The effective use of disinfectants as part of our strategy to return contaminated surfaces to a sanitary condition has been known for many years. The scientific discovery of disinfectants is credited to Joseph Lister who used carbolic acid (phenol) beginning in the 19th century. In 1946, the CDC opened its doors, then known as the Communicable Disease Center. Today we know it as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it works with the EPA, the regulatory agency that approves disinfectants. The CDC is also the regulatory agency that oversees compliance that can result in a contractor being fined for non-compliance of rules.
By law, all applicable label instructions on EPA-registered products must be followed. If the contractor selects exposure conditions that differ from those on the EPA-registered product label (e.g., inadequate concentration, inadequate dwell time, improper use) the user assumes all liability for any injuries resulting from “off-label” use and is potentially subject to enforcement action under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), factors including, temperature, pH, contact time, active ingredients, and coverage to name a few. Of all the reasons to use disinfectants and protectors, liability may be the most noteworthy.