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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Redesign of portable suction equipment cases: an engineering approach to a disinfection problem.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tracheostomies carry a case for suctioning supplies. A returned case cultured positive for Staphylococcus aureus even after it had been cleaned with a disinfectant. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) the source of the S aureus and (2) how to provide a microbiologically safe case for the next patient. METHODS: Reviews of patient and environmental cultures plus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used to determine the source of the S aureus. Repeated wiping with various detergents/disinfectants did not remove the S aureus from the case, which could not be immersed for cleaning because of a chipboard component. We designed a case made of denim with a washable synthetic fiber to provide shape. The new cases were purposefully contaminated and laundered and then cultured. RESULTS: PFGE indicated that the S aureus was from the patient who had most recently used the case. Contamination of the denim case with the original S aureus, followed by laundering, resulted in a case that was free of the S aureus. These results were repeated for other pathogens. CONCLUSION: Commercially available cases for suction equipment can become contaminated with pathogens from the user and may be difficult to disinfect. By making the case out of washable materials, less expensive cases, which could be readily disinfected, resulted.

Disinfection↗
PubMed2006

Synthesis and antimicrobial applications of 5,5'-ethylenebis[5-methyl-3-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)hydantoin].

A novel, durable, long lasting, N-halamine siloxane monomer precursor, 5,5'-ethylenebis[5-methyl-3-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)hydantoin] has been prepared and characterized by (1)H-NMR and FTIR for the purpose of functionalizing the surfaces of various materials. In this work, the precursor N-halamine moiety was attached by siloxane covalent bonding to surfaces of cotton fibers. Simulated laundering tests indicated that the chlorinated N-halamine structure could survive many repeated home launderings. The materials were rendered biocidal after exposure to oxidative halogen solutions, i.e. dilute household bleach. Once chlorinated, these materials were biocidal against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Upon loss of the halogen from either long-term use or consumption by the microbes on the surfaces, they could be simply recharged by further exposure to dilute bleach to regain biocidal activity.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2005

Rotaviral RNA found in wastewaters from hospital laundry.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the presence of rotaviral RNA in water from a hospital laundry. Since rotaviruses are known as major causal agents of diarrhoea in humans, it is necessary that laundering hospital textiles results in efficient chemo-thermal disinfection, thus minimizing the possibility of transmission of rotaviruses to immune-compromised patients in hospitals. RT-PCR and second round PCR for gene amplification using specific primers, succeeding ultra-filtration and RNA isolation, was used to determine the presence of rotaviral RNA in water samples. The results show that rotaviral RNA was found in wastewater after the washing process, thus confirming an inadequate disinfecting effect of the examined laundering procedures.

Bedding and Linens↗
PubMed1994

Contamination of hospital linen by Bacillus cereus.

An investigation into two cases of post-operative Bacillus cereus meningitis revealed that hospital linen laundered by a batch continuous washing machine was heavily contaminated by B. cereus spores. The washing machine, detergents, other chemical additives and the water supply were eliminated as the source of contamination. It was found that the linen introduced into the washing machine had a high B. cereus spore content and that this was still present after the wash process. The spores were not killed by either the heat disinfection stage of the wash or the addition of chemical disinfectants and were not removed by the dilution in the process. The multiplication of B. cereus was thought to have occurred on used, damp linen stored in plastic bags, particularly when ambient temperatures were high. An increase in the water flow through the washing machine was the only measure associated with a decrease in B. cereus on laundered linen.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed2000

Bacterial flora on the white coats of medical students.

This study has demonstrated that the white coats of medical students are more likely to be bacteriologically contaminated at points of frequent contact, such as the sleeve and pocket. The organisms identified were principally skin commensals including Staphylococcus aureus. The cleanliness of the coat as perceived by the student was correlated with bacteriological contamination, yet despite this, a significant proportion of students only laundered their coats occassionally. This study supports the view that the students' white coat is a potential source of cross infection on the ward and its design should be modified in order to facilitate hand washing. Hospitals training medical students should consider taking on the burden of providing freshly laundered white coats for the students.

Colony Count, Microbial↗
PubMed1983

The permeation by liquefied coal of gloves used in coal liquefaction pilot plants.

The protective capabilities of PVC, natural rubber and milled nitrile rubber gloves currently used in coal liquefaction pilot plants were assessed and the effectiveness of a laundering method was evaluated. The breakthrough times and cumulative permeation for exposure to toluene and to liquefied coal were determined by measurement of radiolabeled phenol tracer in the aqueous receiving medium. Breakthrough times, normalized by division by the square of the material thickness, agreed with the findings of other studies. On exposure to liquefied coal, the nitrile laboratory glove resisted breakthrough the longest (between 12 and 24 hours), although it was the thinnest material tested. Breakthrough times for the other gloves ranged from 2.75 to 6.5 hours with the times for the natural rubber glove materials intermediate to the two PVC glove materials tested. However, when normalized for thickness, both PVC materials were more resistant to breakthrough than rubber. It was found that the laundering method did not completely decontaminate samples of PVC glove material pre-exposed to liquefied coal for 24 hours under laboratory conditions.

Coal↗
PubMed1989

The chemical, physical and biological properties of a neat cutting oil during prolonged use in a large manufacturing facility.

A 5-year study was conducted to investigate changes in the chemical, physical and biological properties of a neat cutting oil during prolonged use in a large manufacturing facility. Samples of cutting oil and other materials as appropriate, were collected at regular intervals. They were analysed for individual and total 4-6 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAs), additive and wear elements, boiling range, viscosity and particulates and in addition they were tested biologically to determine irritancy, sensitization and carcinogenic potential. Records were kept of plant utilization data and all oil additions, including the headstock lubricant and hydraulic oil which entered the cutting oil as contaminants on a regular basis. The cutting oil was 'laundered' each year. This involved removal of water and particulates, the lowering of viscosity by addition of mineral seal oil and the adjustment of the additive balance. The total amount of new oil entering the system during the study period amounted to an oil renewal rate averaging 38% by volume per annum. The generation of individual PCAs during the use of the cutting oil was slow and the dilution effect of oil additions prevented their excessive build-up. An equilibrium was reached after 2-3 years. The low level of build-up of individual PCAs was sufficient to produce a measurable increase in total PCAs determined by a gravimetric method. Laundering had no effect on individual PCA content or on the presence of wear elements but was useful in maintaining the physical properties and additive content. No evidence of any increase in irritancy, sensitizing or carcinogenic potential was found in the course of the study. These findings may also be applicable to other cutting oil systems, if the manner of use, the solvent-refined quality of all oils used, rate of oil losses and additions and the volume of the systems, are comparable with those described in the study.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Occupation and upper aerodigestive tract cancers: a follow-up study in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the associations between occupation and upper aerodigestive tract cancers at various anatomic sites. METHODS: The Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for different occupational groups, adjusted for age, period, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Male dentists showed an increased risk for tongue cancer; hairdressers had an increased risk for tongue and larynx cancers among men and pharynx cancer among women; launderers and dry cleaners showed an increased risk for pharynx cancer among men and lip cancer among women; outdoor occupations such as fishermen, seamen, transport, and construction workers showed increased risks for lip cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Although smoking and alcohol drinking can explain some of these results, increased risks found for dentists, hairdressers, and launderers and dry cleaners may partly be explained by their work-related exposures; increased risks of lip cancer in outdoor occupations can be explained by sunlight exposure.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2005

Occurrences of leukemia subtypes by socioeconomic and occupational groups in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between socioeconomic/occupational factors and histologic subtypes of leukemia. METHODS: The Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for different social classes and occupational groups. RESULTS: The overall standardized incidence ratio was close to unity between different socioeconomic groups, except for female manual workers with a significantly decreased risk. Among male occupations, increased risks were noted for sales agents, seamen, and chemical process workers. For female occupations, increased risks were observed among mechanics, iron and metalware workers, hairdressers, and launderers and dry cleaners. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that socioeconomic/occupational factors have a minor effect on the risk of leukemia. Occupational groups with possible exposure to organic solvents and other chemicals such as chemical process workers, mechanics, iron and metalware workers, and launderers and dry cleaners may entail true risk for leukemia.

Databases, Factual↗
PubMed2004

Revolutionary advances in sun-protective clothing--an essential step in eliminating skin cancer in our world.

For many years, individuals around the world have relied on sunscreen alone as their primary form of protection against ultraviolet rays (UV-R). Australia has shown that a multitactic approach to skin cancer prevention, combining sun-protective clothing with sunscreen, can be both highly effective and widely accepted by the general public. In the US, the aging baby boomer generation and rising skin cancer epidemic call for a fundamental behavioral shift toward this combination approach to sun protection. Sun-protective clothing, such as that manufactured by Coolibar and awarded the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation, offers millions of Americans the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of their lives and is an essential step in eliminating skin cancer in our world. All Coolibar clothing products carry a minimum ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 30, blocking 97% UV-R or greater. Each product in the Coolibar clothing line is individually tested and rated for its UV protection level; this process is explained in a thorough hangtag attached to the product. This tag specifies what UPF the product has received, how the UPF is figured, which testing procedures the individual product was submitted to, and if that product has received the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. In addition to photoprotective clothing, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Rit Sun Guard, a photoprotective laundry additive. Rit Sun Guard washes into the clothing fibers and absorbs broadband UV-R. A single treatment of Rit Sun Guard sustains a UPF of 30 for approximately 20 launderings. The active ingredient in Rit Sun Guard is TINOSORB FD. In order to be certified by The Skin Cancer Foundation, the Coolibar clothing product must undergo extensive UPF testing to confirm the accuracy of the product labeling. Laundry additives evaluated by The Skin Cancer Foundation undergo similar tests to that of photoprotective clothing after a uniform laundering method is used to apply the product to the clothing fibers. Both of these certification processes confirm the UPF, UV-A and UV-B transmittance, and percentage blocking UV-A and UV-B. The certification process is reviewed on an annual basis.

Health Promotion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diapering choices: a critical review of the issues.

Careful consideration is needed to determine which diapering system may be best suited to an institution's or individual's needs. A critical review of five issues--skin care, infection control, other health-related concerns, environmental and safety aspects, and time/cost issues--reveals that: (a) superabsorbent paper diapers reduce the incidence and severity of diaper dermatitis and control the spread of infection in caregiving surroundings; (b) cloth and paper diapers have different effects on the environment and neither type of diaper is clearly superior to the other; and (c) the cost of disposable diapers and reusable commercial-laundered diapers may be comparable, although home-laundered diapers are least expensive if the caregiver's labor is not considered.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The profits of organized crime: the illicit drug trade in Canada.

Massive funds that are produced from street-level crime are laundered upwards into the criminal organizations for the benefit of their top-level members. The laundering systems used to distribute the proceeds of crime are designed to conceal the size of the organization as well as the identity of its members. Crime syndicates are attracted to criminal activity that produces the highest profits with the lowest risks. Although organized crime syndicates derive profits from a wide variety of criminal activity, their most sought after ventures principally involve the consensual type of crimes, such as drug trafficking, where no one individual can be readily identified as a legal victim for the purpose of recovering the proceeds of a criminal act. A recent survey indicated that illicit drug trafficking accounted for 87 per cent of the cash flow generated from organized crime. When the proceeds are disbursed, the criminals are free of the usual civil liability respecting the ownership of the proceeds. Canada currently has several laws which enhance the ability of law-enforcement authorities to trace the proceeds of crime and prosecute those who possess the assets. This legislation has some limitations with respect to seizure and forfeiture of certain types of proceeds. For example, forfeiture of the illegally acquired property is difficult when there is no original legal owner to initiate legal action, and even more difficult if the assets are located abroad.

Canada↗
PubMed1995

[Fatal pleural mesothelioma diseases caused by familial household contacts with asbestos fiber dust].

The case histories of a family are described where 3 out of 4 developed asbestos-related diseases. Only the husband had direct occupational exposure handling blue-asbestos materials while working in a producing insulating factory in 1950-59. He died of pulmonary asbestosis as an occupational disease. His wife and his son died of asbestos related mesothelioma. Detailed exposure history revealed exposure to asbestos by laundering her husband's contaminated working clothes. His son was exposed to asbestos during childhood by helping his mother laundering the father's working clothes and in addition by visiting his father's working place regularly. The significance of nonoccupational exposure to asbestos is emphasized as a causative factor in the development of malignant mesothelioma.

Adult↗
PubMed1961

Disinfection of hospital blankets with synthetic phenolic compounds.

A cheap method by which hospital blankets may be effectively disinfected (approximately 3d. per blanket) is described. A recommendation is made that blankets from the patients' beds be divided into: ;socially dirty' blankets to be laundered, possibly at infrequent intervals; and ;socially clean' blankets to be disinfected frequently. The wide range of a synthetic phenolic compound is described. This substance is effective against all the common pathogenic bacteria in the presence of organic matter, anionic, or cationic detergents. Details are given of laboratory trials with this method of disinfection and of pilot trials at the Group hospital laundry. The recommended method is simpler and takes less time than ordinary washing.

Disinfection↗
PubMed1997

Cancer mortality among laundry and dry cleaning workers.

A cancer mortality study of 8,163 deaths occurring among persons formerly employed as laundering and dry cleaning workers in 28 states is described. Age-adjusted sex-race cause-specific proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were computed for 1979 through 1990, using the corresponding 28-state mortality as the comparison. For those aged 15-64 years, there were excesses in black men for total cancer mortality (PMR = 130, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 105-159) and cancer of the esophagus 1 (PMR = 215, 95% CI = 111-376), and in white men for cancer of the larynx (PMR = 318, 95% CI = 117-693). For those aged 65 years and over, there were statistically nonsignificant excesses for cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in black women (PMR = 128, CI = 94-170) and for cancer of other and unspecified female genital organs in white women (PMR = 225, CI = 97-443). The results of this and other studies point to the need for the effective implementation of available control measures to protect laundry and dry cleaning workers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Starch as a renewable finish to improve the pesticide-protective properties of conventional workclothes.

Because many pesticide handlers persist in wearing and reusing conventional workclothes, a renewable functional finish that enhances the pesticide-protective qualities of fabrics would be useful. This study investigated the ability of starch to act as a pesticide trap, preventing transfer and increasing removal by laundering, and the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose on release of pesticide in laundry. The retention and distribution of methyl parathion (MeP) on 65% polyester/35% cotton fabric was studied with four finishes: starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as nondurable finishes; durable press resin (DP) and durable press/carboxymethyl cellulose (DP/CMC) as durable finishes. Starching with an add-on of 8% (w/w) effectively reduced the area of contamination and enhanced the removal of methyl parathion from polyester/cotton fabrics. Residual pesticide values for CMC, DP, and DP/CMC finishes were similar to that of the unfinished fabric. While distribution profiles of methyl parathion throughout the yarn and fiber structures were similar for all the finishes, lower concentrations of pesticide were observed on the cotton fibers from the starched fabric. Starch reduced the pesticide transferring by rubbing from both 100% cotton and 65% polyester/cotton fabrics. These studies support the intriguing theory that starch can act as a pesticide trap on the fabric surface to decrease pesticide transfer and to enhance pesticide removal. Extensive penetration studies, field studies, and additional investigation of fiber, yarn, and fabric parameters are needed to further quantify the effects of starch.

Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium↗
PubMed1993

Methods for determining the barrier efficacy of surgical gowns.

BACKGROUND: Surgical gowns are worn in the operating room to reduce the incidence of nosocomial wound infections in patients and to prevent the exposure of medical personnel to pathogens in blood and other body fluids from the patient. New test methods have been developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials to identify gowns that provide barriers against liquid and microbes. METHODS: This article evaluates the liquid and microbial barrier properties of 13 reusable and disposable gowns and investigates the cumulative effects of laundering and sterilizing on the barrier efficacy of reusable gowns by means of the Impact Penetration (splash) Test, the Synthetic Blood Resistance Test, the Viral Resistance Test, and the Elbow Lean (demonstration) Test. RESULTS: Single-layer regular gowns and double-layer fabric reinforced gowns offer different degrees of liquid resistance; that is, they show some resistance to splashes and pooling of liquids on the surface. Gowns reinforced with films, membranes, and coatings are generally liquid-proof, meaning that they resist visible penetration of synthetic blood under pressure. Some of these gowns are also resistant to viral penetration. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals should provide liquid-proof gowns that also offer microbial resistance to their medical personnel for use in high-risk situations in which optimum safety is required. Other gowns may be used when the risk of exposure to body fluids is low. Hospital personnel should determine the type of gown that should be worn in different operating room situations. Any incidents of penetration would indicate that a higher level of protection is required.

Disposable Equipment↗
PubMed2006

Peroxy bleaches Part 1. Background and techniques for hazard evaluation.

Fabric laundering is now a sophisticated chemical process involving a variety of operations including bleaching. The chemistry of peroxy bleaches is described including the use of novel organic compounds to provide effective bleaching at the lower temperatures of modern wash cycles. The instability of peroxy compounds is illustrated using cameo case histories to relate theory and practice. Techniques available for determining their thermochemistry are summarised. A model is provided for hazard and risk assessment of development projects in general (particularly those involving new molecules, processes or formulations) from ideas phase through exploratory laboratory investigations to pilot plant scale-up and eventual manufacture and commercial exploitation. This paper is a prelude to Part 2, which describes the determination of thermodynamic and kinetic properties of peroxy bleaches and discusses the implication of the results in terms of precautions for their safe storage and incorporation into detergent formulations during processing.

Algorithms↗