COVID-19: Sanitizer vs. Disinfectant

In a recent article Marcelo Gleiser noted that “the year 2020 will be remembered as a turnaround point in human history” and that this terrible pandemic is “offering us a chance to reinvent ourselves.” At Bennett Build we believe this is true. Change also requires struggle and there is much work to be done. 

It is great to watch the positive response from the construction industry in tackling the COVID-19 crisis, but it is also a process of education. People will make mistakes and it is important that we learn from those mistakes. 

As we help our clients get their facilities ready it is important that right products and procedures are used. Before one can do that the language around both the problem and the solutions must be understood. If one is trying to rid a space of a pathogen the correct professional term to use is disinfect. This is because it is a disinfectant and not a sanitizer that will destroy a pathogen like COVID-19. Sanitizers are helpful in maintaining cleanliness, but it is the disinfectant that kills. There are also different levels of disinfectants. Make sure to use an appropriate solution for your problem as not all types of facilities may be disinfected in the same manner. 

Across North America, we are working with partners to create and implement fast-action disinfection strategies to help people and their facilities during this COVID-19 crisis. Professionals are eager to share what they have learned to get us safely up and running again.

Lastly, it is important to identify and stop the problem before it grows. Please see the following CDC links on how to not only protect yourself, but also what to do if you believe you may be sick. 

How to protect yourself:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

If you think you are sick:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html