So let’s jump right in. What is environmental monitoring?
You may have already guessed that it involves keeping track of the environment and you’re not wrong, but it goes much deeper than that. This type of program is critical for keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
Sure, that sounds like a huge undertaking, but when you go deeper than the EPA, each industry takes care of its own program.
Have we caught your attention? Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating use of environmental monitoring systems and the safety it provides.
What is Environmental Monitoring?
Environmental monitoring is used to analyze different aspects of the world we live in, in a variety of settings and industries. The results are used to keep track of changes to limit and mitigate risk and work towards success.
From the land we live on, the air we breathe, and the water we use and drink, there is a benefit from monitoring, but environmental monitoring and assessment are used far beyond large agencies and we are all affected.
Let’s take a look at who uses this resource and training tool.
Who Should Utilize Environmental Monitoring Systems?
Producers and processors of ready-to-eat products and pharmaceutical companies are among the top industries that not only utilize but depend on environmental monitoring programs. This includes any product not exposed to a kill process.
More specific users include breweries and producers of probiotics because both are dealing with unique processes that could easily produce unwanted spoilage-causing microorganisms in the event of a misstep.
So what do the results mean?
Environmental Monitoring Result Usage
In all areas and industries, contamination is the enemy looking to be avoided through the implemented environmental monitoring program.
When producers of ready-to-eat products use environmental monitoring and assessment, the result allows them to reduce the risk of spoilage, extend the shelf-life, and improve the product quality overall.
In the case of use by pharmaceutical companies, it is easy to understand how detrimental it. Repeated testing to mitigate disastrous contamination risk when people’s lives are dependent, is a must.
The Testing Process
When you think in terms of what the monitoring is looking for, it is easier to understand.
The basics include harmful unwanted bacteria, harmful pathogens, allergens, organisms that indicate a problem, and organisms that indicate spoilage.
To test or not to test, that is the question. What is a commonly monitored surface or item?
Any surface on which products are made and any instruments used in the process.
Monitoring takes place using various means including swabs, sponges, electronic devices, and more.
No matter the type of testing, the instrument used is sent to a lab to determine the results.
The basis of all monitoring lies in the hands of microbial testing. Without microbial testing, none of this would be possible.
Monitor Today to Protect Tomorrow
Everyone can thank the environmental monitoring programs at work for the safety in our world today, from at work to at home. It’s amazing how one basic system touches nearly everyone’s life.
Is it time that you see what you can put in place at your business?
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