When engaging in commercial cleaning Bristol professionals are responsible for much more than the aesthetics of building interiors; they are also being entrusted to help ensure the health and safety those who frequent the structure. As such, the proliferation of chemicals involved in conventional cleaning should be of the utmost concern to anyone engaging in commercial cleaning. Bristol cleaning crews and office managers are all too often unaware of the risks posed by common cleaners, which include:
Cancer. 30% of cleaning products contain ingredients known to cause human health issues, and these chemicals are potent enough to create indoor air that is three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air, according to the EPA.
Hidden dangers. Just 7% of cleaning products adequately disclose all of their ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Respiratory issues. Research conducted by the Environmental Working Group revealed that 22% of cleaning products contain chemicals known to cause asthma, and are capable of causing asthma in people who are otherwise healthy.
To minimise the above risks and create a healthier work environment, cleaning crews and office managers should implement the following strategies:
Avoid the use of air fresheners and fabric protection sprays. While these may seem to expedite the process of commercial cleaning, Bristol professionals are exposing themselves to chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive issues every time they utilise these odour-reducing shortcuts.
Be careful how you clean your carpets: Commercial facilities often favour “dry” (solvent) carpet cleaners and stain-resistant treatments, but both of these contain very harsh chemicals linked to a long list of potential health issues. Opt for steam cleaning instead.
Make use of “DIY” tricks. Draw on the DIY knowledge used by many household cleaners, such as employing lemon juice, cooking oil, vinegar, and baking soda as cleaning products.
Become label-savvy: Verse yourself in which chemicals are particularly hazardous, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and “chemical surfacants”, and avoid using them wherever possible.
Make sure the building has adequate ventilation. It’s difficult to completely prevent chemicals from entering indoor air, but you can lower the risk they pose to the building’s occupants by ensuring that HVAC/ventilation systems are regularly checked and maintained.
Keep abreast of new cleaning technology: Commercial cleaning technology is constantly evolving to ensure that cleaning is as safe and efficient as possible. Technological advancements, such as sprayer nozzles designed specifically to reduce chemical releases, are proving highly effective at harm reduction. If your firm is still relying on outdated cleaning equipment, invest the money needed to modernise.
As a final note, office managers should work with the custodial staff they hire to compile an employee education plan. Employees working within the building should be made aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals in cleaning products and provided with information regarding safer alternatives, otherwise their own cleaning practices (many employees wipe down their own desks, clean off their own computer monitors, etc.) may wind up harming indoor air quality.