Cleaning After Flooding

Aug 27, 2020 | Cleaning, Education, News

Hazard Warning
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by Autumn Ryan, Founder and CEO

As I’m writing this, Hurricane Laura has become a Category 4 and is just a few miles from the Louisianna/Texas shore. There will be floods. So I looked to an OSHA Hurricane Facts website to find out what they recommend:

“During a flooding event, there is an increased danger of contracting bacterial, viral and protozoal diseases. Floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage and decaying animal and human remains. Therefore, disinfection of contaminated hands, clothing, tools/equipment, and surfaces in work areas is critical in disease prevention. Household bleach solutions of various strengths can be used for this purpose.”

I had a sneaky suspicion that a diluted bleach solution would be in their recommendation. And yet OSHA also warns employers against exposing workers to bleach and recommends other safer, less toxic products citing long-term exposure responsible for breathing problems such as bronchitis or shortness of breath. (Many occupations use bleach in their processing. Food processing is one that comes readily to mind.)

A 20-year study completed in 2018 concludes that use of household cleaners could be as bad as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

A Better, Safer Product

Aseptic Plus is a hospital grade disinfectant that kills more than 30 viruses and bacteria at 99.999%. As we’ve discussed before 99.999% is 100 times better than 99.9% (which is the kill rate of bleach). And it’s not only a better product, it’s a safer product. It is a Category 4 on the EPA toxicity scale which is the lowest toxicity level possible (the same as water). Won’t harm people, pets, plants or the environment.

The News Today

Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Laura. If you are in its path here’s a quick link to The National Hurricane Center to check for the official Advisory in your area.