fact-based management Enabled Chemical-free Technologies Part two of a three-part series exploring the idea of a least harmful cleaning model. There are three related categories in the chemical-free construct for eliminating chemical residual: ■ Transitional chemical-free technologies ■ Enabled chemical-free technologies ■ Fully toxic-free, chemical-free technologies. In the end, after the specific cleaning ac-tivity, all achieve a common result in that there is no harmful chemical residual in the air or on any surface. What follows is a discussion of the en-abled chemical-free technologies. While no means complete, the follow-ing technologies should be explored in the quest to adopt a least harmful cleaning model. By: Vince Elliott T tionize our process of caring for such areas with reduced budgets. Photocatalysts Closely aligned to titanium dioxide, photo-catalysts are additives that allow surfaces to keep themselves clean by decomposing organic material. UV light decomposes many organic materials in a slow, natural process that is visible in the way a dashboard of a vehicle fades and gets brittle over time. Photocatalysts speed up this process and, like other types of catalysts, stimulate a chemical transformation without being con-sumed or worn out by the reaction. Perhaps more importantly, they reduce air pollution by scouring nitrous oxide from the air. Photocatalysts also have exciting poten-tial for decorative concreting, but they are still seen as being in the technology-transfer phase of moving from laboratory to com-mercial reality. bacteriostatic protection built into the actual material, meaning that it will inhibit or pre-vent the growth of bacteria and mold on the surface. While silestone will not prevent food-bourne illnesses from improper handling, such as contamination with feces or un-cooked meats, it will help to make the coun-tertop areas easier to clean and maintain. NSF International and other organizations have noted the benefits of this antibacterial surface. Diamond Pads A diamond pad cleaning system is an effec-tive way to mechanically treat and maintain floors without strong stripping solutions, safety risks or intensive labor. This cleaning system consists of floor pads impregnated with microscopic dia-monds that clean and polish a floor me-chanically instead of using traditional chem-icals. Diamond-impregnated pads can be used on most common floor surfaces like ter-razzo, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl/plastic, natural stone and concrete. Diamond pad technology transforms dull, worn floors into clean, glossy and brightly polished floors with no potentially harmful chemistry. Check back next month when we will ex-plore the fully toxic-free, chemical-free tech-nologies. CM Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide is a widely used and re-portedly safe compound. It is so common that it can be found in toothpaste, for example. Titanium dioxide also acts as a powerful photocatalyst, a substance that creates a reaction when it is exposed to light. What is important about this character-istic is that the photocatalyzing abilities of titanium dioxide have been shown to break down a wide variety of organic compounds. This process occurs naturally once ap-plied; thus, no labor is involved. A surface covered with titanium dioxide will actually clean itself when exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) either from an artificial source or sunlight. It is effective on building exteriors, indoor and outdoor glass and many touch point surfaces. It is even showing up as a self-cleaning coating in restrooms, which could revolu-Antimicrobial Coatings Antimicrobial products are unique in their ability to create a long-lasting antimicrobial barrier on surfaces that is effective against a wide range of contaminants. Some water-based coating products are enhanced by this technology because it in-hibits microbial growth. This is achieved by creating an antimicro-bial force field on hard surfaces and textiles. The cell wall of a microbe is about as thin as a soap bubble; this technology works to tear apart the thin cell wall of microbes like bacteria, mold, fungi and algae. Bacteriostatic Surfaces A countertop product called silestone has Vincent F. Elliott is the founder, president and CEO of Elliott Affiliates Ltd. of Hunt Valley, Maryland, www.EALtd.com. He is widely recognized as the leading authority in the design and utilization of best practice performance-driven techniques for janitorial outsourcing and ongoing management. 42 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • November 2012
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