Although the general population typically knows that insecticides and rodenticides are considered pesticides, they are inevitably surprised to learn that disinfectants, sanitizers and even household bleach are also considered pesticides and are regulated under FIFRA, Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has jurisdiction over pesticides.

Why Microban?

 The original Microban formulation was developed in 1962 for the purpose of decontaminating hospital operating rooms. Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus contains two active ingredients: o-phenyl phenol (a synthesized phenol at a level of 2,100 ppm) and benzethonium chloride (a quaternary ammonium compound at a level of 7,000 ppm). The high level of active ingredients is biocidal upon initial application and after drying provides residual bacteriostatic and fungistatic action. The versatile patented Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus formulation may be applied by spray, fogging or sponging. Microban is approved for application to both hard and soft surfaces such as carpets and mattresses. The Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus formulation has been job tested on thousands of mold and microbial remediation projects worldwide. Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus is commonly specified as the product of choice by industrial hygienists, IAQ consultants, etc.

The product label as informational resource: There is much information and confusion in regard to federally registered pesticides and their use and application. The best informational resource for information regarding the use and application of an EPA registered pesticide is the product's label. Therefore, the product label and not the MSDS is the best source of information regarding an EPA registered product. As product labels are prepared In accordance with EPA regulations, contain certain uniform language and are reviewed and approved by the agency, legal protection is provided when applicators closely adhere to the label.

Ingredients: A variety of ingredients are used in manufacturing disinfectants and sanitizers including: quaternary ammonium chloride compounds, iodine, synthesized phenols, and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) based products. Many household general purpose cleaning products for cleaning hard surfaces in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms are actually EPA registered products.

Categories of pesticides: Pesticides fall into two main categories, restricted use and non-restricted use. Restricted use pesticides are generally more concentrated and in their concentrated form are more likely to pose a risk to humans, animals or the environment.

How to tell if a product is a registered pesticide?: The labels of all EPA registered products bear an EPA registration number and an establishment number. For example, Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus identification numbers are: E.P.A. Registration number 70263-5, E.P.A. Establishment number 70263-PA-001.


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