Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Scientists estimated that bacterial AMR was responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and will cause 10 million deaths by 2050. The superbugs cleaning professionals combat in healthcare settings are a result of AMR, which occurs when germs, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, develop the ability to defeat the antibiotics/drugs designed to kill them. All organisms, including people, have survival instincts and biological mechanisms to fight back, explained Joanna Mills, a registered nurse and system director of infection prevention at John Muir Health, Walnut Creek, California. She added that AMR is not a new occurrence. Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin in 1928, warned that “microbes are educated to resist penicillin.” Infection control progress Since the rise of superbugs, infection control practices have become more evidence-based, standardized, and proactive. “We’ve seen stronger emphasis on hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship programs, along with enhanced surveillance and rapid diagnostic testing,” said Rodney E. Rohde, a Regents’ professor and associate director of the Translation Health Research Center at Texas State University System, San Marcos. “Education and cross-disciplinary collaboration—especially between infection prevention, laboratory science, and environmental services—have also improved. Together, these efforts create a more resilient infection prevention culture that helps contain resistant pathogens and protect patients and staff alike.” Improvements in disinfection and sterilization of high-risk environments, such as surgical suites and intensive care units, in addition to isolation standards, also continue to evolve. “I believe that pursuing the research needed to establish a validated and effective cleaning and disinfection methodology will open the door to discover and develop strategies to make significant improvements in prevention and patient outcomes,” Mills said. As the industry studies how to clean surfaces effectively, it has established best practices for cleaning and disinfection in healthcare and learned that personal protective equipment (PPE) can keep staff safe and prevent them from transmitting organisms to other patients, explained Sarah Wilkerson, system executive director of infection prevention at Providence St. Joseph Health, Everette, Washington. The industry also uses broader surveillance techniques to look for these organisms. “We’re trying to identify them early, so that we can put in place targeted interventions that can help prevent the spread that could potentially turn into an outbreak,” Wilkerson said. Healthcare setting improvements Healthcare professionals face significant challenges when dealing with superbugs, including limited treatment options, diagnostic delays, staff shortages, and the constant pressure to maintain strict infection control amid heavy workloads, Rohde said. Misinformation and inconsistent compliance can also undermine prevention efforts. Fortunately, new tools to address these challenges include rapid diagnostic technologies, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and multidisciplinary teams. “By integrating science, communication, and collaboration, we’re steadily improving our ability to detect, manage, and prevent resistant infections in healthcare environments,” Rohde said. “In the medical laboratory setting, we all need to work together to raise awareness surrounding current antimicrobial susceptibility testing breakpoints. These are challenges for clinical and medical laboratories to update their testing methods to keep up with new drug resistance patterns, and face hurdles like regulatory clearance and manufacturer delays.” Mills believes the biggest challenges in superbug prevention stem from three factors patients are exposed to before they arrive at acute care hospitals: the environment they came from, including skilled nursing facilities; the treatment they received, including antibiotics; and the healthcare practices of their care team, such as isolation and disinfection. Unfortunately, standards and requirements are not consistent. “The pandemic illustrated these issues and exacerbated the resistance patterns and emerging urgent and serious organism threats,” Mills said. Superbugs also can spread easily on surfaces, such as equipment. “While we know that it can be challenging to clean and disinfect some of the healthcare surfaces, we now know we need to be looking at the different types of surfaces and what is recommended to clean those effectively,” Wilkerson said. Collaboration between environmental services (EVS), nursing, engineering, supply chain, and infection prevention also is necessary to consider the environment, identify which surfaces need cleaning, and determine how teams can clean most effectively without using multiple products. Managers also must delineate each team’s role. “It can be really confusing to teams, because it can be a shared responsibility to clean the healthcare environment,” Wilkerson explained. As hospitals acquire pieces of equipment, furniture, buildings, etc., teams need to select surfaces that can be cleaned and disinfected easily. “We know that some of the older buildings have a real challenge with being able to keep those clean just because the surfaces degrade over time,” Wilkerson said. “It’s a great opportunity as we’re bringing in new products to be thinking about how to ease our way in the future.” Best practices adaptation Professional organizations have developed and published cleaning and disinfection standards specific to patient populations and specialty services. Still, the specific practices related to the general medical surgical areas are lacking, complicated by the recommendations of manufacturers of medical devices, hospital furniture, and construction materials, Mills explained. “Often, the instructions for use (IFU) related to cleaning and disinfection are insufficient and/or not defined, and the cleaning practices are deferred to hospital standards,” she said. The best cleaning practices for reducing superbugs start with consistency and adherence to evidence-based protocols. This includes routine, thorough cleaning of frequently touched and shared surfaces, proper use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectants effective against resistant organisms, and proper contact times. Staff training, hand hygiene, and clear communication between a multidisciplinary team is essential. Regular audits, monitoring, and feedback also ensure compliance. “Ultimately, a culture of shared responsibility—where everyone understands their role in infection prevention—is key to minimizing the spread of superbugs in healthcare settings,” Rohde said. Wilkerson also believes it is important to have rigorous environmental cleaning practices for patients with known AMR organisms. For example, place them on transmission-based precautions or in isolation, meaning that staff entering that room might need to wear a gown and gloves. Hand hygiene protocols also help ensure staff properly disinfect their
Traditionally, cleanliness in facilities, whether it’s a workplace, school, hospital, or senior living facility, has been associated with visible standards—gleaming floors, clear windows, and surfaces free from visible dirt. However, the understanding of what constitutes a healthy indoor environment has expanded significantly. Today’s definition of health and safety includes the quality of the air occupants breathe, calling for a comprehensive strategy that integrates cleaning practices, air quality management, and regulatory compliance to support occupant health, well-being, and productivity. Understanding the indoor environment Buildings operate like complex ecosystems, with multiple interconnected factors influencing indoor air quality (IAQ). Building materials, ventilation systems, cleaning products and practices, occupant behaviors, and even furnishings all play a role in the indoor environment. Each of these elements can introduce or mitigate exposure to invisible pollutants, including allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, and mold), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and airborne pathogens. The National Institutes of Health reports that 50% of illnesses are either caused or worsened by poor IAQ. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, or vulnerable sectors of society like children, are especially susceptible. Over 50% of U.S. homes contain at least one elevated indoor allergen, and buildings designed for energy efficiency without proper ventilation can trap hundreds of chemicals indoors, contributing to sick building syndrome (SBS). A term coined in the 1970s, SBS described the health problems caused by inadequate ventilation and pollutant buildup in tightly sealed office buildings. Though the term is less commonly used today, the underlying issues remain, manifesting in symptoms such as eye irritation, dizziness, and respiratory symptoms, which often resolve once a person leaves the affected building. The consequences of poor IAQ go beyond physical health. Occupants in buildings with high levels of VOCs often have lower performance scores on cognitive tests, up to 61% lower compared to occupants in low-VOC environments, according to a study in the journal Building and Environment. In contrast, occupants in green-certified buildings, which typically feature superior ventilation and material choices, have shown a 26.4% improvement in cognitive test performance, another study in the same journal reported. Emerging regulations, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Standard 241, emphasize the importance of managing infectious aerosols and enhancing ventilation strategies, guiding facility managers toward healthier indoor environments. Standards such as this encourage facility managers to adopt evidence-based approaches to improve IAQ proactively. Interestingly, ASHRAE 241 is the first consensus-based, code-enforceable standard to address building preparedness and airborne infection risk reduction directly. Cleaning for air quality Traditional cleaning routines often fall short of addressing the root causes of poor IAQ, or worse, may contribute to poor IAQ. Many products and practices redistribute allergens into the breathing zone and release VOCs, negatively affecting air quality. Effective cleaning requires the selection of products that minimize chemical emissions and actively remove allergens. Low-VOC cleaning products, scientifically tested and independently verified through credible third-party programs like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, offer reliable solutions while supporting better IAQ. Effective ventilation, filtration, and humidity control are also essential considerations. Simple steps, such as regular maintenance of HVAC systems and timely replacement of HVAC filters, can greatly influence indoor environments. Choosing certified HVAC filters and air purification systems also can play a key role in reducing indoor pollutants. The use of verified systems ensures products have undergone rigorous, independent testing proving that they effectively remove allergens and particles without introducing harmful by-products, ensuring real-world performance and subsequent health benefits. Differentiating between certifications and selfie seals In today’s crowded marketplace, health claims, certifications, and seals are everywhere, but not all are created equal. Amid a sea of marketing claims and loosely defined standards, it’s essential to recognize the programs that go beyond surface-level messaging to deliver real, evidence-based assurance. Genuine third-party certifications provide transparency, accountability, and confidence. Programs like the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, and the International Well Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard® (WELL) set high standards, supporting informed decision-making for facility managers who seek products that are proven to contribute positively to occupant health. Backed by accredited laboratories like Airmid Healthgroup, these programs help facility managers make informed choices that align with both health goals and regulatory expectations. Certified products must pass scientifically validated protocols that assess performance in real-world conditions, not just ideal scenarios. This level of scrutiny stands in contrast to what are often referred to as “selfie seals”—unverified labels that appear to suggest third-party verification, but lack substantiated evidence, leading to consumer confusion and potential regulatory pushback. Regulatory bodies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Commission, increasingly target these misleading claims, resulting in significant fines and consequential reputational damage for companies. Educating for action Despite growing awareness around IAQ, there remains a significant knowledge gap among cleaning and maintenance professionals, perhaps due to limited access to specific training. Tailored education programs are a fundamental tool in bridging this gap. One notable initiative is the Healthier Buildings Awareness training course, developed by the iAIR Academy in partnership with ISSA’s Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). Specifically designed for facility management professionals, the course addresses a broad array of factors relating to IAQ, including the impact of pollutants on respiratory health, the science behind pathogen control, and the opportunity for becoming an indoor air specialist. This educational support means professionals are equipped with practical knowledge, empowering them to implement efficient cleaning routines and select appropriate products that support a healthier indoor environment. For organizations that adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) guidelines, the use of certified products contributes positively to their objectives, highlighting a commitment to occupant well-being and sustainability. Rethinking clean A genuinely effective approach to healthy buildings requires integrating building science, medical insights, and operational best practices. Implementing a holistic IAQ strategy involves careful selection of certified cleaning products and green building materials, rigorous adherence to improved cleaning protocols, and comprehensive staff training. Regular IAQ
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.
On Monday, hygiene and health company Essity said it completed the acquisition of Edgewell Personal Care Co.’s feminine care business, including the Carefree, Stayfree, and o.b. brands in North America and global feminine care rights for the Playtex brand. The purchase price for the assets amounts to US$340 million on a cash and debt-free basis. The acquisition supports Essity’s strategy to focus on high margin categories and to grow market positions in the U.S., the world’s largest hygiene market, the company said. The completed asset deal includes a broad product portfolio of liners, pads, and tampons under well-known brands in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean as well as a production facility in Dover, Delaware. The operations are consolidated into Essity’s accounts as of Feb. 2. “As we finalize this acquisition, we look forward to accelerating the growth of these well-known brands using our established recipe for success within feminine care,” said Ulrika Kolsrud, Essity president and CEO. “This strengthens Essity’s personal care business in North America and supports our ambition to grow in high-yielding categories and key geographies.” Essity is a growing company in the feminine care category, with several regional brands such as Libresse, Bodyform, Nana, Saba, Libra, Nosotras, Knix, and Modibodi offering a broad product portfolio of pads, liners, tampons, intimate soaps, intimate wipes, leakproof apparel, and menstrual cups. Edgewell expects to work closely with Essity to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and consumers of the feminine care business. Edgewell and Essity entered into a Transition Services Agreement to provide certain support services in the areas of accounting, information technology, quality assurance, operations and supply chain, and sales for a period of at least one year from the closing of the transaction. "Completing the sale of our feminine care business is a pivotal step in Edgewell's transformation. By simplifying our portfolio and focusing our resources on shave, sun, and skin care; and grooming, we are positioning Edgewell to be a more focused, agile, and durable personal care company," said Edgewell President and CEO Rod Little. "The proceeds from this transaction will strengthen our balance sheet, support debt reduction, and reinvestment behind our core brands and innovation pipeline, as we look to drive sustainable growth and long‑term value for shareholders, while our feminine care colleagues gain new opportunities as part of Essity, a global leader in health and hygiene."
ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, hit over 1 million views with its video programming in 2025, marking a major milestone in the association’s ongoing commitment to thought-leadership content, industry education, and engagement through its various digital media platforms. Throughout 2025, ISSA expanded its video strategy to serve its members and media professionals beyond traditional formats. Programming reached audiences across Cleaning & Maintenance Management, Cleanfax, ISSA Today, ISSA.com, the ISSA YouTube channel, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and through embedded video in email communications, event platforms, and partner channels. ISSA’s video content in 2025 included expert interviews, panel discussions, educational events, advocacy updates, event coverage, and sponsored programming. Topics included news, industry alerts, business management themes, marketing advice, workforce development, government affairs updates, technology, sustainability, cleaning for health, and the evolving definition of cleaning and facility solutions. Reaching more than 1 million views reflects not only growing demand for video-based content consumption, but also the strength of the voices and stories being shared across the industry. ISSA’s video programming featured leaders from manufacturing, distribution, building service contracting, business, education, restoration, government, and other sectors, offering practical perspectives and real-world experience. As ISSA looks ahead, video programming will remain a central part of its communications and education strategy. The association plans to continue investing in high-quality, accessible programming that informs, connects, and elevates the global cleaning community. For more information and to explore ISSA video content, visit the ISSA Media portal page and follow ISSA across its social media platforms, including the Cleaning & Maintenance Management and Cleanfax media brands. To be a guest on any of the various video programs hosted by ISSA, reach out to Jeff Cross, ISSA Media Director, at jeffcross@issa.com.
A growing share of older Americans are delaying retirement or returning to work, according to a new ResumeBuilder.com survey of U.S. seniors ages 65 and older. The survey, conducted in December 2025, follows ResumeBuilder’s 2023 and 2024 studies on seniors rejoining the workforce and shows the trend is continuing into 2026. Key findings include: One in 10 seniors don’t plan to retire until 2030 or later. Nearly 1 in 8 seniors have already returned to work or plan to rejoin the workforce in 2026, including 16% who say they never retired. More than half of seniors say financial concerns are influencing their decision to work. Most seniors who plan to keep working expect to do so part-time. Among those who reentered the workforce, most did so before 2024 (74%), while 13% returned in 2024 and another 13% returned in 2025. Additionally, 4% of seniors report that they are currently applying for jobs with plans to reenter the workforce. Meanwhile, 16% said they have never retired, indicating that a notable share of seniors have continued working without ever fully leaving the labor force. When asked why they are continuing to work or returning to work, seniors most cited enjoying work (54%) and the high cost of living (54%). Financial insecurity also played a role as 37% said they have not saved enough for retirement. Other reasons included combating boredom (34%), concerns about potential changes to Social Security (26%), and worries about changes to Medicare (19%). “For many seniors, retirement has become more flexible than final,” said Stacie Haller, ResumeBuilder.com’s chief career advisor. “…Today’s workplace offers far more flexible opportunities for older professionals. Remote and hybrid roles, part-time work, and project-based positions make it easier for seniors to stay engaged on their own terms. For many, continuing to work isn’t about necessity, it’s about purpose, connection, and simply enjoying the work itself.” One in three seniors also won’t retire this decade. While 6% said they plan to retire by the end of 2025, 15% expected to retire in 2026, and 23% in 2027. Another 13% said they do not plan to retire until 2028, and 9% until 2029. The largest share, 34%, said they do not plan to retire until 2030 or later. Among those planning to continue working, 58% expected to work part-time, while 42% plan to work full-time, suggesting many seniors prefer a gradual transition rather than a full-time return to work. “For many, this stage of life becomes an opportunity to finally pursue work they’ve always been interested in, launch a long-considered business, or shift into more meaningful projects,” Haller said. She also added that many seniors want to stay mentally and socially engaged, as well as maintain financial security. She noted that retirement today is less about stepping away and more about working with intention and choice.
Registration is now open for the Healthcare Surfaces Summit 2026 taking place May 5 to 6 at the ISSA global headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois. Hosted by the Healthcare Surfaces Institute (HSI)—a division of ISSA Healthcare—the summit brings together a unique mix of experts: clinicians, manufacturers, distributors, scientists, infection prevention specialists, and regulatory voices all working toward one common purpose. Registration is limited to just 120 participants, emphasizing the intimate and action-oriented nature of the meeting. At its core, the summit focuses on surface intelligence—a concept that has emerged as a central theme in how teams in healthcare environments think about surface selection, cleaning, and infection prevention. Not just a buzzword, surface intelligence represents a growing awareness that surfaces play a critical role in patient safety, and that the traditional approach to surface care needs thoughtful reevaluation. “One of the big issues we have right now are the instructions for use, the gaps between the innovation manufacturers bring to market, and how health care professionals are actually using these products,” said Linda Lybert, founder and executive director of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute. She explained that in many cases, manufacturers design products and draft instructions without a deep understanding of real-world clinical contexts—leading to mismatches between intent and application that can cost facilities significant time and money. This summit aims to close those gaps by fostering open dialogue and shared understanding across sectors. Instead of passive one-way presentations, this event is structured around interaction and problem-solving. The program kicks off with sessions that showcase innovation from manufacturers and supply chain partners, followed by clinician panels that offer grounded perspectives on the day-to-day challenges of surface care. The agenda then shifts into working task forces that participants form on site to identify practical goals for the coming year. “These aren’t sessions where you just sit and listen,” Lybert said. “You come with questions, you work shoulder-to-shoulder with people you don’t normally get to sit with—environmental services, infection prevention, product designers—and you walk away with action plans.” According to Lybert, the process has repeatedly exposed gaps in understanding and communication that neither side fully appreciated before engaging. This cross-professional insight drives initiatives that continue long after the event ends. The summit is meticulously designed to ensure momentum continues beyond the meeting rooms. Task forces created during the event are given one-year objectives—whether to craft guidelines, conduct new research, or develop tools that stakeholders can use to improve surface safety in their facilities. And while the summit’s intellectual rigor and practical outcomes are central, organizers haven’t overlooked the human side of networking. Longer breaks, shared meals, and social receptions are woven into the agenda to give attendees ample opportunity to connect informally—a feature that participants from previous years consistently praise. Lybert stressed the importance of engagement: “You get your education at other professional conferences, but here you see people from many areas of expertise in the same room, communicating, and frequently discovering gaps they didn’t even know existed.” That collaborative spirit, she says, is what turns insight into measurable impact. With limited space and early-bird pricing available online, spots are expected to fill quickly. Get more info and register at the event website: issa.com/surfaces.