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CDC Provides Schools with Everyday Infection Control Action Items

Microbiology Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	8/21/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	CDC Provides Schools with Everyday Infection Control Action Items
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify indoor environmental quality issues and support infection control programs.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 21, 2024 During the next month, millions of students and teachers return to classrooms to start the new school year. To help make this year a success, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools. The agency shares various everyday actions that schools can take to help keep students healthy by mitigating the spread of infections. Five actions listed include: Taking steps for cleaner air Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting Hand washing Respiratory etiquette Vaccinations Cleaner air can indeed reduce the likelihood of spreading disease, particularly respiratory viruses. Strategies listed by CDC to achieve this include: Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing outdoor air in accordance with ventilation design codes Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air Opening windows, when doing so does not create a safety hazard, to increase ventilation Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation Daily cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones and toys is also recommended. “So much can be done to mitigate the spread of infections in the classroom,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help school districts provide a safe and healthy learning environment, EMSL Analytical offers indoor environmental quality testing services for bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, asbestos, lead and other common exposure risks. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools.” EMSL has even sponsored an educational video sharing the CDC’s everyday action items for schools to prevent and control the spread of infections. It can be seen at: https://youtu.be/chhbvzt4WjM To learn more about this or other infection control and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view the complete line of IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.