On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed the finalization and release of its guidance and methodologies aimed at evaluating the efficiency claims of antimicrobial products. These products, registered to diminish bacteria and viruses, are specifically designed for use on soft surface textiles in non-residential environments.
According to the official announcement, “soft surface textile” is defined in the guidance as a soft, porous, or non-porous surface. It encompasses the outer surface of non-clothing fabrics or textiles in clinical and institutional frameworks.
These textiles are commonly found in hospitals, care facilities, offices, and similar settings, reflecting the significance of this guidance for public health. By introducing standards for antimicrobial product efficiency, the guidance aims to minimize the risk of microbial transmission in these high-contact environments.
The announcement, however, does not specify the methods and criteria for evaluating the efficiency claims made by these antimicrobial products, key information much awaited by the sector. As such, companies and law firms specialized in environmental and health regulations will need to keep track of subsequent EPA notifications for these details.
This recent move by the EPA is indicative of the increasing trend towards closer regulatory scrutiny of products with public health implications. Therefore, legal professionals should alert their clients to anticipate possible shifts in regulatory expectations and developments in the antimicrobial product industry.