A growing number of less-toxic industrial cleaning products are now available both in stores and online. But due to the fact that manufacturers are not required to list all of their ingredients, unless they are active disinfectants or known to be potentially hazardous, it can be a challenge for consumers to find the least-toxic formulations.
Your best defense is to carefully read and understand the label warnings on commercial and industrial cleaning supplies, which can be challenging. All industrial and commercial cleaners that contain known hazardous chemicals must carry a warning label that spells out potential risks, along with precautionary steps and first-aid instructions.
In general, the more serious the safety warning on a product, the more likely that it poses risks to your health and the environment. Products labeled "Poison" or "Danger" are likely to be more toxic than those labeled "Warning" or "Caution."
It is important for anyone purchasing industrial cleaning products such as parts cleaners to know the various terminology used on labels. If a product is labeled "Danger" it will be corrosive, extremely flammable, highly toxic, or poisonous. Commercial and industrial degreaser often bear this label. "Caution" or "Warning" are catchall terms for many other hazards, so consumers are advised to scan for specifics such as "Vapor harmful," "Causes burns," or "May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed." Products bearing the label "Irritants" will cause injury or inflammation on contact, whereas "Corrosives" refers to chemicals that destroy tissue. "Sensitizers" are ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and chronic adverse health effects that become evident only after continuing exposures. “Chronic Health Hazards" may include effects ranging from sterility and birth defects to cancer.
Many industrial cleaning products will also carry claims about the safety of their products on health and the environment. It is often the case, however, that these claims are not independently verified or regulated.
For example, if a product claims to be non-toxic, it implies that the product will cause no harm to the environment or the consumer. There is currently no standard industry definition for the term “non-toxic” and unless stated otherwise, there is no organization verifying the claim. Likewise, many heavy duty cleaners, degreasers, parts cleaners, solvents etc will claim to be “natural.” Again, there is no industry standard so manufacturers can use the term as they please. It is no guarantee that the product will be completely safe. For example, even natural ingredients such as lemon juice can cause irritation if they get into the eyes. Other similar terms that lack definitions are “eco-friendly”, “green” and “biodegradable” which although does have some useful meaning, is only loosely defined by the federal government.
When purchasing commercial and industrial cleaning products, always check the ingredients list. With that said, manufacturers are not required to list every ingredient that is in their products, and unlike the food industry, the ingredients are not always listed in the order according to the relative amounts of the individual ingredients. Although not every ingredient may be listed, it is a requirement that companies list any harmful or hazardous ingredients.
Anyone with concerns about specific ingredients within a cleaning product is advised to call the company that manufactures the product. The name and address must be listed on all household and industrial cleaners, degreasers and solvents so that consumers are able to contact them with any questions, comments or concerns. Consumers can also request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) which contains information on the more toxic ingredients or formulations used.
Manufacturers may also post MSDS reports on their Web sites. Consumers can search for safety information on brand-specific products and their ingredients by visiting a government website. There is a governmental guide that includes the potential health effects of more than 2,000 ingredients contained in 6,000 common household products.
Play it safe. Whether using commercial or industrial cleaners, it’s important to follow safety precautions. Users should avoid splashing industrial cleaners on their skin or face and check labels to see if respiratory masks, rubber gloves, goggles, or other protective measures are recommended.
People with heart or lung disease and pregnant women should try to avoid products that contain chemical solvents. And since contact lenses can absorb vapors and hold them against the eye, causing irritation or eye damage, anyone who normally wears contacts should remove them and put on eyeglasses before handling such products. If the heavy duty cleaner, degreaser, parts washer, solvent or other industrial cleaning product causes irritation to the nose, eyes and/or lungs, it is highly advisable that the person stops using them immediately. Finally, anyone diluting an industrial cleaner should be sure to clearly label their products, and keep all cleaners out of reach of those not given permission to use the products.
Here are some more tips on using commercial cleaning products:
- An All-Purpose industrial cleaners often cost less. A multifunctional industrial cleaner will almost always save you money, since you won’t be paying for several products. One industrial all-purpose cleaner can work for many projects.
- Using fewer cleaners can save money. Try to find one or two cleaners that can effectively clean a variety of surfaces. You’ll not only be able to save money and space, you’ll also cut down on packaging waste.
- Buying larger sizes tends to be cheaper in the long run. Larger sizes such as drums or totes are usually, less expensive, gallon for gallon. Choosing large sizes can also mean buying less often, reduce transportation cost, and help to reduce packaging waste.
- An ounce of prevention... If you can prevent stains from setting in by taking care of them right away, you’ll reduce the need for tough specialty cleaners, which are often relatively expensive, more toxic, and harmful to surfaces. Or better yet, try to prevent stains from happening in the first place.
BioClean Technologies adheres to the strictest standards for being green and its eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners and degreasers are consistent with the EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) and CleanGredient with its newest industrial cleaning products: Industrial All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser and its Heavy Oil Degreaser.
BioClean Technologies is an innovator and leader in biomolecular cleaners and degreasers for the industrial and commercial markets. Its range of products include cutting edge nano technology of cleaners, degreasers, and odor eliminators to clean the smallest to the largest of jobs for the industries of parts cleaning, manufacturing, janitorial, food processing and restaurants, automotive, marine, aerospace, defense, governmental, institutional and medical. For more information about BioClean’s product line and domestic and international distribution, please contact BioClean Technologies at 866-499-1157.