SCENT CAN'T SANITIZE: Survey finds workers want employers to both eliminate odors and kill viruses and bacteria in the air

• Research underscores the importance of going beyond odor control to support workplace wellness

• Lysol Air Sanitizer offers a unique, innovative solution: eliminating odors¹ and killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air²

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey³ commissioned by Reckitt's Lysol® Pro Solutions has revealed that – for many U.S. workers – the smell of clean air is important, but they also want assurance viruses and bacteria in the air have been killed.

More than 70% of on-site workers say they've avoided shared spaces like meeting rooms due to bad smells or stuffy air and 60% have refused to use a restroom at work because bad odors made them feel germs were in the air – which suggests there may be a strong link between odor, perceived cleanliness, and comfort. An overwhelming 78% of employees remain concerned about the presence of airborne viruses like cold, flu, and COVID-19 in their workplaces. Most of all, 80% of employees would feel more comfortable going into the office if they knew the air was actively sanitized.

To help employers address both concerns – and to help tackle the estimated $225.8 billion lost by U.S. businesses each year due to employee absences⁴ – Lysol Pro Solutions is introducing Lysol® Air Sanitizer for business spaces such as offices, schools, and commercial facilities. It's the only product scientifically proven and EPA-approved to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria²and eliminate odors¹ in the air - offering a new standard for workplace air care.

"Our research shows workers are looking for more than just scent when it comes to air care. They want a solution that help protect their indoor environment from the spread of viruses and bacteria," said Brian Leafblad, R&D Senior Manager at Lysol Pro Solutions. "Lysol Air Sanitizer fills a true gap in the market by addressing both the comfort and hygiene expectations employees have. It goes beyond traditional air fresheners' limitations of simply masking smells and actively targets the viruses and bacteria in the air that people are most worried about, helping organizations support wellbeing and productivity in the workplace."

Additional insights from the survey of 1,000 full-time, on-site U.S. employees include:

• 33% often or always notice unpleasant odors at work

• 28% have left a meeting because the air smelled bad or felt unclean

• 52% wish they could "spray away" a sick coworker's cough - the top workplace air offender

These findings suggest that air care is now a key driver of employee confidence and comfort.

Lysol Air Sanitizer is a science-backed, easy-to-use solution for professional spaces - from office areas to restrooms - designed to meet modern expectations. It eliminates odors¹ and sanitizes the air in one step - offering workers what they actually need: an environment in which they feel confident and comfortable.

For more information about Lysol Air Sanitizer and other professional hygiene solutions, visit www.lysolprosolutions.com.

ABOUT LYSOL PRO SOLUTIONS
Reckitt's Lysol Pro Solutions harnesses the power of Lysol to help protect businesses and public spaces from the spread of germs. In today's world, consumers have increased hygiene expectations which makes germ-protection more critical than ever. The comprehensive approach from Lysol Pro Solutions incorporates science-backed protocols and training, EPA-approved Lysol products and Lysol-branded marketing materials and signage. Lysol Pro Solutions empowers businesses to demonstrate to their staff and customers a commitment to providing a trusted standard for protection.

www.lysolprosolutions.com 

ABOUT RECKITT
We make the products people trust to care for the ones they love. We are home to some of the world's best-loved consumer health and hygiene brands, including Dettol, Durex, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish and Veet. Consumers are at the heart of everything we do. By creating innovative, science-backed solutions, we support people every day to live healthier lives.

Reckitt exists to protect, heal and nurture in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. This commitment goes beyond the products we make. Through our actions, we expand access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. We support the planet by reducing waste, conserving resources and driving sustainable innovation.

We believe good health starts at home. With every action we take, we strive to make our consumers' lives easier, cleaner and healthier, to strengthen communities and to create a more sustainable future.

*Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt group of companies

¹ Eliminates odors by killing odor-causing bacteria in the air.
² When used as directed. Tested on M2S surrogate for enveloped airborne viruses such as Influenza viruses, Coronaviruses, and Pneumoviruses in the air.
³ Lysol Pro Solutions commissioned an online survey, conducted by Atomik Research, of 1,004 adults throughout the United States. The sample consists of full-time employees who work on-site and indoors at least one day per week. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points with a confidence level of 95%. Fieldwork took place between July 11 and July 14, 2025.
⁴Absenteeism and Employer Costs Associated With Chronic Diseases and Health Risk Factors in the US Workforce – CDC, October 2016

SOURCE Reckitt