Research links disinfectant to hospital staff health problems

Cleaning products containing a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and acetic acid can trigger problems


Researchers have found cleaning products containing a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PAA) and acetic acid (AA), can trigger eye irritation and breathing problems, even at low exposure levels, according to an article on the Chemical Watch website.

The recent study observed chronic health problems in cleaning staff at a hospital where a new sporicidal product containing the three substances was introduced 16 months prior.

It linked acute nasal and eye irritation with increased exposure to a mixture of HP and PAA, as well as the total mixture of HP, PAA and AA. Shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking uphill was also associated with increased exposure to the mixture.

Cleaning and disinfecting products, consisting of a mixture of HP, PAA and AA, are widely used as sporicidal agents in healthcare, childcare, agricultural, food service and food production industries.

HP and PAA are strong oxidants and their mixture is a recognized asthmagen. However, few exposure assessment studies to date have measured HP, PAA and AA in a healthcare setting.

Read the article.

 

 



November 9, 2017


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.