. 7.4/100,000 FTE, respectively). However, the proportion of exposures to disinfectants increased during the pandemic period. Four industries, particularly "Transportation and Warehousing," experienced an increase in TI injury rate. Fog or spray application of disinfectants was involved in 20 cases (including 14 in bus transportation) during the pandemic, compared to zero cases in the pre-pandemic period. In Washington State, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with industry-specific increased TI injury rates due to cleaning chemicals, but not an overall increased rate. A case series emphasizes that aerosolized disinfectants are a toxic inhalation risk for workers. Studies to further characterize this practice and these injuries are warranted. Prevention efforts should utilize the hierarchy of controls as well as address hazard awareness, product over-application, and the need to estimate and uphold a safe re-occupation time after fog or spray application of disinfectants.
Todorov et al. (Wed,) studied this question.