Lanxess disinfectant claims to kill coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in 60 seconds

Lanxess, the 6.8 billion euro German specialty chemicals company can help automobiles get lighter with various solutions. It can now also kill SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Lanxess says that its Rely+On Virkon broad spectrum disinfectant, ‘demonstrates extremely rapid efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus’.

The claim is based on the finding of a recent study Lanxess commissioned through independent analysis laboratory Microbac Laboratories in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliant test methods, for products intended for virucidal hard surface disinfection.

Rely+On Virkon achieved rapid and complete inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a dilution ratio of 1:100 in just 60 seconds, and at an economical 1:600 in-use dilution with a 10 minute contact time.

Corresponding efficacy data has to be provided for disinfectants that claim to combat SARS-CoV-2. Microbac is one of the few testing laboratories worldwide that U.S. health authority CDC (Center for Disease Control) has certified to undertake such tests.

Anneliese Bischof, business director, disinfection, Lanxess said, "Right now, good hygiene cleaning and disinfection practices are more important than ever. The fact that Rely+On Virkon inactivates SARS-CoV-2 so quickly will help reassure people that the disinfectant product they are using is both fast and effective in practical use."

Rely+On Virkon is a powder disinfectant concentrate diluted in water for application as a spray on hard surfaces and equipment (non-medical). It can therefore help to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from surfaces, door handles, tables or chairs during disinfection measures at public transport terminals, airports, hospitals, clinics, shopping malls.

The Lanxess material protection products business unit produces a wide range of scientifically based disinfection technologies under the Rely+On and Virkon brand.