On 7th July 2020, the US EPA newly released a guidance on the data requirements for the expedited review of disinfectants with electrostatic sprayer application targeting against Covid-19.

Electrostatic spraying has drawn increased interest through the public health emergency because of the need to disinfect large indoor spaces (e.g., schools, offices, businesses) or areas with many surfaces. Unlike conventional spraying methods, electrostatic sprayers apply a positive charge to liquid disinfectants as they pass through the nozzle. The positively charged disinfectant is attracted to negatively charged surfaces, which allows for efficient coating of hard nonporous surfaces.  

As the safety and effectiveness of a disinfectant may change based on how it used, products’ label included with electrostatic spraying direction need to be supported with sufficient data that reviewed by EPA on whether the product is safe and effective when used by this method.

The new guidance covers the requirements for adding electrostatic spraying directions to both new and currently registered disinfectants, including those on “EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2”-that require review under Pesticide Registration Improvement Act(PRIA).