Increasing attention is lately being paid to the issue of indoor air quality. High quality indoor air results from good air circulation & exchange, proper temperature & humidity control and control of airborne contaminants, odours and dust. Good indoor air quality produces an environment that is healthy and comfortable. It is also good business, resulting in increased worker productivity, reduced absenteeism and reduced medical and insurance costs.
Paying attention to how a facility is cleaned can make a significant difference in the quality of indoor air and the chemicals to which workers and occupants are exposed. By choosing cleaning methods, products and equipment carefully, identifying and addressing contamination “hot spots,” reducing the on-site storage of toxic chemicals and introducing higher standards as to what constitutes a “clean” space, janitorial cleaning can perform a real environmental service.
Building design flaws, heating and ventilation problems, occupant activities and chemical products that are improperly used, sealed or stored could contribute emissions and contaminants to the indoor environment. These, in turn, may cause “building-related illness,” or “the sick building syndrome”.
Janitorial service companies and departments could improve indoor air quality while protecting the health of building occupants and workers.
Strategies such as preventing the introduction of dirt and dust into a facility, focusing on dust and airborne contaminant removal, preventing water damage, and using proper cleaning methods can reduce indoor air pollution and the toxicity and volume of products used.
While occupants may complain that the lack of a “chemical” or “fragrant” smell indicates that bathrooms have not been adequately cleaned, they can be educated about the elements of effective cleaning and the importance of reducing the use of volatile, odorous products.
Disinfectants, all of which pose health and/or environmental risks have active ingredients that are among the most toxic chemicals used in cleaning and include quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), bleach, ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and phenolic compounds. By evaluating products and purchasing the least toxic ones available, institutions can reduce the risk to workers and the environment while maintaining high-quality cleaning standards.
Buyers can read the material safety data sheets for all products, ask vendors about their products and use the information provided by vendors to evaluate a product’s environmental attributes. Products without toxic chemicals are available for most cleaning applications. By evaluating products and purchasing the least toxic ones available, institutions can reduce the risk to workers and the environment while maintaining high-quality cleaning standards.
To make an informed decision about which products to use and which to avoid, buyers can read the material safety data sheets for all products, ask vendors about their products, and use the information provided by vendors to evaluate a product’s environmental attributes. Products without toxic chemicals are available for most cleaning applications. Many manufacturers are now providing other environmental information as well, such as biodegradability, skin and eye irritation data, aquatic toxicity and full ingredient lists upon request.
Janitorial workers often handle highly toxic chemicals with little or no knowledge of their toxicity or how to prevent injury. Training them to handle hazardous products correctly, to avoid spraying or otherwise contaminating the air with cleaning products, and to dilute products correctly can reduce the risk of chemical injury and the amount of product required for the job.
In one study, implementation of improved cleaning and preventive techniques, such as focused dust removal from all surfaces, use of large entryway mats and damp-mopping instead of sweeping, reduced airborne bacteria by 37%, fungi by 62% and dust by 52%.
Another study found that the use of hazardous chemicals could be reduced by 13%, if janitors used fewer chemicals, substituted with less toxic chemicals, installed mats, vacuumed and avoided aerosol products.
Compiled from: www.healthyhomestraining.org