These unprecedented times have changed life as we know it for the foreseeable future.

Media coverage, which is supposed to be Fact based and Unbiased is riddled with Opinion, Speculation and Fear has caused mass hysteria in the world trying to keep COVID-19 out of their homes and work spaces. It is hard to separate fact from fiction. That same mass hysteria has made a vast impact for restoration COVID-19 (Biohazard) cleaning services. 

 

Can these services rid your home/business of the virus?

Using the correct SARS-CoV-2, aka COVID-19 resources is critical for success. The resources used for this article are as follows: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), NYC Department of Health and prominent science professors is pertinent moving forward. You need to know the FACTS! Savage Restoration has done this research for you.    

Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination

When people touch a surface or object contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and then touch their own eyes, noses, or mouths, they may expose themselves to the virus.

Early information from the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and other study partners suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on certain types of surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for 2-3 days. However, because the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 from contaminated environmental surfaces and objects is still not fully understood, everyone should carefully evaluate whether or not areas occupied by people suspected to have the virus may have been potentially contaminated and whether or not they need to be decontaminated in response.

The only recommended method of disinfection, according to the CDC is cleaning with an EPA registered disinfectant following the guidelines and instructions printed on the label of the product. Some products get diluted, and some products are packaged ready to use (RTU). It is important to pay attention to the instructions which may also include recommended dwell times. It is also important to understand the MSDS (manufacturers safety date sheets).

This type of cleaning, because of the detail involved can be a costly process, because it is detail oriented and time consuming.

Disinfectant Fogging

Using a ULV (ultra-low volume) fogger will atomize a disinfectant to create a "fog" of disinfectant. This is common in mold remediation to help reduce airborne particulate. This may also assist with helping to kill airborne viruses, but is not very effective in disinfecting surfaces because it simply does not apply enough disinfectant to the surface, and may miss vertical surfaces and surfaces such as those under desks etc. Some products are high percentage hydrogen peroxide based. Although these products can be effective, they should only be used by trained personnel in certain conditions. Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizer, with means there is a strong possibility of "bleaching" organic materials such as wood, leather, wicker, cotton, silk, your hair etc. (anything organic). It will also accelerate oxidation of iron, steel, and aluminum. Other products commonly used have quaternary ammonium germicides or biocides, which in some cases can posed health risks and leave a heavy white residue behind.

The following comes directly from the NYC Department of Health:

The use of gaseous, vapor-phase, or aerosolized biocides for remedial purposes is not recommended. The use of biocides in this manner can pose health concerns for people in occupied spaces of the building and for people returning to the treated space if used improperly. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these treatments is unproven and does not address the possible health concerns.

 

Lee-Ann Jaykus (Professor) who specializes in food microbiology and virology, at North Carolina State University stated:

"Because COVID-19 is so new, there hasn't been any academic research on the effectiveness of disinfectant sprayers and foggers in killing the coronavirus," published in the Wall Street Journal.

Please click on the following link to see the CDC's recommendation for cleaning during the COVID-19 crisis: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Nowhere on the CDC website does it say that fogging will help sanitize spaces for COVID-19.

HEPA Air Scrubbers

The use of HEPA Air Scrubbers is ideal for handling indoor air quality needs on MOST restoration losses. The best way to explain what a HEPA Air Scrubber does is as follows; Air scrubbers draw in air and then use a series of filters to clean the air before pushing it back out, so it recirculates throughout a space. Thus, offering an effective way to improve air quality.

According to the CDC and OSHA, the virus that causes COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 micron (125 nanometers) in diameter. It falls squarely within the particle-size range that HEPA filters capture with extraordinary efficiency: 0.01 micron (10 nanometers) and above. Many media outlets have incorrectly stated that HEPA filters don't filter below 0.3 micron and therefore could not capture airborne coronaviruses.

But that doesn't mean an air scrubber will protect you, because it's not certain that the virus can survive and remain infectious in the air. The position taken both by the CDC and by other global health agencies is that the coronavirus is primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact and by contact with virus-laden droplets expelled through coughing and sneezing.

Also important to consider, the Air Scrubber has no effect when it comes to disinfecting surfaces. Remember it can only filter air. Consider a vehicle, for example. If you want clean air in a vehicle, open the windows. A slight breeze will move contaminated air out, and clean air in. You will still need to clean the interior of the vehicle in order to disinfect. Clean, not fog.

Again, there is still so much unknown about the COVID-19 virus, that any source of disinfecting may not be effective.

Savage Restoration should be #1 on your referral list to assist your clients in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

You will receive superior service from Savage Restoration.

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you help your insured's get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are "There When You Need Us".