June 12, 2020

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Safe Household Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 Prevention – United States, May 2020

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• An internet survey of 502 US adults conducted in May 2020 identified knowledge gaps in several areas regarding household cleaning and disinfection, including safe storage of hand sanitizers, cleaners, and disinfectants. Thirty-nine percent reported engaging in high-risk practices in order to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, such as washing food products with bleach, applying products to bare skin, and intentionally inhaling or ingesting products. Public messaging should emphasis safe practices such as hand hygiene and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, while emphasizing avoidance of high-risk practices.  

Gharpure et al. (June 12, 2020). Knowledge and Practices Regarding Safe Household Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 Prevention – United States, May 2020. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6923e2