“Environment” is the set of all living and nonliving surrounding conditions that affect the life of an organism. In our case, the organism of primary concern is human. Humans are inextricably bound to their environment. It is impossible to be human and at the same …
As many authors have previously emphasized, cleaning and sanitization (or disinfection) of surfaces are separate processes that need to be carried out in separate steps. But within the cleaning process there also needs to be a separation between the application of cleaning solutions containing detergents …
Abstract Hard, nonporous environmental surfaces in health care settings are now receiving due recognition for their role in the spread of several types of nosocomial pathogens. The corresponding increase in the means to decontaminate such surfaces to interrupt the spread of infections is leading …
Health care-associated infections (HAI) remain a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Although the main source of nosocomial pathogens is likely the patient’s endogenous flora, an estimated 20% to 40% of HAI have been attributed to cross infection via the hands of health care …
In view of the evidence that transmission of many healthcare acquired pathogens (HAPs) is related to contamination of near-patient surfaces and equipment, all hospitals are encouraged to develop programs to optimize the thoroughness of high touch surface cleaning as part of terminal room cleaning at …
Abstract Objective To determine the effectiveness of a UV-C-emitting device to eliminate clinically important nosocomial pathogens in a contaminated hospital room. Methods This study was carried out in a standard but empty hospital room (phase 1) and in a room previously occupied by …
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, …
What is environmental science? Environmental science unites all the sciences that evolved over centuries. Its origins are in natural philosophy or logically and systematically examining the natural and man-made worlds. This long-term examination produced fundamental concepts for decision-making regarding how we live in relation to …
Abstract Fifty interactions between healthcare workers and patients were observed to obtain a quantifiable definition of "high-touch" (ie, frequently touched) surfaces based on frequency of contact. Five surfaces were defined as high-touch surfaces: the bed rails, the bed surface, the supply cart, the over-bed table, …
The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell TURI lab have announced that performance analysis during the IEHA/TURI High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) testing program will be enhanced through use of the BYK-Gardner Spectro-Guide to measure the color and gloss of …