Category Archives: Uncategorized

Administrators must continue to put health and safety first

COVID-19 introduced parents and faculty to a new level of cleanliness protocols that they might not want to see go away – ever. With flu, the potential for COVID case spikes and this desire for aggressive disinfection measures, schools are not able to let their guards down. Consistent and regular disinfecting must remain top of mind when class resumes in the fall, and beyond.

But what is the best way to keep students and the environment safe?

Safety and Efficacy: The Benefits of Botanical Disinfectants

While generally 99.99% effective, common synthetic chemical-based disinfectants are hazardous, poisonous, are not environmentally sustainable and can lead to antimicrobial resistance because bacteria adapt to the chemicals when they encounter the same formulations repeatedly. And those who apply these products = are warned to take special precautions, including the use of personal protective gear.

People with certain immune system disorders and other health issues can be particularly sensitive to these chemicals, which can lead to adverse events and negative reactions. Like the protocols schools put in place to protect people with peanut or latex allergies, those who have chemical sensitivities need special considerations when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting.

Authentically botanical disinfectants provide that same level of effectiveness –99.99% or more – yet they do not come with the warning labels and the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Harsh chemical ingredients are replaced with natural essential oils that have been used for thousands of years for their antimicrobial properties.

Authentically botanical disinfectants are considered ideal for these at-risk populations with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as skin and eye safe. And there is no need for extra protective gear when applying botanical disinfectants because of the pure essential oil ingredients that are still effective against germs.

When considering a product for your school, it’s important to note that not all botanical disinfectants are created equally – and some claims might be misleading.

Knowing the Difference: Botanical vs. Authentically Botanical

To understand the difference between botanical and bio-based disinfectants, we first need to look at the difference between old organic carbon and new organic carbon.

Old organic carbon comes from the remains of organisms, such as plants or animals, that have decomposed over millions of years and have been exposed to forces of heat and pressure. Petroleum and coal are examples of old organic carbon that we take from the earth and use as fossil fuels. These resources are not renewable.

On the other hand, new organic carbon comes from live plants and trees that are harvested for use. New organic carbon is considered renewable in that it can be used repeatedly and does not run out because it is naturally replaced.

The term bio-based content refers to how much new organic content there is in an object or substance compared to how much old organic content is used. When it comes to disinfectants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests the ratio as part of its BioPreferred® Program.

This is relevant to botanical disinfectants because a product that is labeled botanical might contain as little as 25% bio-based content with a portion of the remaining content coming from petroleum-based synthetic botanicals – meaning that those “botanical” disinfectants and cleaners will not provide the same level of gentleness on surfaces and benefits to the built environment, as those with 100% bio-based content.

Understanding How Authentically Botanical Disinfectants Work

Authentically botanical means that the product is derived from all bio-based content. One of the most common active ingredients in this type of cleaner is thymol, an essential oil that is derived from thyme, oregano or ajwain – all highly renewable resources.

Thymol has naturally strong antiseptic properties and has been used for centuries as incense to purify air, as a natural pesticide and to heal skin infections. Farms have used the same process for centuries to steam and extract the oils for a variety of uses.

That process is still intact and in use today as the basis for disinfectant cleaners, supporting farms of all sizes. From the farm to the shelf, authentically botanical products offer a sustainable way to protect people without the risk to human health of the environment.

When Safety and Efficacy Matter Most

Schools need to ensure that they are using the safest, most effective disinfectant solutions to help protect vulnerable populations from harsh chemicals – while still providing maximum protection against the germs that make us sick.

There are ways to discern which “botanical” cleaners are authentic and which contain harsher ingredients:

• Look at the effectiveness. The disinfectant should show 99.99% efficacy against viruses and bacteria.
• Watch for the warning signs. Authentically botanical cleaners with 100% bio-based content will not include special symbols or warnings on the label, such as flammability or the need for personal protective gear during application. If there are warning signs on the bottle, chances are, it is not truly botanical.
• Reference the USDA website. The USDA has a program where disinfectants are rigorously tested to detect the percentage of bio-based content that is used. Look at the USDA website to ensure you are choosing safe and effective products– for both people and the environment.

So, as schools prepare for the next year and potentially new surges of COVID-19 and the flu, they should take the time to ensure they are using only the purest botanical cleaners to protect the health of students and staff.

Authentically botanical disinfectants allow hospitals to take a holistic approach to ensuring health and safety of patients, visitors

Hospitals and health care facilities have always had some of the strictest cleanliness protocols, but never more so since the onset of the pandemic. Every aspect of surface disinfectant has been heightened.

With the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the threat of an active flu season ahead, facility managers must constantly evolve their disinfectant practices to ensure both the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff. They must look at every aspect of the commercial disinfectants they choose to not only ensure efficacy, but also to protect vulnerable populations and those with a weakened immune system from harsh chemicals.

Botanical disinfectants have grown in popularity for this reason – they are considered both safe and effective. But do you understand the science behind botanical disinfectants? Do you know what to look for to get the maximum benefits? What botanical products are best for keeping patients, staff and the environment safe?

Here are the three things you need to know about botanical disinfectants to help you make the best decisions.

1. Authentically botanical disinfectants are 99.99%+ effective and do not carry the same threat of antibiotic resistance as chemical-based cleaners.

While generally 99.99% effective, some common synthetic chemical-based disinfectants are not environmentally sustainable and can lead to antimicrobial resistance because bacteria adapt to the chemicals when they encounter the same formulations repeatedly – which can be of particular concern to hospitals. And those who apply these products are warned to take special precautions, including the use of personal protective gear.

People with certain immune system disorders and other health issues can be particularly sensitive to these chemicals, which can lead to adverse events and negative reactions. Like the protocols hospitals put in place to protect people with peanut or latex allergies, those who have chemical sensitivities need special considerations when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting.

Authentically botanical disinfectants provide that same level of effectiveness – 99.99% or more – yet they do not come with the warning labels and the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Traditional chemical ingredients are replaced with natural essential oils that have been used for thousands of years for their antimicrobial properties.

Authentically botanical disinfectants with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered ideal for at-risk populations and are considered skin and eye safe. There is no need for extra protective gear when applying botanical disinfectants because of the pure essential oil ingredients that are still effective against germs.

2. Not all botanical disinfectants are created equally – some are chemical-based.

To understand the difference between botanical and bio-based disinfectants, we first need to look at the difference between old organic carbon and new organic carbon.

Old organic carbon comes from the remains of organisms, such as plants or animals, that have decomposed over millions of years and have been exposed to the forces of heat and pressure. Petroleum and coal are examples of old organic carbon that we take from the earth and use as fossil fuels. These resources are not renewable.

On the other hand, new organic carbon comes from live plants and trees that are harvested for use. New organic carbon is considered renewable in that it can be used repeatedly and does not run out because it is naturally replaced.

The term bio-based content refers to how much new organic content there is in an object or substance compared to how much old organic content is used. When it comes to disinfectants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests the ratio as part of its BioPreferred® Program.

This is relevant to botanical disinfectants because a product that is labeled botanical might contain as little as 25% bio-based content with a portion of the remaining content coming from petroleum-based synthetic botanicals – meaning that those “botanical” disinfectants and cleaners are not as gentle on surfaces and do not benefit the built environment like those with 100% bio-based content.

3. Authentically botanical disinfectants should be 100% bio-based.

Authentically botanical means that the product is derived from all bio-based content. One of the most common active ingredients in this type of cleaner is thymol, a constituent component of essential oils that is derived from thyme, oregano or ajwain – all highly renewable resources.

Thymol has naturally strong antiseptic properties and has been used for centuries as incense to purify air, as a natural pesticide and to heal skin infections. Farms have used the same process for centuries to steam and extract the oils for a variety of uses.

That process is still intact and in use today as the basis for disinfectant cleaners, supporting farms of all sizes. From the farm to the shelf, authentically botanical products offer a sustainable way to protect people without the risk to human health or the environment.

How to tell the difference when selecting botanical disinfectants.

There are ways to discern which “botanical” disinfectants are authentic and which contain harsher ingredients:

• Look at the effectiveness. The disinfectant should show 99.99% efficacy against viruses and bacteria.
• Watch for the warning signs. Authentically botanical disinfectants with 100% bio-based content will not include special symbols or warnings on the label, such as flammability or the need for personal protective gear during application. If there are warning signs on the bottle, chances are, it is not truly botanical.
• Reference the USDA website. The USDA has a program where disinfectants are rigorously tested to detect the percentage of bio-based content that is used. Look at the USDA website to ensure you are choosing safe and effective products – for both people and the environment.

So as you continue to research and evolve your disinfectant practices in the face of emerging strains of COVID-19, flu and more, be sure to remember these simple tips for making the best decision for your hospital or health care setting.

Think pure. Think clean. Think healthy.

What does it mean to go botanical? By definition, botanical means a substance that is derived from a plant. So why go botanical with your disinfectants? Consider that authentically botanical solutions can displace millions of pounds of synthetic chemicals from entering our ecosystem and our bodies―the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we enjoy are all made safer by products that pose no harm to our health.

Standard Cleaning Products

Traditional cleaners and disinfectants may contain chemicals that produce VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be released into the environment through evaporation or introduced to water supplies via residual rinsing of mops, towels and sponges. VOCs are gases that can negatively affect indoor air quality and that contribute to outdoor air pollution.

Additionally, some active ingredients in synthetic disinfectants may biodegrade at a slow rate and pose a contamination risk if not properly treated. This can be harmful and even toxic to wildlife, especially aquatic animals, and can even make its way into our food chain. For example, alkylphenol ethoxylate, a common surfactant used in popular cleaners, has been shown in laboratory studies to function as an “endocrine disrupter,” causing adverse reproductive effects in wildlife exposed to polluted waters.*

Conventional cleaning products might also contain chemicals like nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia that cannot be removed by waste treatment processes. Instead, these contaminants enter waterways and accumulate, triggering unnatural, accelerated growth for some plant life.

An authentically botanical disinfectant, however, uses only essential oils from nature to kill germs. There are no concerns about pollution nor product warning labels calling for layers of eye, skin and respiratory protection. By essentially bottling a plant’s immune system, the benefits add up when cleaning up anywhere.

The Botanical Solution

A truly botanical solution is a safer alternative to synthetic cleaners that may use bleach, phosphates, chlorine or other harsh chemicals. But that doesn’t mean bacteria and viruses have nothing to fear. Botanical products use ingredients taken from the earth, not produced in factories, to work just as hard as synthetic cleaners and disinfectants, but without harming people or the environment. In fact, many of the plant compounds contained in the world’s only authentically botanical disinfectant, Benefect®, are sourced directly from small family farms where the oils are extracted through an on-site distillation process.

We only formulate with safe, sustainable ingredients to create disinfectant products that use a proprietary blend of essential oils, including thyme, lemongrass and oregano, plus a biosurfactant―a cleaning and emulsifying component―derived from palm kernel, pharmaceutical-grade water and naturally occurring groundwater ions.

One distillation batch comes from just 2 acres of crops and is enough to produce 5,000 gallons of Benefect product that is pure but effective at killing germs―just like a plant’s immune system.

As a result, Benefect disinfectants and wipes are proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria and surpass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efficacy requirements for a broad spectrum of uses. They also carry the highest safety rating allowable by the EPA, meaning less liability for cleaning professionals and facility managers.

In the same way our bodies produce antibodies to fight disease, plants produce germ-killing oils to protect from invading microbes. Benefect blends these antimicrobial extracts to give businesses more reasons to go botanical when disinfecting for better health and a healthier environment.

Is it pure?

Here’s what to watch for when selecting a botanical disinfectant solution:

Look for warning labels.
If a product says “warning,” “caution,” “harmful” or “danger,” it most likely is not botanical and contains harmful chemicals.

Read the description.
If the product label lists something you learned about in chemistry class or can’t pronounce, put it down. Botanical ingredients should contain known plants.

Don’t rely on marketing.
Many products are labeled “natural,” “organic” or “green,” but that does not mean they are safe. Check for third-party certifications on the label to verify information, like those from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically of their BioPreferred® program. This program provides information about the true biobased contents of a product, which is measured by how much new organic carbon from pants is used compared to old organic carbon found in coal and petroleum.

Do your homework.
Know your products and the company. Learn what their philosophy is, how they make their products and from what ingredients.

Visit benefect.com to learn more and to read about why Benefect is the first and only 100% biobased disinfectant.

 

*Sourced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency