Tag: public health

Survey: Clean Restrooms Support Public Health and Visitor Loyalty This Summer

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jul 23, 2026 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

As airports, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other public facilities welcome larger summer crowds, Bradley Company’s 17th annual Healthy Handwashing Survey highlights the role that well-maintained restrooms play in protecting public health and creating a positive visitor experience. The survey comes as Americans navigate another busy summer travel season while public health officials continue monitoring foodborne […]

How Flu Fears and Public Restroom Conditions Impact Handwashing Habits

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 12, 2026 Human Resources

Updated: Feb 12, 2026

As the U.S. is in the midst of a tough flu season, Americans are growing significantly more concerned about getting sick. According to Bradley Co.’s 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey, 70% of Americans are very or somewhat concerned about contracting the flu compared to 59% who felt that way just three years ago. That rising concern […]

The Need to Protect Against Rodent-Borne Diseases

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 10, 2026 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

California has reported the country’s first positive hantavirus rodent detection of 2026, a stark reminder that this relatively rare but deadly disease remains an active threat. The disease gained renewed attention last year following the tragic death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).  “Rodent-borne diseases didn’t disappear after last year’s tragedy,” said […]

American Lung Association Outlines State Policies to Boost Indoor Air Quality in Schools

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 21, 2026 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is a critical but unevenly addressed public health issue. Poor IAQ negatively impacts asthma, absenteeism, and learning outcomes. However, state laws addressing school IAQ vary widely. To help move states toward comprehensive protections, the American Lung Association has released a new report, “A Win-Win for Lung Health: How Policies […]

Back to Basics: Cooling Tower Maintenance to Reduce Legionella Risks

By Joe Bebon, Editor Oct 2, 2025 Back to Basics

Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. The recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City led to dozens of hospitalizations and multiple fatalities. This incident is part of a concerning trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of […]

Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air Launches

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 25, 2025 Green Building

Updated: Sep 25, 2025

At the United Nations during Climate Week, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), alongside nearly 170 global leaders from public health, academia, civil society, building science, real estate, and industry—representing over 30 countries—announced the formation of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. According to the commission, indoor air pollution represents a major public health crisis, […]

ASHRAE Highlights Resources to Combat Legionnaires’ Disease Risk in Buildings

By Joe Bebon, Editor Aug 11, 2025 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Amid growing concern about Legionnaires’ disease, especially with recent outbreaks in New York City and parts of Ohio, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is offering guidance to help mitigate risks and support building safety. Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, is most commonly associated with water systems […]

International WELL Building Institute Boosts Governance Council With New Members

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 10, 2025 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 10, 2025

As the call for healthier and more sustainable buildings continues, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has enlisted more experts to help advance adoption of its WELL healthy building standard. The organization appointed several new members to its Governance Council, a coalition of global thought leaders, doctors, public health professionals, and business executives who uphold the […]

Back to Basics: Combatting Winter Respiratory Disease Season with Indoor Air Quality

By Guy Burdick, Contributing Writer Nov 1, 2024 Back to Basics

Updated: Nov 1, 2024

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Now that fall has arrived, are you ready for this year’s winter respiratory disease season? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections will lead to a […]

5 Ways Handwashing Habits Have Changed Since COVID

By Joe Bebon, Editor May 1, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: May 1, 2024

While it’s been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, one behavior has left a lasting impression: handwashing. That’s based on survey findings of more than 1,000 American adults conducted by Bradley Company, a global manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures. In 2024, the impacts of the pandemic remain—especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. […]