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COVID-19 – Disinfecting surfaces Volume 20, issue 3, May-June 2021

Tables

Authors
1 Médecin biologiste
Ancien directeur du Laboratoire d’hygiène de la ville de Paris
Membre du Haut Conseil de la santé publique
10, Boulevard Jourdan
75014 Paris
France
2 Ph. D
Chef du Service parisien de santé environnementale
Sous-direction de la santé
Direction de l’action sociale, de l’enfance et de la sante
Mairie de Paris
11, rue George Eastman
75013 Paris
France
* Tirés à part

Available scientific studies show that, in controlled laboratory conditions, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can persist on surfaces for periods of time varying according to substrate, temperature, humidity, and quantity of virus initially present. In the context of the COVID-19 epidemic, while infection by hands touching contaminated surfaces cannot be excluded, disinfectants should only be used after thorough cleaning of the surfaces, and must be restricted to risk situations, as defined by the biocleaning recommendations issued by the French High Council for Public Health. More generally, biocidal products must only be used for their intended purpose, and as directed on the label, in order to ensure their effectiveness and absence of risks unacceptable for human health and the environment.