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Soaps and cleaning chemicals

Cleaning products are essential for maintaining a hygienic environment. However, their chemical content and the process of manufacture and disposal can pose hazardous risks to the environment and to human health.

Cleaning products used indoors are typically washed down drains to treatment plants where biodegradable toxic compounds may break down to safer chemicals, but non-biodegradable toxic chemicals will pass through untreated. Products used outdoors will make their way to storm water drainage systems. Both routes will contribute to pollution of our natural environment. The manufacturing process and disposal of chemicals and packaging also present an avenue for toxic chemicals to pollute the environment.

Cleaners frequently handle toxic chemicals and are at a high risk of inhaling toxic fumes and burns to eyes and skin. The products also contribute to indoor air pollution which can cause allergic reactions and other health effects to office workers.

It is therefore important to consider the environment and the health of cleaners and building occupants, as well as price and performance when choosing a product.

To reduce impacts, take the recommended actions below.

Recommended actions

Refer to ecolabels

Prefer products with an Environmental Choice New Zealand licence:

  • EC–01-08 Hand washing detergents
  • EC-22-08 General purpose cleaners
  • EC-02-08 Laundry detergents
  • EC-03-08 Machine dishwashing detergents
  • EC-35-08 Commercial and institutional dishwasher detergents
  • EC-36-08 Floor care products
  • EC-37-08 Commercial and institutional cleaners
  • EC-38-08 Commercial and institutional laundry detergents

Or other third-party audited life-cycle ecolabel, or can show that they meet similar criteria eg, Green Seal (USA), Good Environmental Choice (Australia), Nordic Swan, EU Flower, Blue Angel (Europe) or EcoMark (Japan).

Reduce toxins

Meeting the ecolabel criteria (above) will help to reduce levels of hazardous chemicals.

Where specialised cleaning products are unavailable in the above ecolabel ranges:

  • prefer cleaners that are readily biodegradable
  • prefer cleaners low in, or that do not contain, sodium or phosphorous
  • prefer products made with natural ingredients such as citrus, tree and vegetable oils
  • avoid products containing:
  • alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)
    • corrosive or strongly irritating substances
    • volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Neutral pH, non-irritating products are suitable for most cleaning applications.

Protect ecosystems and human health 

Follow product mixing instructions and use the correct dose for maximum efficiency and minimum environmental impact.

Ensure correct storage and disposal to avoid leaks to waterways and drains.

Only use products that are specific to the building.

Do an assessment of room use and only clean to the level required.

Choose products with minimal hazardous ingredients.

Always wear protective gloves when handling cleaning products. To avoid inhaling toxic fumes and skin irritation, wear goggles and mask when handling stronger chemicals.

Reduce waste to landfill

Prefer concentrated supplies and refills to reduce packaging waste.

Choose products that are supplied in recyclable packaging and are recyclable.

Recycle waste plastics and packaging.

 

For further information, look at the following resources.