By Tracy Rucinski
CHICAGO (Reuters) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it has issued an emergency permit for American Airlines to use a coronavirus disinfectant on certain surfaces that can last up to seven days, and is investigating whether it could be effective in places like schools. .
EPA Director Andrew Wheeler said in a newsletter that SurfaceWise2, created by Allied BioScience Inc, is the first long-term product approved by the agency to help combat the novel coronavirus.
American Airlines will begin spraying its aircraft cabins with the disinfectant at its Texas home base after the state submitted the request for emergency approval. The carrier hopes to eventually use it across its entire fleet, including its American Eagle regional partners.
The spray does not eliminate the need for cleaning, officials said.
Southwest Airlines, also based in Texas, has used a two-step process in its cabins that includes an EPA-approved disinfectant spray, followed by a separate antimicrobial spray that coats surfaces for at least 30 days.
Reuters first reported on Sunday’s approval of SurfaceWise2 for use by American and Texas-based Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine’s two clinics for a maximum of one year.
Airlines have instituted a deeper cleaning and disinfection of aircraft and airport facilities in an effort to convince people that it is safe to fly in the pandemic again.
(Report by Tracy Rucinski; Edited by Chizu Nomiyama and Bill Berkrot)
