CNN explained that disinfectants like Lysol do not false advertise by simply saying that 'human coronaviruses' can be killed using their products. This claim is true; however, it does not yet apply to Novel Coronavirus.
As explained, human coronavirus is different from Novel Coronavirus. Human coronavirus is a more general type of virus that has seven virus-types under it. Meanwhile, Novel Coronavirus is a newly discovered viral disease that has no vaccines or antiviral treatments that can prevent its wider spread.
Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 viral disease cannot just be killed by using disinfectants like Lysol, Clorox, and other brands-- according to the health agency. Apparently, the 99.9% kill virus rate that most disinfectants advertise no longer applies to fight against COVID-19.
Shocking! Disinfectants with 99.9% virus kill apparently can't kill Coronavirus
Coronavirus COVID-19 NOT Included on 99.9% Virus Kill of Disinfectants Like Lysol
We all have seen disinfectants like Lysol, Clorox, and other brands promote their products by saying that they can "kill 99.9 percent" of germs and viruses in items and surroundings. It turns out, disinfectants like these cannot be trusted to kill coronavirus as these items are not yet scientifically proven to kill the viral disease from China.
As first reported via CNN, disinfectants have labels that say their items can kill "human coronaviruses." Due to the 'coronavirus' term used by the companies, the public thought that these products would totally protect them from the widespread COVID-19. Unfortunately, this is not yet verified by health agencies.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, "the disinfectants are thought to be effective against the novel coronavirus. But until tests confirm this, its ability to kill the novel coronavirus has not been scientifically proven."
PSA: People can still use disinfectants to stop the spread of COVID-19
Though these items are not yet scientifically verified to kill COVID-19, Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said that disinfectants can still be used to prevent the spread of other viruses even the Novel Coronavirus.
"We know that viruses that lack an envelope coating are much hardier in the environment," he said.
EPA also advised health companies that they can apply for an "emerging pathogens claim" based on previously approved claims for harder-to-kill viruses like COVID-19-- as long as they are tested and proven by experts.
"Specific Lysol products have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on hard, non-porous surfaces," said Lysol company on their website.
Like Lysol, Clorox also said that standard health practices like washing hands and using sanitizers are still the best way to prevent getting the disease.
"All those basic things are effective, whether it's a novel coronavirus or influenza," she told CNN.
