GREEN FLOOR CARE
Traditional floor care chemicals are some of the most powerful chemicals that we use in a custodial program. These products have included carcinogens, multiple irritants, and high levels of volatile organic compounds that can result in damage to humans. It is estimated that 6 out of every 100 custodians are injured on the job as a result of using traditional floor care products.
Green floor care product's ingredients had to be replaced with environmentally preferable ingredients. The problem has been not only to find the right ingredients in the right combination that make floor care safer for both the user and the environment, but also are as effective as traditional products. Of course, the price has to be compatible as well!
Being Green Seal certified verifies that the floor care products are made safer, because of the type of ingredients used and the amount of ingredients used. The product's performance must also be equal to traditional products
Here are the harmful elements in many traditional floor care products:
-VOCs: Many floor care products contain high levels of volatile organic compounds that contribute to poor indoor air quality. The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of all buildings in North America experience indoor air quality problems, often the result of floor care products.
-Glycol Ethers & 2-Butoxy Ethanol: These VOCs are used in most traditional floor care products. Glycol ethers, used primarily in floor finishes, have been found to cause birth defects and damage reproductive organs; cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat; and cause kidney damage. A common ingredient in strippers, 2-butoxy ethanol, is considered a possible human carcinogen, is easily absorbed through the skin, can break down red blood cells, and can damage the liver and kidneys.
-Zinc: A component of most traditional floor finishes, zinc is toxic to aquatic life.
-Endocrine Disrupters: Synthetic chemicals that can create changes in the hormones of humans and animals. Even small concentrations can interfere with reproductive and many biological processes.
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This is a “green stripped” floor and four coats of green floor finish at Palmer Middle School in Cobb County .
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Perhaps it's time to “go green” with your floor care program.
Jack Adelman, VP Education & Training
678-618-6871 Cell, www.southeastlink.com
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