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.
Urinals, in one form or another, have been around for centuries. The basic design of urinals, as we recognize them today, was patented on March 27, 1866, by Dr. Andrew Rankin, who earned a degree in the field then known as Urineology from the University of Boston. We can confidently assume that ever since then, urinal splashback has been a persistent concern. Common causes of splashback Splashback commonly occurs when urine hits the water stored at the base of a conventional urinal or strikes its sides. The resulting droplets can then become airborne, creating unsanitary conditions in public restrooms, potentially spreading germs. This not only increases the risk of disease, it also adds to custodial workloads and facility cleaning costs. Unfortunately, some people downplay the health risks of urinal splashback by arguing that urine is a sterile substance. However, this is not entirely true. While urine is sterile when it is produced in the kidneys, it can become contaminated with bacteria as it passes through the urethra and exits the body, especially if the individual is ill. Making matters worse, when the splashback lands on surrounding surfaces, such as walls, floors, and the urinal itself, it attracts soil and dirt, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Experts suggest that one of the leading causes of splashback is the traditional design of urinals. Their slope and angle are not optimized to minimize splashing. Instead, these features exacerbate the problem. Additionally, the user’s height and stream strength play a role, especially when urine is directed toward the water at the bottom of the urinal, as is often the case. Reducing splashback While the traditional design of urinals is likely here to stay, there are several steps that users and facility managers can take to mitigate splashback: When using a urinal, direct your stream upward from the base of the urinal, so it does not splash into the water. Maintain a distance of six inches from the urinal to keep splashback away from clothing. Aim at a 45-degree angle, not a 90-degree angle. Select an end urinal instead of one in the middle. This reduces the chance of being splashed by someone using a neighboring urinal. When selecting a new urinal for your facility, look for one with a raised design at the bottom. This will help prevent urine from landing directly on the floor. Understand urinal types. Siphon jet urinals release a powerful stream of water to flush the urinal. Washdown urinals release a gentler stream, helping to reduce splashback. Consider waterless urinals, which do not store water at the base of the urinal. This feature can help minimize or even eliminate splashback. Install partitions around urinals to help confine the splashback. Use urinal blocks with caution. While the blocks can help fight odor, users tend to aim for the urinal block, which is a key cause of splashback. Removing splashback Removing urine splashback is not a simple task, but it is a crucial one. It requires cleaning professionals to be meticulous and thorough, as splashback can cover not only the urinal, but also the surrounding surfaces. Follow these steps when removing splashback: Wear gloves. Gloves are essential, and wearing goggles is also highly recommended. Use the right cleaning solution. If odor is present, it suggests bacterial growth. Apply disinfectant both inside the urinal and on all surrounding surfaces. If there is no odor, a sanitizer may be sufficient. In either case, follow the product instructions for contact time to achieve maximum effectiveness. Clean the flush handles. Also apply the cleaning products to the flush handles. Handles are high-touch surfaces where germs can easily spread. Use microfiber cloths. Cleaning requires a top-to-bottom approach using a clean microfiber cloth. Be sure to change cloths frequently. Clean the metal surfaces first, then the surrounding areas, including the walls and partitions. Clean the interior. For waterless urinals, wipe the interior clean. In conventional urinals, mineral deposits can accumulate due to the presence of hard water. These mineral deposits can also mix with uric scale, increasing the risk of blockages. In such cases, use a toilet bowl brush and a powdered cleaner to gently scrub the interior of the urinal. Flush without direct hand contact. Always flush a conventional urinal after cleaning, but do not use your gloved hands to do so. Instead, use your fist, forearm, or elbow to punch or push the flush handle. This prevents the transfer of germs and bacteria from your gloves to the flush handle. Wipe the sides and bottom. Wipe clean the sides of the urinal, but don’t overlook the area underneath; this is where splatter can collect, leading to an unsightly surface that accumulates soil and becomes the source of restroom odors. Mop the floor. Always apply a disinfectant or sanitizer on the floor surrounding the urinal before mopping. Then, mop as usual, paying extra attention to grout areas, which often collect urinal backsplash. Keeping it clean Urinal splashback issues have been with us for decades. However, it was during the pandemic that health officials realized how the issue can affect public health. By following the steps outlined above, you can help reduce splashback and support the health of both restroom users and custodial staff. A clean and safe restroom is not just a matter of comfort; it’s also a crucial aspect of maintaining public health.
The commercial property sector is steadily recovering from the pandemic, with leased office vacancy rates across the U.S. averaging 18.1%, according to a report released in April by Colliers, a global company providing services to commercial real estate users, owners, investors, and developers. However, office vacancy rates in some areas of the country remain higher than 20%, with vacancy rates at 23.8% in Los Angeles, 24.2% in Chicago, 27.9% in Houston, and 30.6% in San Francisco. As you can imagine, building owners and managers hope for a turnaround in 2025. Custodial contractors are also hopeful 2025 will be a rebound year. Most of their bids are based not just on the size of a facility but on occupied square footage. A 20% vacancy rate can significantly impact cleaning contractors’ pocketbooks. Some financial experts believe 2025 holds the potential for a modest rebound. An article in Business Insider said, “Resilient economic growth has propelled demand for commercial space, warehouses, retail stores, and hotel rooms.” But there’s a catch. According to data from CommercialBuildings.com, the average age of a commercial building in the U.S. is over 50 years. This means that more than half of the country’s buildings may need sprucing up to attract new tenants. One area that speaks volumes when sprucing up a facility’s image is its restrooms. Restrooms talk Restrooms are often the most telling feature in a commercial building, reflecting the entire facility and how it is managed. Clean, well-maintained restrooms demonstrate the facility’s concern for building users and visitors and play a crucial role in creating a positive image for the entire facility. However, simply being clean isn’t enough. Upgrading restrooms with modern fixtures and high-quality amenities not only conveys that this is an upscale and professional building but also significantly enhances user satisfaction, thereby increasing the value of your investment. Some building owners and facility managers even view upgrades as so essential that they take them to the next level, reimagining restrooms as respite areas where users can pause and relax for a few minutes from their hectic workday. The upgrading process Because a clean, well-designed restroom with high-quality fixtures can improve a facility’s image, how do we create them? Here are some guidelines to follow: Modern fixtures: Replace outdated fixtures with touchless, sensor-operated ones. This includes faucets, toilets, water-using urinals, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers. Look for sleek, contemporary fixtures, but make sure they are also practical and durable. Water efficiency: Facilities typically consume most of their water in two areas: outdoor landscaping and restrooms. You can significantly lower water consumption and operating costs by selecting high-performance toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush (or less) and installing waterless urinals. These technologies save water and money, making your facility more efficient and environmentally responsible. Monitoring systems: Technologies that monitor paper and water usage, detect maintenance needs, and notify cleaning staff when supplies like soap, paper towels, or hand sanitizer are running low are now expected in an upgraded restroom. Aesthetics: Select attractive, durable materials for countertops, flooring, and walls. Avoid fluorescent lighting and be cautious with LED lighting, as these options can make a restroom look too industrial or too bright. Select stylish lighting and add artwork and plants to create a welcoming ambiance and a place for respite. ADA compliance: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not stagnant. It is reviewed and changed every five years. Make sure your new restroom meets the latest ADA requirements. Signage: Display signage in the new restroom that explains the steps you took to make it more comfortable, eco-friendly, and sustainability-focused. Note why waterless urinals and low-flow toilets were selected and let patrons know if the restroom is cleaned using environmentally preferable solutions and methods. This transparency shows a facility’s commitment to sustainability, which users will appreciate. Accessibility: Make restrooms accessible to everyone by installing features like grab bars, lower sinks, and wider stalls. These adaptations promote inclusivity and demonstrate consideration for all users, making everyone feel welcome and valued in your facility. Comfort and convenience: Add amenities such as baby changing stations, full-length mirrors, and spacious stalls. However, always consider the facility’s specific use. For example, a restroom designed for a high-end office building might not be suitable for a restroom in a manufacturing site. Restrooms as an investment View restroom renovations as a strategic investment. By prioritizing updates, building owners/managers can significantly enhance their facility’s image. Also, realize that transforming restrooms isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a powerful statement about an organization’s values, diligence, and dedication to creating a comfortable work environment. The potential return on the investment of these upgrades, in terms of increased tenant satisfaction and new tenant attraction, should not be underestimated.
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!
Bio Tech from Sofidel’s Papernet brand is a unique toilet paper that uses Biologic Active Tissue Paper (BATP) technology to produce enzymes that eat away buildup in pipes. Once their work is complete, the enzymes bio-degrade, leaving no residue or negative environmental impact. In about four weeks, the product reduces the risk of toilet clogs, and studies demonstrate that Bio Tech can provide total savings of up to 40 percent compared to standard toilet paper combined with the expense of plumbing emergencies. Bio Tech also helps reduce the foul odors associated with plumbing backups. For more information, visit www.papernet.com/americas/usa/en/products/bio-tech.
Continued measles spread in Canada, Mexico, and the United States has put these countries at risk of losing measles-free status, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Americas arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), told Reuters. A country where an outbreak takes place must get back to zero cases within 12 months to be considered measles-free. That deadline expires at the end of October for Canada, while the U.S. has until January and Mexico until February. The outbreaks are linked primarily to low vaccination coverage, with 71% of cases in the Americas occurring in unvaccinated individuals and another 18% in people whose vaccination status is unknown. In 2024, coverage with the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the region reached 89% (two percentage points higher than in 2023), while the second dose increased from 76% to 79%. PAHO said 95% of a population needs to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles. As of Aug. 8, a total of 10,139 confirmed measles cases and 18 related deaths have been reported across ten countries in the Americas, representing a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. “Studies have shown that exposure to vaccine misinformation, even for a short period of time, can negatively influence people’s perceptions and their decision to get vaccinated,” said Daniel Salas, PAHO executive manager of the Special Program for Comprehensive Immunization. “Even individuals who have been vaccinated in the past can be negatively influenced by misinformation.” Canada leads the Americas in measles cases in 2025. According to WHO data, 92% of the population in Canada has had the first dose of vaccine, and only 79% the second dose, which is needed for full protection. More than 5,000 measles cases have been reported in Canada this year as of Oct. 6 along with two deaths, including a newborn baby in Alberta last week. The U.S. and Mexico have also had significant measles outbreaks this year. As of Sept. 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,544 measles cases in the U.S. along with three death from the disease. As of Sept. 10, WHO has confirmed 4,000 cases in Mexico, and PAHO has confirmed 14 deaths in the country as of Aug. 8.
Early-bird registration is officially open for the 2026 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, March 23-24, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill. Hosted by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, this two-day event will unite industry leaders representing the full value chain of the industry nationwide to amplify their voices in Washington on the important issues impacting the cleaning and facility-solutions industries. In 2025, a record-breaking 140-plus attendees from more than 30 states met with over 170 congressional offices. In 2026, ISSA plans to bring together more than 150 cleaning-industry leaders to tackle the issues that matter most: labor shortages, supply-chain challenges, healthy workplaces, workforce development, period poverty, and more. “The 2026 summit is a unique opportunity to build on our legislative successes in 2025 and for leaders to influence the critical policy issues being debated on Capitol Hill that will impact the industry for years to come,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Director of Government Affairs. “Hearing directly from business leaders firsthand is the most impactful way to advance the industries’ policy priorities and strengthen our collective voice in Washington, D.C.” On the first day of the summit, attendees will receive insider policy briefings and advocacy training along with time to network. On the second day of the event, they will put their training into action on Capitol Hill by meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and their staff. The premier advocacy fly-in event serves as the capstone celebration of International Cleaning Week (ICW), March 22-28, 2026, spotlighting the first ICW Awards Dinner on March 23, where ISSA will recognize outstanding advocates, policymakers, spotless spaces, up-and-coming leaders in the industry, and more. To secure your spot for the 2026 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit or for more information, click here.
The Making Safer Choices Community of Practice recently launched a new website. The forum is a dynamic space for professionals within the cleaning and facility solutions industry to share best practices, collaborate, and generate new knowledge that advances industry transformation. The forum is nearing completion, with four main pillars of community: Manufacturers & Distributors: Access resources, case studies, and insights for the cleaning industry supporting innovation, efficiency, and best practices. Building Service Contractors: Discover expert resources to support work loading, enhancing performance, productivity, and growth. Facility & Operations Managers: Explore valuable resources to support optimizing performance, maintenance, and operational effectiveness. EPA Safer Choice Program: Safer Choice helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice is an Environment Protection Agency Pollution Prevention program, which includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source—such as using safer ingredients in products. Check out EPA’s Safer Choice Program initiatives focused on empowering industry professionals—and the broader cleaning and facility solutions community—to make more informed choices about cleaning chemicals, products, and practices. For more information, click here.
Long after tobacco use has stopped, indoor surfaces, particularly carpet, can retain nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), a new study published by the American Chemical Society found. TSNAs are carcinogenic compounds that can form on indoor surfaces during chemical aging of thirdhand smoke. Textile surfaces serve as both a reservoir and long-term source of TSNAs. For example, the study found TSNAs may accumulate in carpet to concentrations comparable to that of nicotine and are significantly higher than previously thought. The findings suggest that textile surfaces in thirdhand smoke-exposed indoor environments serve as both a reservoir and long-term source of harmful tobacco-related chemicals. Previously, a study by researchers at San Diego State University found that even six months after people within a home stop smoking, the home, as well as the nonsmokers living there, still show elevated levels of dangerous carcinogens linked to cigarettes. Hand-wipe samples and urine samples showed that people continue to be exposed to potent carcinogenic tobacco compounds in their homes long after they or their family members have quit smoking.