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Summary: OxiTab kills RSV on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claim for respiratory syncytial virus
- Exact concentration and contact time for disinfection
- How RSV spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild illness in adults but serious disease in infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. In childcare, healthcare, long-term care, schools, and hospitality, routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce environmental transmission risks.
Authoritative sources: CDC - RSV | CDC - How RSV Spreads
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill RSV?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal claims for RSV on hard, non-porous surfaces when the solution is mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for RSV
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6
- Does OxiTab kill RSV? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against RSV Using OxiTab
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach the labeled disinfection strength of about 1076 ppm.
- Mix and wait: Allow the tablet to dissolve fully. Stir gently to speed dissolution.
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Apply the solution:
- Spray bottle: door handles, rails, crib rails, counters, tabletops, treatment chairs
- Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, playrooms, patient rooms, corridors
- Wipes or cloths: phones, shared tablets and keyboards exteriors, light switches, remotes
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for waiting rooms, dining areas, and common spaces
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Allow to air dry or wipe for appearance after contact time is met.
- Solution management: Effective up to 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
How RSV Spreads and How Long It Survives
RSV spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes, direct contact with infected secretions, and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. People can shed RSV before they realize they are ill. High-touch surfaces in childcare, healthcare, and communal environments can act as reservoirs without routine disinfection.
RSV Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Typically survives for hours and up to a day in favorable indoor conditions.
- Glass and laminate: Multi-hour survival; routine disinfection reduces risk of transfer.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Hours to a day depending on humidity and soil load.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood (finished): Generally shorter survival than on plastics but enough for incidental transfer without cleaning.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours. Moisture and soil may extend survival time.
- Paper products: Hours under typical indoor conditions.
3. Factors that extend persistence
- Cool, low-UV environments: May extend survival on some materials.
- Visible soil and organic load: Reduce disinfectant performance unless pre-cleaned.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | RSV Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Hours to ~1 day |
| Glass and Laminate | Hours |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Hours to ~1 day |
| Wood (Finished) | Generally hours |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Hours |
| Paper Products | Hours |
References: CDC - How RSV Spreads | CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
Why Does RSV Survive on Surfaces?
RSV is an enveloped virus, which makes it susceptible to EPA-registered disinfectants when used at the labeled strength and contact time. Environmental conditions such as cooler temperatures, low humidity, and the presence of organic soil can modestly extend survival, which is why pre-cleaning and proper wet contact time are critical.
Reference: CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on high-touch points: cribs, toys that are non-porous, doorknobs, switches, rails, remotes, shared devices.
- Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, especially in childcare and long-term care.
- Launder linens hot and dry thoroughly; manage toy cleaning and disinfection schedules.
References: CDC - Prevent RSV
Symptoms of RSV Infection
- Common: runny nose, decrease in appetite, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing
- Severe: bronchiolitis, pneumonia, apnea in infants, hospitalization in high-risk groups
Reference: CDC - RSV Symptoms
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- People with chronic heart or lung disease
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Reference: CDC - People at Higher Risk for RSV
Prevention Best Practices by Environment
- Healthcare and long-term care: routine disinfection of rooms and shared equipment, cohorting during outbreaks, respiratory hygiene stations
- Education and childcare: disinfect desks, toys that are non-porous, restrooms; reinforce stay-home-when-sick policies
- Hospitality and travel: disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms; provide tissues and hand hygiene stations
- Gyms and fitness: clean and disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces; provide wipes for patrons
- Salons and beauty: disinfect chairs, counters, and tools between clients
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats
- No residue: clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing for easy, consistent mixing
FAQs About RSV
Q: What disinfectant kills RSV?
A: OxiTab kills RSV with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can RSV survive on surfaces?
A: Typically hours and up to a day on non-porous surfaces, shorter on porous materials. See the table above.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs can help reduce transmission. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Q: Does OxiTab leave a strong chemical odor?
A: No. OxiTab leaves a clean finish without harsh residue or strong lingering odors.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
Call to Action
Protect your spaces during RSV season with OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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