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Effective cleaning methods for reducing biocontaminant levels

Clean surfaces are a key element in lowering personal exposure to fine dust by reducing resuspension. However, it is not known which methods effectively remove fine dust from surfaces whilst not resuspending it. The objective of this research was to find such methods. We allowed about 0.3 g/m2 Arizona test dust to settle onto desk top materials. Dust removal was studied microscopically. Dry wiping (e.g. with paper tissue, electrostatic cloth) removes less than 75% of the fine dust. Efficacy decreases within the first 10 cm of cleaningmovement. Damp wipers, that use water or mineral oil to bind the particles, completely remove the dust. Dust resuspension measured by PVI showed that roughly a few percent of the settled dust is resuspended by cleaning. Dry methods and at higher cleaning velocity increase resuspension. For optimum protection of office and cleaning staff to fine dust, damp cleaning at a low velocity is preferred.