Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill to establish requirements for the proper disinfection and cleaning of all public buildings, elementary and secondary schools, and day care centers. The "Clean Buildings and Schools Act" would require the state Commissioner of Public Health to establish guidelines for classrooms, restrooms and public areas to promote good health and hygiene.

The bill specifically responds to several findings, including:

• Studies have shown that mold, which can be found in restrooms, can cause an increase in asthma and in asthmatic symptoms.
• Rotavirus, which can be found on faucets, causes 600,000 deaths annually throughout the world.
• Germs that cause colds can survive on common classroom surfaces for up to 72 hours.
• Studies have concluded that an organized cleaning program based upon environmental management principles can contribute to a measurable improvement in indoor air quality and reduce the spread of mold, bacteria and dangerous viruses.

The bill goes on to state that "addressing the spread of germs in schools and public buildings is essential to the health of our youth, our schools and our nation. Disinfecting and cleaning products are vitally important to protect health in public areas and restrooms."

If passed, the bill would require the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Education, to establish cleaning and disinfecting guidelines for classrooms, restrooms and common areas in all day care centers, schools and public buildings. All public buildings will be required to comply with the guidelines.

To view a copy of the proposed legislation, please go to:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/hbillsrch.htm and search for bill number 2094.

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Assistant Administrator for water, Benjamin Grumbles, has requested to formally engage stakeholders to help the Agency revise the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) addressing microbial contaminants in drinking water.

According to an article in the Bureau of National Affairs (April 5), Grumbles has asked EPA to form a FACA (Federal Advisory Committee Act) committee. The FACA would allow EPA to negotiate an Agreement in Principle on revisions to TCR and to determine additional information needed regarding health risks associated with water distribution systems.

EPA decided to revise the TCR in 2003 to reduce the burden on water utilities and because many believe the rule is not an appropriate indicator of water quality in the distribution system. "The main concern with waterborne disease stems from problems in the distribution systems, where contamination can occur after water has been treated," notes BNA.

The establishment of a FACA is awaiting a final decision by EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock. If approved, the committee would be convened in June.

In February 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its second drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL). This month, EPA announced preliminary determination for 11 of the 51 contaminants. EPA is now requesting public comment on its preliminary determination that "none of the 11 contaminants need to be regulated in drinking water."

EPA further concluded that two other contaminants - perchlorate and MTBE - require additional investigation to determine total human exposure and health risks.

The agency's preliminary regulatory determination, based on an extensive review of health effects and occurrence data, concludes that the specific contaminants do not occur at levels of public health concern in public water systems. Included in the list released by the EPA are boron; the dacthal mono- and di-acid degradates; 1,10-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE); 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone); 2,4-dinitrotoluene; 2,6-dinitrotoluene; s-ethyl propylthiocarbonate (EPTC); fonofos; terbacil; and 1,1,2,2-tertrachloroethane.

In support of its finding, EPA reports that, "occurrence information indicates that these 11 contaminants either appear to be nonexistent or have low levels of occurrence at health levels of concern in public water systems and regulating these contaminants does not present a meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction."

The 60-day public comment period extends from April 2007 through June 2007. A final regulatory determination is expected from EPA in 2008.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/reg_determine2.html for more information.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international body created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop food safety standards and guidelines, has begun an assessment of the benefits and risks of the use of "active chlorine" in food production and food processing.

WHO and FAO will form an expert panel to consider the potential risks of chemical residues in food products as well as the benefit of lowering the risk of microbial hazards. The main areas to be considered relate to the treatment of processing water and food contact surfaces as well as direct treatment of foods such as fresh produce, fish and seafood, meat and poultry. The panel will review various chlorine disinfectants including hypochlorous acid, chlorous acid, chlorine gas and chlorine dioxide.

The panel will review the efficacy of active chlorine treatment, taking into account different treatment scenarios, different chlorine-containing substances and different pathogens and pathogen/food combinations. Further, the Commission will explore current disinfection practices as well as proposed alternative practices.

Advice from WHO and FAO will be delivered at an expert meeting this year.

For more information, visit http://www.who.int/ipcs/food/active_chlorine/en/index.html.

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