Microbe Management for Schools How to reduce the risks

Cleaning & sanitation is important Molds, mildews, bacteria and viruses present risks Dirt & filth provide food and habitat for insects, rodents and other pests Proper cleaning & sanitation reduces illness and absenteeism

Impact of proper cleaning & sanitation Cornell University Medical School study at special needs school in New York showed amazing results from improved cleaning

Cleaners & disinfectants also pose risks Chlorine / Sodium Hypochlorite Very effective antimicrobial Corrosive to eyes and skin Respiratory irritant Environmental concerns from production, contaminants, byproducts Mixing can create poisonous gas Phenols Effective against TB – HBV assumed Corrosive to eyes and skin Damage floor finishes and other surfaces Strong pungent odor – respiratory irritant Environmental concerns. Possible estrogen mimic. Quats Typically not proven effective against TB or HBV Less toxic then Phenols – eye, skin and surface corrosivity Toxic to aquatic life Peroxide EPA Sanitizer. Not a disinfectant. Irritating to eyes and skin Risk Continuum Higher Lower

Identify and separate cleaning tasks from disinfection tasks Cleaning with standard detergent and water is sufficient for most areas Disinfection (after cleaning) is of greater risk and should only be done in areas where microbes pose higher risks Bathrooms Locker rooms Food preparation areas Blood or vomit situations High touch areas (rails, knobs, fountains, computers, etc.)

Separate disinfection from cleaning No cleaners should contain disinfectants Check any all-purpose cleaners and make sure they don’t contain any disinfectants Combination products do not work Proper disinfection requires that surfaces be cleaned prior to disinfection

Cut back on antibacterial soaps Antibacterial soaps may cause bacteria to become resistant to controls Should only be used in food preparation areas Remove them from restrooms and classrooms

Stop using aerosol products Combination air fresheners and disinfectants are especially bad Aerosol products often contain volatile oils or solvents Pump bottles pose lower risks Less solvent Larger droplets No explosion hazard Lower flammability

Avoid air fresheners Many are powerful asthma triggers Stop using paradichlorobenzene (same stuff that’s in moth balls) blocks in urinals It is a carcinogen (cancer causing) Alternatives Eliminate odor sources (clean doesn’t smell) Improve ventilation in odor prone areas

CRITERIA FOR PRODUCT SELECTION No persistent, toxic or bioaccumulative chemicals No carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens No ozone depleting chemicals Low Volatile Organic Compounds No hazardous waste characteristics No combination cleaner / disinfectants

Carefully read labels & MSDS’s Look for Ingredients lists Check signal word Check precautionary statements Physical or chemical hazards PPE needed

Follow label directions exactly Personal protection Clean first Proper dilution Contact time Ventilation

Always clean all equipment after use Clean and rinse mops Clean and rinse pails Clean and rinse any measuring devices

Properly store all cleaners & disinfectants In secure areas inaccessible to children and untrained staff Keep labels and MSDS’s in central file Store in original containers or labeled service containers Ventilation No ignition sources Regularly inspect containers Have spill response materials nearby

Remember non-routine use of disinfectants requires licensing Duct cleaning Mold remediation HVAC cooling towers

Resources Green Seal Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project Scorecard State of Massachusetts Purchasing Guidelines Office of the Federal Environmental Executive Children’s Health and Environmental Coalition (CHEC) Healthy Schools Network The Ashkin Group