Decon7 is a team of talented individuals, and Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Tucker is one of the key members. With roots as a civil engineer in the wastewater industry and a long career at a national laboratory focusing on decontamination, Dr. Tucker’s most recent venture is with Decon7, commercializing D7—an innovative disinfectant and sanitizer solution that he co-invented while at Sandia National Laboratory. Although D7 was originally developed to combat chemical and biological warfare, Dr. Tucker saw its potential in a range of industries due to its efficacy, low toxicity, and low corrosive properties. 

Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, but many people don’t realize that flames and smoke are not the only threats to their health and safety. During and after battling a blaze, firefighters can be exposed to harmful carcinogens that can have lasting health effects if not handled appropriately.

The general method for application of D7 for SARS-CoV-2 disinfection operations is as follows:

Recently, there have been several news stories concerning information on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about how COVID-19 spreads or is transmitted from person to person.^1,2 Several of these news stories are presenting the CDC information in a misleading way by implying that the only important method of COVID-19 spread is through airborne droplets (i.e., from coughs or sneezes from an infected person) and that COVID-19 spread from surface contact is not important. This is false and a misinterpretation of the CDC information and guidance. Here is the information about the spread of COVID-19 directly from the CDC website.³

Hurricanes and natural disasters are terrifying in the moment, with property damage, injuries, and other life disruptions contributing to the overall trauma of the situation. However, the consequences can linger long after the headlines have subsided. Standing water, flooded homes, and excess humidity in indoor environments create a breeding ground for mold, fungus, and bacteria. The destructive force of a hurricane can also damage storage areas and potentially expose people to harmful chemicals.

Hiring an FSQA Manager is not a decision to be taken lightly. This person is responsible for ensuring that food quality and safety practices are correctly followed. When the right person is not in this role, the risks include a drop in quality and, in the worst case, an outbreak that negatively affects consumers and causes damage to your brand. In addition to the appropriate level of training and experience, the ideal FSQA Manager will also have certain qualities that make them more effective in their role.

COVID-19 may be a new virus, but this is not the first time countries have had to address an outbreak. Norovirus, which is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, is a year-round issue, but annually there is a season during which instances of illness are more prevalent, typically from November to April. In the United States, norovirus infects 19-21 million people each year and is responsible for 570-800 deaths. Because it spreads so quickly and easily, it’s not uncommon for localized outbreaks to occur when large numbers of people gather.

Language plays a major role in the regulation of chemicals, and there can be important differences in the terminology that regulators use and the words used by everyday consumers. For example, when many people hear the term “pesticide,” they envision products that are used on crops to kill insects and weeds. It’s true that this is one correct definition, but it’s not the only one. 

As containing the spread of COVID-19 continues to be a top priority, healthcare facilities have stepped up disinfection protocols to protect both patients and staff. Although the virus is predominantly spread through droplets in the air, it may also be transferred via contaminated surfaces. Once transferred to hands, gloves, medical equipment, or shoes, it can then spread to any other surface touched by these contaminated items. In addition to limiting exposure by wearing masks, donning gloves, and other protective measures, frequently disinfecting surfaces can help reduce the spread of the virus through contact.

It might not be pleasant to think about, but we are constantly surrounded by fungus. One species in particular, Aspergillus, is present almost everywhere, including inside homes and other buildings. Although most people are not affected by the presence of common and pervasive fungi, for those with compromised immune systems, it can present a major health risk.