Re: cork cutting boards

From:Lee & Peggy Wenk

I don't think there is an "official" regulation that forbids the use of cork
boards.

However, for us, switching from cork boards to the "plastic" boards was a
matter of trying to reduce the levels of formalin vapors to which our PAs
and Residents are exposed, and to ensure their safety for things
biohazardous.

Cork is porous, so it absorbs the formalin fluid. This fluid then
out-gasses.

Cork absorbs other fluids, like body/cell fluid, which if fresh, is
biohazardous. A quick scrub down with diluted bleach could not guarantee
that all the micro-organisms inside the board were killed.

So, in a round about way, switching to the "plastic" boards was influenced
by the following standards:
- Chemical Hygiene Standard (reduce exposure to all chemicals)
- Formaldehyde Standards (reduce exposure to formaldehyde)
- Blood borne Pathogen Standard (reduce exposure to pathogens)

That was our reasoning. Hope it helps you in your decision.

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073


----- Original Message -----
From: "Carmen Badley" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 11:39 AM
Subject: cork cutting boards


Does anyone know if there is a CAP or JCACHO
regulation forbidding Cork cutting boards used for
grossing?  I was told sometime in the past that there
was.  Please let me know.  Thank you.

Carmen Badley; HT Sr. Tech
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, MI

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