EPA Announces Guidance for Expedited Review of Electrostatic Sprayer Application Directions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important for public spaces to be properly disinfected.

In early July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced guidelines outlining the information registrants need to expedite the review of requests to add electrostatic sprayer application directions to disinfectant labels for use against SARS-CoV-2 — the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

This new guidance includes requests to add electrostatic spraying instructions to both new and currently registered disinfectants. Safely approving these disinfectants for use as quickly as possible is important, because of the current need to sanitize large indoor spaces and areas with many surfaces.

How Electrostatic Spray Disinfectants Work

Electrostatic spray cleaning involves spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. A special solution is combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. This allows the spray to contain positively charged particles that aggressively attach to surfaces and objects.

Consequently, this is a quick and efficient way to sanitize large spaces, hard to reach places, and objects that otherwise pose a challenge. The mist coats surfaces evenly and disinfects covered areas.

Travel Industry Using Electrostatic Sprayers

Electrostatic sprayers have been considered an effective way to disinfect spaces for months. The travel industry has been one of the biggest adopters of this technology, as companies work to find ways to help customers feel more comfortable with air travel and hotel stays.

For example, in an April news release, Marriott detailed enhanced cleaning procedures designed to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic at its properties. This included plans to implement electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectants over the next few months. The company said sprayers would be used to sanitize guest rooms, lobbies, gyms, and other public areas.

In May, Delta also issued a news release announcing that all flights would be sanitized using electrostatic sprayers. The company revealed it had been using this approach on all U.S.-bound flights from Asia since February. The airline said the liquid disinfectant clings to surfaces such as seats, seatback screens, armrests, tray tables, doors, lavatories, and galleys. 

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