Evidence Validates Effectiveness of Splashblocker in Reducing Toilet Plume

7^th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress--Splashblocker, LLC announced positive results of a recently published study conducted by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The study was published in the special May, 2022 COVID Supplement of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH).

Many studies have shown that flushing institutional toilets may facilitate the spread of pathogenic organisms. Since most hospital toilets do not have a lid, flushing the toilet creates bioaerosols which can contaminate surfaces and cause potential inhalation of particles. This increases the risk of exposure to healthcare workers, patients and visitors.

"In our aerosol lab we performed a series of experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the Splashblocker^® in reducing particles of various sizes," said Changjie Cai, PhD, who led the study. "We used state-of-the-art aerosol devices (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer) to measure detailed particle size distributions generated from flushing over time, with and without the Splashblocker^®. We found it can effectively reduce the particles especially during the first 90 seconds when the highest particle concentrations are generated. In doing so, it may reduce inhalation of particulates containing SARS CoV-2 and other microorganisms or hazardous substances when they are present."

"As oncology nurses, we've been concerned for decades about the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs (HDs) when flushing a toilet," said Seth Eisenberg RN, OCN, BMTCN who was part of the study team. "We know what's in excreta and there's ample evidence to support this. While our guidelines have recommended covering the toilet with a disposable plastic-backed pad, we've never had scientific evidence to demonstrate efficacy, and there have been ongoing concerns regarding cost, environmental, and plumbing issues. We now have scientific evidence to demonstrate how the Splashblocker^® significantly reduces exposure and environmental contamination."

Thomas Connor, PhD, who recently retired as a Research Biologist for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was also one of the study designers. "For over twenty years, NIOSH has been researching methods for reducing or eliminating exposure to HDs. Organizations such as ONS have adopted NIOSH guidelines into their own guidelines, and have included engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). We know that PPE does not prevent environmental contamination and that HDs can be transferred throughout the healthcare facility. The Splashblocker is an engineering barrier control that protects workers from aerosols generated from flushing institutional toilets which may contain HDs and their metabolites, or infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. As such, it joins other engineering controls such as biological safety cabinets and closed system transfer devices which are designed to protect the healthcare worker and environment."

"We are excited by the proof of the significant reduction in aerosolized particles," said Brian Crawford, CEO & Co-Founder of Splashblocker, LLC. "This study has proven that the Splashblocker^®, which was invented by an oncology nurse, is an innovative, engineering barrier control that mitigates the risk of dangerous exposures for healthcare workers."

About Splashblocker

Splashblocker, LLC is committed to improving the safety of nurses, patients, caregivers and healthcare personnel worldwide. Today, due to globally emerging infectious diseases like coronavirus and drug resistant pathogens like Clostridioides difficile, exposures to hazards generated by toilet plume aerosols can elicit a greater risk than in years past. For more information, visit www.splashblocker.com.