Last week we discussed how germs spread via airborne particles. If you missed the “Airborne for Hours” article last week here is the link https://arcusmanufacturing.com/news/f/the-new-normal-with-germs—airborne-for-hours-part-1
A new standard has been set for achieving “Healthy and Safe” indoor areas for people to gather. Businesses must understand the terminology and proper methods which allow the right decisions regarding the health of employees and customers.
Clean means something totally different from Disinfected.
One of the biggest problems is what is “Safe and Healthy.” Below are CDC definitions we should agree to use:
- Cleaning: the physical removal of foreign material (e.g., dust, soil) and organic material (e.g., blood, secretions, excretions, microorganisms). Cleaning physically removes rather than kills microorganisms. It is accomplished with water, detergents, and mechanical action.
- Disinfection: a thermal or chemical process for inactivating microorganisms on inanimate objects.
- Disinfectant fogging: misting or fogging a liquid chemical disinfectant to disinfect environmental surfaces in an enclosed space.
https://www.cdc.gov/hai/prevent/resource-limited/definitions.html#anchor_1585234497534
As you can see, cleaning is the removal of visible particles, whereas disinfection actually kills germs, viruses, and bacteria with chemicals. This isn’t an “either-or-choice,” but it is a “both-and” process. Clean means you see no debris, dust, or dirt while disinfected means those pathogens you can’t see are gone also. This combination makes surfaces and air highly sanitary.
The majority of disinfectants on the EPA List-N clearly call for evacuation of the area, mask, gloves, and eye protection. The rush to keep employees and customers “safe” can actually put them in danger from contact with these chemicals. Unlike these harsh chemicals, hypochlorous (HOCL) is safe around people and pets also. Because HOCL is the same chemical our blood cells make to fight infections and diseases within our bodies, it is perfect for use where people are present.
To work alongside standard cleaning processes the NebulaOne disinfects very large areas before, during, and after the cleaning process. By delivering massive amounts of EPA List-N HOCL in microscopic droplet size (sub 2 microns) the NebulaOne kills germs on easy to reach surfaces, but also kills under surfaces, around fixtures, keyboards, and tiny spaces where germs and bacteria grow. In addition, the airborne droplets from the NebulaOne attack pathogens in the air we breathe, through air vents, and surrounding rooms.
Next week we will discuss the chemistry of killing airborne germs.
To learn how Arcus Manufacturing can make your workplace safe, please contact us, download a brochure www.arcusmanufacturing.com/media , or watch our video https://youtu.be/QmOYxFfi32U
