So, another week, another cruise ship gone wild story. This time it’s a Royal Caribbean cruise that’s been cut short after 600, yes, that’s right 600 PEOPLE have fallen ill. You can see the full story here.

Check Kill Claim Time Before Using.

Check Kill Claim Time Before Using.

While the “official” reason for the illnesses hasn’t been disclosed, it’s probably good to reason it’s norovirus. This is a nasty virus that causes stomach cramping, vomiting, diarrhea and can really put a damper on your vacation.

It spreads like wild fire through enclosed spaces from things like doorhandles, had-to-hand contact and more surface areas. It’s the scourge of the cruise ship industry, has been for years and yet, there are solutions.

Many EPA registered disinfectants are labelled for effective use against norovirus and others nasty bugs. These products include very special ingredients that can effectively kill the virus, but THEY HAVE TO BE USED PROPERLY.

Users really have to make sure they read the label properly. For example, kill claims include time periods. The label in this post is from a very well known disinfecting spray. Note that it has a 10 minute claim on kills for many of the viruses we are looking to protect ourselves by. If you swipe and wipe, it has little effect.

So what right? How is this related to HVAC? Well, just think about all the bacteria, mold and mildew that you can’t see that’s living in your HVAC. It too can cause a variety of harmful effects on you – or your passengers if you happen to run a cruise line. Make sure that part of your HVAC maintenance includes a disinfecting and bacterial control regimen. This will keep HVAC components like coils, plenums and pans free and clear of bacteria, mold and mildew. It will also create better indoor air quality (IAQ) for you and your family, employees etc.

And one last thing. CHECK THE DARN LABELS. Not only for the kill claim time, but also that you disinfectant and control chemicals are labelled for use in HVAC systems. Some of the stuff out there is nastier than the bugs it’s trying to kill and you don’t want to be spraying it around HVAC systems.

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