A network of experts in reproductive and children’s environmental health

Safer Disinfectant Use

A Resource for Families

Cleaning surfaces safely is important. Using disinfectants on surfaces can kill disease-causing germs but they may also have health risks.  Families can make safer, effective disinfection product choices.  Families are encouraged to read the guidance below to help prevent or reduce exposure to disinfectants.  This information can also help guide discussions with your child’s pediatrician or with your regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) staff.

PEHSU Fact Sheet: Safer Disinfectant Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 How do I protect myself from COVID-19? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 How should I remove dirt and germs? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 What should be disinfected? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 How can I make safe, effective disinfection choices? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 How do you more safely disinfect? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 What if you can't access some of these safer products? posted on Jun 3, 2021
 Key Points posted on Jun 3, 2021
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Additional Resources for Families 

CDC/ATSDR

EPA

ACMT

HealthyChildren.org

PEHSU Resources

Regional PEHSU Websites

Other Resources


The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) are supported by cooperative agreement FAIN: NU61TS000296 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides support through Inter-Agency Agreement DW-75-95877701 with CDC/ATSDR. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the PEHSUs as the National Program Office. The content on this website has not been formally disseminated by CDC/ATSDR or the EPA and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy. Use of trade names that may be mentioned is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the CDC/ATSDR or EPA.

The information contained on this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your/your child’s primary care provider. There may be variations in treatment that your provider may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Date created: January 2021
Date updated: September 2021