Many products that we commonly use to clean our office spaces and public areas contain harmful chemicals that can cause problems such as breathing difficulties, reduced vision, burns, skin irritations, cancers and more. Each year, about six out of every hundred professional janitors are injured by the chemicals that they use.
That is why the Integrated Waste Management Division (IWMD) has been working with the General Services Agency housekeeping staff and other departments to increase the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products. The IWMD was initially assisted by Thomas Barron, a respected business and engineering consultant that has worked on implementing less-toxic janitorial projects all over the United States.
The first step is to identify the products and quantities that the janitorial staff is currently using. The information is reviewed for toxicity and recommendations are made regarding further use.
Potential alternatives have been identified, using an eight-page criteria to determine if they were acceptable. Green Seal has also developed "Green Standards" known as GS-37 for several categories of cleaning products. If products are on the Green Seal approved list, we know they meet our criteria without having the vendor fill out our forms. For a listing of products certified by Green Seal, visit http://www.greenseal.org/FindGreenSealProductsAndServices.aspx
IWMD staff then works with the staff to evaluate potential product substitutes. Testing for each product line lasts approximately two weeks. The evaluation forms that the cleaning staff fill out are compiled and reviewed and a recommendation is made.
GSA Housekeeping staff began using the less-toxic products in November 2004.It is estimated that in the 8 buildings (2 large and 6 small), cleaned by the General Services Agency janitors, we will have reduced the amount of toxic products used by approximately 15,000 pounds per year, with no additional costs.
IWMD encourages other Ventura County Departments and Agencies to follow GSA Housekeeping's lead and reduce the toxicity of their cleaning products to protect cleaning staff and building occupants. IWMD is happy to assist County Agencies as well as unincorporated area businesses with testing new products.
