FAQs

Does the Benefect Decon 30 Disinfectant kill Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

There are no disinfectants EPA-registered to kill the new Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Fortunately, human coronaviruses such as COVID-19 are enveloped viruses, which are the easiest viruses to kill. The EPA & CDC state that if an antimicrobial product can kill a small, non-enveloped virus it should be able to kill any enveloped virus, and Decon 30 does kill non-enveloped viruses such as Rhinovirus and Norovirus. Decon 30 also kills other enveloped viruses such as HIV-1, Influenza A and Influenza A Avian, plus at much higher levels in the mold/fungi category. Decon 30 is a ready-to-use disinfectant so you would apply it at full-strength with no dilution.

A lot of cleaning products claim to be disinfectants, but as a consumer how do i know that Benefect Disinfectant really kills germs?

"Disinfectant" is a legal term that can only be stated on product labels that have been proven to kill 99.99% of specific bacteria. "Fungicide" is also a legal term that proves the product kills 99.99% of fungi. These tests against bacteria and fungi are predetermined by the EPA. In addition to germ kill data, the EPA scientists review the product for other characteristics such as: how toxic the product is to our environment, directions for safe and effective application, storage, disposal and handling plus a complete review of the health and safety profile of the product. When the EPA is satisfied with all the scientific data, the product is registered and issued an EPA number. The product can now be called a disinfectant or a fungicide. The EPA number for Benefect Disinfectant is 84683-1-74771. The EPA number for Decon 30 is 84683-3-74771.

Whats the difference between Cleaners and Disinfectants?

Cleaners aren't registered with the EPA and do not require registration to be sold into the marketplace. Cleaning products do not kill germs and cannot make any public health claims on their labels that they do kill germs. Watch out for "antimicrobial" cleaners or other marketing terms that allude to killing germs. A good rule of thumb to distinguish between cleaners and disinfectant is to make sure the product has an EPA number on the label. If there isn't an EPA number on the label, be safe and just use the product to clean up dirt and other organic matter.

Why are there no warning labels?

All of the ingredients that are in Benefect Disinfectants are either F.D.A (Food and Drug Administration) approved as Food Additives or on the United States G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe) list. When the EPA reviewed the health and safety profile they determined that these food grade ingredients posed no negative health effects and that the Benefect Disinfectants did not require any health warnings.