EPA's advice and practical information on household cleaning products

The cleaning industry employs about 2.8 million potentially exposed janitors. In addition to these professional janitorial staff, who can be assumed to use cleaning products daily, many other building occupants perform light cleaning on a routine or occasional basis, such as dusting, wiping off desks and counters, etc. All building occupants are potentially exposed to the volatile components of cleaning products.

Data show that about 6 percent of janitors experience a job-related injury from chemical exposure to cleaning products every year.

Benefits of buying green

Choosing less hazardous products that have positive environmental attributes (such as biodegradability, low toxicity, low volatile organic compound content, reduced packaging, low life cycle energy use) and taking steps to reduce exposure can minimize harmful impacts to custodial workers and building occupants, improve indoor air quality, and reduce water and ambient air pollution while also ensuring the effectiveness of cleaning in removing biological and other contaminants from the building's interior.

Buying cleaners in concentrates with appropriate handling safeguards and reusable, reduced or recyclable packaging, reduces packaging waste and transportation energy. Buying less hazardous cleaners may reduce costs when it comes time to properly dispose of any leftover cleaners.