Disinfectants for HBV and HIV on work surfaces

June 28, 1996
Mr. Daniel L. Prince
Microgen, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Prince:
Thank you for your letter of February 5, concerning Microgen Inc. disinfectant products "D-125" and "Public Places." Please excuse our delay in responding, however, we wanted to give you a comprehensive response.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reviewed the information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning Microgen's products, "D-125" and "Public Places." We concur with the EPA that use of the products designated above is appropriate as a disinfectant for HBV and HIV provided two conditions are satisfied. First, HBV and HIV are the only bloodborne pathogens of concern (for example, as in a research setting), and second, the products are used in the concentrations approved by EPA. When both conditions are met, we agree that Microgen's disinfectants "D-125" and "Public Places" are appropriate for use on solid, nonporous, precleaned enviromental surfaces, and the precleaning of such surfaces.
However, please note that when other bloodborne pathogens are of concern neither product is approved as a disinfectant for solid, nonporous, precleaned environmental surfaces nor for precleaning such surfaces. To date, the EPA has not approved any Microgen product to be efficacious for bloodborne pathogens other than HBV or HIV. Therefore, when bloodborne pathogens other that HBV or HIV are of concern OSHA continues to require the use of EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectants.
We appreciate Microgen's support of safety and health in the workplace. If you have further questions pertaining to this matter, please contact this office for further information (202) 219-8036.
Sincerely,
Ruth McCully, Director
Office of Health Compliance Assistance

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]