As we learn more about the links between chemical
exposures and human health, physicians and researchers are looking closely at
the products used to clean schools, where children, as well as teachers and
staff, spend many hours each day. School districts across the country are
adopting policies requiring the use of "green" products to clean
their facilities.
But the
term "green" has not been clearly defined. Some petrochemical
manufacturers are simply diluting their original formulas with water and
calling them "green," despite the fact that petrochemicals in diluted
formulations still present the risk of chronic low level exposures. Bio-based
cleaners, without fragrances or dyes, are becoming widely accepted as safe and
effective alternatives.
To help decision makers understand this important issue, The
Grassrootes Environmental Organization of New York has lead the way and have
created a resource document on green cleaning products called The Childsafe
Guidelines. This document grew out of the green purchasing guidelines
originally established several years ago by the EPA and the Department of the
Interior which promoted bio-based products, and has been updated by Grassroots
based on the latest medical research, discussions with facilities directors,
and information from manufacturers. It is important to note that the State of
New York who have lead the way in mandating “green Cleaning” have adopted the
Child Safe Guidelines developed by this grassroots organization.
The
following environmental attributes appear in the
Childsafe Guidelines and in most cases surpass Green Seal standards.
Must
not contain any carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens designated by federal law.
(A-Ben-A-Qui does not contain any in it’s form)
Must
not contain any ozone-depleting compounds, greenhouse gases, or substances that
contribute to photochemical smog and poor indoor air quality.
(A-Ben-A-Qui does not contain any in it’s form)
Must
have a pH between 4 and 9.
(A-Ben-A-Qui ph
is 8+-.05)
Must
have a flash point higher than 200º F
(A-Ben-A-Qui flash point higher than 200º F )
Must
not be corrosive or irritating to the skin or eyes.
(A-Ben-A-Qui is not corrosive )
VOC
levels must meet or be less volatile than the California Code of Regulations
maximum allowable VOC levels for appropriate cleaning product categories.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has
no VOCs )
Must
not be delivered in aerosol cans.
(A-Ben-A-Qui only comes in a paste form)
Must
not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has
no fragrances.)
Must
not contain ingredients included on the Chesapeake Bay Program's Toxics of
Concern list.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has
none )
Must
be dispensed through automatic systems in order to reduce employee contact with
the concentrate and to ensure proper dilution ratios.
( N/A )
Must
not contain any chemicals under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
(A-Ben-A-Qui has none)
Must
not constitute hazardous wastes, as defined in 40 CFR (Code of Federal
Regulations) Part 261, when offered for disposal.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has
none)
Must
not be toxic to humans or aquatic life.
(A-Ben-A-Qui is not toxic)
Must
not contain endocrine modifiers, alkyl phenyl ethoxylates, dibutyl phthalate,
or heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury,
nickel, selenium).
(A-Ben-A-Qui has none)
Must
be biodegradable.
(A-Ben –A-Qui is Other than the filler witch is a natural
substance)
Must
not contain petroleum distillates.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has none)
Must
not be combustible.
(A-Ben-A-Qui is not)
Must
not contain more than 0.5 percent by weight of phosphorous.
(A-Ben-A-Qui / EZ-Task phosphorous level is much less than
0.5
Must
be biobased (i.e., utilize biological products or renewable, domestic
agricultural [plant, animal, or marine] or forestry materials).
(A-Ben-A-Qui
base is Tallow which is a Plant & Animal derivative)
Must
not contain chlorinated solvents.
(A-Ben-A-Qui has no chlorinated solvents as certified by
the Totally Chlorine Free Products Association)