The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Health Care Facilities Project
COVID-19 Safety Alert
Many disinfectants on EPA’s List N for institutional use against SARS-CoV-2 contain the active ingredients Quaternary Ammonium or Chlorine, which are known to cause or exacerbate respiratory problems and compromise immune systems, among other serious health impacts. Exposure to these chemicals can exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms
ONLINE VIDEO LEARNING
Maryland experts Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Asst. Professor Dr. Ana Rule and Environmental Health Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics – Md Chapter, Dr. Michael Ichniowski present on the
Pros / Cons of Sanitizers and Disinfectants for Addressing COVID-19
Eliminate the risk with safer disinfectants.
Download the fact sheet and list for health care facilities
IPM Resources
- Sample IPM Policy
- Sample IPM Landcare Policy
- Ecological Pest Management & Landcare
- IPM Least Toxic Products List
- Sample IPM Contract
- IPM Rounds Checklist
- IPM Bed Bug Protocol
- Taking Toxics Out of Daycare
- Joint Commission Pest Control Checklist
- Download Taking Toxics Out of Maryland’s Health Care Sector by Maryland Pesticide Network and Beyond Pesticides (10/27/08)
Report press release - Pest Prevention Training Video
Newsletters
IPM Confirmed and Recommended by Research:
IPM’s efficacy advantage has been confirmed by research and in practice in health care facilities, and the IPM approach is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Hospital Association.
IPM costs less long-term and can be achieved once your facility recognizes some of the fundamental ways IPM differs from more traditional pest control programs:
There may be resistance—this is a natural response to change—but with education, monitoring, and positive reinforcement, over time, staff will understand that reducing their exposure to toxic chemicals and improving air quality is an important occupational safety improvement and an integral component of a healing environment.
Remember, IPM takes time to achieve positive results, and even successful programs may go through a period of static as you discover problem areas and adjust accordingly. Taking one building or one unit at a time, you can tweak your process as needed as you transition to a system-wide IPM program. When your program has been in place for long enough to show significant results, you may also wish to work with your community affairs department to publicize your successes more broadly to demonstrate your environmentally responsible approach to effective pest control. And last but not least, lead by example by sharing your success with us!
Recognition / Facility Awards
When a facility reaches the highest level of IPM implementation, our Project presents a Sustainable Pest Management Award to a facility and pest management company for pest management practices that incorporate preventive methods and eliminate the use of hazardous pesticides:
Previous Award Recipients
- Springfield Hospital
- Anne Arundel Medical Center; Western Pest
- Howard County General Hospital
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- Springfield Hospital Center
Articles on project launch: Baltimore Examiner: Baltimore Sun : PDF file
Questions? Contact us at berlin@mdpestnet.org. Our services are available, pro bono.