PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech practice exam

Which qualifications must a product meet to be EPA approved as a disinfectant?

1. Must be a sanitizer and deodorizer

2. Must contain alcohol and surfactants

3. Must be a virucide, fungicide, bactericide, and disinfectant

4. Must have a pleasant scent

The correct answer is: Must be a virucide, fungicide, bactericide, and disinfectant

To be EPA approved as a disinfectant, a product must demonstrate efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens, which includes being effective as a virucide (capable of killing viruses), fungicide (capable of killing fungi), and bactericide (capable of killing bacteria). This ensures that the disinfectant can effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks, particularly in environments such as salons, where cleanliness is paramount for both client safety and hygiene. The ability to act as a disinfectant goes beyond merely killing microorganisms; it also must have specific testing and labeling requirements set forth by the EPA. A product that meets these stringent criteria will be validated for its ability to mitigate various pathogens, which is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. While qualities like being a sanitizer and having a pleasant scent might be beneficial for user experience and perceived cleanliness, they do not meet the core requirement necessary for EPA approval as a disinfectant.