I have to say, I agree that when I did inspections for over 13 years I hated it when people called me a health inspector. There was so much more to what I did than inspect retail food facilities. In addition, I used a lot of science and critical thinking skills to determine if a process was safe in regards to numerous issues. For example, was the way that a child care facility handling diaper changing putting children at risk for illness. Is the water we drink safe, what about the air we breath, then there is protecting the public from harmful animals and insects that carry human diseases. The list goes on and on.
Therefore, Environmental Health Specialists are trained in numerous areas to help protect the public from their environment to increase their quality of life. So the next time you see someone inspecting a facility or working to make our environment and communities safer. Say thanks and don't call them a "Health Inspector". Have a great day and enjoy the clean air, water, and safe food.
Shelly Wallingford, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) working hard for you and all our families every day.
One of the most overlooked part of cleaning hotel rooms is the jetted bathtub
ReplyDeleteJetted bathtubs have about 15 to 20 feet of plumbing lines underneath the tub. These lines are full of warm stagnant water. This contaminated water forms what is called biofilm. Biofilm is full of bacteria and mold. Biofilm is resistant to chemicals not designed specifically to remove biofilm. The University of Bozeman Montana's Center for Biofilm Engineering has proven that bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can't penetrate biofilm, along with vinegar, dishwasher detergent etc. You must use a chemical specifically designed to remover biofilm to clean the tub.
What are the hazards of bathing in untreated water?
1) When the jets are turned on, you are breathing in high levels of mold and bacteria.
2) Large facilities like hotels run the risk of developing Legionnaires Disease.
3) You are bathing in very high levels of bacteria.
4) In hotels and resorts, patrons are literally sharing bath water from previous users.
Properly treated tubs should be as safe to bath in as the source/tap water. Bacteria levels in untreated tubs may have a plate count of 1,000,000 or so, and down to 100 if treated properly.