Regulation of Disinfectants 



Disinfectants are regulated by EPA under the FIFRA in Title 40 CFR. Individual States 

 also have regulations that may be stricter than Federal regulations. The information 

 that follows will provide you with a general knowledge of the chemicals that can be 

 used as disinfectants and is intended to give you the background to make intelligent 

 decisions in selecting EPA-approved disinfectants. Knowing how to use a chemical 

 does not give you permission to use it. Any product that you use as a disinfectant 

 must have an EPA product registration number and must be used according to 

 label directions. 



In two special cases, chemicals have been approved by FIFRA under Section 18 for 

 use by State officials and the general public against foot-and-mouth disease. Those 

 two special cases are sodium hypochlorite in concentrations up to 12.5 percent and 

 acetic acid at a concentration of 4 to 5 percent. Specific Section 18 exemptions may 

 be applied for and publicized in the future to combat FAD incursions. 



7-5 



