Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Sodexo to Ban Straws in U.K.

Sodexo to Ban Straws in U.K.Sodexo has banned the purchase of all plastic straws and coffee stirrers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sodexo also announced the company will phase out single-use plastic bags and polystyrene... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/sodexo-to-ban-straws-in-uk/
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Friday, May 25, 2018

Ecolab Forms Food Safety Advisory Board

Ecolab Forms Food Safety Advisory BoardEcolab, Inc. recently established its Ecolab Food Safety Advisory Board. Comprised of Ecolab employees and industry experts, the board will assist the company with creating and implementing... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-forms-food-safety-advisory-board/
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Andersen Co. Merges With Mountville Mills

The Andersen Co. has agreed to a merger with Mountville Mills, Inc. The newly formed company will be known as M + A Matting. All employees from both organizations will be retained. The merger is... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/andersen-co-merges-with-mountville-mills/
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Weekly Product Showcase May 25, 2018

Weekly Product Showcase May 25, 2018Stay up to date on the industry's newest products and services from these ISSA members. Stop Slips HOSPECO® Health Gards® Antimicrobial mats inhibit bacteria from growing and... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/weekly-product-showcase-may-25-2018/
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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ecolab Facilities Certify to Water Stewardship Standard

Ecolab Facilities Certify to Water Stewardship StandardTwo Ecolab, Inc. manufacturing facilities in California have achieved certification to the Alliance for Water Stewardship’s (AWS) global standard for water stewardship. Ecolab’s... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-facilities-certify-to-water-stewardship-standard/
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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Kimberly-Clark Names Giusy Buonfantino Chief Marketing Officer

Kimberly-Clark Corp., parent company of Kimberly-Clark Professional, has appointed Giuseppina "Giusy" Buonfantino chief marketing officer. Buonfantino joined Kimberly-Clark in 2011 as vice... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/kimberly-clark-names-giusy-buonfantino-chief-marketing-officer/
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OSHA Honors Cintas Boston Facility for Safety

OSHA Honors Cintas Boston Facility for SafetyCintas Corp.’s Boston, MA, uniform rental facility has received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star worksite designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/osha-honors-cintas-boston-facility-for-safety/
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3M Appoints Chief Sustainability Officer

3M Appoints Chief Sustainability Officer3M has appointed Dr. Gayle Schueller vice president and chief sustainability officer, effective June 1. Schuller has been with 3M since 1992 and most recently served as the company’s vice... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/3m-appoints-chief-sustainability-officer/
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Clorox Declares Quarterly Dividend

The Clorox Co., parent company of Clorox Professional Products Co., has announced a quarterly dividend of US$0.96 per share on the company’s common stock. The dividend―$3.84 annualized... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/clorox-declares-quarterly-dividend/
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Monday, May 21, 2018

ISSA & HSC Launch School Benchmarking Survey

ISSA and the Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) have created a survey to help benchmark school cleaning practices. The survey is designed to help K-12 schools, colleges, and universities share best... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa--hsc-launch-school-benchmarking-survey/
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Ecolab Raises Funds for Food Service Scholarships

Ecolab Raises Funds for Food Service ScholarshipsEcolab, Inc. raised more than US$200,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) through its 16th annual chairman's reception, hosted May 20, in conjunction with the... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-raises-funds-for-food-service-scholarships/
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P&G Honored for Supply-Chain Initiatives

Procter & Gamble (P&G), parent company of Procter & Gamble Professional, has been named a Supply Chain Master in global information technology research and advisory firm Gartner,... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/pg-honored-for-supply-chain-initiatives/
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Dow General Counsel Announces Retirement

Dow General Counsel Announces RetirementCharles J. Kalil, general counsel and executive vice president for Dow Chemical Co., has announced his intention to retire from the company later this year. Kalil has been with Dow for more than... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/dow-general-counsel-announces-retirement/
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SC Johnson Named a Best Workplace in Switzerland

SC Johnson, parent company of SC Johnson Professional, was named one of the best workplace Switzerland for 2018 by the Great Place to Work® Institute. SC Johnson placed 18th in the index,... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/sc-johnson-named-a-best-workplace-in-switzerland/
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Black Mold Symptoms

What is Black Mold?

“Black mold,” or stachbotrys as his mycologist friends like to call him, is actually a dark green mold, but not only did “Dark Green Mold” fail miserably at striking fear in the hearts of the public, Penicillium mold pretty much held the copyright to all-things-green. “Killer Mold,” too, fell short of fear-mongering. And “The Notorious B.M.” didn’t quite have the effect mycologists were going for, which could be why a dark green mold was given the nickname “black mold.” Or, more specifically, “toxic black mold.” But, what causes black mold? And why is it considered so toxic?

What Causes Black Mold?

Like any other sadistic and self-serving mold, black mold began as a minuscule mold spore, floating effortlessly on the air currents in search of the perfect home. Though chance may cause it to perch itself just about anywhere, it thrives in warm, dark, and damp environments that provide plenty of decaying organic material for sustenance. When it comes to nutrition, black mold favors cellulose materials, such as cardboard, hay, paper, wicker, and wood. Furniture, cabinets, flooring, and even wallpaper are common locations for black mold, especially in the most humid rooms of a house (i.e. bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement).

When the environment provides luxurious fungal accommodations, the original mold spore takes root and matures quickly into a reproducing colony. Such a colony is capable of sprouting and releasing millions, if not billions, of mold spores that can cause rapid territory growth throughout the affected room and the house as a whole. Once mold spores are produced, the black mold has reached a level of maturity necessary for also releasing mycotoxins, such as the deadly trichothecene (T-2). These mycotoxins are merely the secondary metabolite (think: toxic flatulence) of the mold. Every mold produces a secondary metabolite of one form or another (the smell of the mold being one example), but not every toxic compound is called a mycotoxin. For instance, a metabolite toxic to bacteria is referred to, instead, as an antibiotic. Regardless, even the antibiotic compound is a potential danger to human health.

The reason behind black mold’s notorious reputation is not only its capacity for quick maturation and rapid growth, but also its hardiness under harsh and changing environmental conditions. What makes black mold so intimidating is how difficult it is destroy and remove it completely, how concentrated its toxic compounds are, and how potent and enduring its toxic effect is on the human body.

Oftentimes, most victims of stachybotrys exposure (and their doctors) confuse their black mold symptoms with common illnesses, such as colds and flus. This results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, which could have chronic and deadly repercussions. This is why it is imperative to be able to recognize the symptoms of black mold poisoning before it’s too late.

Black Mold Symptoms

First-time exposure to black mold poisoning may only produce the following reactions:

  • a long, painful headache
  • a tightening in the chest
  • burning sensations in airways
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • fits of sneezing
  • nose bleeds
  • skin irritation
  • stuffy nose
  • watery or itchy eyes
  • wheezing

While all types of exposure are dangerous, the main catalyst behind the common (and deadly) symptoms of black mold is the inhalation of mold spores and mycotoxins. Ingesting and touching black mold is hazardous, but it’s been revealed that inhaling black mold is over 40% more toxic to the human body. It’s when black mold is introduced to the lungs in high concentrations or repeatedly at lower concentrations, that it causes the most damage and becomes difficult to detox and heal from. This is due to its introduction into the bloodstream, as well as its inhibitory effects on the respiratory system as a whole.

In the case of frequent exposure, black mold poisoning will not only increase the effects and duration of the symptoms listed above, causing further difficulty in breathing, but also cause the emergence of sinusitis and chronic fatigue. Most victims of repeat exposure complain of dull, relentless aches in their joints and sinuses. Another symptom is sudden and unexplained depression. Prolonged black mold poisoning is also notorious for affecting the immune and endocrine system, resulting in recurring sickness and debilitating disease. Children are especially susceptible to black mold’s toxic compounds. Many studies have revealed that stachybotrys is responsible for several neurological problems in children, as well as pulmonary bleeding and a possible link to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants.

Listed below are the more common complaints of long-term and/or high-concentration exposure:

  • asthma
  • autoimmune disease
  • cold and flu
  • emphysema-like disease
  • fatigue
  • memory loss
  • migraine-like headaches
  • muscle aches
  • nosebleeds
  • pulmonary hemorrhage
  • rashes and dermatitis
  • sore throat
  • vomiting and diarrhea (especially in infants)

Though each health concern is diagnose-able as such, the source of these maladies is rarely ever revealed to be symptoms of black mold. In fact, the majority of the medical community is not trained to recognize that illnesses and diseases of this nature could be related to mold at all.

Black Mold Health Risks

Once the immune and endocrine system are compromised by long-term exposure or high concentrations, the body is susceptible to a great variety of disease and even cancer. Some of the black mold health risks involved in long-term effects are:

  • Balkan nephropathy (disorder of the kidney)
  • Bronchitis (lung infection)
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (cancer in the cells of the liver)
  • Kashin-Beck disease (disease of the joints and bones)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Reye’s syndrome (results in brain and liver swelling)
  • And much more…

While some damage may be irreversible, detox is both possible and plausible in managing and overcoming the weakening effects of black mold exposure. Knowing how to detox your body from mold is just as important as recognizing the symptoms of black mold, especially since the majority of medical professionals aren’t trained to recognize what is triggering those symptoms.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold and How to Detox Your Body From Mold

The first step in any situation involving any type of mold, is to find it and eliminate it or remove yourself from the affected home or work space entirely. It isn’t always necessary to identify the specific type of mold because all molds pose health risks, whether they are the “milder” allergenic molds or the “more potent” pathogenic molds, such as black mold. However, certain legal scenarios may require the use of a mold test kit or hiring a professional mold remediation team to do the testing for you, especially if you are a renter or a landlord. In addition, some patients are unable to receive the treatment they’re convinced they need because their doctors are unaware of the ins and outs of black mold health risks. Identifying the mold in their home may come in handy when confronting medical professionals about misdiagnosis, especially since a lot of the medical decisions are based on insurance coverage and patients are unable to go to the right specialists without formal referrals from their current doctors.

If black mold is suspect (or any highly-dangerous mold, for that matter), it is wiser to hire a professional mold remediation company to locate and clean up the mold. This is because black mold, especially, is a very hardy mold. It can survive even the harshest of environments and, unless its roots are destroyed, it will merely lie dormant until conditions are favorable again for regrowth. Also, most supplies available at reasonable prices to the public (gloves, breathing masks, etc.) do not adequately protect against infiltration from mold spores and mycotoxins. Furthermore, commercial mold-cleaning solutions can be both ineffective (if bleach-based) and sometimes more harmful to the skin, mucous membranes, and lungs than the mold itself. If remediation is not possible based on the severity of the mold growth, the budget of the victim(s), or the consent and willingness of the landlords, then it is best to move (or seek legal counsel).

The second step (after the mold is removed) is to commit to preventative measures in the home. All molds thrive in dark, damp, and relatively unclean areas. Keep the home bright with as much natural light as possible, dry (a dehumidifier may be necessary), and clear of dirt, dust, and food particles. Keep up with household maintenance (updates and filter-changes) on all appliances, water pipes, and HVAC systems.

The third step is to confront any health issues and begin a regimen of detox and natural healing. Mold and yeast thrive in bodies that are malnourished by diets high in sugar and processed foods. In order to detox your body from mold, you must first begin by cutting out sugars, fruits, processed foods, fried and greasy foods, dairy, meat, grains, mushrooms, and nuts that are well-known for their mold content, such as pistachios and peanuts. Adopt a habit of eating dark leafy greens in abundance, as well as plenty of garlic and other anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal foods. Allow a period of five to six hours between each meal and never eat just before bed. This permits the digestive tract to rest and the body to focus on healing instead of digestion. Consider anti-fungal supplements, such as Myco-ZX, as well. Lastly, increase sweat-inducing exercise, water intake, and sleep.

Black mold may be a formidable foe, but with patience, consistency, and determination, you can rid your home and your body of its ill effects.

 

About the Author: Amanda Demsky is the mother and personal chef of two boys, the domestic technician of a three-bedroom desert home and, occasionally, a freelance writer and editor. Feel free to follow her on Twitter fullquiver777.



from Mold Blogger https://moldblogger.com/black-mold-symptoms/
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Friday, May 18, 2018

ATRA Hosts Successful Sustainability Seminar

ATRA Janitorial Supply Co., Inc. hosted a seminar for New Jersey-based directors of educational facilities last month at Galloping Hill Country Club in Kenilworth, NJ. Approximately 250 cleaning... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/atra-hosts-successful-sustainability-seminar/
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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

2018 ISSA Innovation Award Program Open for Submissions

2018 ISSA Innovation Award Program Open for SubmissionsISSA is thrilled to call for entries for the 12th annual ISSA Innovation Award program.   The program serves as a platform for exhibitors at the ISSA Show North America to launch their... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/2018-issa-innovation-award-program-open-for-submissions/
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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Kimberly-Clark Names New Group President

Kimberly-Clark Corp., parent company of Kimberly-Clark Professional, has named Kim Underhill group president of Kimberly-Clark North America. Underhill has been with Kimberly-Clark since 1988. She... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/kimberly-clark-names-new-group-president_6/
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Monday, May 14, 2018

Spartan Honored by Network Services

Spartan Chemical Co. was recently presented with two awards from Network Services Co. at the organization’s annual membership conference, which took place last month in Las Vegas, NV. ... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/spartan-honored-by-network-services/
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GOJO Appoints New Executive Chair

GOJO Appoints New Executive ChairGOJO Industries Inc. has appointed Marcella Kanfer Rolnick executive chair. Kanfer Rolnick has served as GOJO’s vice chair since 2007. She succeeds her father, Joe Kanfer, who will... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/gojo-appoints-new-executive-chair/
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Friday, May 11, 2018

Imperial Dade Acquires Gulf Coast Paper

Imperial Dade Acquires Gulf Coast PaperImperial Dade has acquired Gulf Coast Paper Co., Inc. The purchase of the Victoria, TX-based paper products and janitorial supply distributor expands Imperial Dade’s service offerings and... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/imperial-dade-acquires-gulf-coast-paper/
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Ecolab Donates to Minnesota School District

Ecolab Donates to Minnesota School DistrictEcolab, Inc. has awarded a US$250,000 grant to Saint Paul Public Schools through the Ecolab Foundation's Teacher Grants Program. The Saint Paul, MN, school district will utilize the funds to... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-donates-to-minnesota-school-district/
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Georgia-Pacific to Open Supply-Chain Innovation Center

Georgia-Pacific, LLC, parent company of Georgia-Pacific Professional, will invest up to US$7 million to open a supply-chain innovation center in Atlanta, GA. Georgia-Pacific will initially open a... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/georgia-pacific-to-open-supply-chain-innovation-center/
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Kimberly-Clark Announces Quarterly Dividend

Kimberly-Clark Corp., parent company of Kimberly-Clark Professional, has declared a regular quarterly dividend of US$1.00 per share. The dividend is payable July 3 to Kimberly-Clark shareholders... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/kimberly-clark-announces-quarterly-dividend/
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Thursday, May 10, 2018

Atalian Awarded Contract With St. Louis Airport

Atalian Global Services has been awarded a US$13.5-million janitorial contract with St. Louis Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, MO. The three-year deal calls for Atalian to provide... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/atalian-awarded-contract-with-st-louis-airport/
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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Ecolab to Expand North Carolina Facility

Ecolab to Expand North Carolina FacilityEcolab, Inc. announced plans to expand its facility in Greensboro, NC. The expansion project will add an additional 12,000 square feet to the plant, including a 3,000-square-foot cleanroom... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-to-expand-north-carolina-facility_6/
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3M Appoints Mojdeh Poul Executive VP

3M Appoints Mojdeh Poul Executive VP3M has appointed Mojdeh Poul executive vice president of the company’s safety and graphics business division, effective July 1. Poul joined 3M in 2011 as director of global marketing.... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/3m-appoints-mojdeh-poul-executive-vp/
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ISSA Members Listed Among Best Corporate Citizens

Several ISSA-member companies have been named to Corporate Responsibility magazine’s 19th annual list of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. The publication’s annual index ranks... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-members-listed-among-best-corporate-citizens/
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Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Colgate-Palmolive Names Henning Jakobsen CFO

Colgate-Palmolive Co. has appointed Henning Jakobsen chief financial officer (CFO). Jakobsen joined Colgate-Palmolive in 1989 and has served as the company’s vice president and corporate... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/colgate-palmolive-names-henning-jakobsen-cfo/
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SC Johnson Awards $100K to Wisconsin Schools

SC Johnson, parent company of SC Johnson Professional, recently awarded US$100,000 to several schools in the Racine, WI, area. The donation was part of the company’s Racine Wonders... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/sc-johnson-awards-100k-to-wisconsin-schools/
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ISSA and Afidamp Create Jointly Owned Global Platform

ISSA and Afidamp Create Jointly Owned Global PlatformISSA and Afidamp FAB, the Italian trade association for cleaning industry manufacturers, have announced a new partnership focused on jointly developing and executing go-to-market opportunities for... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/issa-and-afidamp-create-jointly-owned-global-platform/
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Monday, May 7, 2018

Eastman Chemical Declares Quarterly Dividend

Eastman Chemical Declares Quarterly DividendEastman Chemical Co. has declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.56 per share on the company’s common stock. The dividend―$2.24 annualized with a yield of 2.14 percent―is payable July 6 to... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/eastman-chemical-declares-quarterly-dividend/
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Top Cities For Mosquito Infestations Revealed

For the fifth consecutive year, exterminating service Orkin has listed Atlanta GA, as the U.S. city where it has treated the most mosquito infestations. The list is based on data from areas... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/top-cities-for-mosquito-infestations-revealed/
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Friday, May 4, 2018

Brain Corp VP to Speak at Robotics Summit

Phil Duffy, vice president of innovation for Brain Corp., will participate in the 2018 Robotics Summit & Showcase. The two-day educational forum takes place May 23-24, at The Westin Boston... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/brain-corp-vp-to-speak-at-robotics-summit/
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Ecolab Details Quarterly Dividend

Ecolab Details Quarterly DividendEcolab, Inc. has announced a quarterly dividend on its common stock of US$0.41 per share. The dividend is payable July 16 to shareholders of record at the close of business June 19.... Read more

from ISSA News feed for the Cleaning Industry https://www.issa.com/news/news-details/all/ecolab-details-quarterly-dividend/
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