ABSTRACT
The transmission of COVID-19 through contaminated surfaces is a significant route of disease transmission, although it is not the main one. This work deals with some disinfectant products approved by the Brazilian National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance (ANVISA) to face the pandemic COVID-19. The first part presents practical recommendations for persons willing to delve into the subject, and presents details about products such as alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide and certain general-purpose disinfectants. The second part, dedicated to people with more technical training, provides the scientific basis for the recommendations provided in the first part and details the action of quaternary ammonium salts (QUATs) in the elimination of microorganisms. The third part provides an overview of actions worldwide for the disinfection of public environments and in more detail on public transportation. © 2020 Sociedade Brasileira de Quimica. All rights reserved.