The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracked an H1N1 flu outbreak that has caused infections in humans in the United States, Mexico, Canada and other countries. Information on this Web page will help you identify antimicrobial products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the H1N1 flu.

EPA registers pesticide products, including disinfectants. As part of the registration process, EPA evaluates the product efficacy to make sure the public health label claims are accurate. Currently, over 500 disinfectant products are registered for use on hard, non-porous surfaces against influenza A viruses. EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. For safe and effective use of these products, always follow label instructions for these products, paying special attention to the product’s dilution rate (if applicable) and contact time.

Choose a product whose label states that it is effective against "Influenza A virus" and lists your specific site of concern, such as:

• farm premises;
• hospitals and other healthcare facilities; 
• schools;
• offices; or
• homes.

These products are widely available and can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, and home maintenance/repair stores, among others. Please be aware that there can be unscrupulous vendors that may attempt to market a variety of unregistered disinfectant products or services that claim to be effective against H1N1. You should consult with CDC or your local public health department for additional information to protect you and your family from H1N1 influenza.

As the CDC stresses, your first line of defense is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner. These registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc. EPA emphasizes that these products are not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.

Information about H1N1 flu is available on CDC’s Web site.

Related Links

• General information about flu from CDC
• Seasonal Flu information from CDC
• www.flu.gov/pandemic/about/ - is the official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic, seasonal, and 2009-H1N1 influenza.
• USDA.Gov – U.S. Department of Agriculture's Frequently Asked Questions about 2009-H1N1 flu.
• The World Health Organization (WHO). Exit  The United Nations specialized agency for health, provides detailed information on numerous aspects of pandemic influenza and 2009-H1N1 flu worldwide.
• General information about antimicrobial pesticides.

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