Communicating appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices and health risks in environmental public health practice
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several nonpharmaceutical control measures have been recommended or mandated to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease. Among control measures such as physical distancing, face coverings, and proper hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols have been implemented in many public settings. As a result of heightened awareness and uncertainty about SARS-CoV-2 transmission, people have also increased the frequency of disinfection in private homes. However, public health guidance on the appropriate use of cleaning and disinfection products and technologies may be lacking or not well-communicated. This article will provide a brief discussion of cleaning and disinfection products and practices, potential health risks due to misuse and overuse, and how public health inspectors may play a role in communication and education with various stakeholders. While this article focuses on communicating proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, it is important to note that fomite transmission is not a major transmission pathway for SARS-CoV-2.
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