The early years of life are crucial for a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and exposure to harmful pathogens can have serious consequences.

HKVNS Alumni Association Kindergarten (KCC)

Successful Case:

With the ongoing concern about the spread of infectious diseases, it's more important than ever to maintain a clean and hygienic learning environment, especially for young children.

To foster a healthier and safer learning environment for their students, HKVNS Alumni Association Kindergarten was proactive to conduct an IEH assessment to evaluate their existing environmental hygiene, identify the sources of contamination and upgrade their cleaning practice.

A before-and-after case study was conducted in October 2023 to assess the effectiveness of Whiz Gambit in reducing the presence of pathogens and improving overall cleanliness in various areas of a school. The study compared ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) readings and pathogen diagnostic results before and after disinfection.

The results were striking. In the classroom, ATP readings on tables decreased from 6,094 RLU (Relative Light Units) to just 29 RLU after disinfection. The pathogen diagnostic also revealed the presence of several harmful microorganisms, including Parainfluenza type 3, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, and C. difficile, which were effectively eliminated after the use of Whiz Gambit.

Similar improvements were observed in other areas of the school. In the corridor, ATP readings on toys decreased from 1,440 RLU to 355 RLU, while the wooden wall showed a reduction from 283 RLU to 105 RLU. The playground also saw significant improvements, with ATP readings on slides decreasing from 5,366 RLU to 172 RLU and the rock climbing wall from 16,173 RLU to 563 RLU.

The activity room and toilet areas were not left behind. ATP readings on music instruments in the activity room decreased from 18,495 RLU to 1,004 RLU, while the toilet faucet showed a reduction from 1,364 RLU to 50 RLU. The pathogen diagnostic in these areas also revealed the presence of harmful microorganisms, which were successfully eliminated by Whiz Gambit.

While these results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of Whiz Gambit in creating a safer and healthier learning environment, it also indicates the areas for improvement in daily cleaning practice. Janitors could then pay extra attention to those high touch high risk spots, ensuring those surfaces are properly treated and maintained to protect the health and well-being of students and staff.

Investing in IEH assessment is a smart choice for educational institutions looking to prioritize the health and safety of their students and staff. By creating a clean and hygienic learning environment, HKVNS successfully reduced the risk of infectious disease transmission, lowered absenteeism, and promoted a more productive and enjoyable educational experience.

Don't compromise on the health and well-being of your students and staff. Contact Avalon Steritech today to learn more about how IEH service can help your educational institution maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Our team of experts is ready to work with you to develop a customized solution that meets your specific needs and budget.

  1. Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases
    Young children's immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. In schools, where children are in close contact with one another, the risk of transmission is significantly higher. Poor indoor environmental hygiene can lead to the spread of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other communicable diseases.

  2. Exacerbation of Allergies and Respiratory Conditions
    Dust, mold, and other allergens can accumulate in poorly maintained indoor environments, triggering or exacerbating allergies and respiratory conditions such as asthma. Children with these pre-existing health issues are particularly vulnerable and may experience more frequent and severe symptoms in unhygienic settings.

  3. Long-term Health Consequences
    Repeated exposure to harmful pathogens and allergens during childhood can have long-lasting effects on health. Studies have shown that early life experiences play a significant role in shaping an individual's future health outcomes, including their risk of developing chronic conditions later in life.

  4. Impact on Cognitive Development and Learning
    Illness-related absenteeism and the effects of chronic health conditions can hinder a child's ability to learn and thrive in school. By maintaining a hygienic environment and reducing the incidence of illness, schools can support children's cognitive development and academic success.

Impact of Poor Indoor Environmental Hygiene on Children's Health

By conducting regular indoor environmental hygiene assessments, schools can identify and mitigate potential health risks, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for children to learn and grow.

Benefits of Regular IEH Assessment

  • Lower Absenteeism and Avoid Forced Closure
    By minimizing the spread of infectious diseases, schools can decrease the number of days lost to sick leave. This reduction in absenteeism ensures that children receive consistent, uninterrupted education and that teachers can maintain their instructional momentum. Moreover, this prevents the school from forced closure due to any flu outbreaks, minimizing disruption to students’ learning progress while protecting school’s reputation.

  • Early Detection and Intervention
    Regular hygiene assessments allow schools to identify potential health hazards early on, enabling them to take prompt action to address the issue. This proactive approach can prevent the spread of infectious diseases and minimize the impact on children's health.

  • Enhanced Cleaning Effectiveness
    By identifying specific areas or surfaces that harbor harmful pathogens, schools can review the performance and implement targeted cleaning and disinfection protocols with the janitors or their outsourced cleaning company. This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that the most critical areas receive the attention they need.

  • Happy Children, Happy Parents
    When children attend a school that prioritizes indoor environmental hygiene, they are more likely to be healthy, engaged, and eager to learn. Parents, in turn, can feel confident and reassured knowing that their children are learning in a safe and nurturing space. They can trust that the school is taking proactive measures to provide a safe and nurturing learning space. Happy, healthy children and satisfied parents create a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire school community.