Three Questions to Ask your School about H1N1 Disinfection

1. How often is my school cleaned?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) schools, office buildings, stores, restaurants and other facilities where people gather should be cleaned EVERY  DAY.

Frequently touched surfaces need special attention, especially during outbreaks of flu. These surfaces include:

2. What disinfection products are being used and are they the most effective?

 According to the 2009 Environmental Working Group Report,  “Based on our tests of these approved products, we recommend Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) as a preferred disinfection option, because it exposes children to few toxic chemicals. If schools use bleach as a disinfectant, we suggest that they not spray the product, as studies show that custodians and professional cleaners exposed to bleach spray products face increased risk of developing asthma.”

Another distinct advantage of AHP is that they clean and disinfect in a one-step procedure.  Realistically, the majority of cleaning professionals are not going to clean an entire room, then go back and disinfect. A one-step cleaner/disinfectant using accelerated hydrogen peroxide accomplishes the goal.

3. Are these cleaning products being diluted properly?

It is highly recommended that in commercial settings such as schools, hospitals and restaurants where cleaning concentrates are deployed that mechanical dilution control systems be used by janitorial staff. This will prevent dangerous and/or ineffective over-dilution of a concentrated cleaning product. 

A major disadvantage of commonly used cleaning concentrates such as bleach, is its need to be manually diluted with water prior to its application. The proper dilutions are often ignored and/or misapplied, which can result in reduction of effectiveness and the release of corrosive residues on surfaces.

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Have questions about anything related to flu and H1N1 virus prevention? Please let us know.

Provided by the health, cleaning & hygiene experts of OutbreakControl.com and JohnsonDiversey.

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School Disinfection in the News

A video report on how schools in Harrisburg, PA are coping with H1N1 via effective sanitization

Link to full article.

Additional Links and Info

Disinfection Guide for Schools

Cleaning Supplies Can Contaminate Classroom Air - Report by Environmental Working Group (EWG)

CDC's Preparing for the Flu: Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades k-12): Action Steps for Parents:

• If School is Dismissed or Children are Sick and Must Stay Home
• To Protect Your Child and Family from the Flu this School Year
• For Parents of Children at High Risk for Flu Complications