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.
The often-dreaded return-to-office (RTO) mandate seems to be making the rounds for larger companies, often causing hard decisions on the part of workers who might have moved away from their employers’ offices in favor of a lower cost of living. A new knowledge worker survey on remote work and RTO perception from tech recruiter Howdy.com found that despite management narratives around company culture, one in two workers think that RTO mandates are about corporate control. Key takeaways from the report include: 61% said fully in-office work is the least productive (most favor hybrid). 53% said hybrid is the most productive arrangement; 61% said in-office is the least— and even in-office workers rate hybrid above their own setup. 82% believe fully remote teams can have great culture; workers define culture through engagement and trust, not in-person events 72% of in-office workers want some form of remote work; 51% said they don’t need to be there to do their job. Interestingly, collaboration ranked dead last (1%) as a contributor to employee happiness; flexibility (32%) and salary (26%) led by wide margins across generations and work styles. RTO mandates also aren’t the ultimate issue: Worker monitoring is. Whether it’s screen activity monitors or watching for green dots on MS Teams, these instruments of corporate surveillance were the No. 1 morale killer for 60% of respondents, negatively affecting workers even more than mandatory office attendance.
With summer and lawn mowing season in full swing, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminded landscaping crews to keep safety in mind when using lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws and other lawn and yard gear. “Remember to learn the safety features and adopt safe practices when using your mower and other outdoor power equipment,” said Kris Kiser, OPEI president and CEO. Before moving, get ready first: Walk your yard.Scan the yard and remove rocks, sticks, and any loose objects that get in the way of mowing and other equipment. Check terrain.Note any steep slopes, holes, or low-hanging branches so you can navigate them with care. Inspect and service equipment. Check oil and air filters. Look for damaged or missing parts. Read and follow the equipment manuals. Clean and store equipment properly.Wipe off dirt and debris and keep your equipment in a dry place. Tips for fueling include: Use fresh fuel.Never store equipment with fuel in the tank. Remember, storing fuel in hot, humid conditions will make the fuel grow stale more quickly. Always turn off the engine and allow the mower to cool completely before refilling the tank. Charge batteries using an appropriate charger. Use the charger that came with your equipment and follow the manufacturer instructions, including how to store batteries properly. Use equipment safely: Never disable, modify or remove safety devices. Always keep children and animals away from operating equipment. Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Use caution when mowing on slopes. For more safety information about outdoor power equipment, visit www.opei.org.
If you have experienced flooding, you know that a water pump is an important part of the clean-up process, helping move gallons of water quickly and efficiently to dry out flooded rooms and basements. “These pumps are powerful and can speed up a clean-up job after a flood,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf cart, and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. It’s important to use the right pump for the water and debris that you are trying to clear. There are four basic types of pumps: A dewatering pump sucks in water through an inlet valve and ejects it from a discharge valve. It has an inlet size ranging from 1 to 4 inches. A 4-inch dewatering pump will finish a job four times faster than a 1-inch pump. A semi-trash pump is used to pump clear or slightly muddy and sandy water. You will want to use a hose with a strainer, so the hose doesn’t get clogged with items too big to pass through. A trash pump is made to handle debris and solids, such as leaves, pebbles, and twigs. This pump has larger impellers and leaves debris intact. Use a hose with a strainer for a trash pump, so items that are too large don’t enter. A diaphragm pumps is most used to pump sludge and extremely abrasive liquids. The pump has a diaphragm which is pushed up and down, creating a vacuum effect that draws in water. Once you have chosen the correct pump for the job, follow these tips from OPEI: Know how to operate the pump.Review the manual and manufacturer’s directions, following them carefully. Follow safety procedures. Make sure all safety guards and shields are in place while operating your water pump. Never use a pump in a flammable or explosive environment. Never pump substances that your pump isn't designed to cope with. Acids, corrosive substances, and flammable materials should not be pumped with an ordinary water pump. If in doubt, refrain from pumping. Don’t run gasoline-fueled engine indoors. If you must use the pump indoors, ventilate the area to the outside and seal it off from the rest of the building. Never leave any pump in a confined space where heat can build up. Keep the pump at least 3 feet away from walls and other obstructions so it can ventilate. If a pump becomes overheated, switch it off and allow it to return to a safe temperature before using it again. Maintain a pump with inspections and proper fueling. Regular inspection and maintenance will make your pump last longer. Always fuel any gasoline-powered pump with E10 or less. It is illegal to use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in a small engine like your pump, and higher ethanol blended fuels may damage or destroy small engine equipment.
Poor-quality air can travel thousands of miles to affect a community. During the summertime, heat is one of the most significant drivers of harmful air, according to The Weather Channel. Heat domes can trap poor air near the surface and hold it, making bad air quality linger for days. Extra sunshine also drives chemical reactions that create even more pollutants. Heat can also fuel wildfires, which create smoke that can travel far with the weather’s help. Strong winds high in the atmosphere carry it far downwind. Additionally, tropical waves and ridges can carry dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa across the Atlantic and into the U.S. Every season brings its own challenges however: Winter’s stagnant air raises the air quality index, spring adds pollen and mold, and fall leaf burning reintroduces particles. The Weather Channel reported that the single most important thing people can do is simply know when the air is bad. If you're not keeping an eye on the weather or set up to get alerts, you can't protect yourself or your facility inhabitants from something you don't see coming. Once you know the air quality is bad head indoors, and keep your windows shut. The Weather Channel provided a few steps to make your building a cleaner place to wait it out: Run a portable air purifier. Make sure your filtration systems are up to standard. Don't add to the problem. Skip the candles, the gas, propane and wood-burning stoves, and even hairspray and spray cleaners. If you do have to go out, wear a mask. Cloth and dust masks don't filter fine particles well, but a properly fitted N95 or KN95 offers real protection for your lungs, according to The Weather Channel.