subject: Is Your Cleaning Company Polluting Your Air? [print this page] Is Your Cleaning Company Polluting Your Air?
Most American workers and school-aged children spend the majority of their day inside of a building. Keeping that space clean and sanitized is important to reduce germ exposure and to create an inviting atmosphere for all who enter. Hiring a commercial cleaning company can keep your building sanitized and looking nice but if the janitorial staff is not using safe cleaning products, they may be harming the air quality of your facility.
Many commercial cleaning companies use strong chemical compounds when cleaning. These harsh cleaning products may kill germs and sanitize surfaces, but they can also impact the indoor air of your building. Maintaining good air quality is essential for creating a healthy indoor environment.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are common chemical containments found in a variety of cleaning products used in schools and commercial buildings. These products can negatively impact the air quality of your building, even with a properly working ventilation system. Continued exposure to cleaning products with high levels of VOC can cause short- and long-term health effects including:
Asthma
Dry eyes
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nasal mucus
Throat irritation
Young people, the elderly and those with chronic health issues are especially at risk to the adverse effects of poor air quality. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that poor air quality may cost the nation billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and medical costs.
If your commercial cleaning company is one of the many who use harsh chemical cleaners that are negatively affecting the air quality of your building, it is time to make a change to improve your environment. The first step to improving your air quality is finding a janitorial service that uses green cleaning products.
Green cleaning products are less hazardous to people and more environmentally friendly than traditional cleaners. Most of these products contain natural ingredients, with very few chemicals. Some attributes of green cleaning agents include biodegradability, less toxicity, and low VOC content. Green cleaning minimizes the impact of janitorial products and equipment on air quality, while still effectively sanitizing and deodorizing your environment.
Regular cleaning with green products can help improve the indoor air quality of your facility. A good commercial cleaning company will design a specific service plan for your building aimed at reducing the use of harsh, dangerous cleaners and chemicals. This plan should be created to fit your needs and budget. Even small changes in cleaning products can make a big difference in the health of your environment.
The janitorial company you choose should have vast knowledge of the green products and practices that are most effective at creating the end results you desire. The cleaning staff should be well trained in green cleaning practices and the use of the newest green products. Relying on qualified janitorial professionals to take care of your air quality needs means you will have time to take care of your own business matters. Plus, the people in your facility will have a healthier environment in which to work and learn.
