Cleaning Products

We clean our hospitals and clinics to promote a healthy environment, eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and make things visually appealing. However, cleaning products can also bring with them a long list of health and environment concerns. Hazardous chemicals found in the ingredient lists can cause skin and eye irritation, endocrinology and reproductive disruption, promote chronic inflammation, cause oxidative stress in target organs, act as carcinogens and are ozone depleting^1,2. Cleaning products, and the associated chemicals, are released into the environment through evaporation of volatile components², which leads to higher indoor concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)^1,3. Additionally, cleaning products down the drain enter waterways, where they can threaten aquatic life².  

Many of the commonly used products may need to be reconsidered in order to ensure the health of your staff, your patients and the environment. Attention and care should guide procurement choices to keep yourself, your staff, your clients, your patients, the indoor air quality and the environment safe. Taking the time to research products that meet the needs of your hospital, while also minimizing harm through toxic effects of chemicals can improve the indoor air quality of your clinic and minimize the environmental impact of harmful chemicals flowing down the drain into our watersheds. Cleaning products are complicated unless you have in-depth knowledge of the chemicals and their deleterious effects. These guidelines will lead your choices to ensure a safe and health workplace environment.