The Hidden Hazards Of Cleaning Residues ability for cleaning products, they may not make the connection between biodegrad-ability and its implication: That residues can form food sources for all microbials,” says Glasel. In a way, they are out of sight and out of mind. There are, however, several indicators that one should look for to determine whether or not surfaces are becoming riddled with un-wanted chemical residues. ■ Slippery surfaces If a surface, whether it be a floor or a countertop, feels slippery or slick after it has been cleaned, chances are good that a residue has been left behind. Slippery surfaces lead to increased slip-and-fall risks, the cause of 15 per-cent of accidental deaths, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Food for microbes While you’ve just cleaned a surface, the particles that adhere to the sur-face due to residue will provide a food source for microbes feed on. If allowed to grow, those microbes cause the surface to once again be-come contaminated and in need of fur-ther cleaning. “While the exact mechanisms of the biodegradation process may differ from those in solution, adsorbed de-tergent and other organic molecules on surfaces can be used for bacterial growth,” offers Glasel. Biofilm “starter kit” If microbes are allowed to exist on a surface, they may colonize, forming communities called biofilms. Biofilms tend to thrive on environ-ments where moisture and soil are in constant contact with a surface, nota-bly foodservice areas, locker rooms, restrooms and other places of the like. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues Residues left on a surface can irritate those with allergies or other sensitivi-ties. A key factor in sick building syn-drome is HVAC and AC systems com-promised by residues. Issues with disinfection, sanitizers, enzymes and bleach The idea that the application of a sani-tizer can rid a surface of any bacteria present is not necessarily incorrect, but it can actually exacerbate the prob-lem of residues. In his article The Problem with Detergent Residues on Surfaces, Glasel points out, “The structure of a very widely used group of sanitizers, the benalkonium series, also known as quaternary amonium compounds (quats), is based on a permanently positively charged ion. If a surface is not thoroughly rinsed free of detergent residue prior to quat appli-Unseen Hazards At first glance, most residues cannot be seen, which inherently makes them more dangerous. ■ A Training com IAQ Training Institute LLC ■ ■ ■ The Voice of the IAQ Industry Circle Product Information no. 204 on page 24 34 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • January 2013
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