Virginia Research Day 2022

Medical Student Research Cl inical

15 Changes In Use Of Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC) Disinfectants In Private Practice Clinics Across Florida - Preliminary Results

Chelsea J. Bengson; Venu M. Peddibhotla; Ashley S. Azmoodeh; Elizabeth Fernandez; Theresa J. McCann; Terry C. Hrubec Corresponding author: cbengson@vt.vcom.edu

VCOM Virginia

series of standardized questions about their disinfectant use and any changes made to their sanitation protocols in response to the pandemic. Descriptive statistics of means and proportions are being used along with assessment of normality and distribution of the data. Normality and distribution of data are being assessed. Paired t-tests or non- parametric equivalents are used to compare changes in disinfection practices. All analyses are 2-tailed with statistical significance set at p<0.05, and 95% confidence intervals will be provided for outcomes. We hypothesize that the use of disinfectant practices has increased in medical offices throughout the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has resulted in an increased use of QAC containing products.

dermatitis, and other medical complications. Evaluation of population wide exposure has found residual QACs in 80% of individuals. These exposed individuals demonstrated a dose dependent increase in markers of inflammation and a decline in mitochondrial function with increasing blood QAC concentration. Due to the travel restrictions and other social limitations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have spent more time indoors. It is documented that indoor levels of QACs have increased during the pandemic with a possible increase in QAC exposure. The objective of this ongoing study is to assess the disinfectant products use in private practices along with any changes made due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study focuses on specific rooms within the practice including patient exam rooms and waiting rooms. Private practices in Florida are being surveyed by telephone and are asked a

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitation protocols and products utilized in healthcare facilities have been significantly altered. Due to the possibility for asymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the longevity of its survival on fomites, habitual disinfection of facilities is vital to control spread of the virus. Upon analysis of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of adequate disinfecting products against SARS- CoV-2, over half of these products contain an active Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC). QACs are present in various consumer and industrial products such as disinfectants, detergents, hand sanitizers and wipes, deodorizers, and personal care products. Due to their affordable cost, non-corrosive property, and perceived safety, these products are preferentially used. However, workers exposed to these QACs have developed asthma, contact

This research is IRB exempt and funded in part by VCOM.

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