Cleaning Chemicals and Your Health
Definitions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants as follows:
Cleaners remove dirt through wiping, scrubbing or mopping.
Sanitizers contain chemicals that reduce, but do not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and molds from surfaces. Public health codes may require cleaning with the use of sanitizers in certain areas, like toilets and food preparation areas.
Disinfectants contain chemicals that destroy or inactivate microorganisms that cause infections. Disinfectants are critical for infection control in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants serve different purposes, and it is important to choose the least hazardous cleaning chemical that will accomplish the task at hand. Before purchasing cleaning products, determine whether or not sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary. If sanitizing or disinfecting is not required, then choose a cleaner. In general, disinfectants and sanitizers are more hazardous than cleaners.
If sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary, be sure the product purchased is effective for the microorganisms being targeted.
Environmentally-Friendly Cleaners
Many employers and building managers are purchasing environmental-friendly, or "green," cleaning chemicals, thinking they are safer for workers and the environment. However, placing the word "green" in a name or on a bottle does not ensure a chemical is safe. Employers should review the cleaning chemicals they purchase, including green cleaning products, to understand their health and safety hazards. Employers should choose the least hazardous cleaners.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. Which of the following contains chemicals that reduce, but do not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms?
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