Many building service contractors are aware that green cleaning

is a hot topic these days due to health and safety concerns by

building owners and managers. We see increasing amounts of

recycling bins in the buildings we clean, which is a sign that

people are becoming more environmentally conscious. Steps are

also being taken to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous and

toxic chemicals in many industries. As a janitorial contractor

you can be a leader in your industry by exploring the many

excellent environmentally preferable products available on the

market today.

If the cleaning products you are using contain any of the

following chemicals, you may be putting yourself, your

employees, your customers, and the environment at risk.

Nonylphenoxpolyethoxyethanol, Nonylphenols and NPE/APE

surfactants: These provide detergency to remove soil from a

variety of surfaces. Although effective, they are

petroleum-based products that may contain traces of ethylene

oxide, which is a suspected carcinogen. NPE's have been shown to

cause disruption to the endocrine system in aquatic species and

are suspected of doing so in humans. The endocrine system is a

series of glands, including the male and female reproductive

glands, which secrete hormones. Endocrine disruption may be

linked to birth defects. You may find the above chemicals in air

fresheners, all-purpose cleaners, carpet spotters, disinfectant

cleaners, floor strippers, and washroom fixture cleaners.

Glycol Butyl Ethers: This product is very effective on

water-soluble dirt as well as water-insoluble oils and greases.

The drawbacks are that it is very irritating to the respiratory

tract and eyes. It also reacts violently with strong mineral

acids and is not biodegradable. You may find this product in air

fresheners, carpet spotters, floor finish removers, food service

cleaners, glass cleaners and heavy-duty cleaners.

Phosphates: Phosphates are used in products to soften

water, maintain alkalinity levels, suspend dirt and increase

cleaning efficiency. It can become an environmental hazard if

dumped into a closed body of water, which leads to the potential

for excessive algae growth. Excessive algae growth can lead to

the depletion of oxygen levels and can eventually kill aquatic

life. This product may be found in all-purpose cleaners, carpet

spotters, disinfectant cleaners and heavy-duty cleaners.

Xylene: Is a petroleum based product which is non

biodegradable, flammable, must be disposed of as hazardous waste

and requires solvent clean up. It is commonly used to reduce or

thin solvent coatings such as concrete coatings. High levels of

inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and even death.

Exposure over long periods of time has the potential to cause

damage to bone marrow eyes and stomach.

Dibutyl Phthalate: This product is a known endocrine

disrupter. It has shown to cause a high frequency of birth

defects in some aquatic species. It is also suspected of having

the same potential in humans. You can normally find this

chemical in resilient tile coatings.

These are a few examples of the hazardous chemicals that may be

found in conventional cleaning products. If you are concerned

about what's in the cleaning products you are using, consult

your Material Safety Data Sheets. They should list the

ingredients and the potential health and flammability risks.

Rumor has it that there will be a mandate to use environmentally

preferable products in all federal buildings as early as this

year. Whether it happens this year or not, the fact of the

matter is that it will happen. There are many proven

environmentally preferable products on the market today. One

place you can find them and find answers to any questions you

may have is at www.TheJanitorialStore.com .

You can also use environmentally preferable products as sales

tools, as more and more people are becoming increasingly

concerned about our environment and the environment they work

in. Be a leader in your industry by taking steps to implement

safer cleaning products and provide a healthier atmosphere for

yourself, your employees, your customers, and the environment

About the author:

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM),

an online community for owners and managers of cleaning

companies who want to build a more profitable and successful

cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at

http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift!