ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug 24, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ecolab Inc.'s Healthcare division announced today it has entered into an
exclusive licensing agreement with infection control expert Philip C.
Carling, MD for his environmental hygiene patent applications. Dr.
Carling will serve in an advisory role to Ecolab, which will utilize his
expertise to further drive the development of comprehensive
environmental hygiene solutions and programs healthcare facilities need
to combat the problem of healthcare acquired infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more
than 1.7 million patients become infected during the course of medical
treatment each year, costing the healthcare industry approximately $33
billion in direct medical costs.
"We know that improperly cleaned patient rooms can elevate the risk of
infection, but solving the problem takes a consistent process and
dedicated effort that includes the right tools, education and training
to implement best practices across all levels," said Dr. Carling. "I
look forward to advising Ecolab as it advances its innovations in
cleaning, disinfection and operational improvement in the healthcare
industry."
Dr. Carling is a professor of clinical medicine at the Boston University
School of Medicine and Director of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology at Carney Hospital in Boston and Quincy Medical Center,
Quincy Massachusetts. His peer-reviewed research of high-touch surfaces
in patient rooms in three studies found that only about 50 percent of
the surfaces were "cleaned in compliance with institutional policies" at
first testing. However, with the implementation of training and
education programs, the thoroughness of cleaning was dramatically
improved. Cleaning compliance was measured by using a patent-pending
solution developed by Dr. Carling that fluoresces under a black light
when applied to surfaces such as bed rails, doorknobs and tray tables.
"Ecolab scientists are constantly working to develop new and innovative
products and services to stop the spread of pathogens that cause
infections," said Paul B. Chaffin, Vice President for Ecolab Healthcare
North America. "The insight and knowledge of environmental hygiene that
Dr. Carling can provide will further strengthen the solutions we are
able to offer our hospital partners to improve the health and safety of
their environments."
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc.
(NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety
and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers
comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage
processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160
countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-C)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Paul Chaffin, 651-293-4009
Copyright Business Wire 2009