Maintaining a clean business space is a top priority for many company leaders. It helps reduce the risk of illness for employees, increases productivity and reduces stress. However, not all cleaning solutions are created equal. In fact, some even pollute the air and surfaces with potentially dangerous chemicals causing a slew of health concerns. Some products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, skin irritation and headaches. Additionally, the concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are classified as hazardous, creating potential handling, storage and disposal issues for users.
Even though chemically potent cleaners do sanitize and disinfect reducing the spread of bacteria, they also pose the greatest risk to children, pets and plants. They will also have an effect on the environment when they eventually make their way down the drain to contaminate waterways and soil. If you want a clean commercial space but without the use of harsh chemicals, green cleaning solutions may serve as a viable alternative.
Why Green Cleaning Is Important
Green cleaning involves products and procedures that are safe for the environment and do not emit any pollutants when used. It is beneficial for the planet, but also for those who are in and around those spaces. For businesses, it can improve the health of your consumers and employees, your company’s ecological footprint and the effects on the environment. It’s important to remember that unless a manufacturer’s specific claims have been certified by a third-party organization that works with sustainability and food certifications, there is no way to be 100% certain that the claims are factual.
Many commonplace cleaning solutions contain synthetic fragrances derived from petroleum. Research has shown that petroleum-based chemicals can alter hormones and cause issues such as cancers, neurological disorders, weakening of the immune system, learning disabilities, allergies, infertility and more. By using green cleaning products that are free of these synthetic fragrances, you can help reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning.
In addition to synthetic fragrances, green cleaning products typically have no phosphates, no chlorine, no artificial colors, are biodegradable or come with recyclable packaging and are made with organically grown ingredients using sustainable farming practices. The easiest way to tell if a product is truly green is to read the label. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits companies to put labels on products that meet their criteria for certain standards. When reading the label, look for products with fewer ingredients, avoid words such as danger, warning or caution, and be wary of fragrances, dyes and degreasing agents. Watch out for these toxins in particular:
- Phthalates are typically found in fragranced household products such as air fresheners and dish soap. These known endocrine (hormone) disruptors may not be listed, but if you see the word “fragrance” on a label, chances are phthalates are present. They may also pose risks for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Some have been shown to be toxic to aquatic organisms and environments as they also disrupt endocrine systems in fish.
- Perc (perchloroethylene) is a neurotoxin found in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers and carpet and upholstery cleaners. It is a respiratory and skin irritant, neurotoxicant, liver and kidney toxicant, and reproductive and developmental toxicant. It can also leach rapidly through sandy soil and potentially reach groundwater, entering our water system.
- Triclosan is an antibacterial foaming agent used in many products including dishwashing detergents, hand soaps and even toothpaste. In addition to contributing to antibiotic-resistant microbes, triclosan is suspected of being a hormone disruptor and possible carcinogen. It also is toxic to aquatic organisms and can transform into cancer-causing chemicals.
- 2-Butoxyethanol gives window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners their distinctive sweet smell. According to the EPA, this ingredient, which isn’t required to be listed on labeling, can cause sore throats, pulmonary edema, and liver and kidney damage.
- Ammonia is used as a polishing agent for bathroom fixtures and sinks and is also found in glass cleaners. Concerns with ammonia include chronic bronchitis and asthma. Be sure to avoid the combination of ammonia and chlorine bleach – together these create highly toxic chloramine gas that can injure lung tissue. Ammonia can also have a direct toxic effect on vegetation and cause changes in species composition due to nitrogen deposits.
- Chlorine is found in scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners and household tap water. Coming in contact with chlorine compounds can severely irritate the lungs or burn skin and eyes and may be a thyroid disruptor. Although chlorine itself usually does not cause environmental harm, it combines rapidly to form chemicals such as dioxins that pollute water, contaminate fish and transfer to humans and larger animals that eat the fish.
- Sodium hydroxide is found in oven cleaners and drain openers. This chemical is extremely corrosive, causing severe burns if it touches the skin or eyes. Inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for many days.
Six Steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use
The EPA provides six steps on how to use surface disinfectant products safely and effectively:
- Check that your product is EPA-approved: Find the EPA registration number on the product. Then, check to see if it is on the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants.
- Follow the product’s directions. Check the use sites and surface types to see where you can use the product. Make sure to read the precautionary statements.
- Make sure to wash the surface with soap and water if the directions mention pre-cleaning or if the surface is visibly dirty. This is important to remove any dirt or dust from surfaces before applying the disinfectant to kill any remaining germs and reduce any risk of spreading infection.
- Follow the contact time found in the directions. The surface should remain wet the whole time to ensure the product is effective.
- Wear gloves and wash your hands. For disposable gloves, discard them after each cleaning. For reusable gloves, dedicate a pair to disinfecting. Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
- Keep lids tightly closed and store them out of reach of children.
Safety and Effectiveness of Danolyte
Danolyte produces a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) formula that cleans, sanitizes and disinfects surfaces from households to hospitals with no harsh chemicals or toxic fumes. HOCl is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body that plays an integral part in the immune response. It is made from three simple ingredients: salt minerals, water and electricity. When white blood cells recognize a potential for illness, the body automatically creates HOCl on-demand to seek out these pathogens. It kills dangerous microorganisms as an antimicrobial solution making it equally as effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Watch to learn more about HOCl
Offering unique disinfecting properties, Danolyte is a ready-to-use and no-rinse solution for hard surfaces. It is free of harsh chemicals, fumes and chemical residues as it is created with nature-derived ingredients that are eco-friendly, sustainable and scientifically proven to be equally, if not more, effective than synthetic chemicals.
The EPA registers different types of disinfectants at various levels after undergoing a rigorous testing process to prove their efficacy and measure toxicity. Hospital-level disinfectants must be able to fight against Salmonella, Cholerasuis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are more difficult to eliminate. Danolyte is a registered hospital-level disinfectant, yet safe enough to use to disinfect children’s toys as it is made without harsh chemicals, toxic fumes, alcohol or bleach. It is scientifically proven to kill 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria including SARS-CoV2, also known as the coronavirus.
Danolyte’s advantages over traditional disinfectants include:
- EPA-registered disinfectant that is highly effective against E. Coli, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, C. Diff- spore and Staphylococcus.
- An active ingredient derived from naturally occurring salt minerals and water.
- Bactericidal, germicidal, virucidal, tuberculocidal.
- Highly effective in removing biofilm.
- Low operating costs.
- Neutral pH is non-corrosive and fully compatible with water systems.
- Approved for use on food contact surfaces.
- Eco-friendly with no harsh chemicals.
We are proud to be a distributor of Danolyte, a professional strength HOCl cleaner. We offer several options based on your commercial or home cleaning needs:
Emerald Prairie Health is a purpose-driven company, committed to providing products that make for a cleaner, safer and healthier world. We provide all-natural, non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfectant products that help protect against harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Our products are 99.99% effective with no fumes or chemical residues, allowing you to return to the office, classroom, business and your life in a clean and safe environment.
