SWINE FLU UPDATE

The following Bulletin has just been released by the Stapan company regarding disinfectant products effective against Swine Flu. Banner Chemical's Ban-Dis line of hard surface disinfectants, which is registered through Stepan, do make a claim to kill Influenza A (Hong Kong).



Update on H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
May 2009
List of Disinfectants Registered for Use Against Human Influenza A Viruses

In response to the emerging threat posed by the spread of the 2009-H1N1 Flu, disinfecting hard
surfaces is one way to help stop the spread of this virus. A list of over 500 antimicrobial products
registered by EPA for use against influenza A viruses on hard surfaces is available at
http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-disinfectants.html. Stepan has over 35 products
listed! EPA-registered products have label information that states they are effective against
"Influenza A virus."
EPA emphasizes the importance of following label instructions to ensure the safe and effective
use of these products in specific sites, including hospitals and other health care settings, homes,
schools, offices and farms. Registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous
surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc.
Correction: Please note that our April Quat of Month indicated Detergent Disinfectant Pump Spray
(EPA Reg. No. 1839-83) is effective against both Avian Influenza and Human Influenza virus. Stepan’s Detergent Disinfectant Pump Spray is effective against two strains of Avian influenza A – H3N2 and H9N2. There is no claim of Human Influenza A virus on 1839-83. While a product may not indicate H1N1 or swine flu, if it lists Influenza A, it will be effective against Influenza A regardless of the specific subtype. EPA has chosen to focus on those registrations effective against Human Influenza A virus.
What about those that already have swine flu on their label?
The original swine flu has been around since the 1930's. It is possible a registrant could have
tested the original swine flu strain which is still relevant to the swine industry.
The novel influenza A (H1N1) flu that is currently causing a global pandemic is a genetic
reassortment of swine flu, avian flu, and human flu. To our knowledge, only one test lab has
received this H1N1 flu strain from CDC, and this lab is not yet ready to test biocide products.
Hence, it is our understanding that no one is in a position to make a claim against this version of
the H1N1 "swine flu" on an EPA-registered disinfectant label.
ISSA Webinar on Swine Flu
The International Sanitary and Supply Association (ISSA) hosted a webinar Swine Flu: Cleaning
and Disinfection Tips to Prevent Cross-Contamination on May 7. The webinar was led by veteran health-care consultant Beatrix Babcock. A recorded version of the webinar is available (free for ISSA members and $149 for non-ISSA member). E-mail martha@issa.com to request a copy.
Sources: www.epa.gov, www.issa.com