Green Cleaning - A Must For Portland Residents

The chemicals used in cleaning products can pollute the groundwater in Portland and other parts of Oregon. If we do not stop pouring these toxins down the drain, then future generations and even the present generation could face an end to clean drinking water. Continue reading to understand how pollutants pose daily threats from the cleaning products that we choose to use.

The Department Of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department Of Human Services have done research on groundwater and after seeing the high pollution levels, have made an appeal to every resident and business owner to not dump chemical cleaners down the drain or on the ground. Instead, they urge people to take these cleaners to a hazardous chemicals management center. This appeal was made because these chemicals were polluting the groundwater that is the source of drinking water for 70% of Oregonians, which is close to 2 million people.

These chemical cleaning products have ingredients that are toxic and hazardous. They harm not only the world we are living in, but also us. Yes, these toxins can be really hazardous to humans too. A number of diseases occur after the exposure to these chemicals. So before you call in cleaners to clean your facility, you must know what health risks you are exposing your family or employees to. If you did not know, then here is a list of the chemicals commonly found and their effects on people and the environment.

1. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) - These are found in disinfectants, stain removers and detergents. After being released into the environment, they break down into toxic substances that act as hormone disrupters. They can harm the reproductive capacity of fish, birds, and mammals.

2. Ammonia - This is found in bathroom, tile, floor and glass cleaners. It is highly toxic, can burn skin on contact, and can cause respiratory allergies. If swallowed, it can be fatal.

3. Butyl Cellosolve or Butyl Glycol - This chemical is commonly found in glass or in all-purpose cleaners. The spray can cause allergic reactions and affects the lungs.

4. Chlorine Bleach – It a commonly used cleaner, but can be really harmful when mixed with ammonia. Standalone, it causes respiratory problems.

5. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) - It is found in sudsing products, including detergents and cleaners. These chemicals are highly dangerous as they produce carcinogenic compounds. They penetrate the skin when combined with nitrosomes. They may cause cancer.

6. Disinfectants - These pesticides contain alcohol, quaternary compounds, pine oil and ethyl alcohol. They not only kill pests, but also pollute the water and weaken it by killing the good bacteria.

7. Fragrances Of Cleaning Products - They are found in air fresheners and other cleaners. They lead to respiratory tract irritation and can also be harmful to the eyes.

8. Phosphates - These are present in detergents and are extremely harmful to water bodies. They lead to weed growth, which can kill fish and other aquatic life.

9. Sodium hydroxide (lye) - This is commonly found in drain cleaners and can cause severe irritation in the throat, eyes and nose. The sulfuric acid found in drain cleaners can cause damage to the lungs.

All these chemicals can be hazardous to you and your family and your workers. That is why the human services and environmental quality departments are concerned and issuing toxin alerts to every resident of the state, including those in the city of Portland Janitorial services now need to be hired very carefully -- making sure that they use green and eco friendly cleaning products.

The writer is a cleaning consultant with Service Master Solutions, and provides expert advice on commercial cleaning.