Check out our latest cleaning services tips and advice on everyday household and commercial chemical cleaning products, the toxins they contain, and the damage they may be causing.
Cleaning Services Tips and Advice on Common Chemical Cleaning Products
Conventional home and commercial cleaning products are dangerous to the short and long-term health of all building occupants.
According to The Environmental Working Group;
Studies have linked new cases of asthma to use of or exposure to spray cleaners, chlorine bleach sprays, disinfectants, air fresheners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, furniture polish, carpet cleaners and floor waxing and stripping products.
Even non-toxic chemicals used for fragrance can be deadly when combined with the ozone present indoors.
According to Lung.org;
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, like some air cleaning devices, or from outdoor air to form formaldehyde and dangerous fine particles indoors.
The Poisons we Clean With
A 2011 study published by The Women's Voices For The Earth collected data from scientists throughout the United States regarding the chemical compounds and makeup of conventional household cleaners.
What they discovered in the solvents was disturbing, especially in light of the fact that, "[n]one of the chemicals detected were disclosed on product labels."
The problem is three-fold.
- A lack of federal regulation requiring the disclosure, or discontinued use of known toxic chemicals in cleaning products by manufacturers.
- Failure on the part of manufacturers to voluntarily disclose known toxic chemicals and carcinogens in household and commercial cleaning products, especially those incorrectly labeled as 'green.'
- A lack of in-depth research performed on non-carcinogenic chemicals, especially those used in fragrances, and their effects on humans, animals, the environment, and fetus'.
Phthalates
Phthalates are found in everything, from PVC pipe and vinyl flooring to personal care products and fragrances.
Health Effects:
- Infertility.
- Decreased sperm count.
- Undescended testes, and;
- The malformation of the penis.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Glade Tough Odor Solutions with Oust Air Sanitizer®
- Simple Green Naturals Multi-Surface Care®
Toluene
Like phthalates, toluene is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products, including allspice, as a solvent, and as an additive in gasoline used to produce benzene.
Health Effects:
- Central nervous system dysfunction.
- Narcosis.
- Irritation of the upper respiratory tract.
- Attention deficits, and;
- Minor craniofacial and limb anomalies.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Pine-Sol Original Formula®
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner®
1,4-dioxane
1,4-dioxane is a flammable liquid, and human and animal carcinogen, used as a "stabilizer" in chlorine-based solvents, as well as paint, strippers, greases, and waxes.
Health Effects:
- Potentially combustible when exposed to light or air.
- Nasal cavity, liver, and gallbladder tumors.
- Potentially toxic to developing fetus'.
- Eczema.
- Dry and cracking skin.
- Liver & kidney damage.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent®
- Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent®
- Simple Green Naturals Multi-Surface Care®
Chloroform & Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform & carbon tetrachloride are by-products produced through the chlorination of sewage and drinking water, commonly used in hard-surface disinfectants.
Health Effects:
- Infertility.
- Decreased sperm count.
- Undescended testes, and;
- Malformation of the penis.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Clorox Clean-Up with Bleach®
Galaxolide
Galaxolide is a synthetic musk used in "odor agents," such as air fresheners, cleaning solvents, laundry and dishwasher detergents, and personal care products, as well as plastic and rubber products.
Health Effects:
- Toxic to aquatic life.
- Disrupts hormone levels.
- Potentially harmful to the human endocrine system, and;
- Disrupts human cells ability to resist other toxic chemicals.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Febreze Air Effects®
- Glade Tough Odor Solutions with Oust Air Sanitizer®
Allergens
Undisclosed allergens were discovered in a wide range of home and commercial cleaning products, with health effects that varied according to levels of exposure, risk, and susceptibility.
Health Effects:
- Mild skin rashes.
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Headaches.
- Chronic dermatitis, and;
- Asthma.
Source:
Discovered In:
- Green Works Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner Original Scent®
- Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent Original Scent®
- Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach®
- Original Pine-Sol®
- Tide Original Scent®
- Tide Free & Gentle®(fragrance-free)
- Bounce with Febreze Fresh Scent Spring & Renewal®
- Bounce Free & Sensitive® (fragrance-free)
- Febreze Air Effects Spring & Renewal®
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray Spring Waterfall®
- Lysol Neutra Air Fabric Mist Crisp Linen®
- Air Wick Scented Oil Lavender & Chamomile
- Air Wick Fresh Waters Air Freshener®
- Glade Plug-In Scented Oil Hawaiian Breeze®
- Glade Tough Odor Solutions w/Oust Refreshing Citrus Air Sanitizer®
- Pledge Furniture Spray Dust & Allergen Outdoor Fresh®
- Windex Original®
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Non-Toxic Biodegradable®
- Simple Green Naturals Multi-Surface Care Lemon Verbena®
References & Resources
Takeaway
Pending stronger federal regulation, or more honest disclosure of chemicals used in products by manufacturers, the healthiest choice businesses, consumers, schools, parents, and teachers can make, is to switch to safer, healthier, certified green cleaning products and services.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of green janitorial services for your school or business, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 395-3009
In Fresno CA, call (559) 473-1790
