Yale will continue to avoid using finishes on stone floors. Read the entire report here.
Environmental Effects
The Society of Toxicology and Chemistry
reports:
-Cationic zinc is used by
manufacturers to cross-link acrylic polymers formulated into acrylic floor finishes. Zinc is present in waste water solutions from floor finishes that
are solubilized (i.e., stripped) from floors during routine
building maintenance operations.- Read the entire articlehere
Housekeeping Solutions reports:
-Traditionally, two methods have been used to break down floor finish’s chemical bonds, neither is considered environmentally preferable because they
both employ an unhealthy pH and/or toxic surfactants, that can create poor indoor air
quality.- Read the entire articlehere.
State of California, City of Palo Alto states:
-Zinc-containing floor finishes contain as much as 5000 parts per million (ppm) zinc. Waste water put into the sewer must contain 2 ppm or less. Read
the entire city ordinance here.
Indoor Air Quality
Health Care Without Harm and the Global Health and Safety
Initiative
reports:
-In 1989, two janitors in Chicago died after inhaling toxic fumes while
cleaning a floor.- Read the entire articlehere.
The International Journal for Respiratory Medicine
reports:
-A 44 year old pharmacist developed severe occupational asthma and went throughBronchial challenge testing which
identified the specific agent to which he was sensitised as lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, a constituent of the floor cleaner being used in
his place of employment.- Read the entire article here.
National Birth Defects Prevention Network
reports:
-Pregnant Janitors put babies at risk for birth defects.- Read the entire articlehere.
The Environmental Protection Agency
reports:
-Buildings have the ability to be "sick" and/or inflict "related
illnesses" on to the inhabitants of the building.- See if your building has these
abilities here.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
reports:
-Increased absenteeism by floor care workers and two documented cases of “severe reactions” were reported.- Read the entire
article here.
New York Green Cleaning Law
states:
-Even more so than adults, children are vulnerable to, and may be severely affected by, exposure to
chemicals, hazardous wastes and other environmental hazards. Read the entire report here.
Green Seal, Go Green reports:
Traditional floor-finish stripper has a VOC (volatile organic compound) level greater than 10%, commonly between 15% and 30%. A green floor finish remover, by contrast, may have a VOC content of
6% or less and still be effective in removing finish. Read the entire report here.
The American Lung Association reports: More then ten million school days are missed each year due to asthma alone. Read the entire article here.
