The Cleaning Industry Research Institute International has put together a survey in preparation for its upcoming Fall 2011 symposium, "Cleaning & Disinfection: The Science, Practice & Controversy" Nov. 10 in Atlanta, Ga. The survey has been designed to gauge industry knowledge of disinfection and its requirements while stimulating creative thought and discussion on this conversional topic.
 
"There is a renewed interest in antibacterial technologies, antimicrobial products, disinfectants and sanitizing cleaners," says Dr. Steven Spivak, Chair of CIRI 's 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, building service contractor 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 systems—with 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?

Click here to take survey.