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Coronavirus
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Are disinfectants harmful to children? Can children apply disinfectants?

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.

Children should not apply disinfectants, including disinfectant cleaning wipes. All disinfectant labels include the statement “Keep Out of Reach of Children,” as children are considered a sensitive population. Disinfectants are powerful tools for controlling the spread of disease, and they can harm children's health if used or stored incorrectly.

Always follow the label directions. A part of EPA’s responsibility is to ensure that if you follow the label directions, no unreasonable adverse effects on human health, including the health of children, will occur.

Any person applying disinfectants in children's environments should follow best practices for safe and effective disinfection. EPA-registered disinfectants are for use on surfaces, not humans. Never apply disinfectants to skin or directly to food. Do not mix products unless the label specifically tells you to.

For information on safe and effective disinfection, see our infographic.

For information on adverse outcomes of disinfectants for children, see the CDC's article on calls to poison control centers.

For information on high-risk practices related to disinfectants, see the CDC's article on knowledge and practices related to household cleaning and disinfection.

Information in this FAQ does not apply to any products used on people. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes, and antibacterial soaps for use on people.

Return to Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Related Questions

  • Can I use common household substances to kill the novel coronavirus?
  • How can members of my household use disinfectants properly to control COVID-19 if a family member is asthmatic or has other chronic respiratory disease?
  • Can disinfectant products be used on people?
  • Is there anything I can do to make surfaces resistant to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?
  • Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?
  • Why aren’t ozone generators, UV lights, or air purifiers on List N? Can I use these or other pesticidal devices to kill the virus that causes COVID-19?
  • Can I use fogging, fumigation, or electrostatic spraying, or drones to help control COVID-19?
  • I need to disinfect a public space like a store or school. What do I need to know?
  • Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?
  • Coronavirus Home
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Last updated on February 21, 2023
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