The Fantasy Of Disinfection This feeds the public perception that cleaning is not valued for the vital func-tion it serves — creating a healthy indoor environment. The truth is that, without scientific val-idation of outcomes, continuous clean-ing improvement and an increase in con-sciousness among the populace as to the importance of real disinfection simply will not occur. It is unfortunate that it takes a pandemic outbreak or some other catastrophic event to open peoples’ eyes to actuality. Even more unfortunate is how quickly a majority of us forget and revert back to traditional habits — think 2009’s H1N1 influenza A scare. Luckily, there are some incredibly intel-ligent individuals — beyond consultants, manufacturer’s representatives, supervisors, etc. — who know the ins and outs of clean-ing science and want to educate the masses. These folks, who bring a passionate sci-entific approach to cleaning and disinfec-tion, have no agenda to push beyond dis-persing knowledge to help curb the spread of infectious germs and bacteria. tions entirely. One fundamental mistake end users con-sistently make is not employing a two-step process. Unless using a combination cleaner-dis-infectant, a surface must be thoroughly cleaned before it can be properly disinfected. Otherwise, the efforts are fruitless and time and money are wasted for naught. Moreover, contact times are surmised through laboratory research which, accord-ing to Spivak, is often too idealistic and theoretical to mirror real life cleaning. “There is an obvious chasm between service providers and formulators,” states Harris, Sr. “CIRI serves as that bridge. It is not a savior, nor a solution — just a bridge to better understanding cleaning science and technology.” Science is unbiased and, as such, those in the commercial cleaning industry should question the “facts” they are fed and chal-lenge what they are told. If there is truth therein, it will be vetted and validated through science. requires the exclusive use of green prod-ucts, the EPA does not allow disinfectants to be labeled as such. There are, however, many chemical-free alternatives that achieve desired sanitation or disinfection. Things such as ultraviolet light, steam vapor, physical microbe removal and elec-trically-altered water are seen as alternatives to traditional disinfectants. As Spivak points out, the EPA has been behind the curve in recognizing the capabili-ties of certain chemically limited devices and systems. However, prior to its upcoming 2011 symposium on disinfection, CIRI has not yet taken a formal position on environmentally preferable or green disinfection, per se. But, the industry does have its propo-nents of green disinfectants, notably Vince Elliott, chief executive officer (CEO) of Elliott Affiliates Ltd. and founder of the Chemical Free Cleaning Network LLC. “The oft-heard mantra that chemical-free cleaning cannot compare to the level of san-itation offered by conventional, chemical-based cleaning solutions is being studied and challenged,” asserts Elliott. Green Disinfection As Sayed Sattar, director of the Centre for Research on Environmental Microbiology at the University of Ottawa, noted in his article, “Promises and Pitfalls of Surface Disinfection,” many green products possess neither the spectrum of microbiocidal activ-ity nor the speed of action essential for use in health care settings. While not every surface requiring disin-fection is located in a health care facility, it serves as a snapshot to show that a prod-uct’s cleaning efficacy — be it a cleaner, a disinfectant or any other formulation — is far more important than its degree of environ-mental preferability. Although Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification Use And Misuse The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires specific labeling for chemi-cal disinfectants regarding dwell time, the necessary amount of time a product must remain wet on a surface to achieve the advertised kill rate. But, custodial professionals often do not have ample time to allow sufficient dwell — especially in instances when operations are short staffed and workloads are increased. Some simply do not understand the requirements outlined on the label — a great deal of end users cannot comprehend verbiage beyond an eighth-grade reading level — and others disregard the instruc-The Long And Short There is a dichotomy in the commercial cleaning industry regarding research and practice. CIRI is the only organization in all of cleaning — both commercial and consumer — consist-ing of independent, unbiased scientists and researchers working collectively for the bet-terment of public health and the environment. It is their goal to deliver indisputable scientific evidence to raise awareness of the importance of cleaning and disinfec-tion while dispelling misinformation that can deduct from the professionalism of the industry and cause unnecessary harm. CIRI Fall Science And Technology Symposium The Cleaning Industry Research Institute International (CIRI) is holding its fall symposium, “Cleaning & Disinfection: The Science, Practice & Controversy,” November 9-11, 2011, at the Georgia Institute of Technology Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta. The interactive event will focus on profusion and confusion over many new and different types of disinfectants, sanitizers and antimicrobials. Attention also will be given to: Innovations in cleaning science and disinfection; federal regulations; how newer technologies are influencing the cleaning industry; and the aspects of cleaning technology that involve reduced-chemical, physical and chemical-free disinfection. For more information or to register for this exciting event, visit www.CIRIscience.org. CM 16 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • October 2011
CMM – Archives Oct 2011: 16
