Health and Environmental Hazards of Conventional Cleaning Products

Traditional household and commercial cleaning products often contain hazardous chemicals that pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to such products can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term health conditions. For instance, a 2024 meta-analysis reviewing 77 scientific studies found strong evidence linking regular use of cleaning sprays to an increased risk of developing asthma in adults and wheezing in children[9]. These adverse effects are largely attributed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into indoor air during cleaning and can cause irritation to the ears, nose, and throat[9].

Professional cleaners face even greater health risks due to prolonged and frequent exposure. A comprehensive 2020 study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine concluded that professional cleaners have up to a 50% higher risk of developing asthma and a 43% increased likelihood of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to non-exposed individuals[16]. This study evaluated respiratory health across diverse populations and confirmed a robust association between occupational cleaning and long-term pulmonary decline[16]. Additionally, research has consistently shown that traditional cleaning products are more frequently linked to dermal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms than their environmentally preferable alternatives[6].

Conventional cleaning agents often include corrosive and irritant substances such as chlorine, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid. These chemicals are known to damage skin and the respiratory tract upon contact or inhalation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that many standard cleaning products contain ingredients associated with eye and skin irritation, respiratory distress, and endocrine disruption, for example, alkylphenol ethoxylates, which can interfere with hormonal systems in both humans and aquatic organisms[1]. Furthermore, scientific assessments have detected hundreds of hazardous VOCs in commonly used cleaning products, including compounds with potential carcinogenic, reproductive, and developmental toxicity[9]. These emissions significantly contribute to indoor air pollution, paradoxically undermining the goal of cleaning: to create a healthier living environment.

Benefits of Green Cleaning Solutions

In stark contrast, green cleaning solutions emphasize the use of biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly ingredients designed to minimize harm to people and ecosystems. Sustainable cleaning methods have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution, enhance occupant health, and lower environmental contamination. The EPA actively promotes greener cleaning through its Safer Choice program, which certifies products that contain ingredients safer for human health and the environment[1]. Products bearing the Safer Choice label are evaluated based on strict criteria ensuring safety across toxicity, environmental persistence, and bio accumulation potential[1].

Moreover, green cleaning products are specifically formulated to break down more readily in the environment, reducing water pollution and toxicity to aquatic life. Institutional adoption of green cleaning practices has been linked not only to health benefits but also to operational cost savings through reduced water and chemical usage, improved worker safety, and greater efficiency[23]. Environmental benefits are further reinforced by the elimination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and reduction in VOC emissions, making these products especially suitable for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities[10].

Improved Indoor Air Quality and Public Health

One of the most significant advantages of green cleaning is its positive impact on indoor air quality. By avoiding synthetic fragrances and harmful VOCs, green cleaning products help reduce the incidence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women[9]. Exposure to cleaning products in early life has been associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma and chronic wheezing, reinforcing the need for safer alternatives in homes and daycare centers[11].

Biodegradable and plant-based ingredients used in eco-friendly cleaning products are less likely to trigger allergic reactions or long-term health complications, making them ideal for use in schools, hospitals, and homes[5]. In schools, New York State has implemented guidelines for the use of green cleaning products in elementary and secondary institutions under Education Law §409-i, ensuring safer environments for both students and staff[29]. Furthermore, certified green cleaning practices often include comprehensive staff training and occupational safety protocols, which help protect custodial workers from hazardous exposures and reduce work-related illness rates[15].

Accessing Professional Green Cleaning Services

To support the transition to healthier and more sustainable cleaning practices, consumers and institutions can access directories of professional services committed to eco-friendly methods. The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) provides a verified directory of commercial cleaning services that meet rigorous standards for sustainability, performance, and safety[2]. These providers are certified under the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification standard, which requires the use of non-toxic and biodegradable products, waste reduction practices, and thorough employee training in green protocols[2].

By selecting services from such certified directories, individuals and organizations actively contribute to healthier indoor environments and a more sustainable future. Furthermore, governmental bodies offer tools and policies to assist institutions in implementing green cleaning programs. The New York Office of General Services (OGS), for example, has developed comprehensive guides outlining a five-step framework for building and launching a successful Green Cleaning Program[23]. These include official guidelines for schools, training manuals, and a list of approved green cleaning products under state regulations[22][30]. Additional state-level policies support procurement standards and ensure compliance with environmental benchmarks[31].

Conclusion

The shift toward green cleaning is not merely a trend but a necessary evolution in public health and environmental stewardship. Supported by robust scientific evidence, green cleaning practices reduce the incidence of respiratory illness, minimize ecological damage, and promote sustainable business operations. From the EPA’s Safer Choice certification[1] to institutional programs like those led by New York’s OGS[23], there are clear pathways for adoption. By prioritizing certified non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and choosing service providers who adhere to rigorous green standards households, schools, and businesses can maintain hygiene without compromising human health or planetary integrity. Green cleaning represents a holistic approach to cleanliness, one that aligns sanitation with long-term sustainability and wellness for all living creatures.

References:
[1]: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
[2]: https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services
[3]: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250327-is-it-healthier-to-use-household-cleaning-products-or-not
[4]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2020829/
[5]: https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/using-cleaning-products-may-raise-womens-risk-of-asthma-respiratory-conditions/
[6]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9059197/
[7]: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389850874_Effects_of_household_cleaning_products_on_the_lungs_an_update
[8]: https://www.jwatch.org/na57440/2024/05/21/asthma-can-be-exacerbated-household-cleaning-products
[9]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004227
[10]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724081737
[11]: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/study-frequent-use-cleaning-products-may-increase-risk-childhood-asthma
[12]: https://www.pharmacist.com/Blogs/CEO-Blog/household-cleaning-products-may-significantly-increase-uncontrolled-asthma
[13]: https://oem.bmj.com/content/oemed/78/8/604.full.pdf
[14]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9321745/
[15]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9250289/
[16]: https://oem.bmj.com/content/78/8/604
[17]: https://www.thoracic.org/professionals/career-development/residents-medical-students/ats-reading-list/adult/occupational-and-environmental-medicine.php
[18]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022000964
[19]: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21650799241284085?int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.1
[20]: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC
[21]: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajim.23456
[22]: https://ogs.ny.gov/green-cleaning/green-cleaning-policies-and-guidelines
[23]: https://ogs.ny.gov/green-cleaning
[24]: https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/introduction-green-cleaning
[25]: https://advantagecleaningllc.net/green-cleaning/nyc-green-cleaning-regulation/
[26]: https://ogs.ny.gov/green-cleaning/green-cleaning-other-state-and-federal-policies-and-guidelines
[27]: https://www.nyu.edu/life/sustainability/operations/purchasing/green-cleaning-policy-and-program-plan.html
[28]: https://www.eli.org/buildings/green-cleaning-schools-6
[29]: https://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/GreenCleaning/greenclean.htm
[30]: https://ogs.ny.gov/green-cleaning-training-manuals
[31]: https://advantagecleaningllc.net/green-cleaning/nyc-green-cleaning-compliance/