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 …
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 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 …
Clostridium difficile is the most frequent etiologic agent for health-care–associated diarrhea. In one hospital, 30% of adults who developed health-care–associated diarrhea were positive for C.difficile. One recent study employing PCR-ribotyping techniques demonstrated that cases of C.difiicile-acquired diarrhea occurring in the hospital included patients whose infections …
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 …
Abstract The major triggers for allergic asthma are exposure to allergens of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and of pets. Unfortunately studies of techniques designed to reduce house dust mite and pet allergens have had mixed results. However, new so-called ‘improved’ products continue to …
Abstract To determine the stability of sodium hypochlorite (diluted household bleach) when stored for 30 days in various types of containers and to determine the efficacy of low concentrations of free available chlorine to inactivate test bacteria. Design Laboratory-based study. Solutions of standard …
Abstract Background Antibacterial wash products have come under scrutiny as potential contributors to the problem of antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the extent of, and relationship between, antibiotic and antibacterial resistance in human skin bacteria isolated from individuals in the home environment, relative to …
Abstract The performance of a new decontamination technology, referred to as ‘high-intensity narrow-spectrum light environmental decontamination system’ (HINS-light EDS) was evaluated by a series of three studies carried out in a hospital isolation room used to treat burns patients. The ceiling-mounted HINS-light EDS emits high-intensity …
Abstract Recent scientific literature suggests that portable steam vapor systems are capable of rapid, chemical-free surface disinfection in controlled laboratory studies. This study evaluated the efficacy of a portable steam vapor system in a hospital setting. Methods The study was carried out in 8 occupied …