Aerosols and the Earth

Aerosols influence the climate and the environment by changing the amount of heat that enters or leaves the atmosphere. Some aerosols reflect light, preventing sun rays from reaching Earth. Others absorb heat from the sun's rays, trapping the solar energy within the atmosphere and warming it. Both ways control how much energy reaches the Earth’s surface, which changes the balance of energy. Earth’s energy balance is how the incoming energy from the sun is used and then returned to space. If those 2 factors are balanced, the Earth’s temperature remains constant.

Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans are probably one of the first things that come to mind when the term “aerosol” is mentioned. An aerosol can is a self-contained dispensing system in which a substance is stored inside a small canister and pushed out as a mist, spray, or foam. The substance mix is pressurized within the canister in order to be released by pushing the button to open the valve. Cleaning products are just one of the many items that can be applied with an aerosol can. More specifically, disinfectants, glass cleaners, and air fresheners are usually found in an aerosol can.

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Aerosol cans were first popular in the 1920s. They were filled with insecticide and propellants to protect United States service people from diseased insects. In the 1950s, the first mass-produced aerosol valve was produced, and the aerosol industry developed quickly around the world. It wasn’t until the 1970s when scientists discovered Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the chemical used to propel the product out of the can, was harming the environment, specifically the ozone layer. CFCs destroy the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by rising into the stratosphere and coming into contact with ozone molecules. In response, The Clean Air Act was implemented to ban all use of CFCs in the United States, and the trend followed around the world. Companies were challenged to find a different way to continue to sell aerosol cans for products.

Today, aerosol cans use hydrocarbons and a type of compressed or liquefied gas to function. The gas pushes down on the liquid, forcing it through the tube and out the valve. The liquid is a mixture of product and liquified gas in order to get the misty spray expected of the aerosol can.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Aerosol products also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are carbon-containing substances that cause pollution as they interact with nitrogen oxides. When combined with other pollutants, ground-level ozone, or smog, can form. Ground-level ozone triggers a variety of respiratory health issues when humans are exposed. When used inside a facility or home, VOCs can lower air quality. The EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology studies found that levels of a dozen common organic pollutants can be 2–5 times higher inside homes. In a recent study by the University of New York and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, it is estimated that 1.3 million tons of VOC air pollution is released every year and could rise to 2.2 million tons by 2050.  

Disposing of Aerosol Cans

More than 25 billion cans are used and disposed of each year. Most of these cans are steel or aluminum and can be recycled. However, only 30% of these cans actually make it to a recycling center. Investigate different recycling options for aerosol cans in your local area as these cans cannot be thrown away or recycled in the standard way. Simply throwing aerosol cans into a trash can is bad for the environment, non-compliant, and unsafe because it is considered hazardous material from their highly pressurized chemicals within the can. If there is any product or pressurized gas left in the can, it must be disposed of through a hazardous waste program. If recycled or thrown away with substance still inside, it can cause a fire. Refer to the aerosol can label for specific instructions on how to properly and safely dispose of the product. 

Beyond environmental effects, aerosol cans and sprays are dangerous for other reasons:

Pressurization: Any kind of problem with the pressurization of an aerosol can cause depressurization. Unintentional depressurization from punctures, excessive temperatures, corrosion, or faultiness can cause an explosion. An explosion may burn the user or cause pieces of the can to fly through the air at random.

Ingredients: The actual product being dispensed by the can may be hazardous due to the ingredients. Depending on the product, the chemicals that create the product are released into the air and can be inhaled by the user. The product can come in contact with the skin or eyes, causing irritation. Leftover product in an aerosol can is classified as hazardous waste.

Flammability: Aerosol cans and heat do not mix. Leaving these types of cans in the sun, near high heat or an open flame can result in an explosion. The substance inside is also most likely flammable and may catch fire. When an aerosol can is disposed of, any leftover product inside is at risk of catching fire.

Aerosol Cleaning Products

In the commercial cleaning industry, aerosol sprays are popular for certain products, but the best defense against the dangers of aerosol cans is to stop using them completely. As an alternative, ready-to-use (RTU) quarts yield similar application and the same results without the harmful environmental and health effects. Quart RTUs contribute to “green cleaning” due to the longer life span of cleaning solution, refillable bottles, and increased safety from reduced hazards and chemical waste.

Most commercial and institutional aerosols, including cleaning products, are made from stainless steel material. Today, prices and demand for stainless steel are at a high, but supplies are low. Long shipment times, lack of imports, and high prices for stainless steel scraps have all contributed to a delay in production. As a response, material skyrocketed to $50+ per roll and continues to trend upward.

Although RTUs cannot replace every single aerosol product, those that can be replaced should be replaced. Betco^® has a variety of RTU cleaning products that are great substitutes to aerosol cleaning products with enhanced sustainability benefits, including:

• Do not cause environmental pollution
• Do not emit hazardous gases into the environment
• Do not increase radiation
• Are easier to dispose of properly and recycle

Refer to the chart below to determine which quart RTU is the best alternative to an aerosol product. Our RTUs are readily available and subject to less stringent regulations. To learn more and to speak with a Betco representative, please click here.

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Patent-pending BiCarbonX™ Premium Industrial Hand Cleaner was launched to address the needs of industrial workplaces where hands are exposed to more than everyday filth, as well as provide answers to the crucial failures of competing solutions, like lingering solvent odors, clogged sinks, and poor skin health. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of hand hygiene in an industrial facility and the specific benefits of BiCarbonX.

1. Unparalleled performance

BiCarbonX is a proprietary blend of natural emulsifiers, surfactants, and sodium bicarbonate, nature’s most versatile exfoliant. These ingredients—combined with the fact that BiCarbonX contains a whopping 40% more exfoliant than leading competitors—results in unmatched degreasing and cleaning power for thorough removal of dirt, grease, oil, paint, adhesives, and other industrial contaminants that are potentially damaging to skin.

Strong solvent smells come with these soils and also need to be eliminated, but both standard hand soaps and competing industrial hand cleaners with pumice or walnut shell scrubbers fail to completely remove them. The chemical makeup of the sodium bicarbonate abrasives in BiCarbonX allow them to naturally absorb even the strongest odors by neutralizing their pH—for example the acid buildup in used motor oil. All that’s left behind is the light, clean scent of 1 of 3 fragrances: Cherry Blast, Orange Crush, and Timber Jack.

2. Increased hand health and productivity

Not only can repeated contact with any of industrial soils listed above remove natural oils from the skin, but so can competing industrial hand cleaners, causing the skin to dry out. We again put BiCarbonX head to head with two of these products, this time in a multi-user lab test. As shown in the table below, the results prove that BiCarbonX increases skin moisture after the initial wash, while the others actually decrease it.

Dermatologist recommendation reiterates the findings that BiCarbonX Premium Industrial Hand Cleaner’s “gentle formulation with exclusive abrasives [allows] for deep cleansing without stripping the skin. ”

The moisture zapping characteristics of other solutions, especially in combination with incomplete removal of industrial contaminants (see #1), can lead to cracked and dry hands, infection, inflammation, irritation, a rash, or even burns. According to the American Family Physician organization, work-related skin diseases such as these are responsible for an estimated 25% of all lost workdays. Routine use of BiCarbonX, however, can heal and prevent further dry skin, as well as ensure thorough removal of damaging compounds. Healthy and clean hands reduce absences, improve efficiency and morale, and create an overall safe work environment.

3. Cost reduction

Because BiCarbonX cleans hands while also moisturizing them (see #2), the need for costly, secondary skin-moisturizing lotions or barrier creams is virtually eliminated. This makes BiCarbonX the most cost-effective option for industrial facilities, and they can save up to 80% by switching!

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In addition to operational savings realized in the cost of the hand hygiene program itself, BiCarbonX also offers decreased maintenance expenditures and hassles when it comes to a facility’s plumbing. Competing industrial hand cleaners contain pumice or walnut shells that can slowly build up in pipes over time and eventually clog drains. Cost factors to consider with a clog include labor, difficulty, parts, and how much of the drain is clogged. On average, it can cost upwards of almost $4,000 for a contractor to repeatedly unclog pipes and upwards of $25,000 to repair a damaged pipe or to replace multiple damaged pipes. Even a minor clog that can be cleared by a custodian will require additional supplies, maintenance, and labor.

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To avoid plumbing problems and hundreds of dollars in repairs, choose a formula that will not harm plumbing. BiCarbonX has the industry’s only Clog-Free Guarantee due to its water-soluble formula. It is broken down and flows easily through a drain, and will never build up. If a build-up or clog does occur, BiCarbonX is not the cause because it is 100% water-soluble.**

Click here to read about how BiCarbonX delivered a 6-figure savings for a company.

4. Sustainability Promise

More and more industrial facilities are making the commitment to go green. Switching to BiCarbonX can help realize sustainability goals, as only bio-based, renewable resources are used to develop its effective formula. Bio-based resources are natural materials and do not deplete Earth when used. Because of these properties and its water-soluble formula, there are no negative downstream environmental effects. Downstream environmental effects are everything that happens to a product when it is disposed of.

BiCarbonX is also Betco^® Green Earth^® certified, a rigorous process that ensures products are sustainable and safe while also having high performance qualities. Products must meet or exceed specific criteria compared to traditional products, which include product performance, safety for end users, environmental impact, and cruelty-free. Read more about our sustainability promise here.

BiCarbonX is available in 3 package sizes to best meet the needs of any facility. The 1-gallon option comes with a pump attached, while the 2- and 4-liter bottles are able to slide into Triton dispensers.

By using BiCarbonX, industrial workers can keep their hands clean and healthy while on the job. Industrial facilities are able to cut costs while simultaneously supporting sustainable initiatives. For more information about BiCarbonX and industrial hand hygiene, click here. To speak with a Betco representative, visit this link.

*Based on total formula weight

**No agreement for compensation is express or implied.

Determining the best disinfectant for application can be challenging, especially with many different claims and benefits circulating from product to product. It is important to be knowledgeable about specific disinfectant claims and application methods. Residual efficacy is a specific claim that grabs attention of customers because it allows the user less applications with the same efficacy of a traditional disinfectant. Continue reading to learn more and what to look out for.

What is Residual Efficacy?

 According to the EPA, residual efficacy means a product provides an ongoing antimicrobial effect beyond the initial time of application, ranging from days to weeks to months. Traditional disinfectants, like List N disinfectants, will treat the surface at the time of application but not continuously disinfect over a period of time. Residual efficacy claims market a disinfectant as long-lasting, yet there are no EPA-registered List N disinfectants with residual efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

What are the Different Residual Efficacy Claims?

The EPA has 3 types of residual efficacy claims that could be listed on a product label:

• Residual self-sanitization – liquid antimicrobials
  • Products with this claim have “residual sanitization” or “residual sanitizer” on the label. It kills 99.9% of bacteria on surfaces for up to 24 hours after application and must be able to demonstrate a residual kill within a 10-minute contact time.
• Residual self-disinfection – liquid antimicrobials
  • Products with this claim have “residual disinfection” or “continuous disinfection” on the label. It kills 99.999% of bacteria and 99.9% of viruses on surfaces for up to 24 hours after application. It also must be able to demonstrate a residual kill within a 10-minunte contact time.
• Supplemental residual antimicrobial – Antimicrobial surface coatings, films, fixed/solid, and paint products
  • Products with this claim have “kills 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus within 2 hours of exposure when used as part of a comprehensive infection control program/protocol” on the label. They are eligible to be used a supplement to routine application for an EPA-registered disinfectant. The products kill 99.9% of bacteria or viruses for up to weeks or months and must demonstrate residual kill within 2-hours after application

Residual disinfectants must also pass abrasion testing and supplemental residual antimicrobial products must pass both chemical and abrasion testing. This testing is required to mimic real world situation where repeated cleaning will not affect the efficacy of these products. Visit the EPA Pesticide Product and Label System to learn which products have which claims.

Can Surfaces Become COVID-19 Resistant from List N Disinfectants?

EPA-approved disinfectants on List N have been proven to kill SARS-CoV-2, kill a harder-to-kill virus, or kill a similar virus. However, no EPA-approved List N disinfectants are able to keep surfaces resistant to COVID-19 for long periods of time. The disinfectants on List N kill the virus at the time the disinfection occurs on the surface but will not prevent new germs and viruses from contaminating it. As soon as new viral particles come in contact with the clean surface through hands, clothes, objects, etc., the previously applied disinfectant will not be useful against the new substances.

What are Supplemental Residual Antimicrobial Products for COVID-19 on List N Appendix?

According to the EPA, traditional disinfectants kill viruses at the time they are used, while supplemental residual disinfectant products kill pathogens on previously treated surfaces for a certain amount of time. Because these products are labeled as supplemental, they should not replace routine cleaning and disinfection products. Supplemental residual disinfectant products are not considered to be true disinfectants because they do not meet a higher standard of efficacy. There are currently 2 products on List N listed as a supplemental residual antimicrobial product type.

• Copper Armor, a supplemental residual antimicrobial – anti-viral and anti-bacterial interior paint
• Antimicrobial Copper Alloys – Group 1, supplemental residual antimicrobial – solid surface

Although they are EPA-registered and can remain effective for a long period of time, they are not considered disinfectants.

How do Disinfectants Receive a Residual SARS-CoV-2 Claim?

The EPA has a protocol in place for disinfectants to apply for a residual efficacy claim. Residual efficacy claims can only be made for products that will be used as a stand-alone disinfectant. Products must meet all standard disinfection claims and requirements and undergo testing to support the claims. The product must also already be on List N or qualify to be on List N.

Second, products must utilize the EPA’s Residual Self-Sanitization Protocol with specific modifications for viricidal claims. As of January 13, 2022, the EPA has not approved any List N disinfectants for a residual SARS-CoV-2 claim.

What Happens to Companies That Make Unsubstantial Residual Claims?

If a company includes a residual efficacy claim not approved by the EPA on a product, it can be pulled from the market and the company can face substantial violations from the EPA, including expensive fines. Companies will also face reparations for marketing, selling, or distributing the product.

How Do I Prevent COVID-19 with a Disinfectant?

When selecting a disinfectant, be sure to read the label for details and application directions. The label will feature all approved claims.

The CDC recommends frequently cleaning contaminated surfaces with a liquid, List N disinfectant product to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Betco^® has multiple products on List N to help combat COVID-19. Refer to our comprehensive COVID-19 product guide for more information. Refer to our Disinfectant Selector Guide for assistance with selecting the right general disinfectant for your facility.

Our Enhanced Facility Disinfection (EFD) Program is another resource to ensure your facility is abides by COVID-19 guidelines and disinfection strategies. A COVID-19 game plan, supported by evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies that include CDC, EPA, FDA, GBAC^®, will help put the minds of facility leadership and occupants at ease.

For more information about List N, Betco disinfectants, and EFD, or to speak with a Betco representative, please visit this link. 

1. Dismissing Mats

Sturdy mats and rugs should be every facility’s first defense against salt and moisture. In fact, an effective matting system can trap 90% of debris.

• A coarse, sturdy mat should be placed right outside the facility for the purpose of stomping off snow and dislodging salt particles before entering.
• Another mat to wipe shoes on should be placed directly inside each doorway to catch any remaining salt or moisture before it can be tracked into the facility.
• Depending on the type of facility, it may also be worth considering addition of a third waterproof mat to the side of select doors, where heavy snow boots can be placed to dry, as well as keeping towels handy to wipe up any wetness that makes its way onto floors.

2. Letting Moisture Linger

When liquid, slush, or ice is spotted resting on floors, cleaning professionals should make every possible effort to remove it immediately. Not only is moisture a slip/fall hazard, but depending on the floor type, it can also seep into the floor and cause mold growth beneath the surface or warping.

• If the amount of liquid is excessive, a wet/dry vacuum, like the Workman^® 20, may be the best tool to start. Take heed, however, that some sensitive flooring types when utterly soaked may crack if they are dried too quickly, like wood.
• Heat should also be avoided during the drying process, as it may cause damage to the finish or flooring itself.

3. Shrugging off Salt

Most cold-weather salts or ice melt products are made from Calcium Chloride, which is popular due to its affordability and relative effectiveness.

• Calcium Chloride is crystalline, and the rough texture of each individual crystal—most visible under a microscope—has the potential to scratch and abrade floor finish if tracked inside and dragged across or ground into the floor.
  • Custodial staff should regularly vacuum floors to suck up these micro-abrasive particles. If equipped with a rotating brush, it should be off or removed entirely before vacuuming.
• When Calcium Chloride is dissolved in water, it creates Calcium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid, both of which leave behind a noticeable white residue. If the residue is not promptly removed, it can chemically damage the finish, causing hazing and premature degradation, which can also increase dirt embedment.
  • If the residue is “fresh,” it can likely be removed with a dampsoft cloth. Older or more stubborn salt stains will require a thorough cleaning.

4. Cleaning with Whatever's in the Supply Closet

After vacuuming over and around an older or more stubborn salt stain, it is important to thoroughly clean it.

• Don't be misguided by advice on some websites to use a mixture of vinegar and water on salt stains. This “quick fix" will leave a residue of its own and is harsh on finish if concentrated too strongly.
• The temptation should also be resisted to use general cleaners or disinfectants facilities may already have on hand, and instead opt for a cleaner specifically formulated for finished floors. Otherwise, they risk damage from inappropriate pH levels and ingredients, such as Hydrogen Peroxide, acids, Sodium Hypochlorite, etc.

No matter the floor type, Betco^® has solutions to help facilities safely remove salt stains while maintaining the finish.

• Suitable for use on most hard floors, pHerfect is formulated with neutralizing agents and surfactants to remove tough soils and neutralize common ice melt ingredients and byproducts, such as sodium, Calcium Hydroxide, and Hydrochloric Acid. Using pHerfect cuts labor by 50%, as there is no need for a separate neutralizing step. Please note that this product is NOT recommended for use on surfaces that may be harmed by acid products.
• For Formica^®*, marble, polished stone, or other acid-sensitive surfaces, Top Flite^™ all-purpose cleaner will suspend salt-related soils safely. 
• For wood floors specifically, begin with I.F.T. (Intensive Floor Treatment) and finish with Squeaky^™ floor cleaner.
• For larger spaces or excessive salt levels, our GeneSys^™ 15 cleaning machine is designed to provide a risk-free and complete clean that mopping alone cannot, as well as suction excess water away from the floor surface.

If severe damage is already present, facility managers may need to hire a professional to replace a portion of floors or the entire floor itself. If the floor is in good condition, however, and these 4 mistakes are avoided, they should be able to successfully escape the floor care perils of winter weather. 

*Formica^® is a trademark of The Diller Corporation.

The Physics

As per a study published in the journal Physics of Fluids, there is science to dislodging viruses and bacteria from rough surfaces they’re attracted to, like skin. The researchers created a handwashing simulation using mathematical model to show movement of germ particles on 2 such surfaces separated by a small layer of liquid as they moved against one another. A specific amount of energy was needed for removal from the surfaces into the fluid, with flow of the fluid and speed and force of movement all playing factors. Using reasonable estimates for variables, they concluded that 20 seconds of scrubbing was required.

Of course, hand sanitizing does not necessarily facilitate the same physical removal of viruses and bacteria as handwashing does, because no rubbing with water takes place. Because some viruses, like hepatitis A virus, poliovirus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, don’t have an envelope for skin cleanser or alcohol to destroy, physical removal through handwashing becomes more important. Similarly, the lipid membrane of some bacterial strains is protected by additional proteins or sugar, such as those that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and skin infections. Germs like these are more resilient and not as vulnerable to chemical damage by soaps or sanitizers, but they can still be eliminated by scrubbing hands with soap and water.

The Implications

Hand sanitizer kills germs that are susceptible to alcohol, but is most effective at doing so when soils are not present. The process itself, however, may not remove soils or dislodge germs that are unsusceptible to alcohol. Handwashing reliably destroys germs that are susceptible to soap, washes away soils (the innocuous like dirt or grease and the dangerous like heavy metals and pesticides), and removes germs that are unsusceptible to soap. In other words, hand sanitizer kills certain germs, and soap and water kill or remove all types of germs while also removing other contaminants—that’s why handwashing is considered the gold standard for hand hygiene and is preferred overall.

That said, as we all know, washing hands is not always feasible, especially when on the go. When soap and water are unavailable, using hand sanitizer is the next-best thing you can do to reduce the transmission of infection. Hand sanitizing is especially important before and after visiting a hospital or nursing home (unless seeing a person sick with Clostridioides difficile, in which case soap and water should be used) and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Both hand hygiene products should be strategically based around facilities, with soap always offered near water sources (in restrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias, etc.), and hand sanitizers in locations that maximize visibility. Key sanitizer placements vary by building type but include outside of restrooms (to sanitize washed hands after touching the door handle), break rooms, conference rooms, auditoriums, entrances and exits, work stations, and near transaction or check-in counters. Whether soap or sanitizer is needed, the Betco® Clario® hand hygiene program has facilities covered with high-quality formulas—many of which carry EcoLogo, FDA, and NSF certifications—that fit both manual and touch-free dispensers. The bags are factory sealed to prevent cross contamination, but the pump is actually built into the dispenser for huge cost savings compared to other brands.

To summarize:

While chemistry and physics certainly play a role, CDC recommendations are actually based on scientific studies of microbes on hands after performing different hand hygiene tasks. As a result, we have a greater understanding than ever before of cleaning our hands with soap (click here to view an infographic that explores soap’s fascinating history) as well as alcohol-based sanitizer. This week, we join the Global Handwashing Partnership in celebrating and advocating for increased awareness about the importance of handwashing using soap and clean water through Global Handwashing Day.

Before jumping in to the 5 most important factors to consider when choosing a disinfectant or sanitizer, a common misconception needs to be dispelled: While disinfecting and sanitizing are both commonly employed strategies to protect public health, they are not the same.

• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Surface disinfectant products are subject to more rigorous EPA testing requirements and must clear a higher bar for effectiveness than surface sanitizers.
• Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements, without necessarily eliminating them completely.

How does one know, first, which type of product to use and, second, which specific product within that type to choose? Read on!

1. Target germs

Sanitizers and disinfectants claim to kill organisms so both are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In order to be classified as a sanitizer or a disinfectant, a product must meet specific testing requirements against certain bacteria, and their efficacy data must be reviewed by the EPA. Any claims made outside of those specific bacterial claims—such as other bactericidal claims, virucidal claims, and fungicidal claims—are considered additional and must also be supported by data and approved by the EPA.

Though widely held, the belief that sanitizers can only kill bacteria is incorrect; sanitizers and disinfectants can both carry kill claims against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. That said, due largely to differences in active ingredient concentration, disinfectants tend to have a wider range of kill claims than sanitizers so are preferred when the objective is stopping disease transmission.

When deciding between individual products, it’s best to consult each label to identify which best addresses your pathogens (and strains) of greatest concern, which is often informed by facility type and/or area. In a childcare setting, for example, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be of concern, or VRE in a healthcare environment, and Serratia may be a target in a facility’s restroom, while MRSA is a focus in their gym.

Because SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are high priorities throughout most facility types and areas, public health antimicrobial products with a wide range of claims against viruses are particularly suitable. Betco® infection prevention products that are EPA recommended for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 can be viewed here and here. For a comprehensive document of all Betco disinfection claims, please click here to contact us.

2. Surface type

Disinfectants and sanitizers are suitable for use on most hard, non-porous surfaces, but extra caution must be taken when it comes to food-contact surfaces, or areas where food may be prepared, served, or stored. While disinfectants can be used on food-contact surfaces, they must be rinsed with potable water after the required dwell time. Sanitizers, on the other hand, are divided into both food-contact and non-food-contact categories, and most food-contact sanitizers have directions for use on food-contact surfaces WITHOUT rinsing (though the specific label should always be consulted), like Sanibet™ RTU and Symplicity™ Sanibet at proper dilution. As such, they are usually favored for food service settings.

When it comes to soft, porous surfaces, such as carpets, curtains, and upholstery, no product can make legal claims of disinfection. Though these surfaces cannot be disinfected, they can be sanitized, and there are both disinfectants (like Betco Triforce) and non-food-contact sanitizers that have soft surface sanitization claims. Appropriateness for use as a soft-surface sanitizer would of course be indicated on the product label.

Finally, label directions should always be consulted to determine if a certain disinfectant or sanitizer can be used on sensitive surfaces.

3. Intended application

It is crucial to consider whether a disinfectant or sanitizer is compatible with your intended application according to the label directions, and contact time or dwell time in particular cannot be overemphasized. In order for either of these product types to work as intended, the surface or object must remain wet for the entire length time that is listed on the label. If cleaning staff members are working under significant time constraints, a product that eliminates enough of your pathogens of concern in a shorter amount of time may be a better choice than a product that takes longer. Dwell times for Betco disinfectants against common pathogens are outlined here.

In a similar vein, the time needed to take additional steps before or after application may influence product choice, such as rinsing food-contact surfaces after use of a disinfectant. As another example, almost all sanitizers require pre-cleaning, but many “combination” disinfectant cleaners allow clean teams to cut pre-cleaning out except in cases of gross filth or heavy soil.

Other facets of application that must be evaluated revolve around product format. Are tools and training in place to ensure proper dilution of chemical concentrates? Is there adequate room in the supply closet to house enough bottles of ready-to-use (RTU) product? Additionally, except in the case of wipes, the compatibility of available equipment with a specific product should also be reviewed on the label.

4. Safety

Any sanitizer or disinfectant sold in the U.S. is approved by the EPA, and just as efficacy data is required for approval, so is data regarding safety. Included in this are recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE), which should be carefully considered during the product selection process. Not only should access to appropriate PPE be evaluated, but so also should ability and willingness of cleaning staff to adhere to more intensive requirements—such as a half respirator mask for electrostatic spraying of certain disinfectants.

The general safety of all EPA-approved products when used in accordance with directions is not to say though that all sanitizers and disinfectants are created equally in this regard. The EPA actually has a Design for the Environment (DfE) program by which qualifying antimicrobial pesticides (disinfectants, sanitizers) can demonstrate their elevated safety for human and environmental health. Betco’s GE Fight Bac™ RTU is one such disinfectant. The EPA states on their website that each product that bears the DfE logo:

• is in the least-hazardous classes (i.e., III and IV) of EPA’s acute toxicity category hierarchy;
• is unlikely to have carcinogenic or endocrine disruptor properties;
• is unlikely to cause developmental, reproductive, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues;
• does not require the use of Agency-mandated personal protective equipment;
• has no unresolved or unreasonable adverse effects reported;

For food-contact sanitizers, NSF food service certification verifies that a product has been proven safe to use in food and beverage processing and food service establishments. NSF, a highly respected, independent third party, requires rigorous testing to ensure sanitizers, disinfectants, and other types of products comply with food safety schemes. Our NSF products are documented here.

5. Cost

Finally, as with any selection of any cleaning solution, cost is a factor. Concentrates dispensed via chemical management systems—such as Betco FastDraw®—can certainly help cut down on costs by providing a much lower "in-use cost" as compared to ready-to-use products. Other benefits include decreasing shipping weight, guaranteeing accurate dilution of cleaning chemicals, eliminating spills, and discouraging theft. 

In addition, purchasing the types of “combination” products mentioned above can lead to savings through reduced inventory and stocking levels:

• Some sanitizers can also be used as disinfectants—see Symplicity Sanibet
• Some disinfectants can double as food-contact sanitizers—see GE Fight Bac™ RTU
• Some disinfectants also can be used as soft-surface sanitizers—see Triforce
• As mentioned above, many disinfectants also clean and deodorize—see all Betco disinfectants

If you need more help selecting a Betco disinfectant for any given application, head over to our Disinfectant Selector Guide on our Disinfection Solutions page. Answer a few simple questions like preferred format, primary application, and food-contact or soft-surface sanitization needs and the tool will pick the best product for you. For help building the framework and confidence needed to ensure healthy facilities during and beyond this crucial period, turn to our Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program. Combining evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility leadership and occupants at ease, this 5-step program is the ultimate weapon against infectious diseases.

Clearly, the importance placed on restrooms by savvy facility managers and the cleaning and maintenance programs they implement is not misplaced. Recently, endeavors to improve restrooms have revolved around automation, with major benefits that warrant consideration for any facilities with restrooms that have not yet been upgraded with automatic, touch-free fixtures.

1. Enhanced Perception of Cleanliness

According to a survey of 2,050 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll earlier this year, restroom automation has the power to seriously improve individuals’ perception of an entire facility’s cleanliness.

• 59% stated that the presence of touch-free hand hygiene dispensers would boost their overall impression of cleanliness.
• 60% indicated that inclusion of touch-free paper towel dispensers would enhance their feeling that a facility is clean.
• 65% agreed that touch-free toilets and faucets would positively impact their opinion of a building’s sanitary practices.

Given responses to a different survey by Bradley Corp., the ramifications of those perceptions shouldn’t be underestimated:

• 64% of people said they make a conscious decision to choose a business based on cleaner, well-maintained restrooms.
• 52% stated they’re likely spend more money at a business with a well-maintained restroom.
• 55% shared that they’d be unlikely to return to a business after a bad restroom experience.

Restrooms with more touchless accessories correlate to a better perception, and a better perception correlates to repeat business and customer loyalty; whether or not a facility manager truly understands this equation can significantly impact the bottom line. This is especially true in a COVID-19 world, where the relationship between cleanliness of environment and personal health and safety continues to be emphasized.

2. Infection Prevention

The notion that restroom automation improves cleanliness is actually rooted in science, as nearly 80% of illness-causing germs are spread by hands. Hands coming into contact with and then transferring germs to the nose, mouth, eyes, or environmental surfaces is particularly concerning in restrooms, given that surfaces within them often function as reservoirs of contamination. Fortunately, increasing the number of touchless fixtures decreases the number of touch points, especially high touch points, by which facility occupants encounter and spread germs, directly reducing the transmission of infection.

Studies also show that individuals wash their hands more often when they feel safe to do so. Because handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens (see Why Skin Cleansers Are Effective Against Viruses), it is important to foster feelings of safety and encourage compliance through touch-free soap and sanitizer dispensers, faucets, and paper towel dispensers. In fact, 30% more people will wash their hands if touch-free products are provided.

Soap and sanitizers should also be free from contamination, which is best achieved through a sealed system (for more information on bulk soap dispenser contamination, click here). Otherwise, not only will visitors to the restroom be less likely to wash their hands, but also those who do wash their hands with contaminated soap will experience an increase in bacteria on the skin.

Increase handwashing compliance with annual savings of up to 60%! The Clario® Touch-Free Dispensing System from Betco® stretches hand care budgets without sacrificing the safest, cleanest space possible. The pump is built in to the dispenser and not allocated in the cost of each refill Sanitary, factory-sealed refill bags eliminate cross contamination Precise portion control for cost-effective dispensing (see #3 below) Industry-leading 98% “no-waste” evacuation for more usable product per bag Product formulations with EcoLogo, FDA, and NSF certifications Twice the battery life of the leading brand Durable ABS construction and 2-year warranty for customer peace of mind

3. Greater Cost Savings

Automation allows facility managers to decrease waste and associated cost through exact proportioning. Because touch-free fixtures are programmed to dispense a certain amount of product or water at one time, the result is often a reduction in the amount used.

• Automatic hand hygiene dispensers prevent the reflexive double or even triple pump common among users of manual dispensers by dispensing the exact right amount of soap or sanitizer needed. Use of foaming products instead of lotion soap or gel sanitizer further compounds savings, as foam lasts twice as long.
• Touchless paper towel dispensers allow users one sheet at a time. This eliminates the option to unnecessarily grab handfuls of paper towels, which are almost as likely to end up on the countertop or floor as in the trash.
• The average person uses over a quart of water when washing their hands for the recommended 20 seconds with a standard faucet, but touch-free faucets reduce water waste by turning flow off during handwashing steps that don’t require running water, like lathering. Many automatic faucets feature low flow aeration to further lessen the amount of water discharged. Plus, they prevent restroom users from leaving the faucet running.
• Touch-free toilets and urinals also decrease water usage by thwarting multiple flushes in a short period of time and those who hold manual handles down longer than necessary in a (misguided) attempt to increase flushing power. Some automatic urinal flush valves can also be programmed to flush once in a specific period of time. 

With the back-to-school season just around the corner, the time is now for everyone with a stake in uninterrupted in-person learning—from district and school leaders to distribution partners and cleaning professionals to parents—to get up to speed on best tips for transmission prevention.

What Is the Delta Variant?

“…compared to the Alpha variant, Delta spreads 50% faster [and] has a 50% higher contagion rate.”

Delta is the name of a strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Originating in India during the winter of 2020, the mutation that differentiates the Delta variant from others allows the “spike protein” to bind more effectively to the surface of cells. As a result, compared to the Alpha variant, Delta:

• Spreads 50% faster.
• Has a 50% higher contagion rate.

As of writing, the Delta variant accounts for about 85% of cases in the U.S. and is on track to become the dominant strain in the world.

The symptoms caused by the Delta variant also tend to differ from those traditionally associated with COVID-19, with loss of taste or smell and cough being less commonly reported, and fever, sore throat, and runny nose being more commonly reported.

Why Are Schools of Particular Concern?

“Studies have shown that children are 2.5 times more likely to catch the Delta variant…”

Studies have shown that children are 2.5 times more likely to catch the Delta variant than those in the 18–49 age range. This is due in part to the fact that no vaccine is currently approved for children under 12, and that vaccination rates for eligible children over 12 are comparatively low.

The increased likelihood of children becoming ill with COVID-19, coupled with the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant mentioned in the section above, has stoked concerns for schools everywhere, and especially where vaccine uptake is low. Indeed, outbreaks in both schools and the community at large can grow exponentially and more quickly than with previous strains.

How Can Transmission Be Prevented?

According to Cleanlink, the cleaning industry’s leading information resource for distributors, building service contractors, and in-house cleaning professionals, “the next best step for facility cleaning managers looking to keep occupants safe is continuing the practices of hand washing, disinfecting key touchpoint[s], and reinforcing the priority of students staying home at the sight of any symptoms.”

These recommendations are firmly rooted in the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While schools and districts should also consult state, local, territorial, and tribal public health departments, the CDC’s proposed policies are generally considered the gold standard. The July 9, 2021, iteration on which this post is based emphasizes selecting and implementing the multiple, layered prevention strategies summarized below based on:

• Level of community transmission.
• Community and school COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
• Community and school outbreaks or trends.
• Screening testing program for non-vaccinated individuals.
• Ages of students and relevant social and behavioral factors.

(1.) Cleaning and Disinfection

The CDC indicates that cleaning once a day is usually sufficient enough to remove potential virus particles that may be on surfaces, and that disinfecting with EPA List N disinfectants “removes any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection.” Other CDC-issued advice includes:

• Pre-cleaning surfaces that are visibly dirty prior to disinfection, unless the disinfectant’s label cites both cleaning and disinfection.
• Continuing to prioritize high-touch surfaces, such as counters, tables, pens, doorknobs, stair rails, desks, phones, toilets, faucets.
• Both cleaning and disinfecting if someone inside the school has been sick or tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. For best practices, see #13 in Part 1: SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 FAQ.
• Cleaning and/or disinfecting more frequently in high-traffic shared spaces, due to the presence of those with increased risk for severe illness, or based on some of the factors listed above (high community transmission, low vaccination rates, etc.).
• As always, keeping disinfectants out of the reach of children and following all label directions, paying close attention to PPE, dwell time, and application method.
• Avoiding “disinfection” methods for which effectiveness against COVID-19 has NOT been established (ultrasonic waves, high-intensity UV radiation, LED blue light).

For more information on which surfaces to disinfect, as well as how to clean and/or disinfect soft or porous surfaces, laundry, and electronics, click here and see #9–12 in Part 1 of our COVID-19 FAQ. To learn about SARS-CoV-2 specifically regarding food-contact surfaces, children’s toys, and outdoor areas, please consult Part 2: SARS-CoV-2 /COVID-19 FAQ, #18, #22, and #35.

How do you communicate that a facility is clean and safe?

With our broad range of disinfectants and highly rated Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program, Betco® is helping facilities achieve a new level of clean. Download our free tools to help put building occupants at ease. Click here to learn more and order your free Advanced Clean Facility static cling today.

(2.) Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette

It is still necessary to teach, monitor, and reinforce healthy personal habits for both fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals, as well as provide adequate supplies. These behaviors include:

• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Frequently washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, helping young children as necessary.
• Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when handwashing is not possible.

(3.) Promoting Vaccination

According to the CDC, “vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy,” and it is believed important for teacher, staff, eligible students, and families. Schools and districts should consider:

• Providing information about COVID-19 vaccination—including where vaccinations are available (visit vaccines.gov for details)—through hosting informational sessions, using CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkits, etc.
• Encouraging vaccine trust and confidence, specifically by adapting key messages based on the school and community populations.
• Making vaccination as easy and convenient as possible by:
  • Partnering with public health authorities or local healthcare organizations.
  • Offering vaccines on-site
  • Allowing absences for the purposes of getting vaccinated or recovering from potential side effects.

(4.) Consistent and Correct Mask Use

While schools may universally require masks depending on the factors listed above and especially if serving students under 12, the CDC advises that:

• Teachers, staff, and students (age 2 and older) who are NOT fully vaccinated wear a mask indoors, unless they are exempt due to:
  • Age (under 2).
  • Disability.
  • Risks to health or safety.

• It is not generally necessary for teachers, staff, and students who are fully vaccinated to wear a mask indoors.
• It is not generally necessary for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask outdoors, unless in a crowded area or engaging in close-contact activities.
• Everyone, including passengers and drivers, be required to wear masks on school transportation (regardless of vaccination status or policies at school).

(5.) Physical Distancing

While the CDC broadly recommends that anyone who is not fully vaccinated maintains a distance of at least 6’ from others who are not in their household, within classrooms:

• At least 3’ of physical distance should be maintained.
• When 3’ is not possible:
• Distance to the extent possible.
• Lean on other prevention strategies, such as regular cleaning or cohorting.
• Do NOT exclude students from in-person learning for the purposes of distancing.

(6.) Ventilation

In order to reduce the number and concentration of virus particles in the air, the CDC suggests:

• Opening several doors and windows.
• Using appropriate fans to increase air circulation.
• Changing HVAC or air filtration systems as necessary.
• On buses in particular, opening windows a few inches.

(7.) Screening Testing to Promptly Identify Cases, Clusters, and Outbreaks; (8.) Staying Home When Sick and Getting Tested; (9.) Contact Tracing, in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine

According to the CDC’s guidelines, it is NOT necessary for fully vaccinated individuals to participate in screening testing. Those who have NOT been fully vaccinated, however, should participate in screening testing that:

• Quickly identifies cases, so teachers, staff, and families of students who were close contacts can be informed within the same day if possible.
• Is performed at least once per week, with results reported in 24 hours or less.
• Takes privacy laws into consideration.

Schools should work with state and local health departments to confidentially provide information about people diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19.

• Those with a positive COVID-19 test should isolate.
• Individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated should quarantine.
• It is not necessary for fully vaccinated individuals without symptoms to quarantine or get tested after exposure.

Regardless of vaccination status, anyone with symptoms of infectious illness should stay home and consult their healthcare provider. Such absences should be non-punitive for students, teachers, and staff. 

Like you, Betco believes that in-person learning benefits students and communities. Our team can answer your questions, provide advice, and offer insights to help schools continue their fight for safe education against the larger COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant. To get in touch, please call us at 1-888-GO-BETCO, or click here to fill out an online form.

1. Determine the Type of Soil

The kind of cleaner you should use will depend on which kind of soil is on the floor. Acidic cleaners are more effective at cleaning alkaline-based soils, such as hard water. These soils can form insoluble salts that are easily removed by the acid in cleaners like MAD, Green Earth® Restroom Cleaner, and Tile Clean. The following soils are usually found in bathroom and shower areas of facilities and can be cleaned with acidic cleaners:

• Hard water stains
• Soap scum
• Urine
• Mold and mildew
• Rust

Alkaline cleaners/degreasers are best used for eliminating acid-based soils and fats, oils, and greases (FOGs). The alkalinity in degreasers like Super Kemite®, Ultra 2000™, and Citrus Chisel works to break down these soils, and a high surfactant suspends them in solution for the best results. The following can be cleaned with these types of products:

• Cooking oils and greases found in kitchens and cafeterias
• Body oils found in showers and locker rooms
• Motor oil
• General soil embedment 

2. Verify Your Floor Type

Knowing which type of cleaner is most appropriate for which soils, however, is not enough. It is important to also match the floor substrate with the correct cleaner, because certain flooring types can have adverse reactions to different cleaning products.

Many natural and cementitious floor types react negatively to acid-based cleaners. These floors contain chemicals like calcium carbonate or other salts that can oxidize and cause etch and stain, damaging floors. For this reason, we recommend cleaning alkaline soils with neutral pH Green Earth® Peroxide Cleaner instead of an acid cleaner on:

• Terrazzo
• Sand stone
• Lime stone
• Concrete
• Quartz
• Travertine
• Marble

On the other hand, porcelain, glazed, and quarry tile, as well as grout lines, brick, and slate CAN tolerate acid cleaners.

While appropriate for use on most other floor types, degreasers should NOT be used on:

• Porcelain tile
• Glazed tile

A white insoluble haze can be created by chemicals in certain degreasers, forming semi-permanent bonds to the above surfaces, which is why Green Earth Peroxide Cleaner should be used for FOGs and acid-based soils instead in these cases.

While some floors, like brick and concrete, are easy to identify, others are more challenging. If the floor type is unknown, use these tests to help determine the type of grouted floor:

• See if the tile absorbs water by pouring a small amount on the surface. If the tile has darkened, the water has absorbed. Stone tiles absorb water.
• Inspect the tile for variations, coloration, and markings:
  • Marble has veins throughout the tile.
  • Travertine has holes filled with resin, which feels smooth to the touch.
  • Ceramic and porcelain tiles’ characteristics are in a more uniform pattern.
  • A glaze may also be present if there is a thin line above the joint. Ceramic tiles have a glaze while stone and porcelain tiles do not.
  • Quarry tile is usually a dark red color and unglazed without a pattern. It tends to have a rough texture and mimic the look of bricks.
• Texture can also help determine what kind of grouted floor. A uniformed texture may be a porcelain tile floor, while natural stone tiles will have irregularities.

When floor type cannot be ascertained, Green Earth Peroxide Cleaner or another mild daily peroxide cleaner can be safely used to clean and whiten tile and grout.

3. Use the Correct Equipment Accessories

Stone, tile, and grout floors are porous and sometimes uneven, so brushes or pads that can get into the crevasses will increase the cleaning efficacy during interim and restorative maintenance. 

• Disk auto scrubber: Use stiff brushes. (Call 1-877-856-5954 for assistance with choosing the correct brush.)
• Orbital machine: Use green turf pads and other brushes designed for square machines. (Stealth™ Orbital: SKU E84073-00, GeneSys™ Orbital: SKU E84074-00)
• If equipment is not available: Use a stiff bristle brush or broom.

View our equipment brochure to learn about our machines and determine which one will best fit your specific needs. 

4. Follow Manufacturer's Directions for Sealing

Most manufacturers actually require floor sealing after cleaning, because it reduces the porous nature of stone, tile, and grout floors and helps prevent staining and dirt embedment. To seal a floor:

1. Make sure the floor is clean and dry.
2. Thoroughly saturate all surfaces and grout with sealer using a synthetic mop, sponge, or squeegee. Apply sealer at a 45-degree angle for best results.
3. Use a second coat of sealer on more porous surfaces. 

STG Maintenance Program

Still need help determining which cleaning products to use for interim or restorative maintenance? Click here to view a decision map for a variety of floor types and soils, part of our new Stone, Tile, and Grout (STG) Maintenance Program!

This program provides a simple and easy solution to clean and protect these notoriously difficult-to-clean floors with innovative products, procedures, and training programs. In addition to cleaners for interim and restorative maintenance, the program also offers STG Penetrating Sealer to prevent stain and soil embedment with 25% more wear for extended use versus the competition. For routine maintenance, STG Cleaner uses Easy Clean Technology to form a barrier to block stains and expels soils for a deeper daily clean.

Regardless of phase in the lifecycle of floor care, our selector guide quiz can help determine which products suit the needs of your grouted floor the best, and the following videos can teach you the proper processes for use:

• How to Maintain Grouted Floors: Routine Maintenance
• How to Maintain Grouted Floors: Interim Maintenance
• How to Maintain Grouted Floors: Restorative Maintenance

If interested in the STG Maintenance Program, please click here to contact us for more information. 

1. Mobility

Getting workers in their assigned areas and promptly working at the beginning of their shifts is one of the biggest hurdles faced by BSC supervisors—a problem exacerbated by bringing their own supplies in and out of smaller facilities each time they clean or perform project work. Especially given the variety of cleaning and disinfecting products needed to cover each surface (at a minimum, a floor cleaner, glass cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, and broad range disinfectant are all necessary), cumbersome chemical transportation processes can turn into a huge source of wasted time and money.

If a BSC has just 10 employees making $8 an hour, and each employee spends 15 minutes at each of 5 jobs per day loading and unloading chemicals from a vehicle or trailer and carrying them in and out of the building and to the location they’re needed, that’s $100 wasted. Multiply that by 260 working days per year, and you get $26,000 in lost profits, even before taking into account marginal workers who make more trips than are necessary, often return for forgotten tools, etc. This further costs BSCs in terms of customer satisfaction, by increasing the likelihood employees will run out of time to perform all the tasks they’ve been assigned. After all, missed work is the number 1 source of customer complaints and account churn.

2. Space Constraints

At larger locations, BSCs are usually allocated a supply closet, pantry, or other space in which to store their cleaning chemicals and tools. These spaces are often small, with less-than-adequate room on shelves or floor space to organize all the needed items. As with #1 above, space constraints contribute to wasted labor and dissatisfied customers, as employees spend time hunting for what they need instead of checking off their cleaning and maintenance to-dos (the same principle applies to overloaded carts). Tight closets also make just-in-time ordering difficult or impossible and even create unnecessary safety risks, such as increased trips and falls.

While many smart BSCs may elect to leverage chemical concentrates for their space-saving advantages, if there is a water hookup in the designated BSC storage area—and that is a big if—standard dilution control systems may not fit. Cue the ticking clock as employees learn to manually mix chemicals.

3. Price

In addition to the space-saving benefits of concentrated chemicals mentioned in #2 above (as well as increased mobility), concentrates also provide cost savings. While more expensive than ready-to-use (RTU) products when directly comparing per gallon pricing, concentrated chemicals are the most economical when it comes to cost-per-use after dilution. Because the concentrate has more cleaning chemicals and less water than an RTU, concentrates are cheaper to ship and often utilize less packaging for additional savings. To get an idea of end-use costs, we offer 2 dilution calculators based on usage and ratio.

Because dilution control systems that require a water hookup and some space in a supply closet are not feasible in many situations, the only options for the BSC are expensive portable dosing systems, pricey pods and pouches, or the labor-intensive and error-prone “glug glug” method. All of these, however, erode the cost savings associated with concentrated chemicals. 

4. Improper Dilution

If a BSC is using concentrates, accurate dilution is of the utmost importance. Diluted too strongly, a cleaning chemical will leave a residue on a surface, which will waste the product and money spent on it. Residues lead to rapid resoiling of carpets, streaks on glass, and sticky films on surfaces. In extreme cases, chemicals that are too strong can permanently damage sensitive surfaces, like aluminum and marble. On the other hand, a concentrate that has been diluted too weakly leads to poor cleaning performance. For disinfectants, watered down active ingredients may increase infection rates in schools, long-term and acute care facilities, and other sensitive environments.

In either case, the result is more labor to achieve acceptable cleaning outcomes, or a lack of cleanliness. Given that over 50% of BSC customers list a healthy and sanitary environment for building occupants as their first concern, and almost 30% cite a clean appearance, poor cleaning outcomes will invariably lead to loss of business for BSCs. 

Our Recommendation

To combat issues with mobility, space, cost, and improper dilution, Betco® created the FastPak Mobile Dilution Control Kit.This streamlined offering of concentrated chemical quarts is small and lightweight for effortless transportation and storage in tight spaces.The kit’s reusable proportioner and wall chart remove the manual mixing guesswork, resulting in perfectly diluted chemicals every time. There is no need for a water hookup, and FastPak provides huge savings over liquid pods and pouches.

Simply:

1. Twist the lid of the proportioner to set the orange fill line and secure to the bottle.
2. Squeeze the bottle gently to fill the proportioner to the fill line.
3. Pour into a secondary container with water.
   

In fact, the BSCs who tested the kit gave a 98% satisfaction rate for ease of use, cleaning power, and added value. There was also 100% satisfaction with dilution accuracy, safety, and ease of transportation. As a result, FastPak has a 98% overall satisfaction rate among BSCs.

Interested? Please click here to contact us to order.

• Structure fires (grease traps are the biggest culprit)
• Decreased system capacity (as grease sticks to the insides of pipes)
• Frequent cleaning and replacement of pipes and other vessels
• Raw sewage backups and overflows, which pollute the environment and increase human contact with pathogens
• Higher costs of operation and maintenance
• Less effective treatment, which can affect the quality of local water sources

While specific regulations vary by municipality, there is generally a maximum FOG discharge concentration of around 100 milligrams per liter per establishment, and grease must be captured from fixtures like:

• Pot sinks
• Rinse sinks at dishwashers
• Dishwashers
• Woks
• Floor drains and sinks
• Automatic hood washers

This can be accomplished using 2 different types of grease traps: larger traps outside a building (usually in the ground) to serve an entire kitchen or smaller, point-of-use traps placed on or near the kitchen fixture it serves.

In either case, the grease trap tank acts as a reservoir, holding the wastewater, FOG, and food solids that enter. As cooling occurs, the food solids settle, and the FOG (being lighter than water) float to the top. The water is flushed out, and the grease and solids remain in the trap.

How Grease Traps Are Cleaned

To maintain proper operation, grease traps need to be opened and the grease and solids removed on a regular basis. The grease trap manufacturer should be consulted for specific instructions, but general cleaning guidelines are as follows.

• Grease traps should be cleaned when 25% of the liquid level is FOG, which is generally:
• Quarterly for whole-kitchen traps
• Once a month for point-of-use traps
• Carefully remove covers to avoid gasket damage
• Skim off floating FOG with a tool such as a ladle
• Remove baffles and scrape them clean
  • Baffles should only be rinsed in sinks that flow into a trap
• Scrape the bottom of the trap to remove settled food solids with a tool such as a strainer
• Clean the bypass vent using a flexible wire
• Reinstall baffles and cover

Most establishments hire an independent contractor to clean whole-kitchen grease traps, but leave point-of-use traps to employees. No matter who cleans a grease trap, bleach, ammonia, or any other unapproved chemicals should NEVER be added. In fact, some municipalities only allow a single additive: bacteria . 

How Bacteria Fit In

Bacteria excrete enzymes, which break down organic waste, like FOG, into smaller particles, which the bacteria then consume.

The byproducts of digestion are more bacteria, water, and carbon dioxide, which are natural and harmless. The bacteria continue to work (reproducing and consuming organic material) long after application and until their food source is eliminated, providing a continuous and effective method of cleaning grease traps.

Drain and Trap Treatment from Betco^®  EnviroZyme^® Probiotic Solutions is a unique, NSF-certified liquid bacterial blend formulated specifically to control FOG levels and odors associated with grease traps and drain systems. The concentrated microbial blend aggressively targets proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and is perfect for:

• Lowering FOG levels that are in exceedance of discharge limits
• Significantly reducing grease trap pump out frequency and cost
• Lowering grease disposal costs
• Preventing blockages
• Eliminating malodors at the source

By implementing consistent grease trap cleaning practices, including regular addition of bacteria through use of Drain and Trap Treatment, restaurants and food service establishments can significantly reduce FOG-related headaches, including fines, legal issues, fires, plumbing blockages, overflows, and more.

What Does "Quat" Mean?

Quat is short for quaternary ammonium, and quats are another way of referring to quaternary ammonium compounds, the most common active ingredient in disinfectant products. In the U.S., the 3 main producers of quats create them by reacting alkyl halides with tertiary amines—the latter of which are made from ammonia and alcohols.

Quats carry a positive charge, while surfaces of microorganisms (algae, bacteria, fungi, and viruses) carry a negative charge. When a quat-based disinfectant is applied to an object or surface, the positively charged quat attaches itself to the negative sites on the organism’s cell surface. This results in the disruption of the organism’s cell surface and eventual death.

Quat Yellowing

What Is It?

When quat-based disinfectants are used at the dilution ratios specified on the label, quat yellowing does not generally occur. However, because quats are inherently alkaline, inappropriately high concentrations can act as a mild stripper to weaken the film on all types of hard resilient flooring, whether it is factory or site finished.

A weaker film is softer, making the finish more susceptible to dirt embedment, which—especially in conjunction with the slightly yellow hue of quats—causes it to yellow. A weaker film also wears prematurely, meaning that the floor does not have adequate protection against potentially damaging chemicals, as well as a host of other physical risk factors, including surface abrasions, tears, and indentations. Additionally, the positive charge of quats can attract negatively charged soils that, if allowed to build up, appear dingy or yellow.

What Can I Do About It?

Reinvestment in usual floor maintenance cycles, however, is biggest key to minimizing the risk of quat yellowing, as well as removing it via top scrub and recoat or stripping and refinishing.

Always use quat-based disinfectants (and all products, for that matter) at the proper dilution ratios. If a slight yellowing has begun to occur, rinsing after disinfecting may help prevent further discoloration. You may also consider switching to a neutral formula—such as pH7Q and pH7Q Dual—as these will not dull, haze, or attack finish and will not leave a residue, or a formula that uses an alternative active ingredient—such as citric acid in GE Fight Bac^™ RTU.

Reinvestment in usual floor maintenance cycles, however, is biggest key to minimizing the risk of quat yellowing, as well as removing it via top scrub and recoat or stripping and refinishing.

Quat Walk-Off 

What Is It?

Most quat-based disinfectants are “1-step disinfectants,” meaning that they clean and disinfect in 1 operation. When this type of product is applied to a hard floor surface, surfactants that help with cleaning attract soils and form micelles—soft spheres of surfactant molecules—around them.  These micelles can sometimes be inadvertently transferred to carpeted areas via foot traffic, particularly when disinfectant cleaners are applied in great quantities. If they reach carpets, and if carpet cleaning chemistries—which typically carry a negative charge—are present, the positive charge of quats cause the micelles-soil-quat particles to “stick” to the carpeted floor (reverse saponification). The particles may also grab more soils from the shoe soles of passersby, contributing further to an unclean appearance.

What Can I Do About It?

Once quat walk-off has occurred, routine and interim maintenance methods will not be effective until the attraction of the 2 opposite charges is dissipated, which can be accomplished by extraction cleaning. We recommend FiberPRO^® Es-Steam^™ used in a FiberPRO 8 or FiberPRO 20 carpet extractor. As with quat yellowing, rinsing after disinfection, switching to a formula that does not leave a residue (pH7Q, pH7Q Dual) or utilizes an active ingredient other than quat (GE Fight Bac RTU), and resuming regular floor maintenance will prevent quat walk-off. 

Quat yellowing and quat walk-off are most commonly observed in healthcare settings, but these problems can occur in any facility that is using quat-based disinfectants on floors with extreme frequency. While most manufacturers of disinfectants don’t like to talk about these topics, Betco^® believes in equipping our customers with the knowledge and products to create healthy environments through floor disinfection while also maintaining a level of appearance that contributes to positive facility perception. It’s all a part of our promise to provide Professional Performance, Every Day.

1. Identify collaborative cleaning tasks.

Many cleaning and disinfection functions will still be the responsibility of cleaning staff, particularly if they are complex, time-consuming, or otherwise inappropriate for a building’s average occupant. Facility managers or other stakeholders should, however, consider encouraging or requiring those who use the facility or certain areas within it to complete tasks that don’t require specialized training and won’t cause significant disruption to established routines. These include:

• In shared spaces:
  • Throwing away all trash.
  • Disinfecting used surfaces and objects in shared spaces.
• In individual spaces:
  • Disinfecting daily.
  • Emptying one’s own trash and recycling bins.
• In cafeterias or cafés:
  • Doing one’s own dishes and throwing away trash.
  • Covering food with a paper plate or paper towel before placing it in the microwave and cleaning up if food splatters.
  • Disinfecting tables after use.
  • Labeling items placed in refrigerators.
  • Cleaning up any solid or liquid spills and cleaning and disinfecting as needed.
• In restrooms:
  • Replacing soap dispenser cartridges and paper towels when empty.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting counters and toilets/urinals, mopping floors, and cleaning mirrors in the event of an accident or as needed.
  • Alerting the cleaning team by calling or emailing if special attention is needed.

2. Choose collaborative cleaning products.

The goal of collaborative cleaning is to ensure health and safety, so “green” products that meet or exceed health and environmental standards (while still providing desired performance) are the best choice where possible. Sustainable products that are verified by testing, easy to use, and require little or no personal protective equipment (PPE) are the gold standard.

Particular attention should be paid to selection of disinfectants, as elevated and often uneducated use carries serious risks, with many active ingredients causing skin corrosion, asthma, and other long-term health issues. For example:

• Thymol, which has grown in popularity as an active ingredient in disinfectant products due to the short supply of quats:
  • Is a suspected asthmagen
  • Is a skin sensitizer (can cause skin allergies)
  • Is a terpene that can react with ozone to form formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen in addition to an asthmagen
  • Did not pass the Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project criteria to be considered a safe disinfectant
• Bleach, which has a long history of unnecessary use as a cleaner or disinfectant:
  • Is an asthmagen
  • Can make existing asthma worse
  • Is corrosive and can damage eyes and skin
  • Can be fatal if swallowed
  • Gives off a potent vapor
  • Creates gases that cause lung damage and death if mixed with ammonia or acids.

On the other hand, the following disinfectant active ingredients are considered safer in terms of asthma, cancer, reproductive toxicity, and skin sensitization:

• Citric acid
• Lactic acid

• Does not require any PPE
• Scored all zeroes for every category on the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) scale
• Is in the lowest toxicity category for any disinfectant
• Is on the EPA Design for the Environment list (RTU)

All supplies should be conveniently placed according to identified tasks. Non-chemical needs may include:

• Trash can liners
• Paper towels
• Labels and pens
• Mops
• Microfiber cloths

3. Set and communicate collaborative cleaning expectations. 

Finally, building occupants at whom a facility’s collaborative cleaning program is aimed should be informed of what to do and how to do it. We recommend taking the following actions:

• Outlining the program via newsletter, audio or video announcement, bulletin board, etc., with a special focus on how participation will benefit building occupants
• Encouraging supervisors, authority figures, or other leaders to set positive examples of compliance
• Placing signage that outlines specific tasks and cleaning/disinfecting processes in relevant areas

For your convenience, a zip file of sample signage can be downloaded by clicking here.

Do you have questions about establishing a successful collaborative cleaning program that were not addressed in this post? Please click here to let us know, and a Betco representative will reach out shortly to provide answers, advice, and insights to promote the health and safety of specific facilities and their occupants.

1. Legal Concerns

• As covered in a previous blog post, any disinfectant or disinfectant wipe sold or distributed in the United States must be registered with the EPA. Even if the liquid disinfectant itself is registered, a disinfectant wipe product made using that liquid disinfectant requires a unique EPA registration number. For example, liquid GE Fight Bac RTU’s EPA registration number is 34810-35-4170, while GE Fight Bac Wipes have an EPA registration number of 34810-36-4170.
• Only EPA-registered disinfectant wipes produced in an EPA-registered facility—such as Betco—can make any kill claims. DIY disinfectant wipes cannot legally claim to kill any viruses, bacteria, mold, or fungi, because:
  • The EPA has not reviewed or approved their efficacy data, as is required during the registration process.
  • Distributor warehouses and end user back rooms are not EPA-registered facilities.
• As stated by EPA regulations and on the label of every single legal disinfectant, “it is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” If pre-saturated wipes are not listed explicitly on the label as an approved use for the product, making DIY disinfectant wipes with that product is illegal.
• Legally, all disinfectants and disinfectant wipes must bear an EPA-approved label and, if used in the workplace, be accompanied by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). DIY wipes, by nature, do not tick either of these required boxes, especially as the labels and SDSs for liquid disinfectants are not transferrable to wipes made from them. 

2. Health and Safety of Users

• All EPA-registered products have been tested for toxicity, irritation, and sensitization hazards, and—based on a series of required standardized tests—carry appropriate precautionary statements and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recommendations on the label. As DIY disinfectant wipes utilize liquid disinfectants that have not had their safety tested or approved for use in this manner, and also because (as stated in #1) SDSs and labels for a liquid disinfectant do not apply to pre-soaked wipes, users of DIY wipes:
  • Have no way of learning:
    • Safe handling.
    • Proper use, including required PPE.
    • First aid measures.
    • Exposure controls.
    • Toxicological information.
    • Proper storage and disposal.
  • Are vulnerable to risks associated with uneducated use of many types of disinfectants, including:
    • Skin corrosion.
    • Toxic vapors.
    • Serious eye damage.
    • Increased incidence of cancer.
    • Organ damage.

3. Efficacy and Stability

• Efficacy testing methods required for EPA registration of disinfectant wipes are different than spray products. For example, efficacy with the specific wipe material must be tested and documented. This is important because certain materials may absorb the disinfectant solution differently, inhibiting release on surfaces and providing inadequate disinfection.
• Quat-based disinfectants lose their efficacy when used with pulp/cellulose wipes due to quat binding. As a result, the level of disinfection may not be adequate to meet the disinfection rating of the product.
• The amount of liquid in disinfectant wipe containers are specified through the EPA registration process. DIY wipes require estimation of solution, often resulting in:
  • Premature drying out of wipes and mold growth inside the canister (pictured right) if too little liquid is used.
  • Oversaturation, which causes wipes to degrade, if too much liquid is used.
• Because the EPA has not reviewed or approved efficacy data for DIY disinfectant wipes (as stated in #1), the wipes cannot carry a single kill claim against any viruses, bacteria, mold, or fungi, which begs the question…why use them?

We understand that it is still difficult to find disinfectant wipes but posit that making or using DIY disinfectant wipes simply isn’t worth the risk. If EPA-registered wipes cannot be procured, the best course of action is to use a spray disinfectant as directed on the label.

you are having trouble procuring disinfectant wipes, Betco may be able to help. Our new GE Fight Bac Wipes feature the EPA List N benefits of GE Fight Bac RTU in a convenient wipe.

• Kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in 5-minute contact time.
• No need for safety signal words like “Danger” or “Warning” on the label, easing the minds of users.
• In EPA’s lowest toxicity category (category IV) and certified by Green Earth standards.
• No PPE required thanks to non-irritating ingredients with no harsh fumes.

Please click here and fill out the online form to request ordering information.

• Less cost
• Exemption from the usual requirements of:
  • UN specific packaging
  • Hazmat labels
  • Shipping papers (with a few exceptions, such as hazardous waste)
  • Hazmat placards

Examples of Betco® product categories that have had select SKUs qualify for ORM-D shipment include:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Degreasers (e.g., Speedex, Oven Jell, Citrus Chisel, Citruspray™, Kitchen Degreaser)
• Bowl cleaners (e.g., Bol Maid®, Pull®, Kling™, Stix™)
• Symplicity™ laundry products (e.g., Pro R Prewash, Color Safe Destainer, Sanitizing Softener 550)
• A limited number of general cleaners, floor cleaners, and disinfectants (e.g., Best Bet™, Daily Scrub SC, Sure Bet™ II, Green Earth® Restroom Cleaner)

There has been, however, a prolonged phase out of the ORM-D classification. Betco stopped shipping packages with the ORM-D label in late October, and the last day for anyone to use it is December 31, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, shipments bearing the ORM-D mark will be rejected and can even incur civil penalties, so we are taking this opportunity to ask our distributor partners:

Do you have inventory on your shelves in ORM-D packaging?

If you answered yes, here is some good news:

• Most SKUs that qualified for ORM-D shipment will qualify for ORM-D’s replacement: DOT (US Department of Transportation) Limited Quantity shipment.
• The benefits of shipping Limited Quantity are similar to the benefits of shipping ORM-D.
• You can still get ORM-D packages where they need to go, as long as you appropriately alter their markings and labeling to comply with DOT Limited Quantity regulations.

As shown in the illustration above:

• The ORM-D label has been replaced by the new limited quantity white square-on-point label (pictured right).
• Orientation arrows are still required under DOT if you’re shipping liquids.
• Shipper’s and consignee’s name and address are no longer needed.

Distributors that need to get ORM-D boxes in compliance with DOT rules should:

1. Refer to the DOT Chemical table to ensure your materials are eligible to be shipped as limited quantity.
2. Purchase the needed number of limited quantity white square-on-point labels (1 per package).
3. Carefully cover the ORM-D label with the new limited quantity label. You should not be able to see any part of the ORM-D box beneath, and it also cannot wrap around a side or touch any other labeling.

Note that name and address of shipper and consignee do not need to be removed or covered.

And that’s it! Well, almost...

Each employee who can affect the safety of HAZMAT shipments in transport, included Limited Quantity shipments, must also receive the hazardous material training stipulated under 49 CFR 172.704. This includes training that employers are legally obligated to provide their employees in compliance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.

Betco offers a FREE OSHA Hazard Communication Standard online training module that satisfies those requirements. It focuses on:

• The content of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
• The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
• How to use Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• The proper chemical labeling to prepare for hazards and/or react to exposures

Click here and log in or register free of charge to access the module, and get your employees started on the right track and your shipments moving safely. 

1. Put safety first.

When assessing a building’s condition and repairing damage or otherwise preparing to get back up and running, safety is the single most important consideration. If local officials have indicated that it is safe to return to the area, it is critical to:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including:
  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Heavy work gloves (rubber if sewage is present)
  • N95 mask or respirator with a higher level of protection
  • Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole
  • Earplugs or protective headphones (if working with loud equipment)
• Wait until daylight to visit the site, especially if the power is out, so it will be easier to spot and avoid danger.
• Visit the site with a partner, if possible.
• Check for structural damage and downed power lines before entering the building.
• Test major appliances one at a time and don’t use wet or damaged appliances.
• Be wary of:
  • Standing water, which could have submerged debris or carry an electrical charge from underground or downed power lines.
    • If there is pooled water and you can turn off the electricity without actually standing in the water, then do so. Otherwise, call an electrician.
  • Gas leaks
    • If a gas leak is suspected, turn off the central valve if possible, leave the area immediately, and contact the utility company, taking care to avoid any actions that could cause a spark.

2. Prioritize removal and prevention of mold.

If standing water has been present in the building for more than 24 hours, it is safe to assume that mold is growing. As continued mold growth in the wake of a natural disaster often proves to be a difficult and long-term problem, it is important to dry everything and remove all mold as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.

• If there is no electricity, use a generator to power equipment, but ensure it is at least 20 feet away from the building and is operated with a proper transfer switch or interlock device.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.
  • Product recommendation: Workman® 20 (E83012-00) 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum with powerful 1.75 hp motor for maximum recovery and multi-task toolkit.
• Remove all soaked materials, including furniture, and dry or discard them.
• Remove mud or silt before it dries.
• Open doors and windows.
• Use fans, dehumidifiers, and similar devices to blow air out of/away from the building and aid in the drying process.
• Product recommendation: FiberPRO®  Air Mover (#89968-00) with 3 operating positions for maximum convenience and 3 speed settings to accelerate dry times.
• Check to see if water has seeped into your HCAV system, behind walls, into the building’s insulation, beneath the carpet or floor boards, behind tiles, and similarly “hidden” areas.
  • HVAC flooding leads to corrosion, mold growth, and other problems. An affected system will likely need to be entirely replaced.
  • Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
  • Remove and discard carpet that has been flooded with highly contaminated water and/or soaked for more than 48 hours. For salvageable carpet, a hot-water extraction holds the best chance for remediation.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Fiberpro® 20 (E87303-00)  carpet extractor with 20-gallon solution and recovery tanks, Carpet and Rug Institute certification, and floating vacuum shoe for superior water recovery.
    • Fiberpro® 8 (E87304-00)  carpet extractor with 8-gallon solution and recovery tanks, Carpet and Rug Institute certification, and floating vacuum shoe for superior water recovery.
    • Fiberpro® ES-Steam™ (402)  for extraction with a highly concentrated formula that quickly penetrates heavy soil and eliminates odors at their source.
    • Green Earth® Peroxide Cleaner (336)  as a carpet pre-spray with reduced toxicity and powerful mold removal capabilities.
    • Push® (133)  with cultured bacteria and malodor counteractants capable of digesting organic waste for use with or without powered equipment.
• Clean everything with mold on it by using appropriate products according to label directions.
• Product recommendations:
  • AF79 (079)  and  AF79 Concentrate (331)  for superior mold and mildew control and disinfection on hard, non-porous surfaces, including bathroom surfaces.
  • BTB (321)  for instant removal of mildew stains.
  • Green Earth® Peroxide Cleaner (336)  as a non-bleaching, all-purpose cleaner.
• Fix any leaks as soon as possible.
• For especially intense and/or hazardous cleanup, consult a professional.

3. Prevent disease.

Flood water can contain dangerous pathogens, which is why it is important to safeguard your health and the health of others after a natural disaster.

• Clean and disinfectant all surfaces and objects, even those without visible mold growth.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Fight Bac™ RTU (311) to kill Hepatitis A in 10 minutes and Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in 1 minute.
    • GE Fight Bac™ RTU (390) to kill a broad spectrum of disease-causing pathogens with EPA Design for the Environment approval.
• Wash your hands throughout cleanup or use a hand sanitizer if clean water is not available.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Antibacterial Foaming Skin Cleanser (751) for rapid broad spectrum germ killing without dryness or irritation.
    • Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer (795) and Advanced Alcohol Gel  Sanitizer (796) to kill 99.999% of germs on the hands in seconds and prevent cross-contamination.

To learn more about any of the products recommended above, click on each. For information regarding specific cleanup procedures, please click here, sign in or register, then click Betco U to access our training library.

• N95-style masks imported from overseas have fallen short of certification standards.
• Sanitizers have been improperly labeled, riddled with false claims, formulated with suspect ingredients, or otherwise out of compliance with FDA guidelines.
• The disinfectant market is now being exploited in a similar manner. We will reference the handful of examples pictured above throughout this post:
  1. Disinfectant that was falsely labeled as a registered disinfectant.
  2. Unregistered stickers that claim to provide protection against viruses without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  3. Unregistered disinfectant wipes shipped from Asia without EPA registration.
  4. Unregistered disinfectant that promises long-lasting or residual protection specifically from COVID-19 without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA. 
  5. Unregistered lanyard that claims to provide 60-day residual protection against the virus without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  6. Services claiming use of multi-week residual disinfectant without supporting evidence and in direct conflict with statements from the EPA.

EPA Regulation

As explained in a previous post, disinfectants are considered pesticides—further classified as antimicrobial pesticides—because they control bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi, which are considered pests. As such, they are regulated by the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, and any disinfectant sold or distributed in the United States must be registered with the EPA.

In order to register a product, manufacturers submit:

• Proposed labeling.
• Safety data.
• Efficacy data:
  • In order to be labeled a disinfectant, a product must meet specific testing requirements against certain bacteria.
  • Any virucidal claims, such as efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), are considered additional claims, and they must also be supported by data and approved by the EPA.

If the EPA is satisfied with the information provided by the manufacturer, registration is granted. While the burden of EPA regulations and registration should pose a larger hurdle to entry into the disinfectant market, the tidal wave of newcomers is both mostly unaware of their violations and too large for the EPA to police. Eventually, these dishonest marketers will receive fines and be ordered to cease and desist, but until then, buyers (and users) must beware.

Illegal Disinfectants

Illegal disinfectants are sold or distributed without a valid EPA registration. This includes products without an EPA registration number listed on the label—such as examples 2 through 5 above—as well as products using a fake EPA registration number—such as example 1 (click here for more information).

To ensure that a disinfectant is legal:

• Don’t buy or use products from suspicious sources.
• Don’t buy or use products that seem unusual in their packaging or labeling.
• Check the label, which must be in English, for:
  • A valid EPA registration number (validity can be confirmed here).
  • A list of active ingredients, as any product registered with the EPA must state them on the label.
  • Hazard and precautionary statements.

Illegal Claims

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

There are also disinfectants approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2, based not on a demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, but on demonstrated efficacy against:

• A pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
• A different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

To confirm the legitimacy of a disinfectant’s claim that it outright kills SARS-CoV-2 or that it is recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2 due to other kill claims:

• Navigate here and input the EPA registration number found on the label. If there are 3 sets of numbers (separated by hyphens), only input the first 2. 
• If there are no matching records found, the disinfectant’s claims are illegal—as is most evident in examples 4 and 5 above (which claim 99.9% protection against COVID-19 and to "block coronavirus," respectively).
• If there is a matching record found, but the product information does not match the information on your label, it is likely a sub-registration marketed under a different name, which is legal. 
• Note that List N search results also indicate whether a product is proven or simply expected to kill SARS-CoV-2.

Because the EPA has not evaluated the “long-lasting” or “residual” efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses . . .

Residual Claims and Treated Articles

There are products that claim 24-hour sanitizing against bacteria only. 

Because the EPA has not evaluated the "long-lasting' or "residual" efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses over hours—as in example 4 (24 hours)—days—as in example 5 (60 days)—or weeks—as in example 6 (3–6 weeks), with the exception of 1 recently granted short-term exemption.

In a similar vein, there are antimicrobial pesticides that can be incorporated into plastics, textiles, or other materials to protect the “treated article” from mold or bacteria that would harm it, such as a shower curtain. These pesticides are used more in the manner of preservatives, preventing discoloration, odor, or deterioration, and treated articles may not have any claims associated with public health. In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Our Promise

We would like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that each Betco® disinfectant is registered with the EPA and adheres to their every guideline. Not only can we guarantee our total regulatory compliance, but as demonstrated by our legacy in disinfectants, we can also guarantee their quality and efficacy.

We have prioritized production toward disinfectants that appear on List N and are recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2. We are currently maximizing output of all products effective against the spread of COVID-19, and we continue to take every possible step to ensure the health and safety of our customers.

If you would like to request information about List N disinfectants, please click here to fill out the online form, and a Betco representative will contact you.

The FDA regulates the manufacture of hand sanitizers as over-the-counter drugs. Prior to COVID-19, all hand sanitizers sold in the U.S. were required to be made at FDA-registered facilities and formulated with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Grade ethanol. USP Grade ethanol must be tested for adherence to very strict impurity limits, which are summarized in the table below.

As you can see, USP Grade ethanol can contain methanol, and so too can the hand sanitizers that have been formulated with it. However, it is such a minute amount that it is far below contamination levels and has been deemed acceptable by the FDA.

It is important to note that this is NOT the same as formulating a hand sanitizer with methanol, which is both dangerous and illegal. 

How has methanol in hand sanitizers changed due to COVID-19?

Due to the pandemic and resulting spikes in demand, the FDA has temporarily adjusted their policies to facilitate the production of greater quantities, though certain requirements must still be met.

Among those requirements, which are available in their entirety online here, is an active ingredient of either:

• Ethanol that is not less than 94.9% ethanol by volume* OR
• USP Grade Isopropyl Alcohol

So, under the temporary policy, ethanol no longer has to be USP Grade, but that does not mean that any ethanol can be used. Ethanol may be considered for use in hand sanitizer if:

• It is produced in a facility used for consumable goods and with the same fermentation and distillation processes.
• It is derived from synthetic processes and meets USP Grade or FCC16 (used in food applications) Grade requirements.
• It is produced in facilities normally producing fuel or technical grade ethanol AND:

◦ It is produced using fermentation and distillation processes used for consumable goods, and no other additives or other chemicals have been added.
◦ It meets USP or FCC17 Grade requirements OR the conditions summarized in the table below.
◦ It has been screened for any other potentially harmful impurities (not specified in the USP or FCC requirements) possibly present based on the manufacturing environment.

As you can see in the table above, there is flexibility for certain impurities under the temporary policy, including methanol. While more methanol is acceptable, the interim limit is still vastly lower than the contamination levels found in the banned hand sanitizers, and still no hand sanitizer can be formulated with methanol as an ingredient.

*Lower ethanol content alcohol is acceptable in the temporary policy if it labelled accordingly, and the finished sanitizer meets an 80% ethanol concentration.

**If fuel or technical grade ethanol does not meet these limits because the sum of all other impurities exceeds 300 ppm, it may still be considered for use if individual impurities are identified and meet the interim limits in Table 2 on p. 11 of the entire temporary policy.

What is used in Betco® hand sanitizers?

None of our hand hygiene products are formulated with methanol.

The active ingredient in all Betco® hand sanitizers is USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) Grade ethyl alcohol that meets the stringent requirements specified by the FDA.

In fact, Betco is an FDA-registered facility, which means we have proven that we have identified and are effectively preventing potential hazards regarding the hand hygiene solutions being produced in our facility, as well as strictly following cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines for their manufacture, fill, and shipment. The FDA even conducts audits of our facility, in which we have never incurred a major violation, thanks to:

• On-staff scientists, who perform rigorous quality testing of raw materials—including ethanol—production and storage equipment, as well as final products.
• A dedicated skin care manufacturing and filling room that prevents cross-contamination and features a closed system.
• A quarantine area, from which skin care products are only released for shipping after having passed testing for contamination.
• Storage of samples from every run 1 year past the expiration date and examination of them for product integrity prior to disposal

The safety and health of our customers is our number one priority, and we take every possible step to ensure it. Hand sanitizers produced at Betco can be used with complete confidence in their ingredients, efficacy, and overall quality.

How were the banned hand sanitizers contaminated?

Although we don’t know for sure, it is safe to assume that if the level of methanol is over 1%, either a contaminated source of ethanol was used (certainly not compliant with FDA recommendations) or methanol—which is cheaper than ethanol—was intentionally added.

How can I avoid hand sanitizers with methanol contamination?

We encourage everyone to regularly check the list maintained by the FDA and to cease use of any hand sanitizer product from the companies or with the names or National Drug Code (NDC) numbers on the list. Do not use a hand sanitizer that:

• Has been tested by the FDA and found to contain methanol.
• Has been made at the same facility as a product that has been found to contain methanol.
• Is labeled to contain methanol.
• Is being recalled by the manufacturer or distributor.
• Is fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved” (no hand sanitizers are approved by the FDA).

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to contaminated hand sanitizer?

Methanol is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. If you are experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning—such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, weakness, visual disturbances, and loss of consciousness—seek immediate treatment for potential reversal of toxic effects.

How do I dispose of suspect hand sanitizers?

The bottle and remaining sanitizer within should be disposed of in a hazardous waste container. It is important not to flush or pour them down the drain or to mix them with any other liquids.

Do you have other questions regarding methanol in hand sanitizers that were not addressed by this post? Please email us at social@betco.com, so we can add your question and the answer to this list.

As shown in the table above, citric acid:

• Is not a carcinogen—nor is it likely to have endocrine disruptor properties.
• Does not cause reproductive issues—nor is it likely to cause developmental, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues.
• Is not a skin or lung irritant—nor does it have any unresolved or unreasonable adverse effects.
• Is not toxic to aquatic life.
• Does not break down slowly in the environment or accumulate in humans and other species.

Further, each of these active ingredient safety and health assurances also extends to all of GE Fight Bac RTU’s inactive ingredients, which—along with its rating in the lowest EPA toxicity category—have qualified GE Fight Bac RTU for the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label for use on antimicrobial products, like disinfectants and sanitizers.

This label is intended to help distributors and end users identify products that are proven safer by meeting the program’s stringent requirements and high standards. Currently, there are only 11 disinfectants that have qualified for DfE certification, less than half of which appear on EPA’s List N and are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

In fact, GE Fight Bac RTU and its ingredients are so nonhazardous that this product scores 0 for every category on the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) scale*! 

• Minimal Health Hazard: The slash in the left box indicates that the chemical does not cause chronic health problems, and the 0 in the right box that these chemicals cause little or no significant acute health risk. This category includes chemicals that are basically nonirritating to the skin and eyes.  • Minimal Flammability Hazard: These chemicals will not burn when exposed to a temperature of 1500 degrees F for a period of 5 minutes. • Minimal Reactivity Hazard: These are chemicals that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and are not reactive with water. • Furthermore, no special technical protective measures are necessary, which is why the white box at the bottom usually reserved for PPE is blank.

*HMIS is a voluntary hazard rating scheme to aid employers and employees in day-to-day compliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). It includes a rating system for acute and chronic health, flammability, and physical hazards, with ratings based on a 0–4 scale: 0 represents minimal hazards or risks, and 4 represents significant hazards or risks.

2. It's Effective

GE Fight Bac™ RTU is a hospital-grade disinfectant that kills 15 viruses and bacteria in just 3 to 5 minutes, saving on time and labor costs.

In 3 minutes, kill Hepatitis B and C and the common cold.

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella enterica
• Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA
• Aids Virus
• Influenza A virus
• Feline Calicivirus

Plus, in 60 seconds, sanitize food contact surfaces against Staph and E. coli. GE Fight Bac RTU is also tuberculocidal, meeting OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards.

Because it has demonstrated efficacy against harder-to-kill feline calicivirus, citric-acid-based GE Fight Bac RTU is recommended by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 under the emerging viral pathogen policy.

All the various viruses and bacteria that GE Fight Bac RTU is proven effective against are listed in the table on the right.

3. It's Versatile

Because GE Fight Bac RTU is free from harsh chemicals, it can be used:

• As a food contact sanitizer with no rinsing or wiping required.
• In sensitive environments—such as day care centers.
• On sensitive surfaces without leaving damage, streaks, or residue.

A more complete listing of surfaces on which and areas in which GE Fight Bac RTU can be used are summarized in the table on the right.

GE Fight Bac RTU is also versatile when it comes to application methods, because package sizes range from quart bottles, gallon bottles, and 5-gallon pails all the way up to 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon disposable totes. The quart bottles come with a trigger sprayer for immediate use, and the larger package sizes can be used to fill:

• Pump-up sprayers
• Electrostatic handheld sprayers, backpack sprayers, and carts
• Airless sprayer floor units and carts

4. It's Available

Quaternary ammonium compounds—often referred to as simply “quats”—are the active ingredients in most disinfectants. In the U.S., the 3 main producers of quats create them by reacting alkyl halides with tertiary amines—the latter of which are made from ammonia and alcohols. An explosion in demand for quat-based disinfectants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with related challenges regarding importation of necessary raw materials from usual international sources, has led to quat shortages.

As a result, alternative disinfectant active ingredients are gaining traction in the industry, such as citric acid, GE Fight Bac™ RTU’s active ingredient. Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, particularly lemons and limes, and is currently much easier to source than quats.

Because citric acid is abundantly available at the present moment, Betco is running a promotion on 55-gallon drums of GE Fight Bac RTU through the end of July. To learn more and begin leveraging this citric-acid-based disinfectant as a sustainable alternative to quat-based disinfectants, please click here.