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Wesgate R, Bentley K, Stanton R, Maddalena R, Khosravi C, Teska P, Duggan K, Maillard JY. Impact of artificial accelerated ageing of PVC surfaces and surface degradation on disinfectant efficacy. J Hosp Infect 2024; 149:1-13. [PMID: 38734184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized efficacy surface tests for disinfectants are performed on pristine surfaces. There is a growing interest in understanding the impact of surface ageing on disinfectant activity, owing for example to the increased usage of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidative chemistries for surface decontamination. This acknowledges that general surface 'wear and tear' following UV radiation and oxidative biocide exposure may impact biocidal product efficacy. METHODS PVC surfaces were aged through thermal and UV-A radiation (340 nm wavelength) following the use of standard ageing surface protocols to simulate natural surface degradation. Surface roughness, contact angle and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate physical changes in PVC surfaces before and after artificial ageing. The efficacy of five pre-impregnated disinfectant wipes were evaluated using the ASTM E2967-15 on stainless-steel (control) and PVC surfaces (aged and non-aged). RESULTS The type of formulation and the organism tested remained the most significant factors impacting disinfectant efficacy, compared with surface type. Both thermal ageing and UV-A exposure of PVC surfaces clearly showed signs of surface degradation, notably an increase in surface roughness. Physical changes were observed in the roughness of PVC after artificial ageing. A difference in disinfectant efficacy dependent on aged PVC surfaces was observed for some, but not all formulations. CONCLUSION We showed that surface type and surface ageing can affect biocidal product efficacy, although in a non-predictable manner. More research is needed in this field to ascertain whether surface types and aged surfaces should be used in standardized efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wesgate
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Bentley
- Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Stanton
- Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Maddalena
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - C Khosravi
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - P Teska
- Diversey, Fontenay-sous-Bois, France
| | - K Duggan
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - J-Y Maillard
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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2
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Jennings J, James DE, Wares KD, Campbell-Train A, Siani H. Chemical resistance testing of plastics: material compatibility of detergent and disinfectant products. J Hosp Infect 2024; 149:172-181. [PMID: 38740301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surface cleaning and disinfection is a key part of breaking the chain of transmission and reducing the risk of healthcare associated infections. However, if cleaning and disinfectant formulations are incompatible with surface materials, frequent application can cause premature failure of plastics due to environmental stress cracking (ESC). Material compatibility should be considered when selecting cleaning and disinfecting products. AIM This study evaluated the tendency of 2-in-1 wet wipes to cause ESC in commonly found healthcare plastics. METHODS Eight ready-to-use 2-in-1 wet wipes were evaluated for their ability to cause ESC in 13 plastic surfaces in accordance with BS EN ISO-22088-3. Polymers were exposed to fluid extracted from wipes at a fixed strain of 0.5% for seven days and assessed for cracking, crazing, and tensile strength in accordance with ISO 527-2:2012. FINDINGS All 2-in-1 wet wipes tested contained ESC agents, although the severity of ESC varied. Products with higher pH (>8.0) were responsible for 74% of failures, with 22 of the 39 tested plastics visibly cracking. Although the primary active in all tested wipe formulations were quaternary ammonium compounds, formulations that included small/medium amines or alcohol demonstrated a greater propensity for plastic cracking. CONCLUSION Each disinfectant formulation exhibits a unique spectrum of microbial efficacy and unique potential to cause surface damage. This may result in device failures and recalls that could compromise patient and staff safety. BS EN ISO-22088-3 can support material compatibility assessments of disinfectant and detergent products before they come to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jennings
- Research and Development, GAMA Healthcare Ltd, Halifax, UK
| | - D E James
- Research and Development, GAMA Healthcare Ltd, Halifax, UK
| | - K D Wares
- Research and Development, GAMA Healthcare Ltd, Halifax, UK; School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - H Siani
- Research and Development, GAMA Healthcare Ltd, Halifax, UK.
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3
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Meng Z, Mo X, Meng W, Hu B, Liu B, Li H, Liu J, Xu M, Hou Q, Lu X, He M. Microplastics could alter invasive plant community performance and the dominance of Amaranthus palmeri. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169275. [PMID: 38086482 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The increase in alien plant invasions poses a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem stability. However, the presence of microplastics (MPs) as an environmental stressor could impact the interactions between invasive and native species in an invasive plant community. Nevertheless, the community alterations and underlying mechanisms resulting from these interactions remain unclear. Herein, we systematically investigated the impacts of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) on invasive plant communities invaded by Amaranthus palmeri through soil seed bank. The results illustrated that MPs markedly declined community height and biomass, and altered community structure, low-dose MPs could prominently increase community invasion resistance, but reduced community stability. The niche width and niche overlap of A. palmeri and S. viridis declined when exposed to high-dose MPs, but MPs elicited a significant rise in the niche width of S. salsa. PP had the potential to reduce the diversity of invasive plant community. Structural equation model revealed that PP addition could change soil total phosphorus content, thereby leading to a reduction of the community stability. Our study helps to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of MPs on invasive plant communities and provide new perspectives for invasive plant management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Meng
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xunqiang Mo
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Weiqing Meng
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Beibei Hu
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Baiqiao Liu
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Mengyao Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qidong Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xueqiang Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mengxuan He
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China.
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4
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MacLachlan R, Vahedi F, Imani SM, Ashkar AA, Didar TF, Soleymani L. Pathogen-Repellent Plastic Warp with Built-In Hierarchical Structuring Prevents the Contamination of Surfaces with Coronaviruses. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:11068-11077. [PMID: 35225604 PMCID: PMC8903211 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that viral spread is mediated through several different transmission pathways. Reduction of these transmission pathways is urgently needed to control the spread of viruses between infected and susceptible individuals. Herein, we report the use of pathogen-repellent plastic wraps (RepelWrap) with engineered surface structures at multiple length scales (nanoscale to microscale) as a means of reducing the indirect contact transmission of viruses through fomites. To quantify viral repellency, we developed a touch-based viral quantification assay to mimic the interaction of a contaminated human touch with a surface through the modification of traditional viral quantification methods (viral plaque and TCID50 assays). These studies demonstrate that RepelWrap reduced contamination with an enveloped DNA virus as well as the human coronavirus 229E (HuCoV-229E) by more than 4 log 10 (>99.99%) compared to a standard commercially available polyethylene plastic wrap. In addition, RepelWrap maintained its repellent properties after repeated 300 touches and did not show an accumulation in viral titer after multiple contacts with contaminated surfaces, while increases were seen on other commonly used surfaces. These findings show the potential use of repellent surfaces in reducing viral contamination on surfaces, which could, in turn, reduce the surface-based spread and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick MacLachlan
- Department
of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Vahedi
- Department
of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Sara M. Imani
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Ali A. Ashkar
- Department
of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- McMaster
Immunology Research Center, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Tohid F. Didar
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L7, Canada
- Michael G.
DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- Department
of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- Michael G.
DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
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5
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Dewey HM, Jones JM, Keating MR, Budhathoki-Uprety J. Increased Use of Disinfectants During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Potential Impacts on Health and Safety. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chas.1c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Dewey
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jaron M. Jones
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Mike R. Keating
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Januka Budhathoki-Uprety
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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6
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Wawrzyk A, Rahnama M, Rybitwa D, Wieczorek K, Michalczewski G, Podsiadły E, Łobacz M. Decontamination of microbiologically contaminated abiotic porous surfaces in an oral surgery clinic using vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:639-653. [PMID: 33312590 PMCID: PMC7721821 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00490-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of the study were to identify microorganisms, including those in the VBNC state, inhabiting porous surfaces in oral surgery offices and to assess the biocidal effectiveness and impact of 300 ppm vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) for 20 min on decontaminated materials. METHODS From the surfaces of textured armrests of dental chairs, pinewood doors and window frames and cotton medical aprons, 30 swabs were taken with moistened sponges. The identification of isolated microorganisms was performed using molecular methods with MALDI-TOF MS, DNA Sanger sequencer and Illumina MiSeq. To evaluate the impact of VHP decontamination (independent variable) on the number of microorganisms (response variable) ANOVA and LSD tests were used. After application of 10 processes of VHP decontamination, changes in the properties of the materials were assessed using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy and XPS spectrometry. RESULTS The concentration of microorganisms was 101-104 CFU/100 cm2 on the tested surfaces and 102 CFU/m3 in the air. Twenty species of bacteria, one yeast and 16 filamentous fungi were identified, with the predominance of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Moreover, Janthinobacterium, Acremonium, Aureobasidium, Coprinellus and Cosmospora in the VBNC state were metagenomically detected. VHP decontamination resulted in a reduction in the majority of tested microbial strains by a minimum of 3 log, and all tested mixed cultures inhabiting porous surfaces were above 98% and in the air, 100%. VHP decontamination did not affect the structural and morphological properties of cotton fibres, wood or stainless steel. CONCLUSIONS VHP decontamination at a concentration of 300 ppm for 20 min can be used for the holistic disinfection of air, surfaces and equipment in oral surgery offices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wawrzyk
- Sanitary-Epidemiological Station, Prądnicka 76, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mansur Rahnama
- The Chair and Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Karmelicka 7, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Rybitwa
- Medical Laboratory ‘Labmed’, 11-Listopada 3e/2, 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wieczorek
- The Chair and Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Karmelicka 7, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Michalczewski
- The Chair and Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Karmelicka 7, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Edyta Podsiadły
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Kopisto 2a, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Michał Łobacz
- The Chair and Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Karmelicka 7, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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7
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Raeiszadeh M, Adeli B. A Critical Review on Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems against COVID-19 Outbreak: Applicability, Validation, and Safety Considerations. ACS PHOTONICS 2020; 7:2941-2951. [PMID: 37556269 PMCID: PMC7571309 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.0c01245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The global health-threatening crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), highlights the scientific and engineering potentials of applying ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technologies for biocontaminated air and surfaces as the major media for disease transmission. Nowadays, various environmental public settings worldwide, from hospitals and health care facilities to shopping malls and airports, are considering implementation of UV disinfection devices for disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and circulating air streams. Moreover, the general public utilizes UV sterilization devices for various surfaces, from doorknobs and keypads to personal protective equipment, or air purification devices with an integrated UV disinfection technology. However, limited understanding of critical UV disinfection aspects can lead to improper use of this promising technology. In this work, fundamentals of UV disinfection phenomena are addressed; furthermore, the essential parameters and protocols to guarantee the efficacy of the UV sterilization process in a human-safe manner are systematically elaborated. In addition, the latest updates from the open literature on UV dose requirements for incremental log removal of SARS-CoV-2 are reviewed remarking the advancements and existing knowledge gaps. This study, along with the provided illustrations, will play an essential role in the design and fabrication of effective, reliable, and safe UV disinfection systems applicable to preventing viral contagion in the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Raeiszadeh
- Department of Chemical and Biological
Engineering, The University of British
Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4,
Canada
- Department of Research and
Development, Acuva Technologies, Burnaby,
BC V5J 5G5, Canada
| | - Babak Adeli
- Department of Research and
Development, Acuva Technologies, Burnaby,
BC V5J 5G5, Canada
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8
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Hsu KL, Balhaddad AA, Garcia IM, Collares FM, DePaola L, Melo MA. Assessment of surface roughness changes on orthodontic acrylic resins by all-in-one spray disinfectant solutions. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects 2020; 14:77-82. [PMID: 32908647 PMCID: PMC7464227 DOI: 10.34172/joddd.2020.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The disinfection of orthodontic acrylic resins might change the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. We aimed to investigate the impact of four different commercially available disinfectants on the surface roughness of acrylic resins used for orthodontic appliances. Methods. Four disinfectant solutions (BirexSE, Opti-Cide3, COEfect MinuteSpray, and CaviCide Spray) were used to disinfect orthodontic acrylic resins using the spraying method. The resins were subjected to repeated disinfection protocols. Distilled water, also applied via spraying method, was used as a control. Surface roughness was scrutinized to examine the extent of surface topography changes by stylus profilometry. Data normality was evaluated via the Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for non-parametric data or paired Student’s t-test for parametric data to compare intra-group differences in roughness before and after the use of the disinfectant solutions. Results. Some of the disinfectants (BirexSE and CaviCide) resulted in significant changes in surface roughness values before and after the disinfection compared to the controls (P<0.05). The groups that were in contact with distilled water, Opti-Cide, and Coeffect did not exhibit significant differences in surface roughness before and after the intervention (P>0.05). However, from a clinical perspective, the resulting variations in surface roughness (<%0.15) induced by these solutions might not reflect clinically significant differences. Conclusion. The use of disinfectant solutions is unlikely to harm the surface of orthodontic acrylic resins. Oral care providers need to be attentive to the interpretation and implementation of clinically significant changes in their evidence-based approach regarding potential material damages by disinfection sprays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Ling Hsu
- Ph.D. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Abdulrahman A Balhaddad
- Ph.D. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, College of Dentistry, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isadora Martini Garcia
- Ph.D. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Dental Materials Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Mezzomo Collares
- Dental Materials Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Louis DePaola
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mary Anne Melo
- Ph.D. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.,Division of Operative Dentistry, Department of General Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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9
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Teska P, Dayton R, Li X, Lamb J, Strader P. Damage to Common Healthcare Polymer Surfaces from UV Exposure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793984420500014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern in acute care facilities across the US. Studies have shown the importance of a hygienic patient environment in reducing the risk of such infections. This has caused an increased interest in ultraviolet (UV-C) light disinfectant technology as an adjunct technology to provide additional pathogen reduction to environmental surfaces and patient care equipment (i.e., surfaces). It is also well known that UV-C light can cause premature degradation of materials, particularly certain plastic materials. However, there is little information in the literature regarding characterizing this degradation of plastics and other materials used for surfaces in healthcare. This study aims to evaluate multiple characterization techniques and propose a systematic approach to further understand early onset degradation of plastics due to UV-C exposure. Susceptibility and modes of degradation of multiple plastic materials were compared using the techniques evaluated. Ten grades of plastic materials were exposed to UV-C light in a manner consistent with standards given in the healthcare and furniture industry to achieve disinfection. These materials were characterized for visual appearance, chemical composition, surface roughness and hardness using light microscopy, spectrophotometry, contact angle analysis, infrared spectroscopy, profilometry and nanoindentation. All characterization methods were able to identify one or more specific degradation features from UV-C exposure covering different aspects of physicochemical properties of the surfaces. However, these methods showed different sensitivity and applicability to identify the onset of surface damage. Different types of surface materials showed different susceptibility and modes to degradation upon UV-C light exposure. UV-C disinfection can cause detectable damage to various surfaces in healthcare. A characterization approach consisting of physical and chemical characterizations is proposed in quantifying surface degradation of a material from UV-C exposure to address the complexity in modes of degradation and the varied sensitivity to UV-C from different materials. Methods with high sensitivity can be used to evaluate onset of damage or early stage damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Teska
- Diversey, Inc., 1300 Altura Road, Suite 125, Fort Mill, SC 29708, USA
| | - Roderick Dayton
- Diversey, Inc., 1300 Altura Road, Suite 125, Fort Mill, SC 29708, USA
| | - Xiaobao Li
- Diversey, Inc., 901 Renaissance Boulevard, Sturtevant, WI 53177, USA
| | - Jason Lamb
- Diversey, Inc., 1300 Altura Road, Suite 125, Fort Mill, SC 29708, USA
| | - Phillip Strader
- Monteith Research Center, North Carolina State University, 2410 Campus Shore Drive, Room 246, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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