EPA Researchers Rely on Expertise in Biological Decontamination to Inform Cleanup after Contaminated Room Spray Recall
Published November 2, 2021
In October, the CDC identified a bacterium in an aromatherapy spray which caused death and severe illness in cases across different states.
The spray, “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones,” was found Oct. 6 in the home of a Georgia resident who became ill with melioidosis in late July.
According to the CDC, Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals. The disease is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The bacteria are found in contaminated water and soil in predominately tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia where it is widespread. It is not typically found in the United States, except in Puerto Rico. CDC was able to determine the source of the infections following genomic laboratory analyses and testing the aromatherapy spray.
The CDC reached out to EPA for technical advice because Agency researchers have a broad understanding of biological contaminants and decontamination. The researchers in EPA’s Homeland Security Research Program conduct studies not just in the lab, but in the field, to ensure that their findings can be applied in real world settings. The program aims to give federal, state, tribal, and local decision makers timely access to tools and information to build community resilience when faced with environmental contamination or threats to public health.
Researchers and subject matter experts at EPA worked with CDC to develop waste and decontamination guidelines for homes where this spray may have been used to reduce exposure for others who may have bought the product.
“CDC contacted us to discuss our research on how long the bacteria will survive on household surfaces and ways to clean and disinfect surfaces effectively,” said Shawn Ryan, Director of EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Program. “Our researchers have published several studies on the bacteria [Burkholderia pseudomallei] including how long the bacteria will survive and effective disinfectants for use on common surfaces.”
“Our researchers, together subject matter experts in EPA’s Office of Emergency Management’s Consequence Management Advisory Team and EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, provided input into and review of guidance developed by CDC on cleaning and disinfection of household surfaces and items,” added Ryan.
Anyone who has the Better Homes & Gardens Aromatherapy Room Spray “Lavender & Chamomile” with Gemstones product, or any of the other recalled scents with Gemstones (including Lemon & Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime & Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood & Vanilla) in their homes should take the following precautions:
- Stop using this product immediately. Do not open the bottle. Do not throw away or dispose of the bottle in the regular trash.
- Double bag the bottle in clean, clear zip-top bags and place in a cardboard box. Return the bagged and boxed product to a Walmart store.
- Wash sheets or linens that the product may have been sprayed on using normal laundry detergent and dry completely in a hot dryer; bleach can be used if desired.
- Wipe down counters and surfaces that might have the spray on them with undiluted PineSol or similar disinfectant.
- Limit direct handling of the spray bottle and wash hands thoroughly after touching the bottle or linens. If gloves were used, wash hands afterward.
- If you used the product within the past 21 days and develop a fever or other melioidosis symptoms, you should seek medical care and inform your doctor about your exposure to the spray. If you do not have symptoms but were exposed to the product in the last 7 days, your doctor may recommend that you get antibiotics (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent infection.