Article Information
Michael A. Pinto currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Makers Environmental, Inc. He has more than 30 years of safety and environmental experience from jobs in the private sector, the non-profit arena, and regulatory agencies. Michael is the author of five books, including Fungal Contamination: A Comprehensive Guide for Remediation, over 150 published articles, and 18 commercial training programs. He can be reached at map@wondermakers.com.
1/15/2018.
The emphasis is on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with products that do not off-gas that could irritate sensitive people.
When the author lists oxidizers he leaves out bleach which is by far the most commonly used oxidizer to clean/ disinfect. Why?
Rating Breakdown
Why 4-Star? This article is the first of a five part series that discusses how to clean when sensitized individuals are involved. Published in R&R Magazine. Pinto does not get 5 Stars because his good quality articles are also advertorials for products he sells.
1-5 Stars System
- Positive: Greater than or equal to 4 (4.0 – 5.0) MUST READ
- Neutral: Greater than or equal to 3 but less than 4 (3.0 – 3.9)
- Negative: Less than 3 (2.9 – 0)
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Pinto has reviewed chemicals and procedures for cleaning when sensitive occupants are involved.
What is remarkable is that he has left off bleach-based oxidizers. The EPA recommends 1 to 10 (10%) dilution of bleach with water for sanitizing after mold remediation when immune compromised people are potentially involved. CDC and FEMA both recommend 10% bleach to clean and sanitize.
Why? Bleach does not leave ANY toxic residue. And bleach as an oxidizer actually removes toxins, allergens and irritants by disintegration.
In the article DDRS has posted by Dr. Moon (ATP Testing: Use and Misuse in the Restoration Industry) Moon explains that hospital cleaning and disinfectant agents, the vast majority of the time, are either peroxide, bleach, or alcohol based.
Pinto again does not list/consider bleach-based disinfectants nor does he list/consider alcohol.
Nor does he include [Wet] Swiffers. Swiffers are great not only do they clean without leaving a dangerous chemical residue but the act of cleaning with a Swiffer at the same time provides post cleaning verification. If the back of the Swiffer comes back clean after the last set of wipes …. floors/surfaces are proven clean.
On page 28 R&R January 2018 Pinto/Wonder Makers states/warns: “Over three decades in the industry Wonder Makers has provided consulting services to many of the organizations that offer products to the [cleaning/disinfection/restoration] industry.”
Pinto warns… “so this disclaimer is important for readers to keep in mind”
KEEP THAT IN MIND.