Product safety
This category of the certification form outlines the health and safety impacts of ingredients in the cleaning products.
Since building maintenance staff are frequently exposed to the ingredients of cleaning products, it is necessary and reasonable for the state of Minnesota to choose products that are not defined as highly toxic or toxic whenever possible. The Hazard Communication Standards are intended to address comprehensively the issue of worker exposure to hazardous chemicals. (29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix A - Health Hazard Definitions.)
Manufacturers are required to evaluate the potential hazards of chemicals and communicate information concerning hazards and the appropriate protective measures for workers to take. The Hazard Communication standards define certain health hazards, including a determination of what is highly toxic and toxic. "Highly toxic" is measured in three ways. It measures the lethal dose for ingestion, inhalation, and/or continuous contact with the bare skin. "Toxic" is measured similarly but has more permissible thresholds.
Any ingredients of cleaning products listed in Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) current Employee Right-to-Know Standards as a regulated carcinogen should be avoided by the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota OSHA regulates carcinogens which been categorized by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) as either "human carcinogens" or "suspect of carcinogenic potential for man"; have been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found to be carcinogens or potential carcinogens; or have been listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
The flashpoint is the lowest temperature for sufficient vapor to form in the presence of oxygen to permit ignition. A compound is classified as ignitable if the flashpoint is below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is reasonable for the state of Minnesota to protect its building maintenance staff by choosing cleaning products with a high flash point. (40 CFR 261.21 Characteristic of Ignitability.)
The pH of the cleaning product measures its acidity or alkalinity. Strong acids and bases can cause injuries and damage to skin and nasal membranes. It is reasonable for the state of Minnesota to protect its building maintenance staff by choosing cleaning products within a pH range from 2 to 12.5. ( 40 CFR 261.22 Characteristic of Corrosivity.)
Ecological stressors
This category outlines the environmental impacts of ingredients in cleaning products.
Minnesota's Toxics Indexing System uses a level 3 fugacity model to compare and evaluate different sources of toxic pollution. ("An Indexing System for Comparing Toxic Air Pollutants Based upon their Potential Environmental Impacts," Gregory C. Pratt, et al,, Chemisphere, Vol. 27, No. 8, pp 1359-1379, 1993.)
Given a chemical's physical and chemical properties, the model predicts the fate in Minnesota of a chemical released in any operation and estimates the resulting concentration of the chemical in each media compartment (i.e. air, water, fish, sediment, soil and vegetation). The environmental fate modeling specifically considers the movements of pollutants between compartments (i.e. from water to air and vice-versa) and the degradation rates of substances in the environment. This fate modeling information, combined with toxicity data, yields a total hazard potential for pollution sources and allows the state to establish chemical substance priorities. The Indexing System is now being used to prioritize work on toxic substances in several programs across the State.
Pollution associated with manufacturing cleaning products from plant matter is lower than that associated with manufacturing cleaning products from petroleum. The additional pollution accompanies each step of the production and processing of petroleum. For example, petrochemical extraction and refining processes release benzene and other toxic chemicals into the environment. Furthermore, some non-toxic chemicals are derived from toxic petrochemicals. For example, ethoxylated surfactants are derived from ethylene oxide, a probable human carcinogen. ("Choose Green Report: General Purpose Cleaners," Green Seal, Inc. 1996.)
Using cleaning products with ingredients that are derived from crops, trees, fruits, and vegetables prevents the pollution associated with petroleum processing. Furthermore, since these ingredients can be produced from crop residue and excess produce, it has the added benefit of providing an additional market for Minnesota farmers. It is reasonable for the state of Minnesota to extend pollution prevention efforts and support Minnesota agriculture by choosing products derived from plant matter.
The state of Minnesota recognizes that world-wide emissions of certain substances can significantly deplete and otherwise modify the ozone layer in a manner that is likely to have adverse effects on human health and the environment, and the state of Minnesota is committed to take appropriate measures to protect human health and the environment. Consequently, it is reasonable to choose cleaning products that do not contribute to ozone depletion. A list of ozone depleting chemicals is included in the Montreal Protocol. (Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, As Adjusted and Amended by the Second Meeting of
the Parties London, 27-29 June 1990 and Further Amended by the Third Meeting of the Parties Nairobi, 19-21 June 1991.)
Phosphates cause excess growth of algae in rivers and lakes, blocking sunlight, robbing water of oxygen and ultimately killing aquatic life. Phosphates contained in cleaning products are released into the environment during use and disposal to the sanitary sewers. It is reasonable to seek the reduction of phosphate residues entering surface water from wastewater treatment facilities.
Fragrances and dyes
Synthetic fragrances and dyes have been identified as causing severe cases of chemical sensitivity in some individuals. They can also contain carcinogens. It is reasonable that the state of Minnesota protect its employees and maintenance staff from such irritants.
Packaging
Packaging is a large component of the municipal solid waste stream. Reducing excess packaging eliminates unnecessary waste and using recycled content supports the recycling infrastructure. According to the Department of Administration's policy to avoid and reduce waste toxicity and volume, it is reasonable for the contract to have criteria that maximize the opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging.
Pressurized aerosol cans are often labeled as flammable due to their contents under pressure. Aerosol mists spray tiny particles of chemicals into the air that are more easily inhaled. If a can is accidentally punctured, it creates an uncontrolled spray that endangers workers and leads to chemical releases. If the containers are not completely empty when discarded, they can also easily ignite or explode when exposed to heat, causing environmental problems in the waste stream.
Updated 8/98
|
