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Microbe Management for Schools

Effective cleaning and sanitation are critical in schools to reduce illness and absenteeism caused by molds, bacteria, and viruses. Poor hygiene creates a haven for pests, which can introduce additional health risks. A Cornell University study demonstrated significant improvements in health outcomes at a special needs school after enhanced cleaning protocols. It's essential to differentiate between cleaning and disinfecting, selecting safer products free from harmful chemicals, and implementing proper ventilation strategies. Prioritizing safety in cleaning practices protects both students and staff.

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Microbe Management for Schools

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  1. Microbe Management for Schools How to reduce the risks

  2. 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

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

  4. Higher Risk Continuum Lower 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

  5. 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.)

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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 www.wa.gov/ecology/pubs/wac173303.pdf

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

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

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

  14. 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

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

  16. Resources • Green Seal • http://www.GreenSeal.org/ • Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project • http://www.westp2net.org/Janitorial/jp4.htm • Scorecard • http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/index.tcl • State of Massachusetts Purchasing Guidelines • http://www.state.ma.us/osd/enviro/products/cleaning.htm • Office of the Federal Environmental Executive • http://www.ofee.gov/ • Children’s Health and Environmental Coalition (CHEC) • http://www.checnet.org/ • Healthy Schools Network • http://www.healthyschools.org • The Ashkin Group • http://www.AshkinGroup.com/

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