BBJ Environmental Solutions’ mission is to enhance public health and safety through the control of microbial contamination in indoor environments. Our objective is to research, develop and market solutions supported by products and services that are highly effective and do not compromise the safety of the consumer, user or environment.
BBJ Environmental Solutions was conceived by Robert G. Baker. Mr. Baker spent five years of his career as Associate Vice President of Administrative Services at University of Texas’ M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (the largest cancer center in the world) in Houston. His responsibilities at M.D. Anderson were to operate, maintain, and expand the institution’s four enormous campuses that contained over 20 medical and research facilities (5.5 million square feet of combined floor space) on 975 acres of land. His staff included over 900 employees and an annual operating budget in excess of $35 million.
While at M.D. Anderson, one of the hospital buildings had an Aspergillus (a type of fungus that can cause pneumonia) growth in its heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. With a building full of immune deficient cancer patients, this was a very serious problem that could have fatal consequences. Mr. Baker immediately sought out a product that would not only be effective against Aspergillus, but would not endanger the lives of his very sick cancer patients.
However, much to his chagrin, his search uncovered no viable options. There were plenty of biocides that would have killed the microorganisms that caused the outbreak, but they were “hard surface” or “hospital strength” disinfectants that were not specifically registered with the EPA for use in HVAC systems. Due to the toxic or harmful gases they emitted, all personnel, especially the infirm cancer patients, would be required to evacuate the premises before these products could be used in the HVAC systems.
Mr. Baker opposed the introduction of any irritating or harmful chemical fumes into the buildings under his care. He also felt that products used in ventilation systems should be reviewed and registered with the EPA.
Mr. Baker worked on his own to develop a product that could be used with confidence to rid HVAC systems of microbial growth. His research identified an active ingredient with a track record of 20 years as a preservative in facial cosmetics, shampoos, and baby wipes. His tests concluded this ingredient was also effective in HVAC systems at an even lower concentration than was being used in cosmetics.
Once he developed a product that was effective in HVAC systems, Mr. Baker’s next challenge was to obtain the appropriate EPA registration. HVAC systems are ideal growth sites for microbial contamination. The temperature is ideal, there is an abundance of moisture, and there is ample food supply.
Mr. Baker’s initial product, MicroBiocide for HVAC Systems became the corner stone for a new enterprise: BBJ Environmental Solutions. Soon additional products were developed and registered with the EPA to control microbial growth in air duct systems and floors and walls. Today, BBJ Environmental Solutions offers a full line of products that support the solutions we offer our customers.
BBJ Environmental Solutions’ mission is to enhance public health and safety through the control of microbial contamination in indoor environments. Our objective is to research, develop and market solutions supported by products and services that are highly effective and do not compromise the safety of the consumer, user or environment.
