Green Cleaning Could Help Prevent Breast Cancer

A link between breast cancer and common chemicals found in many cleaning productshas been reported by a recent study in Massachusetts. When deciding on a janitorial service for your office, the use of Green Cleaning products in important for the health and safety of your staff.

Common Toxins in Household Cleaners

The study found the greatest correlation with breast cancer with mold and mildew cleaners and air fresheners. Among the chemicals of greatest concern were:

• Synthetic musks: Widely used in detergents, fabric softeners and air fresheners (along with perfume), these compounds have been found in 36 of the 52 people tested by Environmental Working Group (EWG)/Commonweal studies.They have been found in the breast milk of American mothers, which has raised increasing concerns about their safety. Synthetic musks are suspected endocrine disruptors and at least one, tonalide, prevented cells from blocking entry of toxins in an animal study.
• Phthalates: The effects of phthalates on your endocrine system, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, are very disturbing. For instance, animal studies on certain phthalates have shown these chemicals may cause:
  • Reproductive and developmental harm
  • Organ damage
  • Immune suppression
  • Endocrine disruption
  • Cancer
• 1,4-dichlorobenzene: Found in air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners and other household cleaning products, 1,4-dichlorobenzene is present in the blood of nearly all Americans. Along with being linked to lung damage it is known to cause organ system toxicity.
• Terpenes: Commonly used in household cleaners with pine, lemon or orange scents, terpenes interact with ozone in the air to produce toxic substances similar to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
• Benzene: Also common in cleaning agents, benzene is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to increased risk of leukemia and other blood diseases, along with organ system toxicity.
• Styrene: Linked to cancer, birth or developmental effects, organ system toxicity, and problems with reproduction and fertility, this is another chemical found in far too many household cleaning products.
• Phenol: A common main ingredient in household detergents like Lysol, Pine-Sol and Spic-n-Span. It’s also found in mouthwash. Phenol is toxic and people who are hypersensitive can experience serious side effects at very low levels. Studies have linked phenols to:
  • Damage to your respiratory and circulatory systems
  • Heart damage
  • Respiratory problems
  • Damage to your liver, kidneys and eyes
• Formaldehyde, found in spray and wick deodorizers, is a suspected carcinogen.
• Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners may damage mucous membranes.
• Butyl cellosolve, found in many all-purpose and window cleaners, may damage your kidneys, bone marrow, liver and nervous system.
• Triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products, not only kills bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells.

They are widely used in household cleaners, air fresheners and plastics.
At Valor Janitorial, we pride ourselves on helping to educate our clients on the benefits of Green Office Cleaning. Our services will leave your office not only neat and clean, but also free of dangerous chemicals that could possibly harm your employees.