Cleaning & Disinfecting

Addressing Health Risks for Cleaning Professionals

Cleaning Professionals

Breathing problems, rashes, asthma attacks, and irritated eyes are only some of the issues that cleaning professionals face today. While cleaning staffs play a vital role in schools, offices, shopping malls, and almost every other business, the health issues that these employees face are often overlooked. 

Harsh chemicals that are repetitively being used can create health issues for the people who constantly have to inhale the fumes or have these chemicals come in contact with their skin. With cleaning professionals being an increasingly integral part of today’s society, it only makes sense that we work to help them avoid harmful ingredients and outcomes related to the cleaning chemicals they use every single day. Let’s look at these chemicals, how they harm us, and what we can use in their place. 

Chemicals in Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are known to contain harsh chemicals. That’s how they destroy the germs we face. But these chemicals used for cleaning products are bad for our health. They are known to cause health issues when used “improperly.” The problem is, they also cause health issues even when used correctly that is why they need to be regulated and have warnings all over their labels.

Cleaning professionals use these products every day and are exposed to chemicals that can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, skin, and lungs. Some of these products can cause respiratory issues and chemical burns. And even other products can cause damage to bone marrow, the nervous system, the kidneys, and the liver. 

Chemicals that have the potential to be harmful include:

  • Chlorine bleach
  • Quaternary compounds
  • Formaldehyde
  • Ammonia
  • Butyl Cellosolve

Symptoms of Inhaling Cleaning Products 

How real are the risks for custodians and other people who inhale these cleaning products on a regular basis? Unfortunately, very real. Long-term exposure to these chemicals increases the chances of accidental contact or ingestion. It also increases the amount of chemicals inhaled every single day. 

Short-term exposure to these products can cause coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the lungs, skin, and membranes. But long term exposure can cause as much damage to your lungs as smoking cigarettes. These chemicals can cause asthma, COPD, and in extreme cases even death.

 

Non-irritating Cleaner Alternatives

There are alternatives to the harsh chemicals we use every day. There are non-irritating cleaning product options that are becoming more prominent in the marketplace. They give people an option to clean and disinfect while still maintaining their health. These cleaning products are better for you and for the environment.

Eco-friendly cleaners such as vinegar, castile soap, lemon juice, but you never know if your mixture is effective. Electrochemically activated solutions like Pathopure and Pathonex combo from PathoSans, are proven effective and all natural. They allow you to clean, sanitize and disinfect in a manner that is non-irritating to cleaning professionals, even when used every day. 

All Natural Electrochemically Activated Solutions

A special electrochemical cell uses electricity, high-purity salt, and soft tap water to produce two solutions – a cleaner and a disinfectant. These solutions can then be used to clean and disinfect your home or business. 

The first solution produced is a sodium hydroxide cleaner and degreaser, used to wipe away surface dirt and grime. The second solution is a hypochlorous acid disinfectant that can kill the bacteria and other pathogens in your space. This all-natural, non-irritating solution is perfect for both residential and commercial disinfecting. 

Combinations like the PathoSans Pathopure and Pathonex combo can safely clean and disinfect your surfaces, keeping your cleaning professionals and they patrons they serve, safe.

 

It’s Time For Change

Cleaning professionals face harsh chemicals every day on the job. But they should not have to face the side effects and the serious health issues that come along with these chemicals. There are safe alternatives available to them. If your business is ready to explore other possibilities, check out our page about the science behind these premium solutions, and find out how they can work for you.