Efficacy of Safer Disinfectant Formulation

Comparison of Disinfection Testing Methods to Assess Efficacy in the Field " - Dr. Nancy Goodyear of UMass Lowell's School of Health and Environment  will compare three test methods that can be used for in-field studies to determine the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection formulations created using safer ingredients. This research will be conducted with the assistance of TURI's  green cleaning laboratory and the  Sustainable Hospitals Program, with a goal of identifying reliable cleaning and disinfection methods and safer chemistries that can be used in homes and institutional settings.  The research will evaluate three methods for detecting residual microorganisms from cleaned/disinfected surfaces with the intent of finding quick and affordable confirmation techniques that can be used to determine the efficacy of "natural" disinfectants such as vinegar.  The research team will then assess the use of the quick test methods in the field to provide guidance on effective use of safer disinfection formulations.  This work will help community and home cleaning and home health care groups trying to limit worker exposures to toxic commercial disinfection formulations.