The impetus of life’s journey from simple beginnings to grand complexity, and the genius of its resiliency is its ability to mutate and adapt to selection pressures. It was this process of mutation and natural selection that crafted the rich tapestry of life in which we find ourselves, and it is these same evolutionary processes that now threaten it.
Presently, we face a new wave of ever more deadly and deleterious pathogens; in American health care facilities alone, over 69% of patient rooms are contaminated by the insidious presence of ‘superbugs’ like MRSA and VRE, which upon infecting a patient, are exposed to the selection pressure of antibiotic drugs, and subsequently adapt to become increasingly drug resistant and pathogenic. In light of this, it should come as no surprise that the CDC has identified hospital acquired infections as the fourth leading cause of death in the nation, claiming a toll in excess of 100,000 American lives each year.
Paramount to the explicit dangers posed by increasingly drug-resistant bacteria is the threat posed by novel strains of influenza, such as H5N1 and the '09 swine flu, which are beginning to show the tell-tale signs indicative of an emerging pandemic threat. Nowhere is the gravity of this danger more clearly demonstrated than in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, which claimed an estimated 50 million lives worldwide…
History has unequivocally demonstrated the outcome that is reached when traditional methods of decontamination battle the dynamic forces that give rise to pandemics, and in doing so, it has voiced the need for a new and better paradigm in indoor decontamination.
Zimek is that next paradigm…
Below are a few of the “usual suspects” and pandemic threats that Zimek can combat:
The '09 strain of swine flu was generated via antigenic shift, and consists of 
genes derived from the human influenza virus (Type A/ H1N1strain), two strains of swine influenza, and avian influenza. According to current estimates, the new strain has a mortality rate of approximately 7%, far higher than the 2.5% mortality rate seen in the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed over 50,000,000 worldwide between 1918 and 1919. In light of evidence indicative of human to human transmission, and the high mortality rate seen in young adults, the World Health Organization and the U.S. CDC have both voiced concerns that this novel strain could pose a pandemic threat.
Swine Flu is spread via the dissemination of contaminated droplet nuclei, which can land on surfaces and infect those individuals that come into direct contact with them. Dust particles contaminated with the pathogen can also act as a mode of transmission, spreading the virus throughout an enclosed air volume.
The virus has been found to be resistant to the anti-viral drugs amantadine and rimantadine, and due to its novelty we do not have a natural immunity. Flu vaccinations are also ineffective against this new strain.
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MRSA. What is “Staph”? Staph, or staphylococcus aureus, is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Staphylococci can get into the body and cause an infection, which may be minor (such as pimples, boils, and other skin conditions), or serious and sometimes fatal (such as blood infections or pneumonia).
What is MRSA? Most people not directly involved in the medical profession are not familiar with the term “MRSA.” MRSA is an acronym that stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
MRSA is resistant to the antibiotic, “methicillin,” and other commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin. These germs have a unique gene that causes them to be unaffected by all but the highest concentrations of these antibiotics. Therefore, alternate antibiotics must be used to treat persons infected with MRSA. Think of MRSA as Staph on Steroids – it’s resistant to most antibiotics AND CAN BE DEADLY if it enters the bloodstream.
CA-MRSA, the “community acquired” killer. Until the late 1990s, MRSA was found exclusively in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. But beginning in 1998, a community-associated form of the bacteria (“CA-MRSA”) emerged globally, with more potent toxins than hospital-acquired MRSA. CA-MRSA is stronger and tougher to treat. It is affecting healthy people, young people, even athletes. CA-MRSA is now the most common cause of skin infections in most of the big U.S. cities and is running rampant throughout most correctional facilities. In 2005, at least 12% of the MRSA infections occurred outside of medical facilities, in schools, hotels, inside locker rooms, and jails.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Arizona, they tested 100 random cell phones, and 20% of them tested positive for CA-MRSA. Zimek can eradicate this infectious bacteria. CA-MRSA is not a joke. It can be deadly, and is becoming an epidemic worldwide.
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HEPATITIS C is a virus that causes liver disease. It is a blood-borne, infectious, viral disease that is caused by a hepatotropic virus called Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) that is often asymptomatic, but ensuing chronic hepatitis can result later in cirrhosis (fibrotic scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
HCV is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood or by surface contamination. The symptoms can be medically managed, and a proportion of patients can be cleared of the virus by a long course of anti-viral medicines. Although early medical intervention is helpful, people with HCV infection often experience mild symptoms, and consequently do not seek treatment.
An estimated 150-200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. In the U.S., those with a history of intravenous drug use, inhaled drug usage, tattoos, or who have been exposed to blood via unsafe sex or social practices are increased risk for this disease. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplant in the United States.
You can get HCV from these exposures:
Percutaneous events: when blood or other body fluids enter through the skin. This might happen in the following ways:
- By a needle stick from a bloody needle;
- A cut from a bloody sharp object; or
- Fluids entering through an open wound, scrape, broken cuticle, or chapped skin.
Mucocutaneous events: when blood or other body fluids enter through mucous membranes, such as in the eye, nose, or mouth.
HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. HCV is this country's most common blood-borne disease, infecting at least 2 out of every 100 people.
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TUBERCULOSIS (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or Tuberculosis) is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis most commonly attacks the lungs (as pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, bones, joints and even the skin. Other mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium canetti, and Mycobacterium microti can also cause tuberculosis, but these species do not usually infect healthy adults.
Over one-third of the world's population now carries the TB bacterium, and new infections occur at a rate of one per second.
Not everyone infected develops the full-blown disease, so asymptomatic, latent TB infection is most common. However, one in ten latent infections will progress to active TB disease, which, if left untreated, kills more than half of its victims. In most cases of this disorder, a person becomes infected with tubercle bacilli by inhaling tiny droplets of moisture that contain specific bacteria. The primary infection by the bacilli may produce no symptoms and may thus go undetected. In some cases, primary infection causes fever, swelling of the glands, and pneumonia. In advanced stages of the disease, the patient may cough up large quantities of blood. Other symptoms of this advanced illness include chest pain, fever, sweating at night, fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
A rising number of people in the developed world are contracting tuberculosis because their immune systems are compromised by immunosuppressive drugs, substance abuse or HIV/AIDS.
The rise in HIV infections and the neglect of TB control programs have enabled a resurgence of tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains has also contributed to this new epidemic with, from 2000 to 2004, 20% of TB cases being resistant to standard treatments and 2% resistant to second-line drugs. TB incidence varies widely, even in neighboring countries, apparently because of differences in health care systems.
The World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency in 1993.
Zimek's Decontamination System may be used with Zimek-approved sterilants and tuberculocides which are effective against various strains of Tuberculosis. Use of these products is generally dangerous and corrosive to porous materials and metals and should be used with the greatest of care. Please contact Zimek for further information at 1-800-719-4635.
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INFLUENZA. Often referred to as the flu, influenza is an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by an RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses). In humans, common symptoms of influenza infection are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
In more serious cases, influenza causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly in young children and the elderly. Sometimes confused with the common cold, influenza is a much more severe disease and is caused by a different type of virus. Although nausea and vomiting can be produced, especially in children, these symptoms are more characteristic of the
unrelated gastroenteritis, which is sometimes called "stomach flu" or "24 hour flu."
Typically, influenza is transmitted from infected mammals through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosols containing the virus, and from infected birds through their droppings. Influenza can also be transmitted by saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood. Infections occur through contact with these bodily fluids or with contaminated surfaces. Flu viruses can remain infectious for about one week at human body temperature, over 30 days at 0 °C (32 °F), and indefinitely at very low temperatures (such as lakes in northeast Siberia). Most influenza strains can be inactivated by disinfectants.
Flu spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics, killing millions of people in pandemic years and hundreds of thousands in non-pandemic years.
Three influenza pandemics occurred in the 20th century and killed tens of millions of people, with each of these pandemics being caused by the appearance of a new strain of the virus in humans. Often, these new strains result from the spread of an existing flu virus to humans from other animal species. Since it first killed humans in Asia in the 1990s, the deadly avian strain of H5N1 has posed the greatest risk for a new influenza pandemic; however, this virus has not mutated to spread easily between people, yet. But when it does, be prepared with Zimek!
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BIRD FLU VIRUS. The bird flu, or “avian influenza A (H5N1)” virus, is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds, and is highly contagious among birds. According to the CDC, since all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus one day could be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another. Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population and an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin.
Outbreaks of H5N1 associated with illness and death in humans have occurred in Asia since late 2003. In the United States, different avian influenza viruses caused outbreaks among poultry in 2003 and 2004, and, according to the CDC, one human infection in 2003.
A worldwide outbreak of H5N1 would be catastrophic and would likely kill millions of people. Once an interior public space has been contaminated with the bird flu virus, how would it be possible that the environment could be disinfected so it is safe for humans to re-inhabit? Will the public
have any confidence that there are decontaminating and disinfecting treatments available that can comprehensively and safely disinfect indoor environments contaminated with the bird flu virus?
The answer to these questions is “Yes.” The reason is Zimek.
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VIRUS. The Norwalk virus infection is an intestinal illness that often occurs in outbreaks, particularly related to the cruise ship industry. The Norwalk virus is part of a family of unclassified, small, round-structured viruses. The family consists of several distinct groups of viruses that have been named after the places where the outbreaks occurred. In the United States, the Norwalk virus is related to, but distinct from, the Hawaii and Snow Mountain viruses.
Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are increasingly being recognized as leading causes of food borne disease in the United States.
The viruses are passed in the stool of infected persons. People get infected by swallowing stool-contaminated food or water. While infected people usually recover in two to three days without serious or long-term health effects, the debilitating effects of the intestinal illness are frequently very painful and extremely discomforting. To combat the Norwalk virus, it is important to be sure that food is cooked completely and kitchen areas and food preparation surfaces are clean and properly disinfected.
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TOXIC MOLD AND MILDEW. Molds are microscopic fungi. Molds cannot grow without moisture. Moisture is required in order for the mold spore (the reproductive seed-like structure of many molds) to germinate. Mildew is a type of mold. Various health manifestations have been attributed to mold exposure, including allergies, asthma, infection, and toxic effects. Allergies are probably the most common responses to molds and may range from mild, transitory responses to severe chronic illnesses, depending upon an individual’s sensitivity.
Some molds are opportunistic human pathogens, which means they can cause infection in people who are already sick. As molds feed on their food source, they produce a byproduct of digestion that results in that moldy, musty odor which is a microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC). When you smell that odor, you know that there is, or recently has been, a wet-damp environment that has allowed mold to start growing. Mold produces agents that can be toxic to humans depending upon exposure. These agents include, but are not limited to, mycotoxins, antibiotics, and glucans. There are hundreds of mycotoxins.
They are usually cytotoxic, which means that they cause cell disruption and interfere with essential cellular processes. Some mycotoxins are considered carcinogens such as aflatoxin produced by aspergillus flavus. Others may result in adverse health effects to the nervous system, the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood, skin, and other body parts.
According to the EPA, the term “sick building syndrome” is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort crises that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building.
In contrast, the term “building related illness” is used when symptoms of diagnosable illnesses are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants. Health effects generally fall into four categories: allergy; infection; irritation (mucous membrane and sensory); and toxicity. It is important to note that killing spores does not eliminate the potential for allergy or sensitization. Mycotoxins can exist on dead spores and MVOCs can linger in building materials.
Celebrity and Zimek toxic mold consultant, Ed McMahon, suffered toxic mold infiltration at his Beverly Hills mansion in 2002. Ed’s home was ravaged by the variety of mold known as “stachybotrys chartarum,” which his contractor and homeowners insurance company failed to properly remediate. One of Ed’s beloved dogs died and Ed still suffers from respiratory problems to this day. In 2003, Ed settled his lawsuit against his homeowners insurance company and others for $7.2 million.
Responding to a rising tide of mold-related claims and lawsuits, in particular, Ed’s lawsuit, insurance companies are refusing to write policies on homes and commercial buildings if prior water damage claims have been made or if inspections turn up the potential for mold problems. Additionally, many insurance companies no longer cover mold claims or have severely limited liability coverage for mold problems, with amounts that don’t come close to covering the actual damages.
In 2005, Hilton Hotels Corp., agreed to settle a class action lawsuit and pay $1.83 million to guests who stayed in the Kalia Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Beach Resort and Spa at the time the tower was infested with toxic mold. The 315-room tower re-opened in September, 2003 after Hilton completely repaired the facility at a cost estimated to be approximately $55 million, which included the cost of repairs and lost room revenue.
In 2004, the Wausau School District in Wisconsin agreed to clean Lincoln Elementary School to rid it of three types of mold in time for classes to resume in the fall. The school was closed after tunnels running under the school tested positive for three types of mold – stachybotrys chartarum, cladosporium, and aspergillus.
Toxic mold continues to pose dangerous health risks and the number of toxic mold lawsuits is
rising dramatically, mostly due to the growing public awareness of the dangers of toxic mold.
Fortunately, Zimek’s QD disinfectant solution kills toxic mold and mildew and should be
used regardless of whether the mold infestation is invasive or non-invasive.
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ALLERGENS. Allergens take many forms. There are food allergens, airborne allergens, and indoor allergens. Most people with asthma, hay fever, or other outdoor allergies think of their home as a haven where they can escape their allergies. Unfortunately, houses, apartment buildings, and other indoor residential spaces harbor their own allergens that can cause allergy-like symptoms. Indoor spaces, whether at home or at work, actually trap allergens, making them impossible to avoid.
Indoor allergens may provoke or worsen asthma symptoms, depending on a person’s unique sensitivities. Sensitivity to indoor allergens is very common and occurs at every age. Dust mites are common indoor allergens and can be found in most homes, usually in beds and bedding, upholstered
furniture, or any cloth material. Pet dander is also a very common indoor allergen.
For many people, pets trigger allergic reactions. Contrary to what many people believe, an allergic reaction to an animal is not caused by the animal’s hair. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to the animal’s saliva, urine, and especially dander. Dander is dead skin flakes (like dandruff) that become loosened from the animal’s skin. Molds are also common indoor allergens that can become toxic. The Zimek treatment is attracted to airborne and surface-borne allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander, weighing them down until they become too heavy and fall to the ground, and killing them if they are alive.
The Zimek Dri-Mist® Micro-Particle decontamination treatment completely fills and disinfects an indoor air space significantly reducing
the allergic reactions suffered as a result of indoor allergens.
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INSECTS. Insects continue to cause sickness and death worldwide. Absent from the United States for so long that some thought they were a myth, bed bugs, unfortunately, are back. Entomologists and pest control professionals are reporting a dramatic increase in bed bug infestations throughout the country, and no one knows exactly why.
Bed bugs nest on or near mattresses and feed at night by biting and sucking the blood of people as they sleep.
They can cause itchy red welts and considerable, lingering anxiety. They are nearly impossible to get rid of without treating bedding and furniture with powerful pesticides, which are frequently unsafe and necessitate throwing bedding and furniture away, until now.
Zimek can effectively battle and kill bed bugs. Hotels and time-share resorts are particularly vulnerable to infestations of bed bugs because they travel in luggage and clothing and because hotels and time-share resorts have so many different people sleeping in their beds. When you wake up in the morning and experience an itchy scalp, you must ask yourself whether you have suffered an attack by bed bugs. Part of the suffering caused by bed bugs is the psychological trauma that they create because of the idea that they are feeding on you at night. Fortunately, Zimek’s D&I Plus disinfectant solution contains an “all-natural” insecticide extracted from the chrysanthemum flower that is effective against numerous insects, including bed bugs, dust mites, termites, roaches, and mosquitoes.
The Zimek micro-particle Dri-Mist® treatment is so comprehensive that Zimek’s management and its insect consultants believe it is the most effective killer of indoor insects available worldwide. The Zimek treatment not only travels directly where free air flows to all locations harboring and hiding insects, the size of Zimek’s microscopic particulates attack the insects at their level AND KILLS THEM.
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One out of twenty hospital patients gets an infection.
That's over two million Americans a year, and greater than 100,000 patients die!
Don’t get infected. Be Protected with Zimek!
