Friday, January 6, 2012

Old Vacuum Cleaners Release More Bacteria and Dust

During my morning perusal of the the medical literature, I came across these articles on vacuum cleaners. Apparently, older, cheaper vacuum cleaners can aerosolize dust and bacteria. Read about it here in Infection Control Today. The original publication is in Environmental Science and Technology.


I am not really sure of the relevance of this study. At least in a hospital setting, patient care areas should not be carpeted as carpets cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected. 


My administrative office, however, is nicely carpeted. The vacuum cleaner used by our environmental services seems a bit worn out and leaves a funky scent in the air post use. Perhaps I should insist on an upgrade.


I will be in Honduras, as of tomorrow, coordinating our June 2012 relief trip. Expect daily blog updates.