VOCs in Cleaning Products and the Benefits of Green Cleaning

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors, “where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” Young children, older adults, and those with cardiovascular or respiratory disease — the people who are most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution — tend to spend even more time indoors.

So, why does this matter? Volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, are chemicals found in a wide range of household items, including cleaning products. They vaporize quickly and easily, becoming part of the air we breathe. Exposure to these harmful compounds is linked to a wide range of health concerns, from asthma and lung disease to cancer and reproductive health issues.

However, there are things you can do to minimize your exposure to VOCs, including opting for green cleaning. In this blog post, we’ll explore what VOCs are, their impacts on human health and the environment, and why green cleaning offers a healthier alternative.

What Are VOCs?

VOCs are chemical compounds that are emitted as gases from certain liquids or solids, including paints and lacquers, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, adhesives, furnishings, and cleaning supplies. Their concentrations in the air are consistently up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. This is especially concerning given the fact that most of us spend the majority of our time inside.

Health Impacts

There are many potential adverse health effects of VOC exposure, both short-term and long-term, including:

• Respiratory issues
• Headaches
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Cancer
• Reproductive harm
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervous system damage
• Liver and kidney damage
• Dizziness

Environmental Impacts

The damaging effects of VOCs extend to the environment, as well. They contribute to ground-level smog, which can inhibit seed production, cause diseases in plants, and hinder fertilization. VOCs can also lead to acid rain, which puts fragile ecosystems at risk of collapse and affects the entire food chain.

VOCs in Cleaning Products

VOCs are found in many cleaning products, including detergents, polishes, disinfectants, air fresheners, toilet cleaners, bleach, floor polish, glass cleaners, and more. While using these products may help you get your home or business clean, they can also degrade indoor air quality, making it an unhealthy place to spend your time.

Part of the insidious nature of VOCs in cleaning products stems from the fact that they often sneak under the radar. While you often see labels warning you about the danger of ingesting a product, you rarely encounter any information specific to VOCs. That’s why it’s essential to check the ingredient list — if a cleaning product contains any of the following substances, it’s important that you’re aware of the risks involved:

• Benzine
• Formaldehyde
• Alcohols
• Toluene
• Chlorinates
• Glycol ethers
• Hydrocarbons
• Phthalates
• Isothiazolinones 

Green Cleaning: Healthier for People and the Planet

Green cleaning is a philosophy that emphasizes the use of non-toxic, biodegradable, and low-VOC or VOC-free products, along with sustainable practices and techniques. By opting for green cleaning products, you can reduce or eliminate the concentration of VOCs in the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a safer environment for everyone — especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pets.

In addition to promoting optimal health, green techniques reduce the environmental footprint associated with cleaning. The benefits of green cleaning go beyond minimizing VOCs; this philosophy can also lower pollution levels and ensure safe disposal of waste. 

Green Cleaning Techniques

Green cleaning involves alternative products, including natural cleaners without ingredients known to release harmful VOCs. It also emphasizes the importance of good ventilation during any cleaning process, so any VOCs that are emitted do not accumulate indoors. Additionally, green cleaning means using biodegradable or reusable cleaning products whenever possible, such as microfiber cloths, refillable spray bottles, and recyclable paper products.

Avoid Harmful VOCs with Aspen Maintenance

Aspen Maintenance is your partner in ensuring a safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly business. Our EPA-compliant green cleaning techniques are developed with health and safety in mind, so you can rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to minimize VOC emissions and do our part to protect both people and the planet.

One of our most significant strengths as a professional janitorial service provider is our customized solutions. We can tailor our green cleaning practices to fit your business’s specific needs, whether it’s a school, office, fitness center, or healthcare facility. If you’re ready to make the switch to green cleaning, contact us today!