Keeping Asthmagens Out of Schools

It is estimated that approximately 7.9% of school children suffer from asthma, making it the third-leading cause for hospitalization for children under the age of 15.  There are studies that also show asthma is the most common cause of school absenteeism.

There is evidence that there is a link between exposure to toxic cleaning products and asthma. INFORM, a national non-profit environmental education organization, found that many disinfectants and floor-care products commonly used by school janitors are asthmagens.

Additionally, a study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine several years ago found custodians have twice the rate of occupational asthma than other workers.

According to INFORM, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took steps to keep asthmagens out of school environments by identifying four ingredients commonly found in cleaning products as asthma-causing agents.

Those ingredients are:

• Monoethanolamine (CAS 141-43-5)
• Tall oil or rosin (CAS 8002-26-4)
• Chlorhexidine (CAS 55-56-1)
• Ammonium quaternary disinfectants (not limited to the following CAS numbers: 8001-54-5, 121-54-0, 122-18-9, 8044-71-1, 124-03-5, 122-19-0.

Using cleaning products that do not contain these ingredients is particularly important when using floor cleaning chemicals, as flooring comprises the largest surface area in any facility.

We carry cleaning chemicals that do not contain these identified asthmagens, including:

• Simoniz Blend Rite All-Purpose Neutral Cleaner –  Neutral pH floor and all-purpose cleaner that will not harm floor finishes. It is safe for daily cleaning of all floor types and suitable for every day all-purpose cleaning. Economical and easy to use.
• Spartan Clean on the Go Damp Mop – A neutral floor cleaner specifically formulated for maintaining high gloss floor finishes. It is an excellent light duty, all purpose cleaner that is phosphate free and biodegradable.

> Read the full INFORM report, “Cleaning for School Health Asthmagens in Institutional Cleaning Products”
> View our list pricing for Simoniz Blend Rite All-Purpose Cleanerand Spartan Clean on the Go Damp Mop

Call us at 800-242-1400 for more information about our asthmagen-free cleaners