item #79619-00 
  • 6 - 1000 mL Clario Bags Item #79629-00 

The following Betco® disinfectants have proven efficacy against the human coronavirus (10-minute kill claim unless otherwise noted):

• Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer (at Hospital Disinfectant dilution)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #23704-00 
  • 5 Gal. Pail Item #23705-00 
  • 2.5 Gal. BIB Item #23725-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #23747-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #23755-00 

• Betco® Pine Quat Cleaner, Disinfectant, and Deodorant
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #30404-00  
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #30455-00

• Fight-Bac® RTU Broad Spectrum Disinfectant Cleaner (2 minutes)
  • 12 - 32 oz. Bottles Item #31112-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #31155-00

• pH7Q Neutral pH Disinfectant, Detergent, and Deodorant (1 minute)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #31604-00 
  • 5 Gal. Pail Item #31605-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #31655-00

•  Triforce Disinfectant (3 minutes)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #33304-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #33347-00

• Quat-Stat™ 5 Alkaline Disinfectant (5 minutes)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #34104-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #34147-00 
  • 6 - 32 oz. Dosing Bottles Item #34148-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #34155-00

• pH7Q Dual Concentrated Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #35504-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #35547-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #35555-00

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronavirus. Rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take fever medications. If symptoms persist, you should see your healthcare provider.

Visit the CDC's website for more information.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc.).
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

During scrubbing, the World Health Organization has outlined the following steps:

1. Rub your hands together, palm to palm.
2. Rub the back of each hand with the palm of the opposite hand with fingers interlaced.
3. Again, rub palm to palm, but this time with fingers interlaced.
4. Rub the backs of your fingers using opposing palms with fingers interlocked.
5. Rub around each thumb with the palm of the opposing palm.
6. Finally rub the palm of each hand with fingers of the opposing hand.

By using this model for hand hygiene, you can protect yourself and others—especially children—from the spread of germs.

To view Betco’s comprehensive line of flu-fighting hand soaps, please click here.

Clearly, it is of critical importance to properly mix concentrated cleaning solutions, and the first step in doing so is to consult the product label for the dilution ratio. If a product is multi-purpose, the label will often indicate different dilution ratios for different applications, so it is important to select the appropriate ratio for the task at hand.

Dilution Ratios and Ounces per Gallon
Dilution ratios are written as 2 numbers separated by a colon. The number to the left of the colon represents the amount of concentrated chemical, while the number to the right of the colon represents the amount of water. For example:

In this example, the dilution ratio can be verbally expressed as 1 part chemical to 32 parts water.

In place of or in addition to the dilution ratio, the label may supply the number of ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water.

If given the dilution ratio only, ounces per gallon may be calculated by dividing 128 (the number of ounces in a gallon) by the amount of water (the number to the right of the colon). In continuing with our previous example of a 1:32 dilution ratio:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 32 = 4 ounces per gallon of water

If given ounces per gallon only, the dilution ratio may be calculated by dividing 128 by the recommended number of ounces per gallon. The quotient is the number of parts water to 1 part chemical, and as such goes to the right of the colon. For example, if a label indicates 4 ounces per gallon:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 4 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

Other Units of Volume
If you would like to calculate ounces of concentrated chemical per a different amount of water, simply swap 128 for the appropriate number of ounces:
• 10 gallons = 1280 ounces
• 5 gallons = 640 ounces
• 1 gallon = 128 ounces
• 1 quart = 32 ounces
• 1 pint = 16 ounces
• 1 cup = 8 ounces

For example, if you want to know how much concentrated chemical to use with a quart of water, and the dilution ratio is 1:32:

32 (ounces in a quart) ÷ 32 = 1 ounce per quart of water

To download a chart with ounces per gallon for common dilution ratios, click here.

The Metric System
If calculating milliliters per liter from dilution ratio or dilution ratio from milliliters per liter, the same logic holds. Using a dilution ratio of 1:32:

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 32 = 31.25 milliliters per liter

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 31.25 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

If conversion between metric and imperial is necessary, here are some common metric volume equivalents:
• 1 ounce = 29.6 milliliters
• 1 cup = 236.6 milliliters
• 1 pint = 473.2 milliliters
• 1 quart = 946.4 milliliters (or 0.9464 liters)
• 1 gallon = 3.8 liters (or 3785.4 milliliters)
• 5 gallons = 18.9 liters (or 18927.1 milliliters)
• 10 gallons = 37.9 liters (or 37854.1 milliliters)
• 33.8 ounces = 1 liter (or 1000 milliliters)

Real-World Applications
Most of the time, the ready-to-use solution will go into a receptacle with an actual volume that is slightly greater than the advertised volume. For example, a 5-gallon pail really holds approximately 5.75 gallons. For this reason, it is often easiest and most expedient to use 5 gallons of water plus the appropriate amount of concentrated chemical, even though this results in more than 5 gallons. Using our familiar 1:32 dilution ratio example:

4 (ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water) x 5 (gallons of water) = 20 ounces of concentrated chemical

20 (ounces of concentrated chemical) + 5 (gallons of water) = 5 gallons, 20 ounces of ready-to-use solution

The total volume of 5 gallons, 20 ounces will usually not be a problem.

If, however, an exact amount of ready-to-use solution is required, then click here to download and use a chart that takes this into account.

Cost per Diluted Gallon
Finally, it may be useful to calculate cost per diluted gallon.

For this calculation, the parts concentrated chemical and water expressed in the dilution ratio must be added together. For our 1:32 dilution ratio:

1 + 32 = 33 parts

Then divide the concentrated chemical’s cost per gallon by the total parts. For example, if the cost is $10.00 for 1 gallon of concentrated chemical:

$10.00 ÷ 33 (total parts) = $0.30 per diluted gallon

Safety
When manually mixing chemical, it is important to always add water before you add the concentrated chemical in order to minimize chemical splash and foam. As with any chemical, always read the Safety Data Sheet before use and be sure to wear the proper PPE, such as gloves and eye protection.

If you would like to avoid the hassle and safety risks associated with manually mixing chemicals, Betco® offers several closed dilution control systems that consistently provide the correct dilution for cleaning staff. Learn more here.  

1. High-solids topical coatings have been widely rejected, due to their insufficient adhesion to the substrate and failure when there is high vapor drive.

2. Guards are not susceptible to the same vapor drive and adhesion problems. Guards are also known as semi-topical coatings/sealers, because while they sit on top of the concrete surface, they also lightly fill in its surface pores. Guards successfully protect concrete floors from stain and etch, while also creating gloss on non-polished surfaces and augmenting gloss on polished surfaces. Their primary drawback, however, is the need to recoat due to wear. The number and frequency of recoats required is largely dependent on environment in which they are used, particularly foot and/or wheel traffic.

3. Penetrating sealers, as indicated in the name, fill in surface pores to prevent stain and etch. When using a penetrating sealer, none of the product remains on the surface of the concrete, unlike topical and semi-topical coatings. This penetration means that foot and/or wheel traffic, stain- and etch-causing substances, as well as sealant-infused cleaning and burnishing pads make direct contact with the concrete surface, instead of with a coating. This is the reason penetrating sealers are somewhat less effective against stain and etch than guards, but it is also the reason penetrating sealers wear less and require fewer reapplications than guards.

The Betco® Crete Rx™ system offers both a penetrating sealer in the form of our Stain Defense product, as well as a new guard in the form of our LiquiShield product. Wondering which product may be right for your concrete or terrazzo floor?

LiquiShield performs best in these applications:

• Floors that require heavy stain protection, such as cafeterias
• Providing gloss and protection to non-polished concrete floors
• Terrazzo floors that cannot be polished due to:
  -Bleed off from divider strips (zinc, aluminum, brass, or PVC)
  -Topical dyes that bleed when dry polished
  -Non-cementitious terrazzo
• Combination floors with topical guard/penetrating sealer for quick and easy avoidance of tedious edge work:
  -Polish the floor using the Crete Rx system
  -Apply LiquiShield along the edge, 3–4 inches wide, and it will shine like the rest of the floor
  -With little-to-no wear at the edges, LiquiShield will last for many years using the Crete Rx daily cleaning program

• Floors with very heavy traffic, such as grocery and retail floors or warehouse floors exposed to heavy forklift traffic
• Floors that require an extremely high DOI (distinctness of image)
• Floors that require high levels of scuff and scratch resistance
• Lowering annual maintenance costs associated with annual and/or semi-annual recoats
  

You may have noticed this language on safety data sheets:

EPA Statement:
This chemical is a pesticide product registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and is subject to certain labeling requirements under federal pesticide law. These requirements differ from the classification criterial and hazard information required for safety data sheets, and for workplace labels of nonpesticide chemicals. Below is the signal word as required on the pesticide label:

Or you may have noticed directions for “Pesticide Storage” and “Pesticide Disposal” on product labels (click image below to enlarge).

So why are disinfectants and sanitizers listed as pesticides?  People often use the term "pesticide" to refer only to insecticides, but it actually applies to all the substances used to control pests.  Disinfectants and sanitizers—as well as insecticides, herbicides, swimming pool treatments, and even leaf defoliants—are managed by EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs.  Disinfectants and sanitizers kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  According to the EPA these are considered pests just as insects, weeds, snails, and slugs are considered pests.  Therefore, the EPA classifies disinfectants and sanitizers as pesticides.

In addition, the EPA further classifies disinfectants as antimicrobial pesticides: “Intended to disinfect, sanitize, reduce or mitigate growth or development of microbiological organisms or protect inanimate objects, industrial processes or systems, surfaces, water or other chemical substances from contamination, fouling or deterioration caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, or slime.”

For more detailed information from the EPA, please click here or here.

So, the term “pesticides” covers a large range of products, from your well-known insecticides and herbicides to less well-known disinfectants and sanitizers, and the inclusion of this term on product literature, including labels and safety data sheets, should not be considered cause for concern. Whether from Betco or a different chemical manufacturer, all disinfectants and sanitizers in the United States must be labeled as pesticides.

All of Betco’s safety data sheets are up-to-date and available online. Simply click the “SDS” tab in the red navigation bar at the top of our website to access Safety Data Sheets for all products, or check the “SDS and Resources” section of each product page.

Betco® offers a complete line of high-performing finishes to satisfy a variety of facility and maintenance program needs. Whether you have time constraints to maintain finishes properly or you want the highest appearance level, we have a floor finish for you.

If an unexpected and unpleasant odor is emanating from your autoscrubber, we recommend removing the tank and inspecting it. If the tank has…

White Residue

Cleaning chemicals that were used in the autoscrubber were too dilute, resulting in an interaction with hard water ions (calcium and magnesium). Alternatively, cleaning chemical residue was left behind in the tank due to water evaporation. While these white mineral films themselves do not usually have an odor, their formation at low temperatures is usually accompanied by bacterial biofilms, which are malodorous.

If the white residue is not coupled with a smell, our recommendation is to treat the tank with dilute acid solution, such as MAD, according to the label directions. If an unpleasant odor is present, we advise treating the tank with a mild bleach solution due to the presence of bacteria, again according to the label directions. Symplicity™ Destainer is about 12.5% bleach and can be diluted at a ratio of 1:20 for such a purpose.

Gummy Residue

Incompatible cleaning chemicals were used in the autoscrubber, resulting in cross-contamination in the tank. Similarly to mineral films, gummy residue itself does not smell, but it is often present alongside bacteria in the form of biofilms. Regardless of whether or not odor is present, we suggest treating the tank and cleaning the filter with a mild bleach solution according to the label directions.

Malodor

With or without residue, bacteria is present in the autoscrubber’s tank. We advise treating the tank with a mild bleach solution according to the label directions. Appropriate bleach products, such as Symplicity™ Destainer, will not leave a residue nor potentially lead to excess foaming in the scrubber. 

NOTE: Never mix acids and bleach solutions when cleaning, as it produces a toxic gas.

Do you have different autoscrubber or other equipment issues? Tell us about it at social@betco.com, and our experts will address your problem in an upcoming blog post!

Also, educating your staff about the disease is very important. Knowledge is power! Below is a list of frequently asked questions so you can better understand measles and take measures to keep everyone healthy.

What are measles? Measles is caused by a single-stranded enveloped virus. Humans are the only natural hosts of the measles virus.

What illness does the measles virus cause? Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It causes a high fever (up to 105° F), cough, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent covering of the eye), followed by a rash that appears as a flat, red area with small bumps. The rash usually appears 14 days after a person is exposed and can spread all over the body. Patients are considered to be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. Some high-risk patients do not develop the rash.

How does measles spread? Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Up to 9 out of 10 susceptible persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is spread by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

Who is at high risk for contracting measles? Anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated is at a high risk for contracting measles. Infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are at a high risk for having complications from measles.

What are common complications from measles? Pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhea are common complications.

• One out of every 1,000 measles cases will develop acute encephalitis, often resulting in permanent brain damage.
• One or two out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory or neurological complications.

How can I prevent getting the measles? There is only one sure way to prevent contracting measles, and that is through vaccination. The vaccine is usually given as a combination MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella). The MMRV vaccine can be used for children aged 12 months through 12 years for protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). One dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are approximately 97% effective.

What can I do if there has been a confirmed or suspected case of measles in my facility? Whoever has a confirmed or suspected case of measles should stay home for four days after developing the rash. Ask your doctor when it is safe to be around other people again.

Good practices to stop the spread of any disease:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the trashcan. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinks or food utensils.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, and counters. Standard disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.

Why have we seen such an increase in measles? I thought the disease was eradicated in the US? Measles is still common in many parts of the world, including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the US. Measles spread when these travelers visit US communities with pockets of unvaccinated people. As of April 26^th, 22 states have reported measles cases.

Betco has a complete line of skin care products and programs to encourage frequent handwashing and also has numerous disinfectants that help reduce disease transmission.

Proliferation of bacteria is particularly problematic with regard to regular and antibacterial hand soaps and cleansers, as bacteria can overwhelm any active ingredients and render the product ineffective, ultimately leading to increased spread of potentially harmful germs.

In order to inhibit undesirable bacterial growth, preservatives are commonly used in hand hygiene and other cosmetic products. To properly defend products against contamination, it is important that manufacturers use a preservative package that is effective against a variety of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. One of the most common preservative packages is MCI/MI: a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. The MCI component provides quick initial protection from contamination, while the MI component holds off bacteria in the long term. 

Although preservatives like MCI/MI often get a bad reputation, these and all other ingredients in cosmetic products such as soaps and cleansers are regulated by the FDA to ensure the safety of consumers. It is true that MCI/MI has been associated with skin irritation, but those associations were largely formed in previous decades with relation to leave-on products and when MCI/MI was used at higher concentrations. Now primarily used in rinse-off products and at much lower concentrations, rates of contact allergy or irritation from MCI/MI in rinse-off products are extremely low. Indeed, MCI/MI has been repeatedly proven safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 15 ppm.

Beyond the FDA, MCI/MI has been ruled safe for use in rinse-off products at appropriate concentrations by other organizations, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Neither MCI nor MI have been listed by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen.

MCI/MI is an effective preservative package that plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficacy of cosmetic products, including hand hygiene products. When products that contain preservatives are manufactured as stipulated by regulatory agencies and used as directed by consumers, the preservatives therein are not only safe, but are furthermore necessary to safeguard the health of consumers. Betco is committed to using preservatives to maintain hand hygiene products that are both safe and effective for the end user. 

Polished concrete, as we know it today, was accidentally developed in the early 1990s in a Tunisian palace by workers. They polished the floor dry, and as a byproduct of their mistake, sparked a fervor for polished concrete that took off around the world. 

Modern Times

In modern times, there are 3 different types of polished concrete floors, for which the Concrete Polishing Association of America created standards:

1. Bonded abrasive polished concrete floors are achieved using a machine to cut fine microscopic peaks and valleys.
2. Burnished polished concrete floors are achieved using friction and abrasive pads on a machine.
3. Topical polished concrete floors are achieved using an applied liquid coating, delivering a polished gloss.

The Betco Crete Rx™ System is the simplest concrete system on the market and exceeds the standards set forth for bonded abrasive and burnished polished concrete floors. Our innovative process seamlessly integrates chemicals, pads, and tools to achieve better-looking floors, with a depth of gloss and stain resistance in less time, with no liquid coating necessary. Learn more here.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows the science behind handwashing and how washing your hands with soap and water removes germs and viruses from hands. 
Here’s how to wash your hands according to the CDC:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
   • Why? Using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from skin, and people tend to scrub hands more thoroughly when using soap, which further removes germs.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
   • Why? Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin.  Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, often in particularly high concentration under the nails, so the entire hand should be scrubbed.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
   • Why? Based on several global studies and research, the optimal length of time to wash hands is 20 seconds. This removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
   • Why? Soap and friction help lift dirt, grease, and microbes—including disease-causing germs—from skin so they can then be rinsed off of hands. Rinsing the soap away also minimizes skin irritation.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
   • Why? Germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands; therefore, hands should be dried after washing.

Germs are Always Lurking

Handwashing helps prevent infections because:

• Germs can enter our bodies through our eyes, nose and mouths. People frequently touch these areas with their hands – which come in contact with an average of 10 million germs per day.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into food and drinks. Sometimes, germs can even multiply in certain food or drinks under certain conditions and make people sick.
• Germs know no boundaries – unwashed hands can transfer germs to multiple objects and surfaces like door knobs, table tops, toys or keyboards. These germs will linger on the surface until they’re eventually transferred to someone else’s hands.
• Removing germs through handwashing can help prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections, and could even prevent skin and eye infections.

By changing handwashing behavior, we can help individuals and their communities stay healthy. In fact, by simply washing our hands, we can:

• Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%
• Reduce diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%
• Protect approximately 1 in 3 children who get sick

Ready to improve hand hygiene in your workplace? Implement the Compass^® Program from Betco^®. Compass is the only program that guides users to proper hand hygiene as recommended by the CDC. Click here to learn more.

To learn more about the science behind handwashing, click here.

October officially marks the beginning of the flu season. While influenza viruses are detected all year-round in the U.S., flu activity often begins to increase in the fall. Viruses that cause a common cold and the flu can spread easily. Shaking hands, opening a door and even petting an animal can result in germ-filled hands. In fact, 80% of germs and viruses are spread by your hands. By touching your eyes, nose and mouth you can infect yourself.

But don’t worry – there’s an easy way to combat these germs. It starts with washing your hands.

Samuel N. Grief, MD, an associate professor of clinical family medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, says “Hand washing is the best way to prevent colds and other respiratory and infectious diseases that are transmitted by hand to mouth or hand to nose and eye contact…soap acts as a vehicle to trap the germs that are loosened by the act of rubbing your hands together under water. These germs can then be rinsed away by the water."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a six step process for washing hands. It only takes 20 seconds and is one of the best proactive methods to disinfecting your hands to stop the spread of germs and viruses.

Here’s how to wash your hands the right way:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.