Nancy Goodyear1, Pia Markkanen2, Christian Beato-Melendez1, Hagir Mohamed1, Rebecca Gore3, Catherine Galligan3, Susan Sama3, Margaret Quinn3. 1. Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA. 2. Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA. Electronic address: Pia_Markkanen@uml.edu. 3. Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Home care aides perform personal care and homemaking services in client homes, including cleaning and disinfection (C&D). Although C&D are performed to remove soil and dust, they are increasingly performed for infection prevention. Many C&D products contain respiratory irritants. The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 commercial products for C&D effectiveness on common household surfaces in seniors' homes. METHODS: Two C&D visits were conducted in 46 seniors' homes. One visit applied a bleach-containing cleaning product and the other applied an environmentally preferable product. Before and after C&D, the study team performed organic soil bioluminometer measurements on surfaces and collected cotton swab and wipe samples for total bacteria count, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile identification. RESULTS: Both products removed microorganisms from tested surfaces. S aureus was found in 7 households, 1 strain of which was methicillin-resistant. Both products removed S aureus from all surfaces. Bleach-containing products removed somewhat more soil than environmentally preferable products, although results were statistically significant for only 1 surface. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed similar, not identical, C&D performance for 2 cleaning products with potentially different consequences for respiratory health. Additional research is needed to develop robust recommendations for safe, effective C&D in home care.
BACKGROUND: Home care aides perform personal care and homemaking services in client homes, including cleaning and disinfection (C&D). Although C&D are performed to remove soil and dust, they are increasingly performed for infection prevention. Many C&D products contain respiratory irritants. The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 commercial products for C&D effectiveness on common household surfaces in seniors' homes. METHODS: Two C&D visits were conducted in 46 seniors' homes. One visit applied a bleach-containing cleaning product and the other applied an environmentally preferable product. Before and after C&D, the study team performed organic soil bioluminometer measurements on surfaces and collected cotton swab and wipe samples for total bacteria count, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile identification. RESULTS: Both products removed microorganisms from tested surfaces. S aureus was found in 7 households, 1 strain of which was methicillin-resistant. Both products removed S aureus from all surfaces. Bleach-containing products removed somewhat more soil than environmentally preferable products, although results were statistically significant for only 1 surface. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed similar, not identical, C&D performance for 2 cleaning products with potentially different consequences for respiratory health. Additional research is needed to develop robust recommendations for safe, effective C&D in home care.
Authors: J E Lindberg; M M Quinn; R J Gore; C J Galligan; S R Sama; N N Sheikh; P K Markkanen; A Parker-Vega; N D Karlsson; R F LeBouf; M A Virji Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2021-05-18 Impact factor: 3.359
Authors: Orianne Dumas; Raphaëlle Varraso; Krislyn M Boggs; Catherine Quinot; Jan-Paul Zock; Paul K Henneberger; Frank E Speizer; Nicole Le Moual; Carlos A Camargo Journal: JAMA Netw Open Date: 2019-10-02