Antimicrobial Consumer Products Homeowner Information

Selected Web Sites and Publications:

• Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides - In recent years, consumers have been increasingly concerned about the presence of bacteria in or on various items. In response to these fears, many consumer products that are treated with antimicrobial pesticides have appeared in the marketplace. These products bear implied or explicit public health pesticidal claims to protect the public against harmful microorganisms -- bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some of these products include cutting boards, kitchen sponges, cat litter, toothbrushes, and juvenile toys. EPA advises consumers not to rely on antibacterial claims as a substitute for following common-sense hygienic practices. EPA does not know whether these treated products work as claimed.
  
• Antimicrobial Pesticide Products - Antimicrobials are substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi on inanimate objects and surfaces. Antimicrobials can be found in products such as disinfectants and antiseptics. This page provides a description of the usage and types of antimicrobial products. It also discusses EPA's regulation of antimicrobials.
  
• Antimicrobial Pesticides - EPA. This site provides registration information to the antimicrobial regulated community and other stakeholders. Much of the information provided on the website is technical, but also includes background documents on policies, requirements, and procedures of how EPA regulates antimicrobial pesticides.
  
• Bleach - EPA. While written for its use in anthrax decontamination, this item explains what bleach is, what it does, and why it is a pesticide.
  
• National Antimicrobial Information Network (NAIN) - NAIN has ceased all operations, including its web site. Beginning Monday April 1 inquiries and/or comments regarding antimicrobial pesticides should be directed to Michael Hardy or David Liem of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs at (703) 308-0127.