Abstract Microbial cells are able to adhere to surfaces and through an exo-polymeric matrix they establish microbial communities known as biofilms. This form of immobilised biomass can be responsible for heat and mass transfer limitations in industrial processes and be a source of contamination and …
Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate two types of industrial vacuum cleaners, in terms of cleaning rates, energy expenditure, and perceived exertion. Twelve industrial cleaners (six males and six females, age 28-39 yr) performed two 1-h vacuuming tasks with an upright …
CIRI Note: This article shows a good relationship between cleaning high touch surfaces and reduced absenteeism from gastroenterological illness in K-12 students. Conversely, such cleaning could be expected to have a lesser effect on airborne contaminants, thereby possibly not reducing absenteeism from respiratory illness. …
Abstract Carpets are both sinks and sources for exposure to chemicals, allergens, and microbes and consequently influence health, including asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases. Asthmatics, children, and the immune-compromised are particularly vulnerable to health risks resulting from exposure to carpet contaminants. To address this risk, …
CIRI Note: This method, wherein specific surfaces (e.g., touch points) proposed to be cleaned are targeted with invisible fluorescent marks prior to the cleaning crew entering the area, and are then checked after cleaning (for removal) using a black light to determine which spots are …
Abstract Metallic copper surfaces rapidly and efficiently kill bacteria. Cells exposed to copper surfaces accumulated large amounts of copper ions, and this copper uptake was faster from dry copper than from moist copper. Cells suffered extensive membrane damage within minutes of exposure to dry copper. …
Can the concept of Health Promoting Schools help to improve students’ health knowledge and practices to combat the challenge of communicable diseases? BackgroundThe growing epidemics of emerging infectious diseases has raised the importance of a setting approach and include the Health Promoting School (HPS) …
Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed (SAEO) water in killing or removing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on iceberg lettuce and tomatoes by washing and chilling treatment simulating protocols used in food service kitchens. Whole lettuce leaves and tomatoes …
Abstract Vacuuming can be a source of indoor exposure to biological and nonbiological aerosols, although there are few data that describe the magnitude of emissions from the vacuum cleaner itself. We therefore sought to quantify emission rates of particles and bacteria from a large …
Abstract Vapor-based fumigant systems for disinfection of health care surfaces and spaces is an evolving technology. A new system (AsepticSure) uses an ozone-based process to create a highly reactive oxidative vapor with broad and high-level antimicrobial properties. Methods Ozone gas at 50-500 ppm was combined …