This summer’s World Cup will host millions of visitors across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada for 104 soccer matches. From June 11 to July 19, FIFA projects 6 million in-person attendees, with each host city welcoming approximately 450,000 visitors. Take a moment to consider the sheer magnitude of the cleaning tasks required by this sporting event. Soccer fans attending the competition venues will certainly notice if spaces are clean. But the challenge goes beyond sports arenas. Built environments in the 16 host cities will be at maximum capacity. Jammed airports, train stations, and transportation hubs will welcome visitors from around the world. Bustling hotels and restaurants will attend to the visitors’ comfort. Fans will fill the stadiums, hungry and thirsty, expecting a thrilling game. These fans will probably not be thinking about locker room cleanliness. However, the manufacturers, distributors, and professional cleaners that comprise the Making Safer Choices Community of Practice—led by ISSA, Penn State College of Medicine, and the City of New York School of Medicine—encourage facility service providers to pause and think about the locker rooms, the space where elite athletes last huddle before competitions. The environmental conditions of these spaces will impact athletes’ health and, ultimately, the games. A locker room’s environmental conditions are influenced by a myriad of factors, from the room’s structure and layout and the activities performed there to the cleaning products chosen and practices utilized to clean it. Proper locker room cleaning and disinfection can help protect soccer players from illnesses, skin conditions, and indoor air contaminants that will affect their performance. Team norovirus penalties An estimated 2,500 norovirus outbreaks occur in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected people shed high viral loads, and crowded conditions encountered in sports competitions foster outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration severe enough to prevent athletic competition, as happened during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Norovirus rapidly spreads through direct, person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as gym equipment. Thorough hand washing with soap is effective in removing the germs, but the virus is resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Yellow card skin concern Skin injuries, typically abrasions, are common in soccer, with the risk of injuries dependent on factors such as a player’s position and the playing turf. A systematic review published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine revealed 0.8 to 6.1 injuries per 1,000 player hours, potentially resulting in time lost from participation and a need for medical attention. Athletes are also at risk of heat-related rashes due to inflammation, pressure, and friction. When creased skin becomes inflamed, blisters can form and break, resulting in a skin barrier breakdown that increases the risk of secondary infection. Secondary infections occur when microbes infect already-damaged skin. Microbial skin infections are a major concern in contact sports and can be spread by contact in locker rooms, on buses and benches, and during practice and competition, according to a study on athlete skin conditions published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Examples of these infections include bacterial infectious rashes, cellulitis, folliculitis, abscesses, cutaneous fungal infections (tinea), and herpes simplex. This risk of secondary infections demands a rigorous sanitation of locker rooms. However, exposure to harsh volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in some cleaning and disinfecting products can trigger respiratory irritation and asthma. To protect breathing zones, cleaning crews should avoid using spray products. Asthma fouls According to numerous studies, asthma is a chronic health condition common among elite athletes. Research published in the journal Allergy found that 8.3% of U.S. Olympians between 2002 to 2010 had asthma but still competed at the highest levels. A 12-year survey of 659 Italian Olympic athletes published in Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed a 14.7% prevalence of asthma and 49% sensitization to inhalant allergens. An examination of 1,375 athletes before the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, published in Frontiers in Allergy, found an asthma prevalence of 16.5%. Asthma management guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying and avoiding asthma triggers. Indoor triggers include cleaning products encountered as aerosol mists and fumes or as gas vapors. Poor indoor air quality affects athletes in all sports. A study of NFL quarterbacks and MLB pitchers, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, linked environmental particulate air pollution with athletic performance, specifically on errors made by pitchers, interceptions thrown by quarterbacks, and overall quarterback performance when competing in areas with poor air quality. To lower the risk of athletes encountering asthma triggers and air pollution in locker rooms and stadiums, housekeeping teams can choose cleaning products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Label requirements. Visit epa.gov/saferchoice for a list. Score a healthy hat trick Teams come to the World Cup to win. Fans come to watch epic contests. Although crowds are part of the event’s magic, large groups can increase the spread of germs, leaving athletes vulnerable. Appropriate facility management protocols that prioritize cleaning and disinfection with nontoxic products will be central to U.S. hospitality during this year’s World Cup. Cleaning professionals focused on techniques that help prevent infectious disease outbreaks and other health issues deserve a trophy for keeping everyone’s focus on the games.
Floors collect all the debris that moves through a building. Dust, moisture, spills, and soil carried in from foot traffic generally end up there. How well cleaning crews manage debris removal depends on the flooring itself, its associated underlays, and the facility’s cleaning protocols. In high-traffic environments like schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues, debris build-up happens very quickly. And what settles on the floor may not stay there for long. Movement can spread settled materials further into the building or redistribute them into the air. Floors affect the environment As the link between the indoor environment and human health is better understood, facilities are paying closer attention to how flooring impacts the environment and how it responds to everyday cleaning. In this context, “clean” is not just about appearance. It relates to how effectively flooring and floor cleaning practices manage dust, allergens, fine particulate matter, pollen, and other particles that can accumulate and enter the breathing zone. Flooring materials can contribute to the build up of pollutants through the following factors: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Many flooring products, including their adhesives and chemical treatments, can release VOCs into the air. Exposure to elevated levels of these compounds may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and more severe health risks over time. Allergen traps: Textile flooring such as carpet can trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold, all of which can become airborne when disturbed. If not regularly and thoroughly cleaned, these allergens can accumulate and negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Moisture and mold growth: Certain flooring materials can absorb moisture, promoting mold and mildew growth, especially in humid environments. Mold spores are a major concern for individuals with allergies and asthma, as they can easily become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms. Dust and particulate matter: Dust and other particulate matter often settle on flooring surfaces, then foot traffic or other activity can stir these particles back into the air. Routine cleaning is essential to keep these particles from impacting IAQ. None of these floor care challenges is new. What is changing, however, is how facility managers are considering these factors when making decisions about flooring, largely due to growing knowledge of IAQ and its impact on human health. “We know that our environments impact our health,” said Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited. “A person tasked with procurement is not a surgeon or a nurse, but when they choose what flooring to use, they have a big role in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining our built environments, which in turn has a big impact on our health outcomes.” Move beyond carpet versus hard floor Traditionally, facilities often reduced flooring choices to a simple comparison. Hard surfaces were seen as easier to maintain, and soft surfaces were viewed as more likely to hold dust. Day-to-day experience and advances in technology (both in materials and in cleaning techniques) tell a more nuanced story. Hard floors can collect fine dust, which is easily disturbed and redistributed due to inconsistent cleaning. Grout lines and joints can hold soil. Some textile flooring systems, on the other hand, can retain particles until they are removed through effective vacuuming. In most commercial settings, the flooring category matters less than flooring performance. Consider the following questions: How easily can you remove soil, dust, allergens, and fine particulate matter from the flooring? How does the flooring respond to routine cleaning? Does cleaning remove contaminants from the flooring or spread them? Examine allergen management One of the more recent developments in flooring is the introduction of technologies designed to manage allergen burden within the flooring system itself. These developments include surface treatments intended to reduce how easily dirt adheres to flooring, as well as technologies aimed at breaking down certain organic residues over time. A recent addendum to the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® textile flooring standard establishes a framework for assessing allergen-related claims in flooring with a focus on measurable outcomes. To meet the criteria, a flooring system must demonstrate a reduction in extractable allergen levels under defined conditions while microbial levels and overall IAQ remain within acceptable limits during normal floor use and cleaning. Flooring standards are assessed against defined performance criteria and do not represent a general recommendation of any flooring type. This approach reflects a move toward performance-based evaluation rather than broad assumptions about flooring types. It also helps keep expectations realistic, reinforcing the need for regular cleaning. Performance still depends on how the facility staff maintains the flooring over time. Look to established flooring systems While treated flooring systems are relatively new, several well-established flooring characteristics already support cleaner, healthier indoor environments. Low-VOC and low-formaldehyde-/acetaldehyde-emitting materials: Because flooring covers a large surface area, emissions can influence indoor air conditions, particularly after installation. Products emitting lower emissions help reduce that load, which is especially important in spaces occupied soon after installation. Design for cleanability: A flooring’s surface profile, fiber type, pile height, backing, and seams all affect cleanability. The extent of soil retention by the flooring can, in turn, affect how easily cleaning crews can remove the soil. Hybrid textile-resilient systems: Some flooring systems combine the characteristics of soft and resilient surfaces. They are designed to provide the comfort of textile flooring with the cleanability and moisture resistance typically associated with resilient materials. Features such as low pile height, impermeable backing, and sealed seams can support more effective removal of dust, allergens, and fine particulate matter, while also helping to limit moisture penetration. Modular systems: Modular flooring is widely used in commercial environments. It allows teams to replace heavily worn or soiled sections without disturbing the full installation. From a maintenance perspective, that flexibility makes it easier to keep spaces in good condition. Focus on maintenance No flooring system performs well without an effective, dependable, repeatable maintenance plan. The fundamentals remain the same: Control what comes into the building. Walk off matting helps reduce the amount of dirt and moisture entering a space. Remove dry soil regularly. For both textile and hard
CMM spoke with Edward Smith III, an environmental services (EVS) professional for an Alabama school district, about his methods for tackling problem areas in the more than 20 schools he serves. How long have you worked in EVS? Edward Smith: I have worked in environmental services for 25 years and am currently the executive director of facilities at Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I have worked for seven years. What are some of the biggest problem areas in the facility you clean? Smith: Restrooms are one of our biggest challenges. They set the tone for cleanliness and care of the building. To care for them properly, we maintain cleaning standards that extend during the school day and through any extended hours the building is occupied. How have you solved these problems? Smith: We have established a restroom-cleaning schedule for custodians to follow and provided metered chemicals for restroom use. To make the process easier and eliminate cross contamination, we have created separate custodian carts for restrooms and utilize color-coded microfiber cloths for specific areas and fixtures. We target specific “danger zone” locations, such as under urinals and toilets, for extra cleaning. Additionally, we emphasize that all dispensers must be operational. We also are introducing a new restroom inspection system that will be conducted internally by each district school. What types of cleaning products make the job easier? Smith: We do not use any chemicals or urinal screens with heavy perfumes. We find the more consistently we clean, the less we need to use harsh chemicals. Using equipment and supplies as intended also makes the job easier. Please give a step-by-step account of your problem-solving methods. Smith: When an issue or opportunity arises, we: Listen carefully to gain a complete understanding. Collaborate with all the teams involved and research a remedy. Perform the initial remedy. Assess the situation. Complete the process or repeat it if the remedy didn’t work. What advice would you give to other EVS workers who also struggle with maintaining restrooms? Smith: If I see it, you will see it. In other words, if you notice issues in the restroom, realize that customers and building visitors will see these issues too. Don’t clean in response to complaints. Clean before you get complaints.
What has the cleaning industry learned as it transitioned from the first pandemic year to the second? In this episode of BioTalk, a GBACtv production, learn the details about what went well and what didn't in 2021, and what we as an industry need to know right now. Infection prevention experts Patty Olinger, the executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, and Dr. Paul Meechan, the former head of safety with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and who now serves on the GBAC scientific advisory board, discuss these topics with ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross. This webcast also digs into the science and the layered support when it comes to cleaning, disinfection, and air purification, and how the omicron variant shouldn’t be considered just another type of “cold”. Olinger and Meechan also discuss the possibility of the end of the pandemic. This webcast is brought to you by our sponsor Breezy.
Recent nationwide wastewater surveillance reveals an average norovirus trend, with rates rising in nearly 50 areas. In California and the Northeast, WastewaterSCAN recorded an upward trend to high levels of norovirus. From Aug. 1, 2025, to May 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s NoroSTAT program reported 1,194 outbreaks, compared with 2,534 during the same period last year. The CDC said current numbers are average compared with past data. However, the agency’s tracking is based on confirmed cases reported by state agencies and may miss many illnesses. Several norovirus strains are currently circulating, including GII.4, a common strain for years, and GII.17, a more mutated strain that partially evades prior immunity because people have had less exposure, NBC News reported. During the 2024–25 season, GII.17 surpassed GII.4 as the predominant strain in the U.S., causing about 75% of outbreaks. The newer variant isn’t more contagious itself, but experts said the virus spreads more easily because fewer people have partial immunity to it. Most norovirus outbreaks happen when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact, the CDC said. Norovirus is also the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis-related vomiting and diarrhea among people of all ages in the U.S. Norovirus outbreaks occur year-round but are most common from November to April, the CDC said. In years when a new strain emerges, norovirus illness can increase by 50%. Each year in the U.S., norovirus causes, on average, 900 deaths (mostly among adults aged 65 and older), 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits (mostly in young children), and 19 to 21 million illnesses.
Stone, wood, resilient, and carpet flooring each demand a different care technique—and getting it wrong can be costly. Join Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) on June 16 for a free webinar, Floor Care Basics and Beyond: Maintaining Natural and Manufactured Flooring. In this session, we break down the right approach for each surface type, from daily maintenance to long-term preservation. You’ll learn how to match chemistry to material, avoid common mistakes that void warranties, and build a maintenance schedule that balances appearance, performance, and budget. During this fast-paced, one-hour interactive session, you will learn strategies from your peers to: Identify the correct care strategy for stone, wood, resilient, and carpet floors, including chemistry do’s and don’ts. Build maintenance schedules that extend floor life cycles. Avoid common mistakes that damage surfaces or void warranties. Select tools and equipment that match your floor systems. Improve appearance while controlling long-term maintenance costs. The expert panel for this webinar includes: Kathleen Misovic, CMM Managing Editor (Moderator) Michael Bocanegra, airport facility supervisor, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Jesse Cash, vice president of operations, AK Building Services Marty Jollette, general manager and director of training, Renue Systems In addition, the webinar will include a dedicated Q&A session. Bring your most challenging questions and get ready for real answers. Sign up now for, Floor Care Basics and Beyond: Maintaining Natural and Manufactured Flooring webinar.
For a limited time, Shift, an AI training startup, began offering free home cleanings in New York City on May 28, Business Insider reported. Cleaners wear head-mounted cameras that record first-person video footage while they work. Shift said the footage will help train household robots and AI systems to complete chores autonomously in the future. Shift tasks include scrubbing bathrooms, mopping floors, organizing kitchens, and light decluttering. The “book a free cleaning” link directs clients to enter information such as a phone number, email address, and home address, along with access instructions, before booking an appointment that lasts an estimated two hours. Shift also promises to blur out sensitive details to protect customer privacy. Still, the website doesn’t mention if the videos can ever be removed for the data or if people’s homes can be identified. Harry Kilberg, Shift U.S. general manager, said the platform has paid tens of thousands of people in 15 countries to record daily work and chores, Ars Technica reported. The main Shift app website, designed to sign up contributors, suggests that more than 10,000 “operators” have already been collectively paid more than US$5 million in the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. The Shift app is the creation of the German startup MicroAGI, and the company’s website describes it as “a team of engineers, researchers, and operators on a mission to accelerate embodied AI.” Ars Technica said the free cleaning offer for New York City homes may also act as a promotional hook for Shift app’s main purpose of recruiting people to wear a recording headstrap to capture video in exchange for getting paid $20 per hour plus bonuses. Shift and MicroAGI are aggressively promoting the app to NYC universities, teachers, restaurants, delivery workers, and residents of specific neighborhoods. MicroAGI also began promoting in Boston, and teased launching in London, Munich, and Zurich.
Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging residents, businesses, and state and local governments across the Southeast to take proactive steps to prepare for potential hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather events. “Preparation remains one of the most effective tools communities have during hurricane season,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber. “Taking steps now to secure homes, safeguard hazardous materials, and strengthen emergency response plans can help reduce risks to public health, protect the environment, and support faster recovery efforts after a storm.” EPA continues to work with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to support emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout hurricane-prone areas of the Southeast. The agency is also reminding facility operators of their responsibilities to prevent, minimize, and report chemical releases that may result from severe weather and storm-related flooding. EPA’s hurricane preparedness resources provide guidance for: Preventing and reporting chemical releases during severe weather. Preparing drinking water and wastewater utilities. Managing storm debris safely and effectively. Protecting communities and emergency responders from environmental hazards. Because hurricanes are often tracked days before landfall, EPA encourages facilities and communities to use that time to implement protective measures and emergency response procedures. Click here to explore EPA’s central hub for hurricane and disaster preparedness information.