The AIHA Addresses False Information on PPE and Disinfection for the Coronavirus
Occupational health and safety (industrial hygiene) experts clarify misinformation on PPE, ventilation and disinfection in relation to COVID-19.
With this global pandemic has come a flood of information. News headlines report something new every minute it seems, and media has been flooded with everything from sanitation tips to stay at home orders to recommendations for home masks.
Unfortunately, that flood of information has also meant a wave of misinformation: false claims of coronavirus cures, theories on the source of the virus and misguided information about PPE, ventilation and disinfection related to COVID-19.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has released important information that addresses coronavirus misinformation specifically related to PPE, decontamination and indoor air. Here’s what the AIHA has to say:
April 16, 2020 (Falls Church, VA) -- As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, so does misinformation on personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination and indoor air quality. These misunderstandings are putting healthcare workers and the general public at even greater risk. The AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) has launched a public education effort to provide expertise and clarification on critical resources including properly selecting, fitting, and decontaminating PPE; measuring and treating indoor air; and surface disinfection.
“New information about this pandemic is released every day. But we are finding that misuse of PPE, and improper decontamination techniques, may be putting our public and our healthcare workers at increased risks,” explains AIHA Board President, Kathleen Murphy, CIH. “Our occupational health and safety experts – more traditionally known as industrial hygienists – are experts in reducing risks and preventing accidents. We also understand the pressures these crises have on the mental health of workers.”
AIHA is urging the public to go to their online directory to connect with a local industrial hygienist. They have also developed a Coronavirus Outbreak Resource Center, a series of free resources including:
- Recovering from COVID-19 Building Closures: This guidance document developed by the AIHA Indoor Environmental Quality committee outlines the way businesses, schools, resorts and other facilities that have been deemed “non-essential” during this COVID-19 pandemic could manage risks when they are ready to be reoccupied.
- Respirator Fit Testing Specialists: Find a specialist who can perform proper respirator fit testing from AIHA’s 2020 Consultants Listing.
- Proper use of respirators for healthcare workers and first responders that illustrates the drastic difference of respirators versus masks.
- Ventilation, Surface Disinfection and PPE Considerations for the IP and IH webinar: This town hall-style webinar, co-hosted by AIHA and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), addressed occupational health and safety professionals’, industrial hygienists’ and infection preventionists’ questions about ventilation, surface disinfection, respirators, construction issues, occupational health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- JOEH Articles Related to COVID-19: The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH) has provided access to articles in our inventory to help hygienists, healthcare workers, allied professionals, and the public. These articles, both peer-reviewed research articles and commentaries from specialists in these areas, provide information relevant to making decisions on infection control practices.
AIHA is a professional association for occupational health and safety scientists who are committed to preserving and ensuring health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, network, comprehensive education programs and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional standards.
More than half of AIHA’s nearly 8,500 members are Certified Industrial Hygienists, and many hold other professional designations. AIHA serves as a resource for those employed in the industrial, consulting, academic and government sectors. For more information, please visit www.aiha.org.