Back to School Safety: How Disinfectants Help Ensure a Healthy Environment for Students

The beginning of the school year is a time of excitement, but it can also bring worries about the potential spread of sickness. Schools are high-traffic areas where students, teachers, and staff work in close proximity. This increased interaction and shared spaces can create an ideal environment for the transmission of various viruses and bacteria. From common colds to more serious outbreaks, the risk of illness can disrupt the learning process, affect attendance, and pose a significant challenge to maintaining a healthy school community.

Effectively Using Disinfectants and Sanitizers to Help Control Germs

A disinfectant is used to help kill disease-causing pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) on hard surfaces and in water. Sanitizers are used to lower the number of pathogens on surfaces to a safe level. Unlike soap and regular cleaning products, disinfectants and sanitizers are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which evaluates data on each product to ensure that they pose no unreasonable risk to human health and the environment and data showing that they help kill or control the different pathogens listed on the product label (e.g., e. coli, types of flu-causing viruses). School employees can choose the product needed to slow the transmission of any known illnesses circulating in the school by carefully reviewing the labels of EPA-registered disinfectants and sanitizers.

Not every mess needs a disinfectant or sanitizer! Soap and water or another cleaning product can be used to clean up messes like crayons, crumbs, and dirt. Disinfectants and sanitizers should be used when killing germs is necessary. It’s especially important to use disinfectants when there are bodily fluids (e.g., blood, mucus, vomit, etc.) to help avoid the transmission of disease. Judiciously using disinfectants and sanitizers in schools can help keep students and teachers healthier.

Guidelines For Using Disinfectants Safely

For all EPA-registered disinfectants and sanitizers, the label is the law and the key to using these products safely. The label shows which microbes the product is designed to help kill and provides the directions for use along with important safety and storage information. It’s important to carefully review a product’s label and remember:

• All disinfectants and sanitizers include the statement KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. The use of disinfectants and sanitizers is for adults only.
• Products will list how long a product needs to sit on a surface to effectively disinfect or sanitize. Make sure to follow the prescribed contact time and any additional directions, such as pre-cleaning the area or rinsing after, to help ensure maximum microbial control.
• The label will also list whether appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, should be worn when handling and applying the product.
• Proper storage and handling of disinfectants are also essential. Disinfectants should be kept in a secure, well-ventilated area, away from any food preparation or consumption areas.

Effective communication and training are crucial for the safe use of disinfectants in schools. School administrators should provide clear instructions and guidelines to custodial staff, teachers, and other personnel on the proper application, dilution, and contact times for disinfectants. This helps ensure that disinfectants are used effectively while minimizing the risk of exposure or misuse.

As we embark on the new school year, disinfectants and sanitizers are critical tools in helping create a healthy and safe environment for our students.

The Center for Biocide Chemistries Resources

The Center for Biocide Chemistries has created infographics to help raise awareness about disinfectants used in public places. Our Schools infographic highlights some places where disinfectants are used in schools. Additionally, we have a video and podcast about how to read a product label.