Chlorine Bleach: A Critical Tool for Emerging Pathogens and Public Health

As global public health challenges evolve, chlorine-based disinfectants play an essential role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Chlorine bleach, a widely used disinfectant, has long been recognized for its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. During the ongoing Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) outbreak, caused by human-to-human transmission of the Mpox virus, bleach continues to be an important tool in disinfection efforts, particularly for high-contact surfaces¹.

According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control in the USA, Mpox can survive on fabrics, linens, and environmental surfaces. The CDC recommends laundering contaminated fabrics in a standard washing machine using detergent, without the need for additional sanitizers. For hard surfaces, a bleach solution can be highly effective. A bleach solution can be prepared by mixing 100 milliliters of approximately 6% bleach with 1 liter of water, allowing it to remain on surfaces for at least one minute to inactivate the virus. This aligns with the procedures recommended for other viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, where bleach was similarly used to disinfect contaminated surfaces¹².

In August 2024, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network update concerning the ongoing Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries. In response, the EPA reactivated its Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) guidance for Mpox, which will remain effective until August 2026. This allows products registered under the EVP guidance to be used to help contain the virus, highlighting the critical role chlorine-based disinfectants play in mitigating the spread of emerging pathogens_³⁴.

The World Chlorine Council remains committed to promoting the use of chlorine bleach and other disinfectants as essential tools in public health. We encourage the public to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring that disinfection practices align with the most up-to-date recommendations⁴.

1. CDC. Cleaning and Disinfecting for Mpox. Available at: CDC Cleaning Guidance.
2. EPA. Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides. Available at: EPA EVP Guidance.
3. CDC. Health Alert Network Update for Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Available at: CDC Health Alert Network Update.
4. EPA. EPA Guidance for Disinfectants Against Mpox Virus. Available at: EPA EVP Guidance.