Innovative strides in workplace safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic are making headlines, as a new study from Canada showcases the effectiveness of nasal photodisinfection therapy (aPDT) in significantly reducing viral transmission in high-risk environments. This pioneering approach, which combines a light-sensitive liquid and non-thermal red light to kill pathogens, has been deployed with promising results in a food processing plant.
The study, led by Dr. Richard Rusk of the University of Manitoba and Judy Hodge from Katrime Integrated Health, and published in the Public Health in Practice journal, reveals how aPDT, previously used in Canadian hospitals since 2011, can be an effective addition to pandemic safety measures in industrial settings.
During the peak of the pandemic, the food processing plant employing this technology reported much lower COVID-19 positivity rates among its workers compared to regional averages. This significant difference underscores the potential of aPDT as a critical tool in curbing viral spread, especially in settings where close contact is common.
The introduction of aPDT to the plant’s safety protocol included a comprehensive suite of measures such as enhanced sick leave policies, strict health screenings, and social distancing practices. Together, these measures fostered a high compliance rate with the weekly aPDT treatments, which the study notes as a key factor in the success of the initiative.
Notably, the safety assessments of aPDT indicated no serious adverse effects, bolstering its profile as a safe and effective method for reducing workplace transmission of COVID-19. This aspect is crucial for ensuring worker acceptance and adherence to new health interventions.
“The deployment of aPDT not only minimizes immediate risks associated with COVID-19 but also bolsters overall public health during high transmission periods,” Dr. Rusk highlighted, suggesting that the adoption of such innovative treatments could play a significant role in future pandemic responses across various industries.
Dr. Rusk also emphasized the broader community impact of the findings. “Implementing aPDT in the workplace has shown not just a decrease in the infection rates among workers, but it has also contributed to the overall safety of the community. It’s a testament to how focused interventions can lead to substantial public health benefits,” said Dr. Rusk.
These findings open the door for further research and application of aPDT in different settings, potentially offering a new standard for infectious disease prevention in workplaces worldwide.
Journal Reference
Richard Rusk, Judy Hodge, “Impact of nasal photodisinfection on SARS-CoV-2 infection in an industrial workplace”, Public Health in Practice, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100393
About The Author
Dr. Richard Rusk is a physician, an adventurer, an avid cyclist, a father of two, and believes in the ability of mankind to heal themselves with the right guidance. He qualified as a veterinarian in 1993 in South Africa and then went on to receive his Medical Doctors degree in 2005. He further specialized in Public Health and Preventative Medicine with a focus on zoonotic diseases.
Dr. Rusk was a Medical Officer of Health for the Manitoba Government for 10 years, managing communicable diseases and now works as a preventative medical specialist with Rusk Medical Corporation.
Dr. Rusk consults on workplace preventative programs and appropriate responses to the pandemic. His emphasis is on creating healthy companies that will improve the quality of life for employees, both at work and at home.
