plumbing repairs, EE&G

These Plumbing Repairs can Lead to Water Damage and Mold Growth

A bathroom remodel can both add significant value to your home and turn an outdated master bathroom into space you enjoy being in every single day. If it’s been a few years (or more like a few decades!) since your bathroom was last updated, it might be a good call to invest back into your home and renovate this space. However, it’s important to do things right: remodeling mistakes can potentially lead to a disaster for your project and your home. In this article, we’ll review some of the most expensive consequences of improper remodeling and plumbing, and when you need to bring in a professional.

Set your limits and stick to them

Many homeowners approach their bathroom to remodel with a can-do attitude and a seemingly simple path to saving money: they’ll do everything themselves. After all, homeowners today have access to online videos, tutorials, and nearly endless information—how hard could it be? While there are parts of your remodel you can take on yourself, such as installing vinyl flooring or repainting the walls, it’s important to recognize when you’re out of your element and you need to bring in an expert.

 

Even incredibly handy homeowners may find themselves not exactly sure how to properly slope a shower or install new wiring for an outlet by the bathroom vanity. Unfortunately, this is a common point at which things go wrong: improper installation of electrical wiring or pipes can lead to disaster. While representing lower stakes, not tiling a shower correctly or installing a vanity wrong just looks shoddy and unprofessional. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to bring in a remodeling professional to help.

Hire the right professional for the job

Even if you’ve made the right call to hire a pro, you’re not out of the woods yet. You need to put the time, effort, and money into finding the right professional for your project. Hiring the wrong person can result in an expensive mistake: you don’t want your shower to be the first one a rookie plumber has ever worked on. Without researching and vetting out contractors, you may end up hiring someone who is unreliable, unqualified, or untrustworthy. This could lead to things not being done right.

 

So, how should you go about finding the right person to work in your bathroom? First, don’t just go with the lowest bid. Submit multiple bids to multiple companies that have good reviews online. Then, when they call you, ask about their licensing, past experience remodeling bathrooms like yours, and if they have prior homeowners willing to give them a positive reference. If you’re making changes to your bathroom that require local permits, ask them about their process for pulling those and keeping everything in order. Their answers to your questions should give you an idea of whether or not they can be trusted.

What are the consequences of shoddy plumbing?

Regardless of how it happened, improperly installed pipes, fixtures, sinks, and shower drains could lead to an expensive disaster. The two most common outcomes are water damage and mold growth.

Water damage

When plumbing is installed incorrectly, water damage is often the result. Even a relatively minor leak from between two ill-fitting pipes can eventually lead to major issues. The key to water damage is this: time is not on your side. The longer the leak is left untreated, the more extensive the damage will eventually be. Water can damage your home’s structure, walls, floors, furniture, appliances, and more. The stakes are specially raised in a second-floor bathroom, as gravity will carry any water from a plumbing leak to the next level down.

Mold growth

Where there are water and heat, there will inevitably be mold. Mold requires moisture to grow, and a hidden water leak provides more than it needs to thrive. Many people—including those with allergies or breathing conditions—are especially sensitive to mold, and prolonged mold exposure will make most people sick. If you discover water damage in your home, you need to bring in a mold remediation specialist for a closer inspection to make sure there isn’t any mold growth behind your walls. As with most urgent home issues, procrastination and waiting only makes the cleanup more extensive and expensive.

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Here’s what else you need to know about water damage and mold growth

You can’t count on your home’s insurance policy to cover all the damages. While most home insurance policies do cover water damage, it’s only that caused by aging and deteriorating pipes: not as a byproduct of a botched bathroom renovation. Before you start work on your bathroom, be sure to consult with an experienced contractor in your area.

coronavirus, EE&G, Social Distancing

Social Distancing – Covid-19

Why practice social distancing?

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

Tips for social distancing

  • Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
  • If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
    • Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
    • Consider a grocery delivery service.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
      • Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
  • Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
  • Work from home when possible.
  • If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
  • If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.

Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.

Keeping Space Between Yourself and Other People Outside of Your Home

Keeping Space Between Yourself and Other People Outside of Your Home

What is social distancing?

Social distancing also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

  • Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
  • Do not gather in groups
  • Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Why practice social distancing?

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

Tips for social distancing

  • Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
  • If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
    • Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
    • Consider a grocery delivery service.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
      • Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
  • Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, such a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
  • Work from home when possible.
  • If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
  • If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.

Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can be difficult.

EE&G Responds to The Covid-19 Crisis

EE&G Responds to The Covid-19 Crisis

In times of crisis like the one we are experiencing, solidarity and humanity are present in many ways, and everyone gives their best to collaborate. This is the case of the EE&G Group, who has always been on the community’s side to make it easier to help solve the difficulties in doing so.

Who is EE&G?

The EE&G Group dates back to 1986 and has been in business for over 33 years. EE&G has built its reputation in the Environmental Industry by providing quality and diversified expertise to its clients with an array of Contracting Services including; Environmental Contracting & Construction, Disaster, Restoration, Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contracting Services.

EE&G is headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, with convenient locations strategically selected in the States of Florida and Georgia. Today, thanks to their unsurpassed customer service and its multidisciplinary team of professionals, the EE&G brand has reached national recognition as experts in the Environmental Remediation, Restoration, and Construction Industry. Their experience is indisputable and today is recognized as experts by many institutions in the public and private sectors.

Currently, many companies are requesting their services for cleaning and disinfection of working areas, as is one specific case in South Florida, where EE&G responded to the community as soon as the COVI-19 Pandemic started by helping the City of Miami Lakes and his team of volunteers, with the sanitation, disinfection cleaning at the COHEA (City of Hialeah Educational Academy), where food delivery takes place every Friday in an effort to help the community and especially those most affected by COVID19 in the area.

“At this time of crisis we want to do everything we can to help all residents stay safe,” says one of EE&G’s employees.

EE&G is maintaining CDC guidance and cleaning protocols, in all their projects across Florida and Georgia states.

EE&G is assisting Clients to -prepare Covid-19 Disinfection Response plans for their buildings, so if and when an incident occurs, they are ready to respond and experience minimal downtime.  Be conservative and be prepared, as we all will be living with the presence of this virus for the immediate future.  They are working hard to assist public and private clients de such as temporary hospitals, police departments, and daycare facilities, residential buildings, hotels, and more.

If we all put our grain of sand, thinking about the common good and not the proper, as EE&G is doing, we will get out before this crisis that affects us all equally.

They can help you Protect your Biggest Assets; Your Employees and Your Operational Ability! For help with cleaning and disinfecting services call 866.334.9111 or get a free quote. 

SENATE PASSES MASSIVE CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS BILL

The Senate passed the massive Coronavirus Aid, Relief.

The Senate passed the massive Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) late on March 25, 2020. The $2 trillion bills contains many significant tax-saving provisions that impact both individuals and businesses and which may affect prior tax years and while hopefully creating needed cash-flow.

While the CARES Act was approved by the U.S. Senate, it will not become law until it is passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed by the President, which is the expectation.

INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS

CASH PAYMENTS

The Stimulus Bill provides for payments to individuals of up to $1,200 per person ($2,400 for a married couple) with an additional $500 for each qualifying child. The payment is subject to a phase-out for individuals with adjusted gross income over $75,000 and married persons filing jointly with AGI above $150,000. The amount of the payment is reduced by $5 for each $100 in income above the applicable threshold.

Nonresident alien individuals, individuals who are dependents of another, and estates or trusts are ineligible for the payment.

Payments will generally be based on the 2018 tax return information. However, like the advanced tax premium credit under the Affordable Care Act, there is a true-up for the amount for which one is eligible for the filing of the 2020 tax return.

RETIREMENT FUND RULES

In order to generate access to cash for individuals, the bill liberalizes the retirement plan rules, for 2020, dealing with premature distribution penalties, plan loans and required minimum distributions (RMDs).

The 10% premature early withdrawal penalty is waived for distributions of up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts and individual retirement accounts for coronavirus-related purposes. Additionally, the federal income tax on such distributions can be paid over a three-year period. The law also provides that these distributions can be contributed back to the plan within a three- year period without affecting that year’s contribution cap.

The bill provides more flexible rules concerning loans from certain retirement accounts for coronavirus-related relief. The maximum amount of loans (when combined with existing loans) which can be taken from the plan is the lesser of $100,000 (up from $50,000) or 100% of the participant’s accrued benefit (up from 50%). In addition, there is a delay in the starting date of loan repayments back to the plan.

The bill also temporarily waives the required minimum distribution requirement from the plan for 2020. This permits those who do not need immediate funds to avoid cashing out investments at a low value.

A coronavirus-related distribution is one made to an individual where 1) he/she, a spouse or a dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19; or 2) the individual suffers adverse financial consequence due to being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, closing or reducing a business owned or operated by that person due to COVID-19, or other factors to be determined by Treasury. The qualified plan can accept an employee certification that this condition is satisfied. A single $100,000 limit applies to distributions by plans of a controlled group of businesses.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Up to $300 of cash contributions for 2020 will be allowed for contributions to charities, whether the taxpayer itemizes or not, in determining adjusted gross income.

Additionally, an individual can elect to have the 50% of AGI limit not apply in 2020 for certain qualified contributions. However, this does not apply to contributions to certain non-operating private foundations or amounts to establish or maintain a donor-advised fund.

The limitation for C corporations, normally subject to a 10% of the taxable income limit, is raised to 25% of taxable income.

The limitation on deductions for contributions of food inventory is increased from 15% to 25%.

EMPLOYER PAYMENT OF STUDENT LOANS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

IRC Sec 127(c) of the Code is amended to include as a nontaxable employer-provided educational assistance program any payment of principal or interest made before January 1, 2021 (whether paid to the employee or a lender).

BUSINESS PROVISIONS

EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER SUBJECT TO CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19

An eligible employer is allowed a credit against applicable employment taxes for each calendar quarter equal to 50% of qualified wages for each employee for such calendar quarter.

  • The number of qualified wages for any employee taken into account by an employer for all calendar quarters is limited to $10,000.
  • The credit is limited to the employment taxes owed as reduced by other credits (including the Sick Leave and Family and Medical Leave credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act) for all employees of the eligible employer for such calendar quarter. If the employee retention credit exceeds this amount, the difference is an overpayment that can be refunded.

An eligible employer is one who (a) was carrying on a trade or business during the calendar year 2020; (b) with respect to any calendar quarter for which (i) operations are fully or partially suspended due to orders from an appropriate government authority limiting commerce, travel, or group meeting due to COVID-19 or (ii) in which (beginning in first calendar quarter after 12/31/2019) there has been a significant decline in gross receipts (i.e., less than 50% gross receipts for the same quarter in the prior year and ending with calendar quarter for which gross receipts are greater than 80% same calendar quarter in the prior year. Tax-exempt organizations can also benefit from this credit.

EMPLOYER AND SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUAL DEFERRAL OF PAYROLL TAXES

Employers and self-employed individuals can defer the payment of the employer portion of employment taxes or self-employment taxes due during the “payroll tax deferral period” to December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2022. 50% of the deferred taxes will be required to be paid on these dates. Penalties will not apply for failure to make timely deposits for withholding these amounts.

The Payroll Tax Deferral Period is defined as the period beginning on the date of enactment to January 1, 2021. This does not appear to be retroactive to January 1, 2020.

NET OPERATING LOSS (NOL) RULES ARE RELAXED

Many of the rules limiting the use of net operating losses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are suspended under the Stimulus Bill.

  • NOLs from 2018, 2019 or 2020 are eligible to be carried back for five years.
  • Additionally, the 80% limit on the use of NOL carryforwards is also temporarily removed so that the NOL can fully offset income.

Those impacted by this rule should seek to carry back available losses to obtain refunds.

LIMITATION OF INDIVIDUALS’ USE OF BUSINESS LOSSES

Under the TCJA, non-corporate taxpayers’ net business losses were limited under IRC section 461(l) to $250,000 ($500,000 for a joint filer). The Stimulus Bill would permit the use of net business losses without limit for the 2018 tax year through 2020. If you were limited in the use of carryover used in 2018, this can produce a refund opportunity.

CORPORATE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX CREDIT REFUND

Under the TCJA, a C corporation with alternative minimum tax credits was entitled to a refund of these credits over a four-year period — 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Under the Stimulus Bill, the corporation can receive a refund over a two-year period 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, if there will be any delay in filing the 2019 C corporation return, an election can be made to include the entire refundable amount in 2018.

BUSINESS INTEREST LIMITATION UNDER IRC SECTION 163(J)

The TCJA includes a limitation on the use of net business interest expense to 30% of Adjusted Taxable Income. The Stimulus Bill amends this rule for 2019 and 2020 and increases the limit from 30% of Adjusted Taxable Income to 50%. Additionally, since it is likely that 2020 income will be lower than in 2019 due to the current economic circumstance, an election can be made to use the 2019 Adjusted Taxable Income for the 2020 tax year.

BONUS DEPRECIATION ALLOWED ON QUALIFIED IMPROVEMENT PROPERTY (QIP)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act intended to permit immediate write-off of costs related to Qualified Improvement Property. Due to a drafting error, this provision was not put into that legislation and caused QIP only to be eligible for depreciation over 39 years. The Stimulus Bill fixes this drafting error and specifically permits bonus depreciation to be taken on qualified costs retroactively. This allows amendment of 2018 and 2019 filed returns and provide a source of cash, particularly for those in the hospitality industry.

EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION

The bill also provides a temporary exception from the excise tax on alcohol which is used to produce hand sanitizer.

We are waiting to see if the House of Representatives will make any substantive changes to these provisions. Clearly, they are all intended to provide additional cash to taxpayers.

viruses and bacteria

Viruses, Bacteria, and Mold | Pesticide Research Institute

Problems with microbes?

Mold, bacteria, and viruses can cause problems in any household. While not all microbes are bad, some are capable of compromising your health and causing disease. Mold and mildew can produce allergens that can exacerbate respiratory problems, and pathogenic bacteria and viruses are responsible for giving you everything from the common cold to food-borne illnesses.

Preventing and Managing Mold, Bacteria, and Viruses

Cleaning is a top-level strategy for removing mold and bacteria. This work can be quite a chore but it is necessary to keep yourself and your family healthy. A few additional steps can be taken to reduce the possibility of these microbes causing a problem around your home.

Utilize natural light and circulating air

  • Open a window or turn on a fan to move moist air out and reduce the likelihood of mildew forming in the bathroom. Mold and mildew are often a problem in bathrooms because of the moisture.
  • Use the sun: UV rays can kill bacteria, and leaving items exposed to strong sunlight for several hours can help to disinfect them.

Stop mold from growing by fixing leaks right away

  • Fix leaky pipes or water spills right away to help make sure that mold never has a chance to start growing.

Practice clean kitchen techniques

  • Ensure that raw foods such as meat are kept separate from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid intestinal problems caused by foodborne illnesses.
  • Clean counters and cutting boards thoroughly after they have come into contact with raw foods. If a cutting board is not dishwasher safe, clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water after use.
  • Make sure that cold foods stay cold and hot foods stay hot to keep bacteria from growing. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and put leftover food in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
  • Cook meats to the right temperature to make sure they are safe to eat: 145°F for whole meats, 160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for poultry.
Hand Washing

Wash hands

  • Wash hands frequently to help prevent transmission of pathogenic bacteria or viruses. Soap and water are a powerful tool and in most cases are just as effective as antibacterial soaps.

Be careful with children, toys, and pets

  • Keep toys clean. Children’s bath toys can retain water, which encourages the growth of mold.
  • Avoid sharing bath towels. Sharing is not recommended since this can spread bacteria and viruses, especially when someone in the household has a cold.
  • Wash hands after playing with pets or handling pet waste.
Pest Smart mobile app
PRIApp_SearchRead on for information on natural cleaners for mold, bacteria, and viruses. Also included is a comparison of active ingredients commonly used in antimicrobial products.Interested in finding out more about specific antimicrobial products? The Pest Smart app is now available in the iTunes Store. Conveniently access pesticide data on your iPhone and iPad while on the job, in the store, and at home.

  • Search by product name or registration number.
  • Search by the pest to find pesticide products that target common household and garden pests like ants, fleas, cockroaches, lawn weeds and aphids.
  • Quickly verify the eligibility of a pesticide product for use in the LEED v4-certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
  • Compare products and find least-toxic alternatives to streamline decision-making.
  • Link to PRI’s Pest Management Bulletins to learn about low-impact methods of pest control that minimize pesticide use and exposure.

Low Impact Approaches

Natural Cleaners for Mold, Bacteria, and Viruses

Various combinations of household items such as vinegar, baking soda, and plain soap can be used as cleaning agents in the home and are just as effective as harsher chemical products for many applications. Whether you want to avoid using these harsh chemicals because of asthma or other sensitivities or are just looking for a cost-effective set of cleaning tools, the following list highlights the most important cleaners.

Vinegar

  • Vinegar works best at full strength (5% acetic acid) but the addition of several drops of essential oil will improve the smell for those that are sensitive. Vinegar is effective for cleaning mildew in the shower or can be used as an after-shower spray to prevent the growth of new mildew. Vinegar can also be used to kill some bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella and E. coli, and is useful for cleaning counters or cutting boards and removing smells.
  • NEVER mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia because it forms harmful chlorine or chloramine gases. Be careful not to clean with vinegar and then with bleach after, as the residue may still react.
Cleaning supplies

Baking soda

  • Baking soda has antifungal properties and is registered by the US EPA as a biopesticide.
  • Mix baking soda with water to make a paste that is effective at removing mold or mildew in the grout between tiles. Baking soda has many properties that make it useful as an all-purpose cleaner and can be used as a scouring agent.

Tea tree oil

  • Tea tree oil is more expensive than some other natural remedies but is effective at killing mold and mildew. After scrubbing off mildew using a tea tree oil solution, apply a little extra to prevent more mildew from growing back.
  • Many bacterial species are susceptible to tea tree oil, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

Salt 

  • Salt is a microbial inhibitor. Many microorganisms need moist conditions to thrive, making salt an efficient way to reduce the amount of water available for microbes to grow.
  • Salt also interferes with microbe enzyme activity and weakens the molecular structure of bacterial and fungal DNA.

Household hydrogen peroxide

  • A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to remove and prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is registered as a sterilizer and is effective against the HIV-1 virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Norovirus. Higher concentrations of peroxide are available as cleaning products and are also effective against many pathogenic bacteria and viruses, but are corrosive to skin and eyes.

Lemon juice

  • Lemon juice is a versatile cleaner and can be used in combination with baking soda or salt to inhibit the growth of some bacteria.
  • Using a stronger cleaner is advised for cleansing surfaces that come in contact with raw meat.

Many of these natural cleaners can help reduce problems caused by other household pests as well. Wiping counters with vinegar can kill microbes as well as prevent pests such as ants and cockroaches finding food in your kitchen, without resorting to harmful pesticides.  See our bulletins on ants and cockroaches for more information.

Antimicrobial Pesticides for Treating Mold, Bacteria, and Viruses

Potential Consequences of Using Antimicrobial Pesticides

Antimicrobial pesticides can be beneficial for protecting human health and are required in some institutional settings such as daycare centers, restaurants, and other food-handling establishments. If you are caring for an immune-compromised person or running a daycare center, proper disinfection or sanitation of surfaces is particularly important, and antimicrobial pesticides are an important tool. Nevertheless, there are adverse effects associated with their use, such as:

  • The overuse of some antimicrobial agents may be a factor contributing to the development of resistant bacteria, so use only when needed.
  • Because many of these products are available as aerosol sprays, exposure through inhalation is possible and can cause respiratory and eye irritation and exacerbate asthma.
  • Many of these products are effective at sanitizing and disinfecting because they are oxidizing agents or are strongly acidic or basic. These characteristics result in hazards from spills on skin or in the eyes, or via inhalation.

Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully and read all warnings.

Types of antimicrobial pesticides

Antimicrobial pesticides are used to destroy or stop the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are designed to be used on inanimate objects only and can be found as sprays, liquids, concentrated powders, wipes, and gases (mostly for hospital use).

There are several different types of anti-microbial products and it is important to know their intended use. The US EPA has very specific definitions for each one:

  • Cleaner: A product that physically removes debris from the surface.
  • Sanitizer: A product that kills 99.9% of the germs identified on its label.
  • Disinfectant: A product that kills nearly 100% of the germs identified on its label. Destroys most pathogens but not bacterial spores.
  • Sterilizer: A product that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) further classifies disinfectants as high, intermediate, and low level disinfectants, which has to do with which particular microorganisms it inactivates and the concentration at which it is active.

The antimicrobial activity of the product is affected by the concentration of the active ingredients and the dwell time.

  • Dwell time: The amount of time that the product must remain on the surface for optimum antimicrobial activity. Typically included on the label.
  • Concentration of active ingredients: The concentration of an active ingredient varies from product to product, so read the label to determine if a product can be used as a disinfectant or only as a sanitizer.The percent of the active ingredient and the inert ingredients in a product may also change the hazards associated with a particular product.

The US EPA registers antimicrobial products and ensures that labels may not make claims about their effectiveness that are not supported by data. They have also compiled a list of registered products that are effective against specific pathogens, including tuberculosis bacteria, HIV-1 virus, and hepatitis C. For the lists of these products and others, see their website on Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants.

The following table provides the hazards associated with specific active ingredients. Products may contain other ingredients or more than one active ingredients, so be sure to carefully read the label for any additional or different hazard warnings. According to the EPA, there are approximately 275 active ingredients that are used in antimicrobial products, so we have provided a partial list of some of the types of products you may encounter.

Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities

Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities

Household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a nonhealthcare setting may have close contact2 with a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a person under investigation. Close contacts should monitor their health; they should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) (see Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings.)

Close contacts should also follow these recommendations:

  • Make sure that you understand and can help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication(s) and care. You should help the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.
  • Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If the patient is getting sicker, call his or her healthcare provider and tell them that the patient has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected. Ask the healthcare provider to call the local or state health department for additional guidance. If the patient has a medical emergency and you need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that the patient has, or is being evaluated for COVID-19.
  • Household members should stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.
  • Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
  • Household members should care for any pets in the home. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. For more information, see COVID-19 and Animals.
  • Make sure that shared spaces in the home have good airflows, such as by an air conditioner or an opened window, weather permitting.
  • Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • The patient should wear a facemask when you are around other people. If the patient is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), you, as the caregiver, should wear a mask when you are in the same room as the patient.
  • Wear a disposable facemask and gloves when you touch or have contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, sputum, nasal mucus, vomit, urine.
  • Throw out disposable facemasks and gloves after using them. Do not reuse it.
  • When removing personal protective equipment, first remove and dispose of gloves. Then, immediately clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Next, remove and dispose of facemask, and immediately clean your hands again with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid sharing household items with the patient. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly (see below “Wash laundry thoroughly”).
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
    Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions.
  • Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during the use of the product.

Wash laundry thoroughly.

  • Immediately remove and wash clothes or bedding that have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
  • Wear disposable gloves while handling soiled items and keep soiled items away from your body. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after removing your gloves.
  • Read and follow directions on labels of laundry or clothing items and detergent. In general, using a normal laundry detergent according to washing machine instructions and dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
  • Place all used disposable gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after handling these items. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.

Discuss any additional questions with your state or local health department or healthcare provider. Check available hours when contacting your local health department.

Footnotes

Home healthcare personnel should refer to Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Known or Patients Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Healthcare Setting.

  • Close contact is defined as—

a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting for area or room with a COVID-19 case

– or –

b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).

coronavirus

Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed COVID-19

Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background

There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about the novel coronavirus and similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person with these viruses happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, the transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.

Purpose

This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation (PUI) or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or maybe in self-isolation. It is aimed at limiting the survival of the virus in the environment. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

These guidelines are focused on household settings and are meant for the general public.

  • Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
  • Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfection of Households

Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during the use of the product.

General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of Households with People Isolated in Home Care (e.g. Suspected/Confirmed to have COVID-19)
  • Household members should educate themselves about COVID-19 symptoms and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
    • In the bedroom/bathroom dedicated to an ill person: consider reducing cleaning frequency to as-needed (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.
      • As much as possible, an ill person should stay in a specific room and away from other people in their home, following home care guidance.
      • The caregiver can provide personal cleaning supplies for an ill person’s room and bathroom unless the room is occupied by a child or another person for whom such supplies would not be appropriate. These supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants.
      • If a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as practical after use by an ill person to clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces.
  • Household members should follow home care guidance when interacting with persons with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and their isolation rooms/bathrooms.
How to clean and disinfect:
Surfaces
  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
    • Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
      • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
        • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
        • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
    • Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims pdf icon external icon is expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
  • For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
    • Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or
      Use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link pdf icon external icon) that are suitable for porous surfaces.
 Clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry
  • Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
    • If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterward.
    • If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
    • Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
    • Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to the guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.
Hand hygiene and other preventive measures
  • Household members should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
  • Household members should follow normal preventive actions while at work and home including recommended hand hygiene and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Additional key times to clean hands include:
      • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
      • After using the restroom
      • Before eating or preparing food
      • After contact with animals or pets
      • Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Other considerations
  • The ill person should eat/be fed in their room if possible. Non-disposable food service items used should be handled with gloves and washed with hot water or in a dishwasher. Clean hands after handling used food service items.
  • If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, handling, and disposing of trash. Wash hands after handling or disposing of trash.
  • Consider consulting with your local health department about trash disposal guidance if available.
coronavirus

COVID-19 Dos and Don’ts for Everyone

DO wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, several times a day. Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol:

  • Before cooking or eating
  • After using the bathroom
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

How to Wash Your Hands

Scrub away! There’s a correct way to wash your hands and get rid of germs.

DON’T touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have somehow come into contact with the virus, touching your face can help it enter your body.

DO learn the symptoms, which are similar to flu:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Most cases do not start with a runny nose.
DON’T wear a mask unless you’re sick. Masks help protect others from catching the virus, but wearing one when you’re healthy won’t do much. Demand has been so high worldwide that shortages have begun. Leave the masks for people who really need them, like sick or health care professionals.

DO consider taking extra precautions and staying out of public places if you’re over 60 years old, or have a condition, as you have a higher risk of developing the disease. Note that as of now, the highest-risk groups appear to be seniors and people with preexisting conditions like heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

DON’T travel if you have a fever. If you get sick on the flight, tell the crew immediately. When you get home, contact a health professional.

DO reconsider travel to affected countries, especially if you have underlying conditions. For people in a higher-risk group -- seniors and people with preexisting conditions -- the agency suggests postponing nonessential travel. It also suggests everyone avoid cruises. Find the latest advisories here.

DON’T panic. At this point, public health officials still say the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 is low. Taking proper precautions -- wash your hands! -- and making preparations are the best things you can do.

DO get ready to hunker down. The World Health Organization has now declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. If someone in your home gets sick, local authorities may want you to be quarantined for up to 14 days. Make sure you have enough shelf-stable food to last that long, as well as prescription medications for anyone in the family, other health supplies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, and disinfectants to clean household surfaces. A government web site also suggests keeping a 2-week supply of food and water in the case of a pandemic and having copies of electronic health records.
DO practice “social distancing”: Avoid large gatherings and crowds in poorly-ventilated spaces, and try to stay at three to six feet away from anyone who’s coughing or sneezing.
DON’T skip the flu shot. The symptoms of COVID-19 and flu overlap enough that it can complicate diagnosis. If you’ve had a flu shot, you’re less likely to catch the flu or have a case serious enough to require treatment.
DO prioritize your health. Now is not the time to burn the candle at both ends, skip workouts, or ignore a healthy diet—that can weaken your immune system.
DON’T avoid toys or products from Asia. Although the virus can live on surfaces for hours and possibly several days, it’s unlikely to survive the process of being moved from place to place in different temperatures and conditions.

DO check in on high-risk neighbors: older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions. Monitor their food and medical supplies, and make sure they have people or organizations who can help if they get sick.

Dos and Don’ts When You Don’t Feel Well

DO seek help early if you have a fever, cough, and a hard time breathing. But don’t just drop into the nearest urgent care clinic. Call your doctor to find out the protocol first, to make sure you won’t spread the disease to others.

What to Expect if you get Sick and How to Survive a Coronavirus lockdown.

Countries around the world are closing borders and putting citizens under lockdown in a bid to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

As more of us are told to stay at home and concerns rise for our safety and the safety of our loved ones, it becomes more important than ever to have the right information.

More:

Here is what you need to know.

My gym is closed: What can I do?

If you live in one of the 170 or so countries affected by the novel coronavirus, it is safe to assume that your local gym or fitness studio has shut its doors.

But that should not stop you from continuing with your routine - or starting fresh - and exercising your mind and body.

Instructors worldwide have asked that people put aside their usual concern with restricted space to readjust and make the most out of their living rooms. Here are five home workouts to do under a lockdown.

Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks are a great way to warm up before you get into serious business. Spread your legs and shoulders apart as you jump.

They are relatively safe although you might want to keep a safe distance between you and others.

Pushups

This one is a no-brainer but you still have to make sure your posture is correct to reap the most benefits and avoid injury.

And for that, your shoulders, spine and hips should all align. You can do as many repetitions as you like - and if that is not challenging enough, extend your hands a little further every time to hit different muscle groups.

Sit-ups

Doing sit-ups is a great way to strengthen your core. Performing a proper sit-up is as easy as lying on your back, crossing your hands and placing them behind your back, bending your knees and moving your chin towards your knees.

Bodyweight squats

Also known as weightless squats, this all-around exercise helps you strengthen just about everything that is below your belt.

Just place your hands behind your neck, align your shoulders and knees with your feet slightly turned outwards and slowly go down. You can use a chair if you find the movement challenging.

Single leg jumps

Why should you do a single leg jump as opposed to two? Well, jumping on a single leg helps event out or correct any muscle imbalance.

It also helps improve reactivity, coordination and acceleration, to name but a few. As its name may suggest, you can do a one-legged jump by placing your knee slightly ahead of your foot and using the opposite side of your body for momentum by slightly tilting back before you begin.

How serious is SARS-Cov-2?

SARS-CoV-2 is the name given the novel coronavirus; the disease it causes is known as COVID-19.

According to the WHO, the new coronavirus so far has an average R0 (contagion metric) between 2 and 2.5, which means an infected person can pass it on to more than two people.

This makes it more contagious than seasonal flu (R0 1.3), H1N1 - which has an R0 between 1.2 and 1.6 - and Ebola with R0 of 1.6 to 2.

But it is less contagious than SARS, which was passed on to up to four people or MERS, which had a transmission rate between 2.5 and 7.2 in some places.

Several variables can decide whether someone will make another person sick, including the way it is transmitted (through the air or in bodily fluids); whether a pathogen is contagious during its incubation period; how long that incubation period lasts; and how many people the average patient has contact with.

How to protect yourself

There are several directives given by health organisations to stay safe. They include:

  • Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap;
  • Covering your face when you cough or sneeze, either with a tissue that you immediately dispose of, or with your elbow;
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Cleaning surfaces and objects you touch often;
  • Avoiding direct contact with live animals in affected areas.
**DO NOT USE** INTERACTIVE: Covid-19 protection

Scientists doubt the effectiveness of face masks in protecting a healthy person from airborne viruses, saying they are more useful in keeping an infected person from affecting others.

More countries are advising people to self-quarantine for at least two weeks while implementing a series of sweeping "social distancing" measures, including banning public gatherings and shutting down schools.

Social distancing aims to slow the spread of the virus, giving global health systems more time to care for patients who need help, which is also known as "flattening the curve".

INTERACTIVE: Covid-19 Flattening the curve

It is most effective when used against infections that can be transmitted via droplet contact (coughing or sneezing), which is the case with the coronavirus.

Cancellation of public events that draw large crowds, such as sporting events and music festivals, is an essential part of social distancing, but avoiding smaller gatherings is equally important, according to Johns Hopkins University.

When you are in any kind of gathering or at a service provider, it is important to stay at least 1.8 metres (six feet) away from anyone around you.

Other social distancing techniques are working from home instead of at the office, e-learning instead of going to school, and visiting loved ones via electronic devices instead of in person.

INTERACTIVE: Covid-19 Social distancing

Symptoms and what to do if you think you caught it

According to the WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and a dry cough. Some patients may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.

Current estimates of the incubation period - the amount of time between infection and the onset of symptoms - range from one to 14 days. Most infected people show symptoms within five to six days.

However, infected patients can also be asymptomatic, not displaying symptoms despite having the virus in their system.

The elderly, those with underlying medical conditions - such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes - and those who are immunocompromised, are more likely to develop serious illness.

Read more on what the coronavirus does to your body if you catch it.

INTERACTIVE: Coronavirus COVID-19 symptoms explainer

Many countries have set up dedicated hotlines for people who suspect they have been infected.

People are asked to contact the hotline before going to a hospital to avoid the possibility of spreading the virus in an unprepared healthcare facility or on the way there.

Contact specialized help as soon as you suspect you are ill and limit contact with others as much as possible.

To date, there is no vaccine and no medicine for COVID-19. While some traditional or home remedies can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of the disease, there is no proof that existing medicine can prevent or cure it, according to the WHO.