Green Cleaning and Infection Control: An Expert Roundtable Discusses the Issues

Nelson: Some green claims are based on science, such as claims about products that are Green Seal certified and Design for the Environment (DfE) products. However, this doesn’t apply to disinfectants, as discussed previously.

Sawchuk: Green certification has science, and typically more science than traditional cleaners. Both Green Seal and Eco Logo require the cleaner to pass ASTM standards and criteria. Traditional, nongreen-certified products require no proof of efficacy. Therefore, on the basis of this platform, Green-certified cleaners should always be used over unproven traditional products. Regarding the microbial efficacy claims, as stated in the previous answer, EPA registration ensures the claims of disinfectants or sanitizers.

Sheldon: When green ceases being a marketing campaign and a political agenda and seeks to improve the health and welfare of our population as its first and foremost obligation and then allows itself to be guided by science and research, only then will it be justified in the healthcare community.

ICT:Are there misperceptions about green cleaning in healthcare that you would like to address?

Ashkin: The one misconception that is necessary to address is that green cleaning is just about selecting and using disinfectants. It is about more than that. If the infection control department does not want to change disinfectants for whatever reason, there are numerous other opportunities to “green” environmental services. For example, changes can be made to further reduce the potential negative health and environmental impacts associated with floor and carpet care, especially in low-risk areas. Other chemicals can be “greened,” including glass cleaners, restroom cleaners, furniture polishes, spot cleaners, and exterior maintenance products. Janitorial paper products can be “greened” to address the use of recycled content and reduce the amount of product actually consumed. Equipment can be “greened” to use less water and energy and to capture more of the particulates that can harm patient and occupant health. Then there is new equipment that can clean without the use of additional cleaning chemicals. Plus, there are all the other products, tools, supplies, liners, etc. that can be considered for “greening.” And finally, there are opportunities to improve training and procedures to further reduce the potential negative health and environmental impacts associated with the cleaning processes themselves. Green cleaning in healthcare is not just about disinfectants.