Does a New One-Step Cleaner Put Certain Hospital Staff Members at Risk?

May 4, 2016 | Strategic Insights for Health System

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​Almost half of the environmental services staff surveyed at a Pennsylvania hospital reported at least one adverse side effect when using a new one-step cleaner, according a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Science Blog post published on April 29, 2016. The cleaning product is an "EPA-registered non-bleach sporicidal advertised as a one-step disinfectant cleaner, virucide, and deodorizer," said NIOSH. NIOSH said that the manufacturer's safety data does not call for the use of any personal protective equipment or dilution before use. NIOSH conducted a health evaluation at the hospital after staff reported that use of the product, which contains hydrogen peroxide, peroxacetic acid, and acetic acid, caused burning eyes, nose and throat; coughing; headaches; asthma exacerbation; and burns on the skin. Watery eyes (46% of users), nasal problems (28%) and asthma-like symptoms (28%) were the most frequently reported symptoms.

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