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  • Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Any time you use an EPA-registered disinfectant, you should read the product label and follow the directions, including the method of application…

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  • Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Yes, EPA expects all products on List N to kill all variants of SARS-CoV-2. Genetic changes to the virus do not impact…

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  • What should I do if I am concerned about my family's exposure to lead?

    Answer : A blood test is the only way to find out whether you or a family member already has lead poisoning. Call your doctor or local health department to arrange for a blood test. You can protect your family every day by: Regularly cleaning floors, window sills, and other…

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  • What are some of the health effects of lead in children?

    Answer : Lead is especially dangerous to children under six years of age. Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ and learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. To learn more about the…

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  • Can disinfectant products be used on people?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The products included in EPA's list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are for use on surfaces, not humans. Please see…

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  • Why are disinfectants marketed and sold under different brand and product names?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Companies that register disinfectant products can allow other companies to sell the product under their own product and company name. This is…

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  • What information can I get about lead-based paint in a home before I buy or rent it?   

    Answer : Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have some lead-based paint. Lead from paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying pre-1978 housing. Sellers and landlords must: Disclose information…

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  • I thought lead-based paint had been phased out. How many homes still contain lead-based paint?

    Answer : The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing estimated that 38 million permanently occupied housing units (40% of all housing units) in the United States contain some lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead-based paint was…

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  • What is Lead?

    Answer : Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead-based paint is present in many…

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  • Why are gloves, which are exposed to large amounts of lead dust, not required to be disposed of under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule?

    The RRP Rule requires the renovation firm to use precautions to ensure that all personnel, tools, and other items are free of dust and debris before leaving the work area. Workers with contaminated clothing can take that contamination home to their own children, and taking contaminated equipment to another jobsite…

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  • Is there anything I can do to make surfaces resistant to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. EPA regulates the claims on pesticide product labels. EPA-registered surface disinfectants kill viruses at the time they are used. After use, if…

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  • Can I use common household substances to kill the novel coronavirus?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. EPA does not review effectiveness of common household ingredients like vinegar or rubbing alcohol, so EPA cannot verify how well they work…

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  • Where is lead found?

    Answer: Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint. Soil around a home can contain lead from sources like deteriorated exterior paint, past use of leaded gas in cars, or from past renovation activities. Household dust can…

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  • What is the most significant source of childhood lead exposure in a residence?

    Answer : The scientific literature suggests that nationally lead-contaminated paint dust is the most significant source of childhood lead exposure. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into your home. This dust may accumulate to unsafe levels. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and…

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  • How should lead-containing wastes from RRP renovations be handled and disposed?

    While at the work site, wastes must be collected at the conclusion of each work day and at the conclusion of the renovation and stored under containment, in an enclosure, or behind a barrier that prevents release of dust and debris out of the work area and prevents access to…

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