Cleaning chemicals in the office: Is it safe?

Even the most environmentally friendly cleaning product has chemicals. What is significant is the kind of chemical and how much of it is present.

Cleaning teams must clean office buildings regularly to avoid exposure to dust and other health and safety factors. For susceptible individuals, cleaning can be a double-edged sword. Some cleaning products that contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil or plant extracts may cause an allergic reaction.

Eco-friendly vs Human Friendly

The arrival of the eco-friendly trend in the 1970s resulted from uneasiness about pollution and endangered species. While this awareness has remained, the philosophy has expanded globally to practically every industry; cleaning products are no different. Consumers desire to purchase more eco-friendly products, focusing mainly on products containing less 'chemicals'.

While all cleaning products will include chemicals, buying products that may be more fitting for those with allergies and sensitivities is achievable. However, it is crucial not to mistake environmentally friendly with human friendly. For instance, environmentally friendly cleaners will often use natural essential oils as an active ingredient; however, these oils can stimulate an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Tips for allergy control in the office

Stimulus avoidance is a crucial part of asthma and allergy control. Here are some steps you can take to protect your employees' exposure to the chemicals used when cleaning offices, warehouses, and other areas of the office premises.

?1.??Never use more cleaning product than you need for a specific area.

2.??Never combine cleaning products as this can lead to harmful gases.

3.??Pick a product that does not leave an aerosol behind.

4.??Select products that are fragrance-free.

5.??Ensure you clean in a well-ventilated area.

The cleaning products that we use at Red Alert have minimal impact on the environment. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, we train our cleaning teams to handle our cleaning products safely; therefore your employees are in safe hands.

For more information about the Red Alert Cleaning Services, visit www.redalert.co.za.?