Unlike conventional cleaning chemicals, which often contain VOCs that can irritate the respiratory system, green cleaning solutions are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, significantly improving air quality.”
– Bharat Panchal
While green buildings prioritise sustainability, the cleaning products used can significantly impact air purity. Bharat Panchal, Managing Director-Vikr Bioscience Pvt. Ltd explores the risks of conventional cleaning agents, the benefits of green cleaning, and their role in improving IAQ
Cleaning agents are broadly categorized based on their function, such as disinfectants and surface care products. Many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are defined as substances with boiling points ranging from 0°C to 400°C. During cleaning, these compounds are released into the air, leading to short-term exposure risks for cleaning personnel. Additionally, VOC levels can remain elevated long after cleaning, impacting overall indoor air quality (IAQ) and affecting occupants.
Indoor environments also contain a mix of volatile and non-volatile substances, including allergens. The volatile fraction may consist of over 200 different VOCs, including formaldehyde, while the non-volatile fraction often contains fatty acid salts and surfactants such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonates. These substances, originating partly from cleaning products, are suspected airway irritants, potentially leading to respiratory discomfort and health concerns.
Indoor Air Quality in Green Buildings
Indoor air quality is a key focus in green building design. Certification programs like Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) mandate IAQ measures, ensuring compliance with maximum allowable concentrations of indoor air pollutants. Studies suggest that green building strategies generally lead to improved IAQ compared to conventional buildings, although results vary across different parameters.
For instance, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels in green buildings typically meet existing IAQ standards. Formaldehyde concentrations have remained below proposed exposure limits in four out of five years of assessment. Particulate matter (PM) levels also show some reduction compared to conventional residential buildings. Additionally, VOC concentrations with established exposure limits remain within safe thresholds. However, due to high detection limits, their potential cancer risks remain inconclusive.
Despite compliance with LEED and Green Building Technology Certification (GBTC) standards, a more structured approach is needed to strengthen IAQ sampling and analysis methods. A comprehensive IAQ assessment should integrate mixed-mode thermal comfort models, semi-volatile organic compounds, emerging pollutants, and updated permissible exposure levels for VOCs and bioaerosols. Furthermore, a greater focus on the relationship between energy efficiency and IAQ, along with tenant education on the health impacts of indoor pollutants, could enhance future IAQ improvements in green buildings.
How Green Cleaning Services Improve Indoor Air Quality
Green cleaning services play a crucial role in maintaining healthy indoor environments by using non-toxic, eco-friendly products that do not release harmful fumes or pollutants. Unlike conventional cleaning chemicals, which often contain VOCs that can irritate the respiratory system, green cleaning solutions are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, significantly improving air quality.
In addition to using safer cleaning products, green cleaning services enhance IAQ through:
• Deep cleaning carpets and upholstery to remove dust, allergens, and trapped pollutants.
• Dusting hard-to-reach areas to eliminate airborne contaminants.
• Cleaning air ducts to prevent the circulation of dust and allergens.
• Using eco-friendly cleaning equipment such as microfiber cloths and HEPA-filter vacuums to minimize airborne particles.
By implementing these practices, green cleaning services contribute to a healthier indoor environment, reducing exposure to harmful substances and supporting sustainable living.
Know Your Facts
Health effects of Pollutants
NO2 Type: Immediate: Causes: irritation to the skin, eyes and throat, cough etc
CO Type: Immediate; Causes: headache, shortness of breath, higher conc. May cause sudden deaths.
VOCs Type: Immediate; Causes: Liver, kidney disorders, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, skin rashes and respiratory problems.
RSPM Type: Cumulative, Causes: Respiratory Illness (upper and lower), Acute (Asthma) and chronic (COPD), Lung cancer,
Pesticides Type: Immediate; Causes: Skin diseases
SO2 Type: Immediate; Causes: lung disorders and shortness of breath
Asbestos Type: Cumulative; Causes: Lung cancer
O3 Type: Immediate; Causes: eyes itch, burn, respiratory disorders, lowers resistance to colds and pneumonia
Sources Of Indoor Air Contaminants
Contaminated outdoor air
• Pollen, dust, fungal spores
• Industrial pollutants
• General vehicle exhaust
Soil gas
• Radon
• Leakage from underground drain, sewage etc
• Pesticides
• Bacteria produced due to moisture
Human activities
• Smoking, cooking, body odour, housekeeping activities like cleaning using toxic chemicals, air borne dust, dirt caused due to sweeping, vacuuming, use of toxic cleaning agents, use of aerosol freshener to control bad odour, and toxic sanitisers.