Cleaning for Health

[Home] > 1 >
Next >

Toxic chemicals found in many cleaning products can jeopardize the health of janitorial workers and other building occupants. Several states and local governments have found that switching to "greener cleaners" can improve air quality, reduce complaints among janitorial staff, and even save money.

INFORM's Cleaning for Health manual describes pioneering product evaluation programs, lists the brands they chose based on environmental and performance criteria, and provides manufacturer contacts and other resources for those who want to develop a safer cleaning program for their buildings.

Also see INFORM's fact sheets on janitorial cleaners and restroom and urinal deodorizer blocks -- two types of cleaning products that can pose respiratory hazards -- and safer products that are asthmagen-free.

Recently, several states and local governments agreed to use the Green Seal Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) as a model for procuring greener cleaners. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the first entity to develop new bid specifications based largely on this standard.

INFORM has also worked with Massachusetts to require bidders on the contract to disclose asthma-causing agents. Information on Massachusetts' new environmentally preferable janitorial cleaners specification is available here.

Additional Links on Environmentally Preferable Janitorial Cleaners