Effective Germicides for Bloodborne Pathogen Elimination: EPA-Recommended Formulas

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a germicide that contains one of the following active ingredients to kill blood-borne pathogens:

* Bleach (sodium hypochlorite): 1000 ppm (1:10 dilution of household bleach)

* Alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl alcohol): 70%

* Hydrogen peroxide: 3%

* Phenolic compounds (such as phenol, o-phenylphenol, or p-chloro-m-xylenol): 1000 ppm

* Quaternary ammonium compounds (such as benzalkonium chloride or alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride): 2000 ppm

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and dilution when using any germicide.