On World Toilet Day, November 19, we spotlight a critical yet often overlooked issue: the lack of safe, reliable sanitation for billions of people worldwide. According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 3.6 billion people—nearly half the world’s population—use sanitation services that leave human waste untreated. Access to a clean, efficient toilet is more than convenience; it is a cornerstone of public health, environmental safety, and human dignity. However, the traditional flush toilet has remained largely unchanged for over a century, relying on gravity to pull waste away. While effective, this basic design can be inefficient, prone to clogs, and a major source of water over-consumption. As we confront growing environmental pressures, the need for smarter sanitation solutions has never been more urgent. Innovative designs are proving that we can achieve a higher standard of performance while using significantly fewer resources. For example, pressure-assisted toilets can push waste up to 50% farther down the drain line than standard gravity models, all while using less water. The power of pressure Pressure-assist technology represents a significant leap forward in toilet engineering. Unlike gravity-fed systems that depend on the weight of water to create a weak siphon, pressure-assisted toilets use the building’s water pressure to compress air within a sealed vessel inside the tank. When flushed, this stored energy is released, propelling water into the bowl at high velocity. This powerful action delivers several key advantages over traditional designs. One of the most common frustrations in both residential and commercial settings is clogged toilets. Stoppages are not just an inconvenience; they can lead to property damage, unsanitary conditions, and costly plumbing repairs. Pressure-assisted toilets virtually eliminate this problem. The forceful flush clears the bowl and drain line effectively on the first try, helping to prevent backups even in high-traffic environments. This reliability is a major benefit for property owners and facility managers. Traditional gravity toilets rely on components like flappers and fill valves that degrade over time, leading to leaks and inconsistent performance. The sealed, noncorroding vessel in a pressure-assist system eliminates these common points of failure, ensuring consistent and powerful flushing for years without needing constant adjustments or repairs commonly seen on gravity toilets. Significant water conservation Toilets are among the largest consumers of water in any building. Older, inefficient models can use 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) or more, while standard gravity toilets today typically use 1.6 or 1.28 gpf. Pressure-assist technology makes water work smarter by reducing the need for double flushes and achieving a complete, clog-free flush with as little as 0.75 gpf. This efficiency is crucial for advancing global sustainability goals. In the United States alone, drinking water and wastewater systems account for approximately 2% of all energy use. By reducing water consumption, we also reduce the energy required to treat and transport it, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions. A single apartment complex in Baltimore, for instance, reported a 57% average drop in daily water usage after renovating its 356 units with pressure-assisted toilets. This demonstrates the scalable impact of adopting water-efficient technology. Enhanced hygiene and cleanliness A cleaner toilet means a healthier environment. The powerful, high-velocity flush of a pressure-assist system effectively cleans the bowl’s surface with each use, keeping the fixture cleaner for longer, between regular cleanings. Furthermore, the design of these systems contributes to better hygiene. Because the flush is so effective, it leaves less residual waste behind. The water level in the bowl is also typically higher, which reduces the surface area where waste can cling. When combined with modern hydrophobic glazes that repel water, oil, and bacteria, the bowl remains remarkably clean. This is especially important in commercial restrooms, where a commitment to hygiene reflects a commitment to public health. Aligning innovation with sanitation goals The benefits of pressure-assisted toilets extend far beyond individual buildings. By conserving water, reducing maintenance, and improving hygiene, this technology directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Water scarcity already affects every continent, with droughts becoming more frequent and severe. Adopting water-saving technologies on a large scale is essential for preserving this finite resource for agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Efficient toilets also reduce the burden on municipal wastewater treatment facilities, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure. Standards for sustainable performance As technology evolves, so does our ability to create solutions that are both powerful and sustainable. By ensuring a powerful, single flush that clears the drain line effectively, pressure-assisted toilets enhance reliability and user satisfaction in any setting. This level of performance and water savings establishes a new benchmark for what is possible in sanitation technology, providing a practical tool for architects, builders, and homeowners to build a more sustainable future. This World Toilet Day, and all year long, let’s take action by advocating for smarter sanitation solutions in our businesses, homes, and communities. The path to global health and environmental stability runs directly through our restrooms. By embracing innovation, we can turn a simple daily act into a powerful force for positive change.
Restrooms are more than a basic building amenity. They’re an important reflection of a facility’s overall cleanliness, professionalism, and management. As such, a restroom is a very memorable space, good or bad. According to Bradley’s 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey™, customers are keenly paying attention to the condition of restroom spaces, with 84% saying an unclean or poorly stocked restroom leaves a negative impression of the business. More telling still, 71% are more likely to return—and spend more money—at a facility with clean, well-maintained restrooms. These numbers don’t just underscore the value of a tidy restroom; they make the case for smarter, more efficient restroom design and maintenance strategies. For facilities of all types—including retail stores, hospitality venues, office buildings, airports and stadiums—the restrooms can influence brand perception, staff efficiency, and customer satisfaction. So how can cleaning and maintenance teams rise to meet these expectations? Clean restrooms boost business A well-kept restroom isn’t just a matter of hygiene; it’s a business strategy. Poor restroom conditions and experiences can drive customers away silently, without complaints, but with lasting effects. According to the survey, 75% say a bad restroom experience makes them think twice about returning. As more convenience stores, restaurants, and mixed-use spaces offer food service, restroom cleanliness becomes a proxy for overall cleanliness. In fact, 90% of Americans believe a dirty restaurant restroom likely indicates a dirty kitchen. With these stakes in mind, the focus shifts from reactive cleaning to proactive design and maintenance. Five design and equipment features can make restrooms stand out. 1. Touchless fixtures Touchless restroom fixtures are now the gold standard in hygiene and maintenance. Nearly 80% of Americans surveyed say touchless fixtures are important in public restrooms and 75% prefer using them compared to manual fixtures because the touchless fixtures improve their overall restroom experience. From faucets and soap dispensers to towel dispensers and hand dryers, sensor-activated fixtures offer a triple win: Hygiene: They reduce germ touchpoints and limit cross-contamination. Efficiency: Users move more quickly through restrooms, reducing congestion. Maintenance: Without handles and levers to wipe down, staff save time during cleanings. Less waste: Using automatic hand dryers significantly cuts down on paper towel waste and overflowing trash receptacles. Touchless paper dispensers help regulate how many towels are dispensed, curbing excess consumption of paper that often ends up on floors. 2. All-in-one handwashing systems An emerging trend in commercial restroom design is all-in-one handwashing fixtures, which integrate soap, water, and hand drying in a single unit. This model keeps handwashing elements in easy reach, creating an accessible and convenient way to wash hands. The design, engineered to keep water inside the bowl, also eliminates the common problem of water trails across the restroom floor caused by people moving from the sink to a wall-mounted dryer. It also reduces maintenance issues like slippery floors, water damage on counters, and messy soap drips. From a design standpoint, these units offer a sleek, modern appearance that’s appealing to both guests and cleaning teams. Fewer individual components mean fewer surfaces to clean and fewer fixtures to monitor. 3. Smarter soap and towel dispensers One of the most frustrating experiences for restroom users—and one of the most avoidable—is running out of soap or paper towels. These shortages frustrate guests and can lead to missed handwashing, poor hygiene, and negative reviews. In fact, better cleaning and restocking is the No. 1 improvement Americans would like to see in public restrooms. Staying on top of soap refills, especially in high traffic restrooms, is also a common headache for facility staff. Newer soap and towel dispenser models are solving the issue of soap refills with visual maintenance indicators that alert staff when a refill is needed or a battery is low. Instead of wasting time checking every dispenser, cleaning crews can prioritize where attention is needed. Some soap systems go further with top-fill, multi-feed technology. A single large-capacity reservoir can feed multiple dispensers, cutting refill time, preventing outages, and eliminating the inconsistency of staggered refills. For busy facilities or locations with limited staff, this is a maintenance game changer. 4. Accessibility and user comfort Restroom success isn’t just about equipment; it’s about accessibility and the total user experience. Often, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Hooks and shelves: Customers appreciate thoughtful features like coat hooks and bag shelves. According to survey results, these were among the top amenity requests. Spacious layouts: Crowded stalls and tight turning radii are a turnoff for customers, especially those with mobility needs. A spacious layout is not just compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; it’s a comfort requirement. Soft-closing doors and occupancy indicators: Reducing noise and improving privacy—particularly with restroom partitions—can enhance the user experience and minimize disruption, particularly in shared spaces. Full-length restroom partitions are also becoming more popular in the quest for user privacy. These small design decisions reflect attention to detail, and by extension, overall facility care. 5. Coordinated fixtures and durable finishes Facility managers know that consistency matters, especially when it comes to cleaning routines. Restrooms with coordinated fixtures (in terms of colors, finishes, shapes, and mounting heights) allow for streamlined training, standardization across properties, and easier inventory management—not to mention aesthetics. Choosing fixtures and accessories with durable, fingerprint-resistant finishes also reduces daily cleaning. For handwashing basins, solid surface materials and quartz lavatory decks resist staining, moisture buildup, and microbial growth. Nonporous, seamless surfaces cut cleaning time and reduce the spread of germs. Even newer paper towel dispenser models have been improved with smooth surfaces (no visible seams or openings), wall-saving designs, and anti-slam doors that avoid damage during refills. A clean restroom is a smart investment Today’s restroom is a business touchpoint, a brand ambassador, and a barometer for operational excellence. Customers notice the difference, and they vote with their wallets. Designing restrooms with cleaning in mind not only makes the janitorial team’s job easier; it also extends fixture life, boosts satisfaction scores, and reinforces a commitment to public health and safety. Technology like touchless fixtures, refill indicators, and top-fill
In 2022, ISSA launched its End Period Poverty education and advocacy campaign to support efforts to increase access to period products and disposal solutions. Menstrual care solutions should be as available in away-from-home restrooms as soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. ISSA commissioned an independent survey across a broad cross-section of facility types and industries to determine the current availability of period care products (PCPs), identify barriers to wider access, and explore factors that might motivate more facilities to provide these essential hygiene products. The survey, conducted by media research company All In One Insights, ran from May 15 to June 12. A total of 421 facility professionals responded, representing a broad range of roles and facility types. Participants included building service contractors (BSCs), in-house facility staff, and property managers. The most common types of facilities represented included commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, industrial spaces, and K–12 schools. Limited PCP availability One of the first questions posed was whether respondents currently offer PCPs at their facilities. Less than half (44%) reported doing so in any form. And when the question was narrowed to whether those products were available for free and directly within bathroom stalls, the number dropped even further to 37.8%. These figures suggest a significant gap between the perceived need for period care access and what is currently offered. Colleges and universities were the most likely to offer free products in restrooms, with 60.7% reporting such access. K–12 schools followed at 42.9%. In contrast, commercial buildings, industrial sites, retail stores, and even healthcare facilities were much less likely to provide these products, especially at no cost. Barriers to adoption When respondents who did not offer PCPs were asked why, the top reason was a simple lack of awareness. More than one-third said they had never even thought about it. This insight highlights the significance of education and advocacy in promoting menstrual equity. The second most common barrier was cost, cited by 25% of non-providing facilities. For some, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, financial concerns loomed large. Other reasons included the belief that period products weren’t necessary for their specific facilities, or that they were waiting for a government mandate to act. Interestingly, when asked what might change their minds, the same respondents pointed to customer demand and government requirements as equally compelling motivators. A total of 36% cited each of these factors. A slightly smaller but still significant group said they would reconsider if they discovered the products were affordable. Employee demand was another factor that carried considerable weight, especially in industries such as hospitality and commercial services. Purchasing and providing PCPs Procurement patterns also emerged. The most common method of PCP distribution is through free-vend dispensers, used by nearly half of the respondents in this group. Free-vend solutions are prevalent in educational settings. Coin-operated machines and loose basket-style offerings are also relatively common. Most facilities (68%) purchase PCPs through traditional business-to-business (B2B) distributors. Others rely on service providers, direct manufacturer relationships, or e-commerce. A majority of respondents—64%—reported having a role in the decision-making process surrounding PCPs. While 18% said they were the sole decision-maker, most indicated that these decisions are shared across departments. Disposal practices The survey also examined disposal practices for menstrual products, with the data revealing more widespread infrastructure. An average of 72% of respondents reported providing a disposal bin in every bathroom stall. This practice was particularly strong in educational settings, again highlighting schools and universities as leaders in this space. The most common disposal method was a wall-mounted steel box, used by more than half of the respondents. Trash cans with lids and single-use disposal bags followed in popularity. For those not currently using single-use disposal bags, the reasons were similar to those cited for not offering PCPs in general. Affordability, customer demand, employee requests, and potential government regulation were all factors that could drive change. Notably, 39% of this group said they would consider adoption if the bags were more affordable. Crucial commitments Despite the survey revealing a relatively low rate of PCP accessibility in public facilities, it did offer encouraging news for the future. Of the facilities currently providing PCPs, 91% plan to continue doing so. Only a small number expressed hesitation about continuing, and among those, cost was again the leading concern, followed by changing laws or servicing challenges. Access ISSA’s period poverty survey here.
Tork PeakServe® Continuous™ Hand Towel System sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better-quality experience for guests and for cleaning staff. Research shows that dirty, overcrowded restrooms are guests’ primary concern at high-traffic venues like arenas and transportation hubs—even more than long lines. Tork PeakServe is designed to better serve high-traffic venues and improve the guest experience. The system is fully compatible with Tork EasyCube® facility management software, the first to market smart facility management software using technology to drive operational efficiency, increase quality and customer satisfaction, and improve staff engagement. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, the Tork PeakServe system serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. This gives cleaners a peace of mind to focus on other important tasks, without fear of product runout. Get your restroom crowd-ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA, and vote for Tork PeakServe in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
Evolve with EcoShell™ The stylish & wholly unique EcoShell™ universal air freshener provides flexible fragrance options using revolutionary Clip and go, clip and throw™ technology. The stylish EcoShell™ universal air freshener is a non-aerosol, VOC exempt scent solution that brings a variety of locations ‘out of their shell’ – evolve your space with EcoShell™. Eddie World chooses Vectair for their visitor experience Eddie World, based in Yermo, CA, labeled as ‘California’s sweetest destination’ is the premier travel center in the United States. At Eddie World, they want to completely redefine how people perceive gas stations. Hence, the biggest passion for them is their extreme dedication to clean and comfortable bathrooms. Ed Ringle, Owner of Eddie World, says; “We want our customers to have a pristine and perfect restroom experience each and every time they visit.We chose Vectair as their products work, we have no bad odors in the restrooms and our bathrooms smell great.” Recyclable vs. Biodegradable – what’s the difference? Here at Vectair, we recognise that the environment is important, and dedicate our time ensuring our products and industrial processes are recyclable where possible, ethical, environmentally friendly and economically viable. With that in mind, what is the difference between recyclable materials and materials that are biodegradable? Both sound good and both usually come with green, eco-friendly looking labeling, so where do the differences lie? Presenting the Professional Passive Program™ Vectair Systems Inc., has launched the “Professional Passive Program™”. The program includes VOC exempt products that all provide fresh fragrance without the need for batteries, aerosols, harmful solvents or propellants. These are Airloop™, Vectair Wee-Screen™, the World’s first triple action & dual fragrance urinal screen - Vectair P-Screen™, VAZE™ and the multi-award winning Vectair V-Air® SOLID. Vectair ‘Nose’ how to attract visitors with scent Attract new customers. Reach new audiences. It’s all about creating memories & moments that stay in the mind for more than a few hours. Could it be, that scent is the most powerful sensory trigger? With scent marketing, we can create scents to connect with a brand, allowing brands to reach new audiences, in new ways. Scent Marketing is an ever increasing tool that’s used to engage and attract new audiences – but how does it work?
Tork PeakServe sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better quality experience for guests. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, dispensing serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. Get your restroom crowd ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA Show 2018, and vote for Tork PeakServe Continuous Towels in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
Yesterday, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut) and Tim Sheehy (Republican-Montana) and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (Democrat-California), Gus Bilirakis (Republican-Florida), and James Moylan (Republican-Guam) introduced the Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act to strengthen protections for military families living in privatized housing. U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (Republican-Iowa) and Mazie Hirono (Democrat-Hawaii) were the original cosponsors. An estimated 700,000 servicemembers and their families are affected by hazardous conditions in military-provided housing, including prolonged mold exposure, which is associated with elevated risks of respiratory illnesses, neurological symptoms, developmental delays in children, and other severe health effects. The MOLD Act addresses these conditions by setting enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections, and requiring transparency in reporting habitability issues such as water damage, humidity, and mold. Among its key provisions, the legislation would require the Secretary of Defense to ensure that all maintenance personnel, contracted mold assessors, indoor environmental professionals, and mold remediation professionals working in military housing possess and maintain independent, third-party certifications, including the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) Applied Microbial Remediation Technician and Mold Remediation Specialist certifications. In addition, the bill mandates that all mold remediation activities conducted in covered military housing comply with the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, the nationally recognized consensus standard that defines the industry standard of care for mold remediation projects. “The MOLD Act will require strict health and safety standards, independent inspections, and financial accountability for contractors,” Blumenthal said. “This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves quick passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.” “The MOLD Act will help ensure that privatized military housing is up to standard with frequent inspections, proper repairs and renditions, and better response times by landlords,” Panetta said. “This legislation is our way to ensure that military readiness starts at home.” The MOLD Act is endorsed by Change the Air Foundation, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Safe Military Housing Initiative, Military Housing Coalition, National Military Families Association, IICRC, and the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI). The IICRC plans to continue working on Capitol Hill to serve as a technical resource to policymakers and stakeholders as the MOLD Act advances through the legislative process. “This legislation shows that IICRC’s advocacy work and strategic alliances with other stakeholders is paying off,” said Robbie Bradshaw, IICRC director of government relations. “We’ve spent more than five years engaging with Members of Congress to move legislation like this forward.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday said it will conduct soil sampling at randomly selected properties in the Eaton fire area to help residents validate the effectiveness of Los Angeles wildfire cleanup efforts and develop best practices for future wildfire responses nationwide. This voluntary effort is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The sampling will focus on lead, based on scientific evidence from an extensive study conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in September 2025. EPA will collect soil samples at two depths, at the bottom of excavations completed during debris removal and approximately 6 inches below, to measure lead concentrations and develop a statistical model that will inform future wildfire response protocols. The county’s study, which analyzed various contaminants including heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and furans, found that lead was the only fire-related pollutant detected across the Eaton area after debris removal. To ensure accuracy, EPA is applying an incremental sampling methodology that provides a reliable average of contaminant levels across each property. Crews will collect 30 small soil samples from different locations on each parcel, combine them into a composite sample, and send it for laboratory testing. This approach offers a more representative picture of site conditions than testing from just a few individual points. The sampling effort will document post-cleanup soil conditions, confirm that cleanup methods successfully addressed contamination, and establish evidence-based protocols that will strengthen wildfire response efforts nationwide. EPA is working closely with LA County, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and other partners throughout this process. Individual property owners will receive reports with their lead results and guidance on available resources from local and state agencies. EPA will also share aggregated findings with county officials to support long-term recovery and resilience planning. Results from the sampling effort are expected by the end of spring 2026.
On Tuesday, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesman confirmed that nearly 900 laid-off National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) employees were being reinstated. NIOSH is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. These scientists, engineers, and other staffers were let go last April as part of the Trump administration’s reduction of the federal workforce. “Reversing the proposed cuts to NIOSH is a positive decision for workers, employers, and public health,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Director of Government Affairs. “NIOSH plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of millions of front-line workers, including those in the cleaning and facility solutions industry. The agency’s research and guidance has been critical in helping employers prevent injuries, reduce exposure to harmful substances, and create safer workplaces for more than 50 years. ISSA will continue to support funding for NIOSH so that it can ensure the best available science is used to guide occupational health and safety policy.” Last year, then adviser Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency drew criticism from firefighters, coal miners, medical equipment manufacturers, and others for gutting nearly 900 of NIOSH’s 1,000 employees, who aim to protect workers, the Associated Press reported. HHS had initially reinstated 328 NIOSH employees in May 2025 after legal challenges and political pressure. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had also proposed a budget that would eliminate around 80% of NIOSH's funding, the American Federation of Government Employees said. As of Jan. 13, all terminations were reversed.
On Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) reported 124 new cases of measles in the state since Friday. That brings the total number of cases in South Carolina related to an outbreak in the northwest part of the state (including Greenville and Spartanburg) to 434. Currently, 409 people are in quarantine and 17 in isolation. The latest end of quarantine for these is Feb. 6, health officials reported. Most of South Carolina’s cases (398 cases) are minors under the age of 18, and unvaccinated residents (378 cases). The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday also reported a new case of measles in Rutherford County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to five since late December. North Carolina’s initial cases were tied to a family that had visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where the large measles outbreak is ongoing, approximately one to two weeks before the children became sick. The large outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border also continues. State health departments report that as of Jan. 13, 201 cases have been confirmed in Utah while 223 cases have been confirmed in Arizona. On Tuesday, the Georgia Department of Public Health also confirmed its first measles case of 2026 in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The baby acquired the virus while traveling internationally. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health reported the state’s second measles case of 2026. The patient is a child less than 4 years-old who also recently traveled internationally. As of Jan 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 171 measles cases in the U.S. (The CDC is aware of probable measles cases still being reported by jurisdictions and this number is likely to grow higher.) Cases were reported by nine states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. No new outbreaks have been reported in 2026, and 96% of confirmed cases (165 of 171) are outbreak-associated (The 165 cases are from outbreaks that started in 2025.).