Tag

Disinfection

All articles tagged with #disinfection

health1 month ago•23 min saved

Toilet Plumes Meet Your Toothbrush: What Actually Reduces Microbes

Flushing toilets creates toilet plumes that spread aerosols in the bathroom, and toothbrushes can collect these droplets and harbor biofilms. Studies show common brushes in communal bathrooms carry fecal bacteria, though oral microbes from the user can outcompete some contaminants; closing the lid doesn’t fully prevent spread and covers can trap moisture, promoting other pathogens. The recommended defenses are chemical disinfection or soaking, regular toothbrush replacement, and keeping brushes far from the toilet (ideally in a drying cabinet). Upgrading to vacuum toilets would help, but for now the goal is reducing cross-contamination rather than achieving sterility.

via ZME Science|

#aerosols #bacteria #disinfection

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Rising Norovirus and Illnesses Prompt Health Alerts in California

Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, is spreading more during the winter season. To disinfect after exposure, use a chlorine bleach solution or EPA-approved disinfectant, leave it on surfaces for at least five minutes, wear gloves, and wash laundry and hands thoroughly. Proper cleaning helps prevent the spread of the virus, which can linger up to two weeks after symptoms resolve.

via Yahoo News Canada|

#cdc #disinfection #health

health2 months ago•4 min saved

Experts Reveal Key Tips to Prevent Norovirus Spread During Winter

With rising norovirus cases, infectious disease doctors recommend hand washing with soap and water, avoiding sick individuals, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and wearing masks when caring for someone sick to reduce transmission, although the CDC primarily emphasizes hand hygiene and surface cleaning.

via Prevention|

#disinfection #hand-washing #health

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Winter Vomiting Disease: Surge of Highly Contagious Norovirus Across U.S.

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing gastroenteritis, is spreading across the U.S., including California. It spreads through contaminated surfaces, food, water, and person-to-person contact. Proper cleaning with soap, water, and EPA-registered disinfectants, including bleach solutions, is essential for control. Precautions like wearing gloves and masks when cleaning and thorough laundry practices are recommended to prevent further spread.

via Sacramento Bee|

#disinfection #health #norovirus

health5 months ago•1 min saved

The Risks of Allowing Germy Shoes Indoors

Wearing shoes inside can transfer germs and dirt to your floors, but cleaning shoes with soap and disinfectant, and following proper washing instructions, can reduce the risk of spreading harmful microorganisms in your home.

via The Boston Globe|

#disinfection #germs #health

science5 months ago•2 min saved

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Vinegar Offers New Hope Against Superbugs

European researchers have enhanced vinegar's bacteria-killing ability by adding quantum dot nanoparticles, creating a potentially powerful and safe tool against superbugs, especially when used with antibiotics, though further testing in humans is needed.

via Gizmodo|

#antimicrobial #disinfection #quantum-dots

health-and-technology6 months ago•4 min saved

Essential Tips for Germ-Free Phones and Devices

Phones can harbor many germs and should be cleaned regularly to prevent health risks, but using harsh chemicals can damage the device. Experts recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and soft cloths, avoiding sprays and abrasive cleaners, and cleaning at least weekly, especially in high-risk environments, to maintain hygiene without damaging the phone.

via The Conversation|

#disinfection #germs #health-and-technology

science1 year ago•0 min saved

Scientists Uncover Potentially Toxic 'Phantom Chemical' in U.S. Tap Water

Researchers have identified a mysterious chemical byproduct found in the tap water of about one-third of Americans, stemming from a disinfectant used in water treatment. The study, published in Science, calls for a rapid assessment of the byproduct's potential toxicity, though it does not suggest that the water is currently unsafe to drink.

via The Washington Post|

#chemical-byproduct #disinfection #research

science-and-technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"The Case for Widespread UV Light Implementation to Combat Viruses"

Despite its proven ability to effectively kill viruses and bacteria, ultraviolet (UV) light is not widely used as a defense against germs, likely due to its association with harmful sun rays. However, researchers have discovered a type of UV light that can effectively stop germs without penetrating human skin, offering potential as a new defense against diseases. For more information, readers can check out the full article by Dylan Matthews and subscribe to Vox’s science podcast, Unexplainable, for an upcoming related piece.

via Vox.com|

#bacteria #disinfection #research

health-and-hygiene2 years ago•1 min saved

"The Toilet Lid Debate: Does It Really Matter for Flushing?"

Researchers from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser found that closing the lid on a toilet does not prevent the spread of aerosolised germs, suggesting that regular disinfection of toilets is crucial to reduce contamination and prevent the spread of viruses. Their study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, tested viral particles in residential and public toilets, concluding that while a closed lid led to elevated contamination levels in certain areas, it did not significantly impact the spread of viral particles. The research emphasizes the importance of using disinfectants and scrub brushes to prevent the spread of viral pathogens in bathrooms.

via Geo News|

#contamination #disinfection #health-and-hygiene

home-and-lifestyle2 years ago•3 min saved

Choosing the Best Cleaning Agent: Hydrogen Peroxide or Rubbing Alcohol?

Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are both effective cleaning agents, but hydrogen peroxide emerges as the superior choice due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as its versatility in various cleaning tasks. Rubbing alcohol excels at dissolving oils and sanitizing surfaces, but its germicidal spectrum is narrower. However, the choice between the two depends on the specific cleaning task at hand.

via House Digest|

#cleaning #disinfection #home-and-lifestyle

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Preventing the Common Cold: 5 Effective Strategies

To prevent catching a cold, experts recommend washing hands frequently, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, getting enough sleep, practicing healthy habits, and considering wearing a mask, especially in crowded spaces. While supplements like zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics are commonly used, there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. It's important to consult a doctor before trying any new supplements. If symptoms worsen or if there are underlying health conditions, it's advisable to seek medical care. Ultimately, a cold will run its course and does not require specific medication or antibiotics.

via HuffPost|

#cold-prevention #disinfection #handwashing

science-and-health2 years ago•2 min saved

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Bacteria Can't Develop Resistance to Bleach

While bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics, they do not develop resistance to bleach due to its indiscriminate destruction of cells. Antibiotics target specific systems, allowing bacteria to find ways around them, whereas bleach chemically dismantles any protein or lipid structures in cells, making it highly effective for disinfection. However, its indiscriminate nature also makes it harmful to human cells and unsuitable for treating infections.

via Willamette Week|

#antibiotics #bacteria #bleach

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Stay Healthy and Cold-Free: Effective Ways to Inactivate Common Cold Viruses"

Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum have found that alcohol-based hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants effectively protect against the transmission of respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) on surfaces. The study also revealed that rinsing the mouth with mouthwash for 30 seconds can reduce the amount of RSV virus to undetectable levels. These findings suggest that regular disinfection, handwashing, proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and maintaining distance from others when experiencing symptoms can actively prevent the spread of RSV and other common cold viruses.

via SciTechDaily|

#cold-season #common-cold-viruses #disinfection

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Lancaster County Prison Takes Action to Combat Legionnaires' Outbreak

Trace amounts of Legionnaires' bacteria were found in a sink at Lancaster County Prison after a person who had recently been transferred out of the prison tested positive for the disease. County officials plan to disinfect water pipes and cells at the prison. Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacteria found in water, and infections typically occur when a person inhales water droplets containing the bacteria. No staff or inmates are currently displaying symptoms, and the individual who contracted the disease has made a full recovery. The prison will sanitize the water system, install new filters, and superheat water heaters to eliminate any remaining bacteria.

via LNP | LancasterOnline|

#bacteria #disinfection #health