As many are aware, in December 2009 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a pilot program for DfE Recognition for Disinfectants and Sanitizers.

To date, only two disinfectants have passed the stringent general environmental screening being applied to the active ingredients under the pilot program. These two disinfectants will be the first to bear the EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) logo. But according to officials from the Comparative Safety Statements or Logos for Pesticide Product Labeling Workgroup, several other disinfectant products are expected to be recognized in the coming weeks.

Bill Balek of ISSA reports that to date, the only actives that are capable of passing the general screen are lactic acid, citric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Unfortunately, these actives have a limited range of efficacy.

Balek adds that as a consequence, EPA is examining methodologies that would allow them to expand the “universe” of actives that would be acceptable under the DfE pilot. In effect, Agency officials indicated that they are exploring the development of a new environmental screen that better balances the functionality of the disinfectant’s intended use (i.e., to kill harmful microorganisms) and the product’s acceptable level of environmental performance.
 
For more information on the DfE Recognition for Disinfectants and Sanitizers Pilot, click here.