Clean Atlantic - September-October 2008
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ON THE COVER:    Microbicide Use – The Double-Edged Sword
By Susan Springthorpe, Centre for Research on Environmental Microbiology, University of Ottawa
Man has evolved in a world full of micro-organisms, many of which are unrecognized and unnamed, and only a small fraction of these are pathogens for humans. However, the ability for an unseen microbe to incapacitate or even kill a human instils a very instinctive fear of germs that is fed insatiably by the media and by advertising from manufacturers of microbicides. It’s only been within the last 15 or 20 years that there’s been a pressure to sanitize everything with chemicals, and I think that we have to ask if this is a good thing. During this time there has been no lessening in the emergence of new diseases and it is a period notable for increases in antibiotic resistance. I don’t need to tell you about the benefits of microbicidal chemicals. The intent here is to discuss the downside of microbicide use, the toxicity to humans and the environment.   Read more...

Atlantic Canada Chapter Sees Membership Increase
As we all direct our efforts towards effectively managing our activities during what traditionally is an extremely busy time of year in our industry, I would like to keep you abreast of what’s going on within our association.

We have had a very good growth in membership in the Atlantic Chapter. This indicates to me that those involved in our industry see the value in belonging to the Canadian Sanitation Supply Association, an organization that promotes professionalism and education. The feedback from members and guests that have attended the various seminars has been very positive.    Read more...

Teaching Green
By Mike Sawchuk, Vice-President And General Manager, Enviro-Solutions
I recently had the opportunity to work with one of our jansan distributors as we helped a private club in Chicago transfer from conventional to Green cleaning. The club has nearly 5000 members and is located in a 24-story building that is more than 80 years old. The facility also houses a hotel and both men’s and women’s gyms, which require more than 100 cleaning professionals working full-time to maintain.   Read more...

How To Protect Your Facility From Rodents
By Zia Siddiqui, Ph.D., B.C.E., Director Of Quality Systems, Orkin Inc.
Rodents are synonymous with dirty and derelict places, but did you know it doesn’t take a dump to attract them? These pests are looking for the three elements they need for survival: food, water and shelter. No matter the address or calibre of building – if these three elements are available, rodents will find them. Fortunately with a few techniques you can ban rodents from your building for good.   Read more...

Much Ado About Productivity
Much ado about productivity or was that much ado about nothing? In the cleaning industry productivity is everything. The higher the productivity, the lower the labour content and thus the lower the costs.

There have been attempts by unions and other groups to try and standardize productivity rates. This is simply impossible. New techniques such as backpack vacuums, team cleaning and microfibre technology, plus new chemistry in floor finishes have helped take productivity in office buildings from an average of 3000 sq. feet per hour in 1980 to over 5000 sq. feet per hour today.    Read more...

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria – An Issue for Everyone
Surfactants Can Cause Resistance
Reducing the development of antibiotic resistant bacterial populations is no longer just an issue for hospitals. We all need to do what we can, because the same conditions that promote resistance operate not only in hospitals but in other environments as well.   Read more...

Deb Canada
The World’s Leading Away From Home Skin Care System Company
Deb Canada has long been recognized as the Canadian market leader in the development of innovative foaming technology, skin cleansers, protective and conditioning creams, showering and bathing products, and patented dispensing systems for all occupational hygiene markets.   Read more...

World Water Crisis:
Conserving Water In Restrooms
By Klau Reichardt, Founder and Managing Partner, Waterless Co. LLC
One-third of the world’s population will face water shortages by the year 2025 unless huge changes are made by governments, industry and consumers, a new report has warned.

The International Water Poverty Index (WPI), a new grading system for countries’ water use, claims the impending crisis could cause global poverty, famine, disease and political conflict.   Read more...

Odors At Issue
Often facility manager and custodial workers are concerned that installing waterless urinal systems will result in more restroom odors. Most manufacturers of waterless urinals will say this is not the case.

To see for themselves, the University of Maine conducted their own survey. Starting in 2001 with just four waterless urinals, they now have 40 waterless systems in 10 campus buildings. Cleaning workers, managers and users were asked to compare the performance of the waterless urinals with conventional urinals on campus. One of the issues of great concern was odor.    Read more...

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