Cleaning Chemicals Can Expose Workers & Building Occupants to Hazardous Fumes, Vapors & Gases

Cleaning chemicals are frequently handled by workers involved with building maintenance, janitorial and housekeeping services.  The use of many of these chemicals can expose workers and others to health concerns and impact the indoor air quality of the surrounding area.

Chemicals in some cleaning products can be irritating to the skin or cause rashes.  Some of these products contain corrosive chemicals that can cause severe burns if splashed on the skin or in the eyes.  Many can generate mists, vapors and gases that cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.  Common symptoms of exposure may include burning eyes, sore throat, coughing, trouble breathing and wheezing.  Chemicals in some cleaning products can even cause asthma or trigger asthma attacks in some people.

Many factors influence whether a cleaning chemical will cause health problems. Some important considerations include:

• Chemical ingredients
• How the cleaning product is being used or stored
• Ventilation in the area where the cleaning product is used
• Whether there are splashes and spills
• Whether the cleaning product comes in contact with the skin
• Whether mists, vapors and gases are released

“Some cleaning products even contain hazardous chemicals that can enter the rest of the body through skin contact, or from breathing their vapors or residues,” said Vincent M. Daliessio, CIH, Project Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many of these same cleaning chemicals are also used in people’s homes as well.  Employers need to provide training and safe working conditions for employees using cleaning chemicals and those throughout the area.  At EMSL, we provide air testing services to identify chemical contaminants in the air and provide personal protective equipment to prevent dermal and inhalation exposure.”

EMSL has released an online video about cleaning chemicals, exposure risks and indoor air quality (IAQ) that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5vmB2OgzSY. To learn more about chemical testing services, indoor air quality issues and personal protective equipment (PPE), please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail