Most people are unaware of the dangers of chemical-based cleaning solutions because they believe that the more potent the chemical in the cleaning agent, the better the outcomes. However, COVID-19's global pandemic means that safety and cleanliness are more important than ever before. Maintaining clean surfaces and adhering to all health and safety rules is especially crucial in workplaces, particularly those with a high concentration of employees or customers.
Unfortunately, chemical cleaners are a significant concern for workplace health and safety since these products often include toxic chemicals. Commercial-grade cleaning agents are considerably more dangerous than regular household cleaning items due to the more potent chemicals. If not properly stored or handled, they can cause significant health concerns ranging from skin rashes to burns to respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, mixing cleaning solutions containing bleach and ammonia might result in severe lung damage or death.
Cleaning detergents like Aceton can emit potentially harmful substances, and hazardous chemicals can be released into the air when certain items are used. Due to their rapid evaporation at room temperature, they can quickly become a part of the air you breathe when cleaning. Household cleaning and sanitizing products have been linked to adverse health effects in numerous studies. Workers such as janitors, for example, are exposed to cleaning agents frequently and may have an elevated risk of developing asthma, as well as developing cardiovascular health concerns.
Numerous chemical cleaners are hazardous to aquatic life and systems. Certain chemicals in cleaning solutions, such as triclosan, phosphates, and phthalates, can pollute the water system, causing algal blooms and even killing marine life. It is possible for minute amounts of cleaning products' chemical components to make their way into waterways, even after they have passed through water treatment plants, and cause harm to aquatic life. In addition, endocrine disruptors, such as those found in common household cleaners, have been proven in laboratory tests to cause reproductive problems similar to those seen in wildlife exposed to contaminated waters.
A business can take a variety of measures to guarantee the safety of its employees. All employees exposed to chemical solutions must receive education and training on correctly identifying and using the chemical solutions to ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective measures is communicated to workers. To ensure that the products are accurately maintained and stored, designated employees must conduct regular inspections. Protective equipment must always be readily available and worn by those who handle cleaning agents.
An important consideration for businesses is the availability of newer, more environmentally friendly cleaning equipment and improvements in safe cleaning techniques. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, for example, are now readily available. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency claims HEPA-filter vacuums are less likely to reintroduce allergens into the air since they can capture 99.97% of particles. As a result, pet dander, smoke, pollen, and pet hair can be effectively removed using these devices, and improved indoor air quality is achieved by removing these microscopic particles.
Companies such as SmartChem provide intelligent fluids or environmentally-friendly cleaning fluids that are biodegradable, non-flammable, and pH-neutral and use physical effects rather than chemical dissolution. Chemical waste generated during the dissolution of contaminants by conventional solvents needs to be appropriately disposed of to avoid harming the environment. When it comes to removing stubborn and heavy buildups, intelligent fluids use pH-neutral substances that are soft enough for sensitive surfaces and remove stubborn buildups without damaging them. As a result, intelligent fluids are cleaning solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and robust alternatives for industrial cleaning. Photoresist strippers, adhesive removers, color and graffiti removers, industrial cleaners, lubricants, and rust-looseners are just a few of the many intelligent liquids available from SmartChem.
Purchasing "green" cleaning chemicals is becoming increasingly popular among businesses who believe that these products are better for their employees and the environment than traditional products. However, the safety of a cleaning product cannot be guaranteed simply by including the term "green" in its label. All cleaning chemicals must be thoroughly inspected for any potential threats.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy environment, cleaning does more than improve the look of a space. However, it is crucial to remember that cleaning products can pose health and environmental risks. The concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning chemicals are categorized as hazardous, posing handling, storage, and disposal challenges, but using green cleaning products can reduce these risks. If many conventional cleaning chemicals contain potentially harmful ingredients, it makes sense to avoid them and replace them with safe products for humans and the environment.