Cleaning products are an absolute necessity for keeping spaces free from contaminants. The same products that clean may also use toxic or harmful chemicals that cause their own issues.
The chemicals used may linger in the air and cause physical irritation. Those with health issues such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses may suffer a reaction to the presence of chemicals in the air.
Green Products
Cleaning products that only use non-toxic, natural properties have been on the rise for years. They are normally identified by a green label which indicates that they are green, eco-safe, or environmentally friendly. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has a Safer Choice program that provides official labels to identify products that meet green standards.
Such labels from the FDA make it easier to identify green products. Keep in mind that not all green labels are from the FDA nor do they meet the same requirements. This means that if you are concerned about the cleaning products you use, it pays to know how to identify what is officially a “green” product.
Issues with Chemical Cleaning Products
The risk of being exposed to cleaning products that use chemicals as opposed to natural ingredients will depend in large part on the sensitivity of the person and the type of environment where it is being used. A low concentration of cleaning products used in a well-ventilated area reduces the risk of being exposed and causing an unwanted reaction.
A poorly ventilated area that uses a high concentration of cleaning chemicals raises the risk of exposure. Such hazards must include the following considerations.
Housekeeping Staff: Those employed in janitorial services are directly exposed daily. Proper handling using gloves and protective gear is recommended.
Waste Water: Chemicals may be exposed to populations outside the building in which they were used when washed down the drain. They are still present despite the dilution.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs present a real danger when exposed on a regular basis. This is especially true for older cleaning products that have been stored for quite some time.
Why Choose Brickley Environmental?
The experts at Brickley Environmental have considerable familiarity with cleaning products of all types when it comes to their ingredients.
Brickley Environmental is here for you when you are not sure about the substances you have stored on your property.
For more information on safe cleaning products visit the EPA’s website here.