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Jones, Enesta [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
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3/2/2018 10:06:28 PM
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Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Bleach article
David,
On background:
Does the EPA have regulatory control over bleach? It seems that it does (see this list of registered products that claims to be able to kill avian flu); is this because antimicrobials fall under the "pesticide" category as far as the government is concerned?
Response: Yes to both questions. Products containing bleach that make claims to kill or control pests, including microbial pests like germs, viruses and fungi, are pesticides and must be registered by EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. EPA regulates antimicrobial pesticides, substances or mixtures of substances that are used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces.
Is regular, Clorox-style bleach-sodium hypochlorite solution-deemed safe and effective for killing influenza by the EPA?
Response: EPA-registered liquid bleach products containing sodium hypochlorite with label claims for killing influenza have been approved based on testing data submitted to EPA, are considered effective when used according to the directions on the label. EPA-registered products are re-evaluated every 15 years to ensure they meet the appropriate safety standard.
What process does an antimicrobial need to go through to be sanctioned for its ability by the EPA?
Response: The registration of antimicrobial pesticides is similar to the process used for other pesticide products. During this process, EPA examines the ingredients of the product, the effects of those ingredients on people using the product, the sites and objects where it will be used, the amount, method of application and frequency of use, as well as data generated to support claims against specific microbial pests. Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/pesticideregistration/about-pesticide-registration
Does the EPA set safety standards/best practices for bleach in decontamination use, or does that fall under the purview of a health organization (e.g., the NIAID, the CDC) or is that handled by outside bodies (hospital boards, AMA practices, etc.)?
Response: EPA-registered products must be used in accordance with label directions and precautions. Although EPA does not set standards for decontamination, CDC provides guidance for best practices.
Can anyone at the EPA speak to how bleach kills pathogens?
Response: EPA reviews scientific data supporting the effectiveness or efficacy of antimicrobial pesticide products. We do not study nor require data on the pesticidal mechanism of action for these products.
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
Tier 13
ED 002061 00019545-00001
From: B. David Zarley j
Ex. 6
j
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 5:32 PM
To: Singer, Joshua <Singer.Joshua(5)epa.gov>
Subject: Bleach article
Joshua,
Hello! This is B. David Zarley with A Beautiful Perspective. I'm hoping to file the story by the end of the week. Here's my bleach questions:
1. Does the EPA have regulatory control over bleach? It seems that it does (see this list of registered products that claims to be able to kill avian flu); is this because antimicrobials fall under the "pesticide" category as far as the government is concerned?
2. Is regular, Clorox-style bleach-sodium hypochlorite solution-deemed safe and effective for killing influenza by the EPA?
3. What process does an antimicrobial need to go though to be sanctioned for its ability by the EPA?
4. Does the EPA set safety standards/best practices for bleach in decontamination use, or does that fall under the purview of a health organization (e.g., the NIAID, the CDC) or is that handled by outside bodies (hospital boards, AMA practices, etc.)?
5. Can anyone at the EPA speak to how bleach kills pathogens?
That's all I've got for now. Thank you!
-B. David Zarleyj @BDavidZarley
Ex. 6
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
Tier 13
ED 002061 00019545-00002