Occupational exposures to cleaning products

Environmental Health 2009,8:11
www.ehjournal.net/content//8/11

Characteristics of occupational exposures to cleaning products used for common cleaning tasks - apilot study of hositpal cleaners

Background: idetify cleaning agents that aggrevate asthma and respiratory issues, skin irritation and sensitization. Assess the potential for inhalation and dermal exposure.

Results of the study:
Ingredients of cleaning products
quats
glycol ethers
alcohol
ammonia
phenols

Description of cleaning tasks
preparation of cleaning solutions
floor cleaning tasks
window, mirror, and glass cleaning
bathroom cleaning tasks
floor finishing tasks (stripping, waxing, buffing)
patient room cleaning

Low exposure category: floor cleaning tasks
Medium exposure category: window, mirrow and glass cleaning, sink cleaning, counter cleaning and toilet bowl cleaning
High exposure category: "combination tasks" patient and bathroom cleaning tasks, floor finishing

Conclusion: Cleaning products area a mixture of many chemical ingredients.
Exposures are a function of product formulation and product use.