The Toxic Chemicals Lurking in your Building’s Janitorial Closet

It is easy to assume that the cleaning supplies in your office are totally benign. After all, their purpose is to keep your office safe and healthy, so why should they cause problems? The fact is, many products used to clean with are quite abrasive. Even when used correctly, some chemicals are very harsh. A quick glance through your janitorial closet is sure to include some troubling products.

Although this list of toxic chemicals is not inclusive, it does include many commonly used in cleaners. Perchloroethylene, also known as PERC, is a common ingredient in many spot, upholstery, and carpet cleaners. It is a neurotoxin and possible carcinogen. People exposed to PERC may experience a loss of coordination, dizziness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 5.2-Butoxyethanol is found in many multipurpose cleaners. Exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage. Chlorine is commonly used in toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, and scouring powder. It can irritate the respiratory tract and, with long-term exposure, cause damage to your thyroid. Sodium hydroxide is a drain cleaner and clog remover, it is very caustic and can cause burns.

These are just some of the many many toxic chemicals in cleaning supplies. As you can see, they are in everything from the most general cleaning product to the most specific. Avoiding them is difficult, if not impossible when using conventional cleaning products.

In addition to the issues with using these cleaning products, there are also difficulties with the disposal of toxic chemicals. Rinsing products down the drain introduces them into the water system. Throwing them in the trash allows them to seep into the groundwater in the landfill. The best course of action is to avoid using these any more than necessary.

Now that you know what some toxic chemicals you want to avoid are, you may be wondering how to clean your office. Wiping up messes as quickly as possible makes the cleanup process much more manageable. Ask your commercial cleaning service about using gentler cleaning methods.

A company like Zerorez® is ideally suited for this purpose. We use our Zr™ Water technology to clean all types of materials. We can clean your office from top to bottom, including carpets, rugs, furniture, and hard surfaces, without using any toxic chemicals, soaps, or detergents. Our extraction system cleans efficiently and doesn't leave behind any residue. We are also happy to work around your schedule. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

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