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

       I am just starting up a cleaning business, and am going to be all green. It is better on the environment, on me, and my clients, as well as their pets. There is no hazardous fumes, VOC's, or toxic waste that can make kids or pets sick. I believe it to better for the environment as well

       After reading the green certification course, I can now confidently make my own safe cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, essential oils like lavender to help with scent. This gives me the advantage over other companies, since I do not see any in my area offering green cleaning services. Plus I am making a difference in the environment. Huge bonus.

Find Professional Green Cleaning Companies Here

You would think that the cleaning products that are easily sold in your local grocery store are safe but you may be wrong. Studies have shown that chemicals found in common household cleaners and cosmetics contribute to diseases. Not only have these chemicals shown to be a burden of disease but also economic and environment cost. 

A study in 2010 shows that endocrine-disrupting chemicals have lowered IQ points and intellectual disability. These chemicals have also been linked to obesity, autism, heart disease and reproductive toxicity, let alone the effects it has on your skin. A lot of these chemicals are meant to break down grease and grime and are very abrasive. 

Fragrances added to many cleaners, most notably laundry detergents and fabric softeners, may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. But because the chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to list their ingredients but merely label them as containing "fragrance."

We can protect the environment by not using petroleum-based products, which contribute to the depletion of non-renewable resources. Phosphates is another famous water pollutant and are commonly found in laundry and dishwasher detergents. Too much of these chemicals can make our water very toxic to both humans and wildlife.

Green cleaning products are not only safe for your household and environment they are also cheaper. One of the common misconceptions is that natural, green products are more expensive but in the long term they actually save you money. Natural cleaning products include vinegar, lemon, borax, castile soap and baking soda. These ingredients have never been marked as harmful and are most likely in your cabinets now. 

So instead of waiting for these chemicals to become illegal, make the switch now. When looking for green products to use, choose products with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Another good sign to look out for is the "keep out of reach of children" label and other tell-tale hazard warnings. 

Health Problems from Common Chemicals Cost $340 Billion Per Year: Study

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the USA: a population-based disease burden and cost analysis

Find Green Cleaning Services Here

Here at Intec Building Services, we plan on implementing a GREEN cleaning program both for the safety and overall health of our customers, employees and the environment. Being in the janitorial business for over 35 years, experience and research has proved that cleaning chemicals are loaded with toxins and can produce harmful effects to individual’s overall health and to our environment. 

Many common cleaning chemicals such as general purpose cleaners, Windex, oven cleaners and even simple air fresheners can cause lung and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, burning of the skin, cancers and can poison humans, animals and plants.  Said chemicals will ultimately end up in our rivers and streams causing irreversible effects on our environment.  

Here at Intec, we strive to be a socially and environmentally friendly and responsible company, which is why we are choosing to go GREEN!

Find Green Cleaning Professional Companies Here!

Acquiring the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification for my company; Green Clean Home Care Services, places the seal of approval that we have met all the required international "Green" standards. 

To us as founders and owners of this company, we do not want to be another listing in the cleaning company industry, but more importantly, to stand out, have an edge on the janitorial cleaning industry and in our market. We don't want to just say we use these products, but that we have bragging rights to do so - as we are trained and meet the "green clean" standards through a legitimate and an internationally well-known company as IJCSA. Being part of an international membership whereby there are active discussions via a knowledge-sharing forum available to gain information from experts who are engaging - this is a huge benefit particularly to our company.  

Green Clean Home Care Services is a unique company, as we are the only company on our islands that is 100% Eco-Friendly and chemical free. We offer an array of personalised services including but not restricted to; home care services for your family, home and pets. Our staff are trained in using green products and have over 15 years of residential cleaning service experience. We go the extra mile, and take exemplary care in whatever task we undertake. Our goal is to meet and exceed our client's expectations.

From inception, we only stocked specifically required cleaning equipment and products, and have implemented the green cleaning program as part of our policy, day-to day routine, as guided on your website. We only use  Citrus Clean product - which is a multipurpose cleaning solution made from orange peel, and is a product out of Florida, baking soda, lemon, cleaning vinegar, peroxide, dish soap, essential oils and peppermint oil soap - all natural, eco-friendly products. We are open to exploit other green products we have identified and noted by other members.

We only use micro-fibre cleaning supplies including; micro-fibre mops, sweepers, cleaning cloths, H.E.P.A. vacuums, and steam cleaning systems. We do not use any other products other than Eco-friendly and green products - this is what we stand by. We take the name seriously and have therefore equipped ourselves and trained our staff to live by this mindset. 

Training workshops are ongoing for our staff so they are kept current as well and are able to educate our clients, if asked why we do what we do.

We care about our environment and will be proud to be an IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified Company! 

Following the OSHA Guidelines regarding Bloodborne Pathogens is important for any cleaning employees that may come in contact with any body fluids while performing their cleaning tasks.

By following OSHA's "Universal Precautions" the cleaning employee assumes that all fluids containing pathogens are infected and insures that proper precautions are taken.

It is important for the cleaning employee employ Protective Practices when handling any type of Pathogen Clean ups. This could include; Blood, Vomit or Saliva. Safe protective practices include; Vinyl Gloves, Eye Protection, Face Masks, or Gowns. Never smoke, apply lip balm, or compress any bags that contain pathogens are additional best practices. Not splashing while cleaning and using tongs to avoid sharp objects are also important.

Learn More About Bloodborne Pathogens For cleaning Employees Here

Having a mold cleaning program in place is imperative to the health of the users of any environment that is contaminated. Unchecked Mold can damage buildings but more importantly cause many health effects in humans. Effects such as, allergic reaction and asthma attacks are just few causes. The lack of knowledge on this matter by most people is also a concern and if addressed can have positive impact on how mold is handled in residential or commercial property.

CleanRite Intend to implement a program that will educate clients on mold prevention and the support we will provide in the remediation process.  We will provide training to schools and commercial property discussing key topics. What is mold? How does it affect you? What can we do to prevent it? What steps do we need to take to contain and remedy mold? This approach will arm our clients with the knowledge to make the first critical step in the cause of mold i.e. moisture control, cleaning up water damage wit in the 48 hours needed to stop mold. We will support them in the event when there is mold. We will discuss the steps we will take after an assessment is done and how we will follow up after the remediation to make sure they are working or living in a clean environment.

Find Professional Certified Mold Cleaning Companies Here

Traditional cleaning chemicals can have a harmful effect on people and on the environment. Everyday cleaners contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine bleach, napthas, phthalates, and methylene chloride. Many cleaners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Regular exposure to these chemicals can have adverse effects on the health of the workers who handle them and on the people exposed to places where they have been used. 

Green cleaning products are a great alternative to traditional chemicals. They have less of an impact on human health and the environment. They contain things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and cornstarch. They are generally biodegradable and can be mixed at home, which reduces plastic packaging waste. 

These green and eco-friendly products are also superior cleaning products. For example, a vinegar and olive oil mixture makes an excellent furniture polish which compares favorably to any other polish on the market and can be made by individuals very inexpensively. 

Using green products in place of traditional cleaning chemicals can also be advantageous from a business standpoint. More and more customers are demanding the use of products which are safer to use around their families or employees. It is in the best interests of cleaning businesses and individuals to become Green Clean Certified to meet these market demands. 

Customers can find a provider of green cleaning services through IJCSA's Provider Directory. Businesses or individuals who are Green Clean Certified can also be verified through IJCSA's Directory. 

Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

Green cleaning certification provides a stamp of approval for obtaining the proper knowledge and use of green products and in reducing our carbon footprint. Switching to green cleaning products is good for the health and well-being of the people I employ and serve, and it also prevents unnecessary chemicals from being released into the environment. The difficult part is letting go of the products we know and love.

The chemicals found in common cleaning products can have many negative impacts, including contributing to asthma, cancer, and increased birth defects, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Cleaning Supplies and Your Health. With the potential negative impact of current chemicals in cleaning products, the need for green cleaning is necessary. The increasing popularity of “being green” has caused many companies to see this as an opportunity to capitalize on its popularity.  Green washing is causing a lot of distrust in the idea of being green and may sway consumers to continue to use the products they are comfortable with, which may include toxic ingredients. Also, many companies do not fully disclose their ingredients, which makes evaluation about the health and environmental impacts difficult. 

Essentially, being green cleaning certified allows me to act as a change agent for green living and the environment. Initially, I need to take an inventory of what I currently have and research green alternatives. For example, many of the products I currently own can be replaced with many products from the Method line (https://methodhome.com/). Along with the products being naturally derived, the company also works to make sure every bottle they design goes through a rigorous process to ensure that it’s as green as possible. The goal is not to advertise for companies but to choose products that work best for my clients.

Protecting my clients and the world from harmful chemicals is my overall goal. I must continue to be a learner in green cleaning to meet the various needs of my clients. Even though I may be aware of various products, I also have to merge that with the needs of my individual clients. In the end, my goal is keeping my clients healthy while being environmentally friendly. 

For a Green Cleaning Certified Company go to the Green Cleaning Service Directory