CM/Spotlight: Infection control beneficial microorganisms, such as those in the digestive tract. When antibiotics, needed to fight a seri-ous infection, indiscriminately kill all help-ful intestinal bacteria along with the unde-sirable infectious agents, the result is not better health, but indigestion and unwell-ness until those beneficial organisms are reintroduced into the gut. Three, thinking that humans can live in a germ-free environment ignores the fact that we are surrounded by the invisible world and so disinfected surfaces are quickly re-contaminated, making the decontamina-tion effort one requiring constant repeti-tion, hence costly. In truth, the idea of destroying all microorganisms randomly is ludicrous in its sheer impossibly and nightmarish in its clear threat to the human immune system. Clearly, it is not the right thing to do! Studies have already been done that reveal the threats posed by “excessive hygiene.” The Times article mentions the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Colorado State University as two sources and there are many more. Since its dangers are known, now is the time to oppose foolish “blanket microbe extermination” cleaning and start to assess the risks accurately. Not all cleaning involves health risks. Not all cleaning requires microbial reduction. More importantly, hygienic cleaning, when called for, can be done without poisons. We are now faced with what to do when pressured by the panicked promoters of pharmaceutical protection to add more microbe-killing to our busy work schedules. It seems as if we are going to have to make this call using our own judgment. Are you prepared to do so? There is one additional thing we should consider. Too often, the cleaning industry is asked by the misinformed media and even some within its own ranks to take responsibility Circle Product Information no. 215 on page 34 for the illnesses, impaired immunity and general malaise affecting so many in the indoor environments we clean for our livelihood. Should we take the blame for this while ignoring the poor nutrition, unclean homes and health-destroying habits of these same people? Before accepting this onus with resigna-tion, we should ask ourselves again, “Is this the right thing to do?” You may be surprised how little research it takes to come up with the right answer to that question. CM 15 Second Bacteria and Bio-Contamination Test! Concerned with the hygiene in your healthcare setting, patient rooms, procedure rooms, etc.? The Bio-reveal system is the solution for testing and monitoring surface hygiene in healthcare and patient care settings. The Bio-reveal system is used to determine the level of surface contamination for viable biological matter, biofilms and microbial organisms, such as MRSA and VRE. Fast – Simple – Accurate – Cost Effective To order the Bio-reveal system or for more information on how Bio-reveal can be used to improve healthcare hygiene and reduce infections go to www.bio-reveal.com or contact Slade Smith at 320-309-5448. www.cmmonline.com 29
CMM – Archives Feb 2009: 29
