ENGLISH | FRANÇAIS |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Results show Canadians are confused when it comes to good hygiene practices in the home TORONTO, ON – June 19, 2007 – Germs are a danger in the home. In fact, more than 80% of food borne infections, including Salmonella, are acquired at home.1 But in a recent survey conducted by LYSOL®, only 5% of Canadians identified the home when asked where children are most likely to catch an infection.2 “We believe Canadians understand the importance of hand washing in the elimination of germs,” says Dr. Low, Microbiologist-in-Chief, Toronto Medical Laboratories/Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada and member of the Hygiene Council sponsored by LYSOL®. “However, the results of the survey suggest that Canadians are confused when it comes to proper hygiene in the home. There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to understanding the vital role surface disinfection plays in helping prevent infections.” Even though our homes may look clean, disease causing germs can be found lurking on kitchen counters, dish cloths, toilet seats, door handles, telephones and light switches. Up to 60,000 bacteria can be found on every square inch of the kitchen table3, but only 16% of Canadians recognized kitchen surfaces as a reservoir for germs.4 Most respondents (42%) identified door handles as the site where the most germs can be found within the home.5 And when it comes to the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs in the home, only 13% of Canadians recognized the importance of surface disinfection.6 However, evidence from a recent study showed that using an alcohol-based disinfectant spray was 100% effective in preventing the transmission of viruses from a hard surface to human volunteers.7 World experts campaign for improved hygiene practices The Hygiene Council, sponsored by LYSOL® and comprised of leading international experts in virology, microbiology, infectious disease, immunology and public health, met for the second time in February 2007. During the meeting, the Council reviewed scientific evidence which confirms that practicing good hygiene, specifically surface disinfection, is a key component in fighting the spread of today’s serious infections. As a result of the meeting, the Council members reasserted their commitment to targeting the general public, as part of a drive towards communicable infection prevention through hygiene. Effective hygiene plays an important role in the scheme of infection prevention. While washing of hands is agreed as one of the most important of hygiene practices, targeted surface disinfection is equally important in helping prevent disease transmission. Products such as LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray and LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes which kill 99.9% of germs help maintain a clean, healthy environment for the whole family. “Scientific evidence shows that simple good hygiene practices can reduce the risk of illness and infection at home and in the community,” commented Professor John Oxford, Chairman of the Hygiene Council and Professor of Virology at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. “We must protect ourselves by putting these measures into practice.”
|
 Dr. Donald E. Low, Microbiologist-in-Chief, Toronto Medical Laboratories/Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada and member of the Hygiene Council.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
The work of The Hygiene Council and The Hygiene for the 21st Century initiative is funded through an educational grant from Reckitt Benckiser. ©2007 Reckitt Benckiser. All rights reserved. Please read our terms and conditions of this site and our privacy policy. |