Emerging Technology for Environmental Disinfection

Reviewing a practical, unique alternative to chemical disinfectants for surface mediation of fomites, when toxicity is a concern for patients, service providers, and visitors. The steam vapor sanitation system is discussed in terms of its risk neutrality, its efficacy and broad range of antimicrobial activity, frequency of use considering high touch surfaces, and its use in biofilm remediation. Short contact times reduce downtime for disinfection requirements, while providing a more effective process for difficult, irregular and vertical surfaces that are often encountered in a healthcare environment in its battle to limit HAIs.

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Speakers:

Benjamin Tanner
Benjamin Tanner holds a BS in molecular biology and a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Arizona, where he studied environmentally mediated disease transmission and assessed infection risks for workers. He has authored a number of peer reviewed scientific journal articles, and regularly writes for trade journals and other national media. In 2006, after years of enjoyable work for The Clorox Company, Tanner founded Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC, a microbiology laboratory that specializes in testing of disinfectant chemicals and other antimicrobial technologies. He is the author of the book "Legal Aspects of Infectious Diseases" and regularly serves as an expert witness in infectious disease cases. Tanner is dedicated to educating professionals and the public about the benefits and drawbacks of antimicrobial chemicals and devices, and to furthering the development of novel, useful antimicrobial technologies.

Chuanwu Xi, PhD
Chuanwu Xi, PhD, is currently an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He is a molecular microbiologist and microbial ecologist by training and his research focuses on biofilms, water quality and human health. Research in his laboratory uses molecular and genomic tools to understand molecular mechanisms of persistence and resistance of pathogens in natural, engineered and industrial environments, transmission routes of pathogens from the environment to host and their impacts on health of general public and industrial workers. He is particularly interested in the role of biofilms in these processes. Ongoing research in his laboratory studies biofilms in drinking water distribution systems, dental unit water lines and metalworking fluids in automobile plants which have been funded by U.S. National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Xi also has extensive experience in studying molecular mechanisms of biofilm development and developing novel approaches for preventing biofilm formation and eradicating preformed biofilms including nanotechnologies, chemical compounds and polymer coatings. Prior his joining the faculty of University of Michigan School of Public Health, he had been working at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for about four years in the area of environmental engineering and biotechnology. During the course of his research development at the University of Michigan, he has established strong collaborations with schools, hospitals and industry.

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