Many years ago I had the opportunity of coordinating my work with Pete. Pete was a chemist and I sold industrial chemicals. I am also a non-science person. Pete, however, had this innate ability to explain chemical concepts to the lay person that I was.
One of the first things he taught me was “the best cleaner in the world is water.” He further explained that adding a chemical enhances water’s ability to clean. As it turns out, this amazing property of water also carries with it an ability to transmit all sorts of matter.
The Common Factor
I recently made an unanticipated trip to my dentist’s office. Upon arrival, one of the forms I was asked to review and sign was entitled:
COVID-19 Pandemic Treatment Consent Form
Two of the sentences on this form are:
Dental procedures create water spray which is how the disease is spread. The ultra-fine nature of the spray can linger in the air for minutes to sometime hours which can transmit the COVID-19 virus.
These two sentences brought up a consideration that every business should be asking…What is the biggest source of water spray in my place of business?
- water from the sink in the break/lunch room?
- the water fountain in the hallway?
- the utility sink in the shop/storage room?
- the moisture that wafts into the business when exterior doors are opened?
- sneezes and coughs from employees, delivery personnel or visitors?
The biggest source of water spray in your business is none of the above. It is:
The Research
Research into the health impacts of aerosolization is ongoing. Some of the conclusions garnered from this work are:
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There is a possibility that a person may acquire an infection from an aerosol produced by a toilet
Microbiological Hazards of Household Toilets: Droplet Production and the Fate of Residual Organisms 1975
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Some enteric viruses could persist in the air after toilet flushing and infection may be acquired (by) inhalation and swallowing.
The potential spread of infection caused by aerosol contamination of surfaces after flushing a domestic toilet 2005
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Research suggests that toilet plume could play a contributory role in the transmission of infectious diseases. …the significance of the risk…remains largely uncharacterized
Lifting the lid on toilet plume aerosol: A literature review with suggestions for future research 2012
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We believe that the potential spread of enteric disease by contact with surfaces in bathrooms harbouring pathogens cannot be ignored and must be regarded as a serious infection risk.
The potential spread of infection caused by aerosol contamination of surfaces after flushing a domestic toilet 2005
Methods for Containment
We know that the aerosolization caused by flushing a toilet carries with it all the properties (including bacteria and viruses) of the elements in the water that is flushed. These elements not only remain in the toilet but are also, through aerosolization, distributed onto all of the surfaces in the restroom (and beyond). So, as a business how do you contain this situation?
The best and first thing that can be done and that you are are now doing is – have our services. Complete and thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all restroom surfaces is essential. Other actions you can take include:
- Examine the level of service you have right now and consider whether it is sufficient for the present environment; should you have more?
- Ensure that ventilation is appropriate; keep exhaust fans operational and locate them in an area close to the source of aerosolization. Air flow should be directed away from the areas where people work/eat.
- Do not use a restroom for storage. Everything that you put in the restroom becomes contaminated. If you want or need to store items in the restroom ensure that they are in a closed cabinet.
- Maintain adequate resources for high personal hygiene, especially hand washing.
- Anything that you have in a restroom should have a surface that can be wiped clean, or, sanitized. Do not have anything in the restroom that is porous.
Remember…you are now entering…
