New germ killing vapour that could eliminate MRSA

Scientists at Queen's University could have found a vapour that will revolutionise the cleaning industry. The Kingston Whig Standard has reported that a team of scientists have been working on a concoction, which combines ozone and hydrogen peroxide with another compound to form a vapour that can eradicate bacteria.

The vapour has also showed characteristics of eliminating bed bugs, whilst leaving rooms smelling fresh. Talking about the procedure, Dr. Dick Zoutman, who developed the technology along with Dr. Michael Shannon of California-based Medizone International said; “The procedure actually mimics what antibodies do in the human body when they attack an infection”.

This new solution has also been said to kill some of the most dangerous germs around and could help to save lives. Clinical lab trials showed the gas killed all germs that it came into contact with, including deadly MRSA cells.

Talking about the advantages hospitals could benefit from, Dr. Zoutman continued: "Our best cleaning methods have limits to how much they can get rid of. The gas vapour sterilizes all hard surfaces and fabrics, including floors, walls, drapes, mattresses and chairs. The system takes between 15 and 30 minutes to disinfect an average hospital room”.

The system can be extremely useful for disinfecting a hospital room prior to the arrival of a new patient.

Zoutman continued: "The only germs in the room would be the ones they bring in themselves".

Westminster Kingsway College’s National Cleaning Academy

Over recent years the cleaning sector has become a thriving industry and has now encouraged a new programme to help those working in the cleaning industry, develop further in their careers.

A new National Cleaning Academy in central London has recently been launched by Westminster Kingsway College to provide training and development for businesses and employees. The Academy will be launched in partnership with commercial cleaning service provider, Not Just Cleaning (NJC).

The aim is to raise the standards of cleaning and provide training through their Apprenticeships in Cleaning Services and training programmes, providing learners with the opportunity to develop their skills and progress further in their careers.

Not Just Cleaning (NJC) is a commercial cleaning service provider who operates in London and the South East with over 500 cleaning operatives.  NJC has also achieved the Investors in People Standard recognising their commitment to their staff development, which can be said to have swayed the partnership with the Westminster Kingsway College.

Ray Shilling, Head of Employer Training Solutions at Westminster Kingsway College, said: “The launch of the National Cleaning Academy at Westminster Kingsway College in partnership with Not Just Cleaning (NJC) will give a new focus to professional training and development for the Cleaning Services industry. We are very excited to be working with a partner who can provide industry expertise that will complement the professional training that we provide in this sector.”

Peter Heppelthwaite, Director at London Services from Not Just Cleaning (NJC), said: “The partnership with Westminster Kingsway College represents a fantastic opportunity for NJC to share its knowledge and expertise and to raise industry training standards through the National Cleaning Academy. It will provide the conduit for cleaners to obtain meaningful, recognised qualifications that can lead to further career progression.”

New self-cleaning cotton can kill bacteria and break down pesticides

A new self-cleaning cotton fabric has been developed by scientists at the University of California Davis (UC Davis). It’s an extraordinary material as it has also been proved to kill bacteria and break down toxic chemicals.

The fabric has become a recent revelation that has sparked multiple ideas for its use including: clothing for the military, employees in the food processing sector, farm workers, those who work within the health care sector and  as protective clothing used in the cleaning industry.

The work was conducted by Ning Lui and funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency and the Jastro Shields Graduate Research Fellowship from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Scientists.

According to a recent report Ling, a doctoral student in Professor Gang Sun’s group in the UC Davis Division of Textiles and Clothing developed the method to blend the compound 2 AQC with cotton fibres. Unlike any other self-cleaning agents we see on the market today, this chemical forms a strong bond to the cellulose in the cotton, which makes it extremely hard to wash off, whilst being ineffective to other properties of the fabric.

The Science Behind it

According to scientists, when 2 AQC is exposed to light a reactive oxygen species is produced, which kills bacteria and breaks down organic compounds such as pesticides and other toxins. These species include hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. However, researchers have said there are cheaper equivalents to 2 AQC available.

With its bacteria killing property it could also be used as the material for cloths and cleaning accessories we use on a daily basis.

Cleaning the Canals of East Lancashire

Cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canalIt’s not just our streets, homes and offices that need a good clean from time to time, so do our canals. This is the belief of a small team of volunteers led by boat hire operator Lee Sheperd of Hapton Valley Boats. During a six week trial they are cleaning the Leeds-Liverpool canal twice a week, in a bid to make East Lancashire a cleaner place.

The team want to spring clean the waterways of Blackburn, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle, a 23 mile stretch to make sure it’s ready for summer activities.

Mr Shepherd talked to the Lancashire Telegraph commenting:

“This is one of the most beautiful stretches of canal in the country and we want more people to come here and enjoy all it has to offer. We are working hard ahead of the summer to ensure the canal is clean and tidy. We are mid-way through the trial at the moment and we are hoping to make it a regular thing in the future.”

The team have also been given a litter boat by British Waterways, who want to create awareness of how important our canals are.

Debbie Lumb, waterway manager for British Waterways North West, also talked to the Lancashire Telegraph stating:

“It’s a sad fact some people do not appreciate what an asset the canal is for this area and do not always treat it with the respect it deserves. Canals are sometimes used as dumping grounds and as British Waterways faces huge economic challenges priority has to be given to maintenance and safety works so the work Lee is doing with his team of volunteers is invaluable.”

“As British Waterways moves towards becoming a charity we will need to work more and more with local groups to help us look after the nation’s canals.”

“Lee’s project is pioneering and we are hopeful it will become a permanent activity along this stretch of canal and beyond.”


Keeping Britain Tidy

Keep Britain TidyLondon is one of the most thought after and glamorous cities in the UK. When we think about the capital, we envision glorious city lights, incredible shops, glamorous restaurants, buzzing bars and extraordinary attractions. However, we never think of how dirty and messy the London really is.

In a recent study conducted by Keep Britain Tidy, it was revealed that over half of the city’s litter is cigarette packets. Not cigarette butts, which you can understand if there isn’t a bin nearby and you don’t want to burn your finger, but cigarette packets. If you can’t see a bin, keep it in your bag or briefcase, then throw it away when you pass one.

This is a shocking result and a huge rise from last year, when cigarette packets only accounted for 14% of waste found on the London footpaths; now it is at 62%. However, this statistic is only true of London, elsewhere in the country, fast food packets are the source of most litter found on the British streets.

This is a big concern for Keep Britain Tidy and the government, as this issue costs up to £858 million a year. Chief executive Phil Barton commented: "We need to make a change so that this country is no longer a place where it is, seemingly, acceptable for some to throw litter."

In recent news Cambridge has been adding more waste bins to help tackle this problem. It will be interesting to see what London will be doing to combat this challenge.