BACKGROUND
The concept of acquiring infectious agents from contact with contaminated surfaces and “bad air”, Miasma is age-old and predates the germ theory of disease. In more modern times, concerns about public health issues date back to at least the mid-19th century and to the work of the sanitary reformers, who themselves were the precursors of the public health movement. The history of the development of hygiene and cleaning practices dates to approximately the same period.
Due to significant advances in microbiome science over the past two decades, we are at the brink of a paradigm shift regarding the role of microbes in disease and health, from the Germ Theory of Disease to the Microbial Theory of Health where targeted cleaning and disinfection of high-risk surfaces rather than indiscriminate use is the goal.
AIMS AND SCOPE
This workshop will review what we know about microorganisms and pathogens in the built environment on surfaces and in the air and how they spread; specific case studies on cleaning effectiveness for hygiene will be presented and a tool for quantifying the infection risk reduction through various interventions will be introduced.
The session will consist of short presentations and structured discussion (90 mins total).
PRESENTATIONS
Microorganisms on floor surface of school classrooms- a study of 50 elementary schools in a large city in the U.S.
Ju-Hyeong Park NIOSH
Air-to-surface and surface-to-air dynamics in dissemination of microorganisms and pathogens throughout the indoor environment. Techniques to monitor and reduce air and surface contamination. Associated health effects.
Richard Shaughnessy University of Tulsa, USA
Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy University of Oulu, Finland & University of Tulsa, USA
The importance of cleaning for indoor air quality based on research
Leila Kakko Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Introduce Quantitative Microbial Risk Analysis (QRMA) and how this tool can be used to determine the effectiveness of hygiene intervention in reducing the risk of infection-spread indoors
Chuck Gerba or Kelly Reynolds University of Arizona, USA