CIRI Announces Fall Cleaning Science Symposium

The Cleaning Industry Research Institute International (CIRI) announces its  fall science and technology symposium, The Science and Efficacy of Antimicrobials, Disinfectants and Their Impact on Cleaning Technologies. The event, to be held at the Georgia Institute of Technology Hotel and Conference Center Nov. 9-11, 2011, will focus on profusion and confusion over many new and different types of disinfectants, sanitizers and antimicrobials.

Attention also will be given to innovations in cleaning science and disinfection; federal regulations; how newer technologies are influencing the contract cleaning business; and the aspects of cleaning technology that involve non-chemical, physical and chemical-free disinfection.

There is a renewed interest in antibacterial technologies, antimicrobial products, disinfectants and sanitizing cleaners, says Dr. Steven Spivak, chairman of CIRIs Science Advisory Council. One reason for that is the expanding supply of antimicrobial technologies, which now is up to 15 or 20 different types and methods. Previously, the average cleaner, service provider and restorer knew antimicrobials primarily as quats, phenolics, alcohol and blends. Today there is an explosion of types, claims and hype regarding all healthy cleaning products, methods, equipment and systemswith or without chemical disinfection.

The program will attempt to answer questions such as:

- What are green disinfectants and can they be promoted? 

- Are there means to reduce microbial contamination with wipes, squeegees and just cleaning? 

- Which disinfection methods are reduced-chemical or chemical-free and how do they perform? 

- What antimicrobial technologies work faster and better?

- Which are best for routine cleaning and use in higher risk environments, such as hospitals and health care facilities?

- Whose claims and labeling of disinfectant cleaners, sanitizers and antimicrobials are reliable?

CIRI symposiums focus on scientific clarity, truth, reliable documentation, data and analytical research on cleaning and health. Unlike meetings that emphasize marketing, advertising and business promotion, CIRI discourages commerciality and unsubstantiated product promotion at its events. As a 501.c.3, non-profit educational, scientific and research institution, CIRI aims to be unbiased, independent and a unique industry source of cleaning science understanding, measurement and efficacy.

For more information contact CIRI at (888) 285-2474, (518) 690-0479 or visit www.ciriscience.org.