Industrial cleaning supplies or household products can have an inmediate impact on your health. Some of the most common physical symptoms can be irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer. Most products release dangerous chemicals and/or toxins like:

• ·         Chlorines

• ·         Phthalates (found in furniture polish)

• ·         Butyl cellosolve and petroleum distillates (found in oven cleaning products)

• ·         Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (found in drain cleaning products)

• ·         Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) (found in detergents and disinfectants, and are suspected hormone disruptors)

• ·         Ammonia (which is poisonous when swallowed, extremely irritating to respiratory passages when inhaled and can burn the skin on contact)

• ·         Diethanolamine (DEA) (can combine with nitrosomes to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines that penetrate skin)

• ·         Fragrances may contain phthalates, chemicals linked to reproductive abnormalities and liver cancer in lab animals and to asthma in children

• ·         Sodium hydroxide (found in drain, metal and oven cleaners; extremely irritating to eyes, nose and throat and can burn tissues on contact

• ·         Sodium lauryl sulfate (a common sudsing agent, can penetrate the skin and cause contact dermatitis)

• ·         Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

A less immediate, but harmful effect overtime are founds in products containing VOCs. The use of VOC’s with other chemicals and/or cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are validating how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, past studies link exposure to chemicals from cleaning supplies to occupational asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Industrial supplies and household products containing VOCs and other toxic substances can include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products
• Air fresheners
• Chlorine bleach
• Detergent and dishwashing liquid
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Rug and upholstery cleaners
• Furniture and floor polish
• Oven cleaners (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

Not only have we needed to have self-awareness though knowledge and training on industrial or household cleaning products; but also in cleaning practices and procedures. Is imperative that never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner containing ammonia.

In simple words, the gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death. Recent research has found that even natural fragrances in cleaning products, particularly in air fresheners, may react with high levels of ozone from indoor sources (for example, from some air cleaning devices)or from outdoor air to form formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and dangerous fine particles indoors. Ozone is a harmful, but invisible, gas that worsens asthma and other lung diseases. Particles are also common air pollutants that can worsen asthma and other lung diseases and risk heart attacks and stroke. Both ozone and particles can be life threatening (Organic Consumers Association (OCA), 2019).

Some Green Tips and Safe Practices

The following are some green practices and safe procedures that we can implement to mitigate the health risks exposure:

·         Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them.

·         Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients.

·         Avoid using air fresheners altogether.

·         As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home.

·         Baking soda is good for scrubbing.

·         A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.

·         When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated.

·         Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space (International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA, 2004-2019).

Also below there is a listed number of all-purpose cleaners that are gentler on human health and the environment. While eco-friendlier cleaners are becoming more widely available in conventional grocery and home stores, most can be found only at natural foods stores or must be ordered by mail.

• ·         AFM SafeChoice Super Clean, www.afmsafecoat.com, 800/239-0321

• ·         Aubrey Organics Earth Aware, www.aubreyorganics.com, 800/282-7394

• ·         BioShield Vinegar Cleaner, www.bioshieldpaint.com, 800/621-2591

• ·         Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile (Liquid) Soaps, www.drbronner.com, 760/743-2211

• ·         Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, www.drbronner.com, 760/743-2211

• ·         Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner, www.ecover.com, 800/449-4925

• ·         Ecover Multi-Surface Cleaner, www.ecover.com, 800/449-4925

• ·         1st EnviroSafety Cleaner/Degreaser, www.1stenvirosafety.com, 888/578-9600

• ·         Naturally Yours Gentle Soap, 888/801-7347

• ·         Our House Works Sanitizing Surface Cleaner, www.ourhouseworks.com, 877/236-8750

• ·         Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, www.seventhgeneration.com

• ·         Shaklee Basic H, www.shaklee.com, 800/SHAKLEE

• ·         Vermont Soapworks Liquid Sunshine, www.vermontsoap.com, 866/SOAP4U2 (Organic Consumers Association (OCA), 2019).

Remember that products that are labeled "green" do not necessarily mean they are safer. Do a little research on the product from a reliable source. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements for cleaning and other needs. They include cleaning products for home and vehicles.

Remember that manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products.

Reference:

International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association (IJCSA). (2004-2019). Green Certification Course Study Material. Retrieved on July 19, 2019 from https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Certification-Course

Organic Consumers Association (OCA). (2019). How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies?. Retrieved on July 19, 2019 from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies