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Belgian survey on the use of disinfectant biocidal products

The FPS Public Health commissioned a survey on the use of disinfectant biocidal products (PT1, PT2, PT4) among 2025 Belgians. The survey revealed that many users are still unaware of the instructions for use for these products. Part of the public indicated they find the label unclear.

The immediate reason for this survey was the large number of accidents with disinfectants during the Covid pandemic, as reported by the Poison Centre. The increased use of disinfectants was of course expected, but the increase in the number of accidents with these products was very striking. To gain insight into the possible explanations for the accidents, 2025 Belgians were surveyed about their use of disinfectants and reading of the label.

The full report of the survey (in EN, NL, FR) is available in the publications section, as well as a summary (in NL, FR, DE, EN).

The survey shows that the label is not always properly read or understood. Only one in five respondents said they read the label in its entirety before purchase. Some of the users assume they know the use, and therefore no longer read the whole label. 5% to 8% of respondents (depending on the type of disinfectant) indicate the information on the label is unclear. Several reasons are given for this: poor legibility due to text too small and insufficient contrast with the background, but also the language and terms used that make the label difficult to understand.

The survey also revealed that the instructions for use are not always followed. Half of Belgians are not aware of the contact time necessary for effective skin disinfection or the expiry date of the disinfectant. Moreover, a large proportion of respondents (36%) think that alcohol gels also cleanse the skin, which is incorrect. 4% of respondents have already mixed a skin disinfectant with other products, which could render the product less effective. Half of the users of products to be diluted for surface disinfection do not follow the precise instructions for dilution (do an approximate dilution or are not aware of the ratio to be respected).

The Biocides Department of the FPS Public Health and federations Detic and Bioplus-Probois are working together to make biocidal product labelling more easy to understand and readable. The aim is to develop recommendations for packaging of products to be diluted, and recommendations for the label, with a specific focus on the instructions for use.

 

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