Combating Bacteria, Molds, and Viruses (Microbes)!
Microbes live on the surfaces we come in contact with every day.
Counter tops at home, door knobs at work, hand rails at school, and oh yes, water fountains and water coolers, too. And don’t forget about the human surface! Bacteria, Molds, and Viruses (Microbes) are EVERYWHERE!
It is difficult to not become exposed to germs as we go about living our lives. This is especially true if we don’t pay attention and let our guard down.
The life span of microbes on a surface can vary widely depending upon the type of microbe and whether conditions exists that favor the survival, growth and replication of microbes that settle on a surface.
Some microbes may live on a surface for only a few minutes while others may be viable for up to several months or more.
Recent events in Africa and here at home (United States) have generated a greater awareness and concern over viruses such as Ebola and Enterovirus D68. The presence of these microbes and the dangerous symptoms they inflict on an individual and populations can be severe. We should however understand that Influenza (The Flu) is a far more likely threat to most of us because the risk of exposure to a strain of influenza is greater.
Flu.gov estimates that over 200,000 people area hospitalized each year with the flu. More flu information can be found at http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/seasonal/ .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also tracks Influenza activity. You can follow this link, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ to view the weekly flu activity report.
Here are a few steps to reduce our exposure risks to microbes:
- Stay healthy by eating properly and getting enough sleep
- Wash your hands regularly, with soap
- Keep your hands away from your face
- Don’t “invade” someone’s space (Stay out of their face!)
- Keep your hands to yourself (Try not to touch surfaces that others have been touching)
- Keep yourself and your kids at home if either are experiencing sickness symptoms
- Good housekeeping at home, your area at work and at school
Sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces can be accomplished by using old and still effective methods such as cleaning with bleach, Lysol and other traditional antimicrobials (Microbe killer).
Modern, Silane based antimicrobials like BactiBarrier® and Aegis Microbe Shield are very affective when professionally applied, because these antimicrobials bond to most all surfaces within an indoor environment and remain bonded indefinitely, thus providing protection between periods of surface cleanings. The BactiBarrier® system is also approved for use on textiles and other soft surfaces.
Be diligent this cold and flu season and practice good hygiene.
Please contact SANAIR IAQ if you need assistance with sanitizing /disinfecting and providing long term microbial protection of you indoor environments.