industry news Latest acquisition supports Diversey’s continued mission
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eading global hygiene and cleaning-product company Diversey has announced the acquisition of the global intellectual property rights related to Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), an innovative and revolutionary technology, from Virox Technologies, Inc. Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) is a globally patented, synergistic blend of commonly used ingredients that produces exceptional potency as a germicide and superior performance as a cleaner. AHP has proven to be a fast, effective,
responsible and sustainable solution. Each year, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and food-borne illnesses impact millions of people globally. Over the past decade, Diversey and Virox have partnered to develop a number of AHP-based solutions, including leading brands such as Oxivir®, Accel® and ViperTM/MC, to address these concerns. In previous years, Diversey has invested significantly to build a leadership position in healthcare and infection prevention through thought leadership, innovation, and
evidence-based product and practice development. This acquisition supports Diversey’s continued mission to reduce preventable infections, control associated costs and, ultimately, help save lives across the world. “With a mission to protect and care for people every day, infection prevention is a major focus for Diversey. Adding this intellectual property to our portfolio will enhance our ability to accelerate innovation and grow our position in infection prevention globally,” said Mark Burgess, CEO of Diversey.
Industry urged to review cleaning practices as coronavirus spreads
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he World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new strain of coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern. The decision was announced after a Geneva meeting of the international organisation’s emergency committee. Director-General of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the virus as an “unprecedented outbreak” that has been met with an “unprecedented response”. “The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries.
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African Cleaning Review January/February 2020
“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to other countries with weaker health systems.” Coronaviruses (CoV) refer to a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The 2019-nCoV, also known as the Wuhan coronavirus is a novel or new coronavirus, that was first identified in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. While no cases were reported in South Africa as of January 29, 2020, there were more than 6 000 confirmed cases worldwide, including eight cases of human-to-human transmission in four countries, and the virus had been reported in as many as 18 countries outside of China. According to Biorisk management professional, Patty Olinger, executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, everyone, including cleaning professionals, needs to pay close attention to what is going on in the world regarding the Wuhan coronavirus. “Right now, cleaning professionals and the general public need to remind
themselves of proper practices for illnesses such as the flu, which should be equally protective with this novel virus,” Olinger says. “Wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when you can’t wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, stay home if you feel ill, and keep you distance from those who are ill,” Olinger told CMM.
Other preventative measures include: • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. • Using 70 percent alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick. • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. • Stay home when you are sick.
