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Coronavirus: Airborne vs. Surface Contamination

Coronavirus Cases Coronavirus Disinfection

Concerns: First Surface, Then Airborne, Now Both?

In March 2020, studies were coming out almost daily talking about SARS-CoV-2 and it’s ability to survive on surfaces. The scientist call these surface contaminants, fomites. We heard reports of hours, days, even weeks in some cases. And depending on your source, it depended on the surface type (coronavirus lasts longer on plastic or countertops or sofas, but only last hours on metal or cardboard or glass) and the flavor of the week.

But recently, and rightfully so, the focus has been on the airborne transmission of SARS-C0V-2 as one of the primary means of transmission. Social distancing and mask wearing seem to be effective in reducing transmission, infection and diagnoses of COVID-19.

However, in recent weeks, the CDC has released a paper titled “Prolonged Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in Fomites“. The findings from the study reveal the following:

we showed that a moderate protein concentration in droplets markedly increased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that a protein-rich medium like airway secretions could protect the virus when it is expelled and may enhance its persistence and transmission by contaminated fomites. Accordingly, it is plausible that fomites infected with SARS-CoV-2 play a key role in the indirect transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This finding supports surface cleaning as a necessary action that should be enforced and repeated because it may play a key role in halting SARS-CoV-2 transmission and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is Disinfection Right for Me?

In summary:

  • Saliva can protect SARS-CoV-2, and in turn, allow it to persist on surfaces for longer than it would otherwise, and
  • Surface disinfection is an effective method for reducing that transmission vector.

Therefore, if your office or home has been impacted by coronavirus or a COVID-19 infection, disinfection services, such as those provided by Disinfect Charleston are a recommended and effective means of reducing the potential for further spread and transmission of the virus.

Clean vs. Sanitize vs. Disinfect

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clean_sanitize_disinfect

Clean the counter, sanitize the toilet, disinfect the sinks. In our everyday conversation, we often use the terms interchangeably, but in fact there are definitive differences in the words and their meanings.

When we are talking about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the disease COVID-19, we must focus on disinfecting surfaces as the primary method of remediation for keeping people safe. Cleaning and sanitization should be used as supportive mechanisms to disinfection.

Disinfection = Kill

Disinfecting destroys or inactivates both the bacteria and viruses, primarily on hard non-porous surfaces (think countertops, desks, most walls, hard floors, etc.). Some disinfectants, such as the types that Disinfect Charleston uses, can also be used on porous surfaces and provide high levels of disinfection (based on manufacturers claims). You can look at disinfection this way, if you had 100 counts of live bacteria (or viruses) on a surface and then you applied a disinfectant, after completion of the dwell time, you would have 0 counts of live bacteria. In essence, you have reduced the load by 100%.

Sanitization = Reduce

Sanitizing reduces the viral, bacterial, and/or fungal load on the surface in which the sanitizer is applied. You can look at sanitizing this way, if you had 100 counts of live bacteria (or viruses) on a surface and then you applied a sanitizer, after completion of the dwell time, you would have 50 counts of live bacteria. In essence, you have reduced the load by 50%.

Cleaning = Remove… Kinda

Cleaning removes the viral, bacterial, and or fungal load on the surface, but primarily deposits it elsewhere, either on the cleaning medium (e.g. rag) or elsewhere on the surface. You can look at cleaning this way, if you had 100 counts of live bacteria (or viruses) on a surface and then cleaned, you would still have 100 counts of live bacteria on your cloth or in another location of the surface you cleaned. In essence, you have reduced the load by 0%.

Corona Isn’t King, Disinfection Is

In summary, disinfection is the way to go when you are looking to remove potential pathogenic health hazards in your home or business. Disinfect Charleston focuses on the your home or office environment and are safety and health experts. Disinfection is all we do!

Remember that you should disinfect – not sanitize – because disinfectants are the only products approved by the EPA to kill viruses on hard surfaces. The main difference is that EPA-approved sanitizers only have claims for bacteria, while disinfectants have claims against both bacteria and viruses.

Disinfectants Used to Kill Coronavirus COVID-19

Coronavirus Disinfection Equipment
Covid Disinfection Company

EPA List-N Disinfectants

Disinfect Charleston uses disinfectants identified on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list (List-N) for Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The chemicals that are found on the List-N are known to be effective because they:

  • Demonstrate efficacy (i.e. desired result of killing the virus) against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
  • Demonstrate efficacy against a virus that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or
  • Demonstrate efficacy against another type of human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Safe & Environmentally Friendly Disinfectant

Disinfect Charleston uses Bioesque, a botanical (plant-based) based disinfectant (EPA Registration No. 87742-1), that is classified as a non-hazardous chemical, in accordance with the OSHA HAZCOM standard (i.e. no signal words or warnings required on the labeling). The disinfectants are free of bleach and other harsh chemicals and are a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings. Thymol, an antimicrobial agent in Thyme Oil, is the active ingredient used in Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution and is even safe for food contact surfaces, with no rinse required.

Speed and Strength

Disinfect Charleston’s choice disinfectants provides the following:

  • 99.999 percent sanitization rate in 30 seconds
  • Kills 99.99 percent of viruses in 1 minute
  • Kills 99.99 percent of bacteria in 2 minutes
  • Kills 99.99 percent of fungi (mold) in 3 minutes
  • Eliminates Tuberculosis in 3 minutes

Using Disinfect Charleston’s 3 Step Disinfecting Process, DC uses a 4 minute dwell time, to ensure that surfaces are fully decontaminated after application of the cleaning disinfectant. Within that 4 minute dwell time, the solution cleans, sanitizes and disinfects – all in one step. As an added bonus, the disinfectant effectively controls unpleasant odors and leaves a pleasant lemongrass scent.

Recommended Areas for Use of DC Disinfectants

These plant based disinfectants are recommended for use in homes, businesses, crawlspaces, attics, basements, public buildings, common areas, automobiles, public transportation, multi-family housing, commercial real estate, hotels and motels, institutional facilities, correctional facilities, military installations, offices, athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, colleges, kitchens, veterinary premises, barber shops, farms, airports, cruise ships, schools, day care centers, nurseries, hospitals, aging care facilities, nursing homes, ambulances, surgery centers, health care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, restaurants, cafeterias, food processing plants, dormotories, classrooms, bathrooms, public restrooms, & tanning salons.

Non Corrosive
Biodegradable
Non Flammable
No VOCs
Non Toxic

Electrostatic Sprayers & Foggers Explained. Why Use Them for Coronavirus Disinfection?

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Overview of Electrostatic Sprayer Benefits. Source: CBS KPIX in SF Bay Area

Electrostatic Disinfection vs. Hand Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning surfaces and objects, traditional dry and wet dusting tends to be the first methods that come to mind. While these cleaning techniques are tried and true, they do little more than spread filth around, unless the rags used are washed regularly. Dry dusting kicks up resting particles, redistributing them into the air and onto other surfaces. Wet dusting can involve harmful cleaning chemicals and make it hard to reach certain spots or objects. For schools, daycares, restaurants, gyms, homes, retirement communities, businesses, etc. , there’s a more effective method for disinfection and it involves the use of electrostatic spraying.

What Is Electrostatic Disinfection?

Electrostatic sprayers (also known as electrostatic foggers) used in cleaning and disinfecting applications get their start from the manufacturing industry, and specifically from the painting industry. Electrostatic spray surface cleaning is the process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. Electrostatic spray uses a specialized solution that is combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. Subsequently, the spray contains positively charged particles that are able to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, they cling to and coat any surface they’re aimed at.

For awkwardly shaped objects or hard to reach places, electrostatic disinfection allows the chemicals to coat surfaces evenly, and envelope objects—even if the mist is only sprayed from one side. After the spray is applied, the sanitizing agent works to disinfect the covered surfaces. Disinfect Charleston uses electrostatic spraying as their primary disinfection method in clients businesses and homes.

How Does Electrostatic Disinfection Work?

Electrostatic spray is electrically charged, allowing the appropriate sanitizers, mold preventatives and disinfectants to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces for a more complete clean. As the chemical exits the electrostatic sprayer, it’s given a positive electrical charge. The droplets then become attracted to all negative surfaces, covering the visible area, underside and backside, with the sanitizing agent. Surfaces that are already covered will repel the spray, making the method extremely efficient.

Is Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Right For My Home or Business?

If you are looking for a more complete disinfection solution to potential contamination (e.g. coronavirus / COVID-19) in your home or business, electrostatic disinfection is the way to turn. It can provide reassurance to your customers, peace of mind for your family, or used as a marketing/selling point for your business.

The main features and benefits of electrostatic spray disinfection include:

  • Touchless application. There is no need to touch or wipe the surfaces (dependent on solution spraying). 
  • Reduces the time it takes to cover and disinfect all surfaces and hard-to-reach places by 50% compared to conventional methods
  • Reduces chances for cross contamination. In most cases, a spray-and-wipe technique can move bacteria from one surface to another. Cross contamination can be considerably reduced due to the touchless effect. Improves infection control and the spread of viruses such as coronavirus, influenza, MRSA, HIV and many others
  • Applies chemicals in a more efficient, controlled manner, eliminating the dangers of overuse
  • Liquid adhesion and coverage. Using the electrostatic sprayers will enable a quick and effective chemical application. As fully-charged droplets hit the surface they create an even spread. Particles hold their cationic charge for approx. 2-3 seconds – preventing drips. This allows the solution to cover hidden and shadowed areas. Electrostatic sprayers have been designed to meet dwell times for solutions so they can work to their full capabilities.

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Business or Home After a Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Exposure

Business Coronavirus Disinfection Home
how often should i disinfect covid 19 coronavirus

Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of reopening and maintaining a safe and healthy work and home environment. Cleaning refers to the reduction of dirt, germs (virus, bacteria, fungi), and other impurities from surfaces, however cleaning alone does not kill germs, it merely reduces the number present, therefore limiting the risk of catching or spreading an infection. Disinfection works through the use of chemicals, for example, EPA List-N disinfectants (Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2), to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean the surfaces, but it does kill them, rendering them incapable of causing adverse health effects.

Disinfect Charleston uses EPA List-N disinfectants, in conjunction with electrostatic sprayers, as part of our disinfecting protocol when we are in your business or home. Electrostatic sprayers adds a charge to the chemical mist (or fog) which allows the tiny droplets to more evenly disperse and adhere to the surface in which you are trying to disinfect. This provides the client with a much higher level of reassurance that potentially contaminated surfaces have been wetted for the prescribed dwell time, and in turn, killed the pathogens.

3 Step Process

  1. Develop Your Plan
  2. Implement Your Plan
  3. Maintain Your Plan

Develop Your Plan

Determine the types of surfaces you have in your home or business (likely a mixture of non-porous & porous), and what surfaces are frequently touched, such as light switches, keyboards, door knobs, phones, toilets, countertops, desks, etc. Determine what surfaces only need a cleaning and what surfaces need to be disinfected. Additionally, your plan should take into consideration how you are going to maintain cleanliness within your home or business. Is this a one-time clean due to someone with COVID-19 entering your home or business, or are you looking for a routine, scheduled disinfection for client reassurance in your business or peace of mind in your home?

Generally, outdoor areas do not need to be cleaned or disinfected, however, playground equipment that is frequently used should be considered in your disinfection plan.

Additionally, you should consider using non-harmful disinfectants that do not leave dangerous residues and are safe for even food contact surfaces. Contact Disinfect Charleston to learn more about the products we use for disinfection in homes and businesses.

Implement Your Plan

Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water. Where possible, this should be performed prior to Disinfect Charleston’s arrival by the janitorial crew, staff, or residents. Note, the key words are “visibly dirty”.

Ensure the disinfectant you are using is listed on the EPA’s List-N. There are a number of products coming on the market today that manufacturers make all types of claims about, but, if they are not on the List-N, require your cleaning contractor to replace the chemical with an approved type.

Lastly, dwell time is very important. All chemicals on the EPA’s List-N have a time limit that the surfaces must remain wetted for the disinfectant to kill the viruses (or bacteria, fungi) on the surfaces. If the disinfectant is applied to lightly and evaporates too quickly, you will not have effective kill time. If the disinfectant is applied and then immediately wiped off, again, you will not have effective kill time. Disinfect Charleston staff are qualified, certified safety and health professionals and will ensure that the chemicals are applied per the manufacturer’s instructions and with complete coverage.

Maintain Your Plan

Finally, take precautions during your daily activities to limit your potential exposure to the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19. This includes social distancing, using masks, washing hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth.

Routine cleaning and disinfecting are a very important part in reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Surfaces that are touched by multiple people daily should be disinfected daily, and others should be cleaned before each use (shopping carts, point of sale machines, etc.).

Disinfect Charleston is Here to Support You

If you have a need for disinfecting services in your home or business, contact Disinfect Charleston. 20 years of experience in occupational safety and health, 10 years experience in janitorial and commercial cleaning. We have the experience you need. Serving Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Johns Island, James Island, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island.