Green Cleaning for Healthier Homes and Schools

2 Why Switch to Green Cleaning? Research tells us that frequent users of conventional cleaning and disinfecting products have higher levels of occupational asthma* People in buildings where these products are used can also be affected “Studies of Health Impacts Associated with Cleaning Products” Informed Green Solutions, publications/studies-health-impacts-associated-cleaning-products

3 Children Are More Sensitive Children are at greater risk than adults when exposed to toxins because They process toxins more slowly than adults Their rapidly developing systems are more sensitive to the effects of toxins They live and play close to the ground where toxic residues collect in air and dust

4 Children and Toxins Childhood exposures to chemicals in the environment are associated with* Asthma Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Autism Cancer Learning disabilities * In Harm’s Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development, Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, 2000

5 Asthma and Children Asthma Currently affects 7.1 million children in the US Is a leading cause of school absenteeism million lost school days in 2008 Third leading cause of hospitalization among children Costs society about $56 billion per year in direct and indirect costs* *Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality - reports/asthma-trend-report.pdf reports/asthma-trend-report.pdf

6 Why Switch to Green Cleaning? The Environmental Working Group tested 21 common products used in California schools. They found: 457 chemicals were emitted into the air 6 known asthmagens (cause asthma) 11 known, probable or possible cancer-causing agents and Others – endocrine disruptors; health effects are unknown

7 Cleaning Products Air Contaminants Ingredients Disclosed Asthmagens Detected Carcinogens Detected Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleaner Febreeze Air Effects Simple Green Pine-Sol Cleaner Citrus Scrub

8 Environment Hazardous chemicals in cleaning products: end up in our rivers and streams and affect aquatic life are spread on farm fields as sludge where they may be taken up by the food that is growing there

9 Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Girls are entering puberty earlier – six years old Birth defects in boys – deformed genitals Phthalates found in plasticizers, vinyl, scented products, sealants etc.

10 Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (cont.) Common ingredients in conventional cleaning and pesticide products All-purpose cleaners Hand soaps Floor care products Fragrances Insect sprays

11 Cleaning for Health Cleaning that protects public health, without harming the health of staff, building occupants and the environment Health first!

12 The Program Includes 1. Environmentally preferable chemicals Safer, less-toxic, with third-party certification* for environmentally preferable qualities 2. State-of-the-art cleaning methods (commonly called “best practices”) *Certification: a third-party (e.g. Green Seal and EcoLogo) gives written assurance that a product or service conforms to specific requirements

13 Identifying Safer Products Third-party certified Green Seal EcoLogo EPA’s Design for the Environment

14 Third-party Certifiers Evaluate products for a list of criteria Carcinogens, reproductive toxins, skin sensitizers, inhalation toxicity, skin absorption, volatile organic compounds, asthmagens Biodegradability, toxicity to aquatic organisms, recyclable packaging, combustibility, animal testing

15 Cleaning chemicals for everyday use Third-party-certified cleaning chemicals One concentrate diluted for the following cleaning tasks  bathroom/ restroom  all-purpose  carpet spotter/extraction  glass and window  neutral floor One heavy-duty cleaning product Program Components Checklist

16 Program Components Checklist (cont.) Specialty cleaning products Environmentally preferable disinfectant Third-party-certified Floor care products  wax stripper  floor sealer & finish Hand soaps, not anti-bacterial Mineral build-up remover (toilets etc.) White board cleaner and markers

17 Best Practices Use a stream rather than a mist when you are spraying a product. Spray into the cloth instead of on the surface. Avoid scented products.

18 Best Practices (cont.) Wear personal protective equipment when it is recommended by the label or SDS Follow label directions Dilute at the suggested ratio Leave a disinfectant glistening wet on the surface for the recommended dwell time.

19 Clean before disinfecting Detergent and water can remove most microbes Use disinfectants in high risk areas only Areas required by regulation Areas where body fluids may be present Disinfection

20 The Program 3. The use of advanced technology cleaning equipment Microfiber cloths and mops High-filtration vacuums and attachments Mechanized floor care equipment Steam cleaning equipment Multi-level scraper walk-off mats 4. Implementation Protocol

21 Implementing a Program Establish an Environmental Health and Safety/Wellness Committee or use an existing one Adopt a policy Work with your custodial staff Educate building occupants Monitor success Reward staff for participating

22 Comments on the Program " I don’t have the dry throat and headache anymore from all the odors and chemicals.” - Custodian “The use of inhalers has decreased.” - Nurse “I can breathe now, even when cleaning is taking place.” - Principal with Asthma

23 Resources Approved Products Design for the Environment EcoLogo - Green Seal - EPA IAQ resources – Informed Green Solutions The Quick and Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools –