Happy June and the start of summer! 

In our last update, we shared that legislation in Maryland to phase out the use of “forever chemicals” in pesticides (PFAS-pesticides) did not pass due to the pesticide industry’s effective efforts to ensure continued sales of their products. Compounding this setback, the US EPA is increasingly stepping back from its role in addressing toxic chemicals like PFAS. This makes it even more important that facilities remain vigilant and committed to best practices.  

We also want to make you aware of another change: the Joint Commission, which, as you know, accredits hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide and internationally, is once again revising its standards. While we applaud their efforts to streamline requirements for facilities, recent updates have relaxed several requirements, removing specific provisions that support IPM.  

It is up to a facility to lead by example by continuing to follow IPM principles and avoid the use of patient health-impacting pesticides, especially pesticides that contain PFAS. Though PFAS-pesticides make up less than 8% of all registered pesticides in Maryland, they remain widely used, including in health care settings. 

One of the most effective ways you can protect your patients, staff, and visitors is by maintaining a strong, prioritized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. IPM is not just a recommendation - it’s a cornerstone of a healthy care environment. It helps ensure that pest control is handled in a way that minimizes risks to people and avoids unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.

Learn more about our efforts:

• NBC News/WBAL 3-part TV series:
• Part 1: Study finds potentially harmful levels of PFAS in MDers
• Part 2: Bill would ban toxic forever chemicals in MD 
• Civil Eats: Why Are Pesticide Companies Fighting State Laws to Address PFAS? 

For information on non-toxic pest control options for facilities, visit our fact sheets, sample policies, guidance, articles, and video library. The Project's IPM Toolkit is available online. Contact Sean at sean@mdpestnet.org or call 301-664-4374 for support.

"First Do No Harm": A Call to Action

for Safer Practices

Media Spotlight: Strategies for Healthcare

A Message from Our Expert

As a Healthcare Environmental Services Leadership Professional for over 30 years, I made sure that my employees followed health and safety regulations to ensure "first do no harm" and implemented strategies and initiatives to provide a healthy and safe environment for patients and staff..  

One essential facility protocol I emphasized has been ensuring the facility and our contracted vendors adhere to an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program policy. My growing understanding of the alarming adverse effects linked to exposure to toxic pesticides, including registered pesticide-based disinfectants, and now the seriousness of patient and staff exposure to "forever pesticides" (i.e., PFAS pesticides) also used unknowingly in healthcare has made the elimination of pesticide use in facilities even more urgent. It makes no sense to apply pesticides linked to the very conditions for which patients are being treated.

And, it's a no-brainer when a safer, prioritized IPM plan can be implemented without relying on toxic chemicals. Facilities managers must be educated and also expected to provide safe pest management and grounds care. 

I urge all Maryland healthcare facilities managers to step up to the plate in ensuring safer prioritized IPM is an expected part of facility operations. Happy to discuss!

Joe Griffen

The IPM in Health Care Facilities Project promotes safer pest and weed management best practices that are effective and protect the public and environment. Exposure to harmful pesticides can cause or exacerbate the very issues for which patients/residents are being treated. We are dedicated to keeping you updated on important news and research. We support your efforts to ensure a protected and toxic-free environment for your facility and those you serve —

and ALL our IPM in Health Care Facilities Project services are FREE.