A Greener-Cleaner Workplace: Why It Matters

I bet you’ve thought about how clean your workplace is recently, haven’t you? After all, you spend a significant part of your day in your office or at your desk. But have you thought about whether your cleaning products are healthy?Recent government reports and non-profit studies have revealed that exposure to chemicals and toxins found in common cleaning products can cause reproductive problems, lung issues, and multiple forms of cancer. In fact, a recent EPA study concluded that toxic chemicals in common cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. Additionally, in 2013, the American Association of Poison Control Centers listed cleaning substances as one of the top three most common reasons for exposure to poison in adults. Unfortunately, that’s not all.

Scary Statistics Regarding Common Cleaning Products

• Indoor air quality is a top five environmental risk to public health. *
• Toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. *
• 30% of cleaning products contain ingredients known to cause human health or environmental problems. **
• Cleaners are the third most common reason for exposure to poison in adults. ***
• 53% of cleaning products contain lung harming ingredients. ****
• Only 7% of cleaning products adequately disclose their list of ingredients. ****
• 22% of cleaning products contain chemicals known to cause asthma in otherwise healthy people. ****

Those are some daunting facts about today’s cleaning products. That’s why we, at OpenWorks, are stepping up to educate employers and share 10 tips for a greener, cleaner workplace. These tips can help all employers and cleaning professionals avoid dangerous cleaning products and create healthier work environments. Whether big or small it’s important to put your health or the health of your employees first. Greener cleaning can do just that.Keep an eye out next week for part 2 of our ‘Greener-Cleaner Workplace’ series with the first 5 tips to improving your office!SOURCES:* Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ** Green Schools Initiative *** National Capital Poison Center **** The Environmental Working Group