Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities: Reducing Human Health Effects and Environmental Impacts
Health Care Research Collaborative
Authors: Pia Markkanen, ScD, Margaret Quinn ScD, CIH, Catherine Galligan, MSc, Anila Bello, ScD
April 2009. 40 pages.
Authors: Pia Markkanen, ScD, Margaret Quinn ScD, CIH, Catherine Galligan, MSc, Anila Bello, ScD
April 2009. 40 pages.
Summary
While cleaning is important in all economic sectors, it serves the healthcare industry the dual functions of: (i) surface cleanliness, and (ii) infection prevention and control. As such, healthcare settings require intensive and frequent cleaning with a wide range of products.
This document summarizes the main health and environmental impacts related to conventional surface cleaning, describes a systems approach for designing and implementing healthier and environmentally friendlier cleaning strategies for the healthcare sector, and indicates areas where future research and policy initiatives are needed.
