Cleaning Products and Your Health
How safe are your “go to” products?
Regular cleaning is essential in order to maintain a safe environment. The right cleaning products can protect our health and stop the spread of germs in high-traffic areas, such as schools and workplaces. However, some cleaning products themselves contain a number of chemicals, some harmful, that can be increasing the risks of severe illnesses rather than providing you with ease of mind.
Taking a closer look at the ingredients
Many cleaning products contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes, skin, throat and lungs; and can lead to more serious health problems, and even cancer. According to studies, 53% of commercial cleaning products contain ingredients that are harmful to the lungs.
VOCs and other chemicals that are released during the use of cleaning products contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies have even linked exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, to asthma and other respiratory diseases. In addition to VOCs, the following ingredients should be monitored:
- Ammonia: A respiratory irritant with a strong smell that is typically found in general purpose cleaners and more frequently in glass cleaners. The toxicity of ammonia builds up in the immune system and can cause many long-term blood issues.
- Bleach: The generic product for removing stains, disinfecting, and whitening surfaces. Bleach is very corrosive and can quickly damage surfaces and cause burns to the skin in just minutes. Bleach can be also very dangerous when mixed with any cleaner containing ammonia. The gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death.
- Butoxyethanol: Also known as Butyl, is the key ingredient in many window cleaners , degreasers, and surface coatings. This harmful ingredient can cause tumors and is even considered an endocrine disruptor.
Government agencies, foodservice industries, and healthcare environments have restrictions on these types of cleaning products. In delicate personnel areas, such as daycares, restaurants, or senior living facilities, the use of gentler cleaning ingredients is crucial. Continuously breathing in harsh fumes can link to cancer, birth defects, allergies, and fatigue. Environmentally friendly cleaning products are safer for the environment and pose fewer health risks when used.
A Safer Alternative
Many environmental and health conscious institutions use safer alternatives as a healthier substitute for cleaning chemicals. Dustbane offers an extensive chemical portfolio that includes some ECOLOGO Certified products for an effective and safe clean. ECOLOGO products have undergone rigorous scientific testing to prove it’s compliance with basic environmental performance standards and therefore, reduce the environmental impact that most cleaning products provide.
