Coronavirus Spurs Faster EPA Review of Disinfectant Claims

The EPA is speeding up its review of the labels of surface disinfectants that want to claim they are effective against “emerging viral pathogens,” the agency announced Monday.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s action comes in response to the spread of Covid-19, the novel coronavirus disease that first appeared in China’s late last year.

“Today’s action will help move disinfectants that are effective against the novel coronavirus to the market more quickly, without diminishing the scope of the review to ensure safety and quality of the product,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in a statement.

The agency is only expediting claims ...