The July edition (page 14) of American Laundry News dedicated a substantial amount of space and ink [to] discussing the problems that airborne lint and dust create. The problem is universally recognized, but what about the suggested solution?
If this “Panel of Experts” were discussing issues such as a viable method for cleaning soiled linen or drying laundry, would it be suggesting a washtub and a hundred feet of clothesline? It is well recognized by hundreds of facilities that blow-downs should be relegated to the laundry equipment archives along with the washtubs and clotheslines.
They are costly and dangerous. Everyone in the industry recognizes the hazards of airborne lint and dust; it is a perfect source for fire and a known vehicle for carrying airborne microorganisms, increasing the threat of infectious disease.
As with everything else in the laundry/textile industry, laborsaving technology is replacing the age-old laborious, nonproductive tasks with more efficient, cost-effective methods of bringing profits to the bottom line. The issue of lint and dust is not different; new technology has eliminated the need for routine blow-downs and provides an opportunity to work toward a lint-free facility with a realistic return on investment (ROI) often within 12 to 18 months.
It is quite understandable that your “Panel of Experts” cannot be the authority on all subjects, especially when the technology is derived from another industry and doesn’t relate directly to the processing of laundry. We, as do many other businesses, rely on the personal experiences and stories from the experts of the industry in your publication and others. Our response is not meant to criticize, only to enlighten.
Rob LovenburyNorthern Air Corp.Raynham, Mass.
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