Contamination Expert Blog

Unknown cleanroom facts that might surprise you

Written by Hannah Molemans | Mar 16, 2026 7:30:00 AM

Cleanroom experts know that contamination rarely comes from machines or materials. The biggest source, by far, is people.

Humans generate around 70% of cleanroom contamination

From skin particles to hair, fibres, and respiratory droplets, personnel contribute millions of particles per minute without proper protection. This is why cleanroom consumables play such a critical role in contamination control.

How consumables reduce particle emission by 100×

Validated hoods, masks, and garments reduce particle release dramatically—from roughly 800,000 particles/minute in cotton clothing, down to around 10,000 particles/minute when using validated cleanroom textiles. This reduction is driven by:

  • High‑performance fabric design

  • Specialized seam construction

  • Optimized garment fit

The skin factor: a major source of microbial risk

Humans shed approximately 24,000 skin cells per day—many capable of carrying microorganisms. Well‑fitting gloves, correct donning procedures, and consistent glove changes ensure this invisible load stays under control.

Consumables are precision tools

In pharma and life sciences environments, consumables are not simple accessories. They are frontline defence mechanisms designed to protect:

  • Products

  • Processes

  • Operators

With validated products and decades of expertise, STAXS® helps cleanrooms across Europe safeguard quality and maintain operational integrity.