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As of March 21, 2007, The Maryland State Department of Education has again approved Shaklee’s Basic-G product, a safer alternative to Bleach, for use as a disinfectant/germicide. Basic-G has been used for over 20 years with great results in Family Childcare businesses. The Basic-G product is an EPA Registered product proven to kill more pathogens than Bleach, yet reduces allergic reactions associated with the use of Bleach.
The original approval letter, dated May 1996, from the Governors Office at DHR(Department of Human Resources) was granted as a result of inquiries from Childcare providers seeking a safer, EPA Registered, alternative to Bleach.
In 2006, a representative of HealingMaryland.com, contacted The Maryland State Department of Education in order to get an updated version of the original approval letter. The original author had moved on with her career and the new R.N. in charge started that despite EPA approval and the approval of the Governor’s Office of DHR, she only wanted Bleach used in childcare.
This decision would have a tremendous impact on children, and adults, with allergenic sensitivity to Bleach. HealingMaryland.com was compelled to investigate the matter with the EPA, OSHA, John Hopkins, MD Pesticide Network, Beyond Pesticides, Center for Children’s Health and the Environment of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Children’s Health Environment Coalition, Environmental Working Group, Kids for saving the Earth Worldwide, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units, Pesticide Network of North America, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and National Pediculosis Association, and the manufacturer. The research was so extensive, that it took months to gather the evidence required to uphold the original approval letter and provide reissue the letter with a more recent date. Not one reason was found to discourage or reconsider the use of Shaklee’s Basic-G as a safer alternative to Bleach.
Shaklee's Basic-G receives Approval for use as safer alternative to Bleach
The updated approval letter states:
"Basic-G" is a quaternary ammonium type disinfectant, a type which is frequently used in hospitals, and it kills the organisms necessary to qualify as a “hospital grade” disinfectant. In addition, “Basic G” has a EPA registration number.
Both elements are required for a product to be considered for use in child care facilities.
"Basic-G" is acceptable for the use childcare facilities as a disinfectant, as long as it is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. However, food surfaces such as food preparation counter and tables at which food is served, should receive special attention. After the required surface contact time, this product should be thoroughly rinsed from the surfaces. Other surfaces which need to be rinsed after disinfecting include toys, cribs, railing and many other surfaces which are mounted by young children. The bleach solution does not need to be rinsed from these surfaces."
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