During FLU season, situations arise which require an additional effort to assure proper disinfecting.. This is when disinfectants with fogging uses can be effective as an adjunct or supplement to normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Disinfecting products like QuestSpecialty's Phenomenal Disinfectant Deodorants are useful in settings which are at a higher risk of spreading communicable diseases, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to webmd.com, the most common areas for MRSA infections are:

• ATHLETIC SETTINGS
• MILITARY BARRACKS
• PRISONS
• SCHOOLS

Disinfectants with fogging uses are great for getting into hard to reach areas in facilities to provide additional disinfecting power, such as:

• SCHOOL BUSES
• AUDITORIUMS
• WEIGHT LIFTING ROOMS
• AIR DUCTS
• LOCKERS
• CABINETS

Questspecialty's PHENOMENAL Citrus Hospital Disinfectant Deodorant does "double duty", as it can be used as a direct spray disinfectant or as a fogging device. In addition to the disinfecting power on hard surfaces, it works on non-porous surfaces such as fabric and leather to inhibit the growth of certain fungi and control Staphlococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

When fogging, here are some tips for best results:

• All surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected prior to fogging
• Remove food and food products
• Avoid use where food may be stored or processed
• Shut off all fans and air conditioners. Seal doors and windows.
• Leave room during treatment and wait for at least two hours before airing it out.
• Allow room to thoroughly air out as recommended by the manufacturer..

For more information on cleaning and Disinfecting Environmental Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities

Here are some of our best options for fogging disinfectants:

1. PHENOMENOL Citrus Hospital Disinfectant Deodorant

Use for odor control and hospital grade disinfecting on hard surfaces

This is a total release aerosol

Please contact us with your questions related to proper applications and procedures for disinfecting

With the holidays come colder weather and more time with family and friends. Unfortunately, bacteria and viruses come along with that. While bacteria and viruses will grow in homes, hospitals are a more popular breeding ground. Hospitals are a necessary component of society, making it important to keep them as clean and germ-free as possible. Luckily, Clorox has just introduced a new product - Clorox Healthcare Fuzion Cleaner Disinfectant - which is EPA-registered to kill C. diff spores and 35 other pathogens in 2 minutes or less.

Clorox Healthcare Fuzion Cleaner Disinfectant

Fuzion combines bleach and aesthetics to make it the ideal cleanser to use on any surface. It has "bleach efficiency that's easy on surfaces". So what can Fuzion do?

• In 1 minute, it can kill 36 common bacteria, viruses, fungi, and TB including staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B, rotavirus, HIV type 1, and norovirus.
• In 2 minutes, it can kill clostridium difficile spores.
• Can be used on stainless steel, plastic, finished wood, and other common surfaces without causing damage due to its neutral pH.
• Does not leave a strong odor on surfaces.
• Does not require PPE.
• Compared to Metrex CaviCide and EcoLab OxyCide, Fuzion left a significant less amount of residue.

Fuzion allows hospitals to use the cleaning and disinfecting power of bleach without causing damage. All in all, it provides safe and strong protection against the spread of pathogens. Fuzion comes in a quart package with 2 chambers and mixes itself, making it easy and safe to apply.

Keeping your healthcare facility safe and clean can now be done faster than ever before.  Chemex Industries offers a wide variety of environmentally safe cleaning and maintenance solutions.

Drains and drainage systems were brilliant developments that lead to many of our modern conveniences and comforts.  When working well, when free and clear, they almost go completely unnoticed.  However, the slightest hint of trouble can make lead to some very big problems.  While these problems cause major issues in your home or office, include even more dangerous consequences in a hospital.

Keeping drains flowing in a healthcare facility is a top priority and based on the nature of their business, host a variety of challenges.  While grease and hair are top offenders when it comes to a drain’s flow, it is the dangerous pathogens and bacteria the pose the biggest threat.  Ensuring that these harmful elements can safely leave the facility, as well as keeping drains maintained and clear to prevent slip and fall hazards can be as difficult as it is important.  But it doesn’t have to be.

Fireball H&G Drain Opener

Fireball H&G is an odorless, nonflammable, and safe drain opener.  The fact that it is odorless makes it ideal for use in hospitals.  This product is fast-acting and outperforms traditional caustic drain openers without irritating the skin.  What makes Fireball H & G so effective?

• pH of >12 (caustic without harming the skin).
• Thickened formula sinks and clings to the point of obstruction.
• Improved formula is highly effective against fats, oils, lint, hair, and grease.
• Odorless, biodegradable, nonflammable.

While all of these characteristics are important, the fact that they all work together is what makes this solution so effective.  With the higher pH Fireball is able to work faster and outperform traditional drain openers, but is biodegradable at the same time.  The updated formula provides a higher density, which is heavier than water, allowing it to sink and cling to whatever is blocking the drain. 

Instead of fighting with troublesome grease, hair, and other clogging elements, eliminate them quickly and safely with Fireball H & G.  This product is available from Chemex Industries.  Chemex Industries is an expert provider of environmentally safe, highly effective cleaning products and maintenance solutions. 

In any given office there is a myriad of equipment, platforms, hardware, fixtures, and amenities to maintain.  They each require their own special touch, knowledge, and strategy.  Many can vary from one industry and sector to another; however, there is one element in each and every office complex that is as familiar and important, as it is challenging to maintain: the restroom.  The specific impediment that can cause blockages, odors, build ups and other problems is uratic salt.  But what is uratic salt and what does it do?

Dissolve Uratic Salts and other Minerals with F-2002

Uratic salts are mineral deposits derived from uric acid.  These salts can create malodors and produce a persistent scale that will quickly build up and block urinal drains.  In addition to urinal drain blockages, severe build ups in your traps and other pertinent plumbing equipment will occur.  It can actually dissolve your plumbing and connections.  These common problems can be exacerbated in newer facilities that utilize water free urinals, as means to preserve water.  Now that we’ve discussed the potential problems that not only prevent you have from having a safe, sanitary, and functioning restroom, let’s discuss how to prevent uratic salt build up, to keep your urinals free flowing and your plumbing operational.

F-2002 Acid Replacement Cleaner

In order to eliminate uratic salts and the compounding problems that come with them, you require the following: a regular maintenance procedure and the correct solution.  The best solution for the eradication of uratic salts, hard water residue, soap scum, calcium, and other mineral deposits is F-2002.  F-2002 is an acid replacement cleaner that removes uratic salts from urinals and your drain lines.  F-2002 is a powerful and completely safe cleaner/descaler that effectively removes uratic salts, hard water scale, rust stains, grease, mildew, mold and more.  This innovative acid replacement cleaner offers an unprecedented level of safety in the workplace for plumbing personnel, maintenance crews, employees, and visitors alike.

Keeping a safe functioning, odor free, clean bathroom is crucial on a number of levels to any commercial establishment. Understanding uratic salts and inherent hazards, and more importantly, how to eliminate them, is critical for any maintenance department.  Chemex Industries provides F-2002, which offers multiple applications, specifically dissolving uratic salts, a uratic salts remover designed to keep your urinals and plumbing clear, optimized, and effective.

In any industrial setting floor drains play a key role in the functionality and safety of a facility.  From a comfort perspective, unprotected drains can develop smells, become a source of pests, and make a normal task less efficient.  From a safety perspective, unprotected drains can backup to create slip and fall hazards and allow dangerous gases to infiltrate the area.  While we walk around, step over, and large don’t notice these convenient pieces of infrastructure, these are elements we should be well aware of; because when they become noticeable, expensive and hazardous conditions can occur.

Knowing that problems can occur inside of a drain is only the first part of finding a solution. Recognizing potential problems and understanding how to solve and prevent them is imperative.  This can be tricky as plumbing technology has been slow to evolve since the advent of drainage.  New drains in newer buildings are being tasked with handling more pressure, and managing a wider variety of materials.  Along with these added stressors, there is a focus on buildings to be more conservative in their water use, this green initiative can created additional issues for drains.  Low flow toilets, and other water-saving devices are reducing the amount of water that flows through a buildings plumbing, leaving drains drier.  A reduced water level in drains can lead to the following problems:

Foul Odors

Highly toxic and unpleasant odors can infiltrate your workspace as the airflow reverses within the drain.  Sewer gases, Radon gas, and biological aerosols all have the potential to emanate from an unprotected drain.  All of these gases and elements can create severe health problems, as well as other safety hazards like increased flammability.

Blockages

With a lower level of water to move a higher level of solids, blockages can often occur and be difficult to remove.  Backups carry their own share of headaches and hazards:  backups, flooding, drain flies, and more can find their way out of the drain and into your facility.

Dry Traps 

Viruses like NORO and SARS as well as other pathogens can become a major health hazard when drain traps become dry.  Dry traps allow airflow to reverse direction and enter inhabited areas, as opposed to continuing down the drain and staying contained.

So how exactly do you protect a drain and keep it flowing while keeping the bad things out?  The answer is simple: Green Drain.  Green Drain is an economical drain seal device that allows water to flow down a drain while preventing odors, pests, and harmful gases and pathogens from infiltrating your workspace.  The unique design of Green Drain creates a one-way valve thanks to strong silicon skirts.  These skirts allow for the passage of water down the drain, while keep everything that should stay below from coming up.  Green Drain is:

• Easy to install
• Does not impair flow rate
• Increases air quality
• Protects public health
• Offers an eco-friendly solution
• Provides sewage backflow protection
• Comes in the following sizes:
  • 2” (51mm)
  • 3” (76mm)
  • 3 ½” (89mm)
  • 4” (102mm)

Even though floor drains can easily go unnoticed, any of these problems can quickly change that.  Keeping your drains and plumbing protected with Green Drain can ensure that you avoid the pests, odors and harmful gases that can occur with a dry, unobstructed drain.  Chemex Industries specializes in maintenance and cleaning supplies and solutions that support a safe and environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities and their residents comprise an increasingly larger part of our population.  An estimated 70% of people turning 65 will require long-term care and they will receive care for an average of three years.  With these institutions and facilities being so important to seniors and their families, maintenance and cleanliness is a key concern.  In fact when visiting prospective nursing homes there is one distinct observation that can be vital in the decision making process: offensive odors.

The way a facility smells when you enter, can immediately tell you about its level of sanitation and safety.  However, there is more to be noticed other than a malodorous scent.  While odor is obvious, an overwhelming or heavily perfumed fragrance can also be the sign of an attempt to mask foul and harmful odors.  With odor and stain control being such a significant issue in long-term care and retirement facilities, the focus on actual odor elimination is critical for the health, safety, and comfort of residents, visitors, and staff.

So how do you move from simply controlling odor to eliminating it?  The answer is to begin at the source.  If you eliminate the harmful bacteria that creates odor from organic sources, you not only have a cleaner and healthier surface, you also don’t have to worry about that scent from that source returning.  Organic materials are the leading cause of odors in nursing homes.  This covers everything from: urine, feces and vomit.  Traditionally there have been three different types of solutions for solving odor problems: air fresheners, odor counteractants, and odor eliminators. 

Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are becoming used less frequently as other options have become more developed and effective.  While having a fresh, pleasant fragrance in the air is a nice option to have, air fresheners have absolutely no effect on the life or source of the odor.

Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Odor Counteractants

Counteractants are designed to pair with foul odors and create an environment where they go unnoticed by the human nose.  More often than not, you end up smelling both the counteractant and the original odor.  This exposes everyone in the facility to a chemical reaction and multiple, unpleasant aromas.

Why Nursing Homes Should Use a Bacteria Based Odor Eliminator

The only true way to eliminate odor is to destroy it at the source.  The bacteria strains used in Digest Plus,produce enzymes that contribute to the thorough digestion and consumption of cause agents of malodors and stains.  Digest Plus is effective on all surfaces, especially soft, porous surfaces like fabric, furniture, and flooring.  Even set-in, old stains and odors can be eliminated by the       enzymatic reaction created by Digest Plus.

Enzymatic, bacteria-based odor digesters are perfect for nursing home facilities where odors and stains can be difficult to control.  Digest Plus is even evolving to include pleasant scents.  Now not only will your odors be eradicated, but your surroundings can be filled with a fragrance that isn’t covering a malodorous scent, or attempting to counteract anything.  The new Digest Plus with an agreeable green tea fragrance, offers a subtle, botanical option that not only freshens the air, but completely eliminates stains and odors.

For nursing home and long term care facility maintenance and housekeeping, Chemex Industries provides a wide range of products and solutions that keep surfaces safe, clean and healthy.

The designed purpose for a drain in any setting is to allow water and other fluids to escape a floor.  However, every drain also serves as a two-way street.  One way for liquid to enter the drain; and another for gas to escape from below.  The truth is any drain can be susceptible to harmful gases, odors, and pests permeating to areas that they aren’t wanted.  This becomes especially true in industrial and commercial areas.

One of the more common and harmful things that can rise from an unprotected drain is sewer gas.  Sewer gas is a complex combination of toxic and non-toxic gases.  Sewer gas is formed from the decay of household and industrial waste.  There are two highly toxic compounds in sewer gas: hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.  Along with exposing your facility to these dangerous elements, there are other risks that accompany exposure to sewer gas.

Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning

Low levels of hydrogen sulfide will cause eye irritation and respiratory problems.  The rotten egg smell of this gas is very apparent, even with a low concentration level.  Other low level symptoms come in the form of: dizziness, nausea, headaches, and drowsiness.  At higher levels, the danger increases.  Moderate levels can impact your sense of smell, making detection impossible.  At extreme levels an immediate loss of consciousness and even death can occur.

Asphyxiation from Sewer Gas

Large amounts of methane derived from sewer gas decreases the amount of oxygen in the air.  A lack of oxygen can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and unconsciousness.  With very low oxygen levels, death can occur quickly.  Sewer gas will mix with the air indoors and have the highest concentration at the source.

Explosion and Fire from Sewer Gas

With methane and hydrogen sulfide infiltrating areas of your facility the risk of fire and explosions significantly increase.

So how do you protect your drains and facility from sewer gas and all of the potential risks that come along with it?  There is one simple, effective answer.  Green Drain. 

How Does Green Drain Prevent Sewer Gas and Keep Drains Protected?

The Green Drain can help to prevent sewer gas infiltration and potentially fatal cross contamination and infection spread caused by unprotected drains.  This is an economical drain trap seal device that allows water to flow down the drain while preventing pests, odors and harmful gases and pathogens from creating a risk for your work space. 

Green Drain Has a Unique Design That Let’s Water Through and Keeps Gases Out

Green Drain features a one way drain valve that uses strong silicon skirts.  These silicon flaps allow water to escape, while stopping anything (gas, odor, pests) from entering your space through the drain.  Green Drain is easy to install and comes in these sizes:

• 2” (51mm)
• 3” (76mm)
• 3 ½” (89mm)
• 4” (102mm)

Green Drain is perfect for any industrial or commercial setting as it increases indoor air quality, protects public health, all while not impairing flow rate.  Green Drain also has no impact on routine plumbing maintenance. 

So before you let an unprotected drain put your facility or people at risk for the harmful effects and risks of sewer gas, install Green Drain to keep your drains and business protected.  Green Drain is one of many eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products available from Chemex Industries .  For over 40 years Chemex has provided solutions for maintenance and safety needs across a wide range of industries.

The way we clean, care for, and maintain things today have drastically improved, even from only a few years ago.  Whether we are talking about household items or industrial equipment, the advancements made in methods and materials is impressive.  This fact is especially true when it comes to your facility’s grease traps. 

It wasn’t terribly long ago that grease interceptor and grease traps were cleaned with a petroleum-based surfactant, industrial solvent, or high emulsifying surfactants and terpenes.  While these applications liquefied the grease allowing it to move downstream and reduced pumping efforts, they were very slow to biodegrade and took a toll on the environment.

Today there is much more effective and environmentally safe way to maintain and clean your grease trap systems.  Instead of overpowering the build-up with strong, stringent, dangerous surfactants, bacterial formulations are now available.  These microbial formulations are specifically designed for use in drain and grease trap maintenance.  For the difficulties posed by grease within maintenance applications, a higher concentration and specific blend of bacteria is used to degrade organics.  These bacteria offer superior performance in degrading fats, oils, and grease.  These formulations also offer a fresh fragrance for grease traps and drains. 

Chemex 33 GTC is a specially designed solution to treat and maintain both:

• Grease Interceptor: A specialized compartment of a sewer line that traps grease so as not to clog lines or overwhelm treatment plants downstream.
• Grease Trap: A small collection area to trap grease for easy removal and rendering.

The biological advantages of Chemex 33 GTC are:

• A carefully selected 7-strain blend based on enzymatic production.
• 4x-8x higher counts than industry standards.
• Lipase producers to degrade fats, oils, and greases.
• Protease producers to degrade all types of protein.

The latest improvements of Chemex 33 GTC feature a non-emulsifying surfactant that removes grease from the walls of the surface.  It does not liquefy grease and allow it to pass downstream like older, more harmful solutions.  Instead it softens the grease making it easier for the bacteria to digest it.  This biodegradable surfactant is safer for the environment, operations, and offers low toxicity and easy biodegradability. 

When it comes to maintaining your grease trap systems, microbial cleaners that actually digest the build-up of fats, oils, greases, and proteins offer superior performance to older, more harmful methods.  Chemex 33 GTC is a state-of-the-art microbial grease trap cleaner that is safe for the environment and ideal for maintaining grease interceptors and traps.

While everything in your facility may look like “business as usual” from the floor up, just below the surface is a thriving environment.  The drainage pipes and drains just under your floor are actually the home to a complex ecosystem of developing harmful microbes.  It’s important to understand that these ecosystems can also create harmful, dangerous biologic aerosols.

What are biologic aerosols?  Also called bioaerosols, they are a suspension of airborne particles that contain living organisms or were released from living organisms.  These aerosols can be created from the microbial biofilms that adhere to the surfaces of drains and pipes. 

What makes drains and pipes so susceptible to these dangerous microbes is that they constantly feed the ecosystem organic and inorganic matter.  The drains essentially act as cradles to bacteria.  This can become an especially dangerous problem for places like hospitals, as the bacteria in these drains can resist antibiotics.  In hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices a wide range of bacteria are washed down the drain.  Without a properly maintained drain, the potential for antibiotic resistant bacteria developing and eventually spreading from your drains increases dramatically.

Physical barriers between drainage systems and their surrounding areas are essential.  Harmful biologic aerosols can enter ventilation systems and other vulnerable quarters of your building.  Drainage systems need to be completely tight and intact, where openings have physical barriers.  But what kind of barrier should be in your drain?

Green Drain Drain Trap

The Green Drain drain trap is the perfect implementation for preventing harmful biologic aerosols from infiltrating your facility.  Green Drain can help to prevent the potential for fatal cross contamination and the spread of infection that can be created by unprotected drains.  The special design of Green Drain allows water to flow down while preventing pests, odors, and harmful gases and pathogens from infiltrating your building.  These benefits and features make Green Drain the ideal solution for keeping your facility’s drains safe and clean:

• Improves indoor air quality
• Protects public health
• Does not impair plumbing maintenance
• Provides backflow protection
• Easy to install
• Does not impair flow rate

Keep your drains clean and clear, and keep that complex, dangerous sub drain ecosystem out of your air.  Green Drain provides an eco-friendly, effective barrier between your drainage system and the rest of your facility.  Chemex Industries offers Green Drain to all types of sectors, as well as a wide variety of other environmentally friendly solutions and products.

Over 20,000 people in North America die annually from exposure to radon.  In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  Furthermore, direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with radon-induced lung cancer exceeds $2 billion each year.  While this is obviously a harmful and dangerous gas, the prevention of infiltration in your facility is not only possible, but simple. 

Let’s start with the basics.  What is radon?  Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.  It is created by the breakdown of uranium in the Earth’s soil.  The reason radon gas infiltration poses a threat to homes and businesses is that as the uranium in the soil and rock underneath buildings breaks down, it can seep into cracks, joints, small openings in the foundation, and mainly drains.

Unprotected drains are a leading entry point for this deadly gas.  Implementing a drain trap seal device is an effective and affordable way to prevent radon gas infiltration.  They also feature several other benefits including:

• Drain odor prevention
• Pest prevention
• Increased air quality
• Helps prevent drain overflow

Drain trap seal devices are designed to allow water to flow down the drain, while preventing anything from below from infiltrating your space.

Green Drain Waterless Trap

The Green Drain drain trap is a one-way drain valve that is simple to install and does not impair the drain’s flow rate.  The green technology of Green Drain is designed to protect public health and is Universal Plumbing Code certified.  The simple installation of this drain trap does not impair or prohibit plumbing maintenance and provides sewage backup protection as well as gas infiltration prevention.

The strong silicon skirts employed by Green Drain are the perfect solution for eliminating sewer odors and drain flies, while keeping your drain clear and flowing.

Keep your industrial drain safe, clean, clear, and protected.  Green Drain is an affordable, effective floor drain solution that fits a wide range of drain applications.  Green Drain is just one example of the great, environmentally-friendly industrial maintenance products offered by Chemex Industries.