What harm do cleaning chemicals do to the Human body? LOTS!
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Currently, the majority of cleaners used in hospitals contain irritating and toxic contaminants, which pose a threat to healthcare workers, patients, guests and the indoor air quality. Many standard cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are neurotoxins and are implicated in respiratory irritations, headaches, and skin rashes and in long-term health issues. Research shows that exposure to cleaning agents is associated with an increased risk of new-onset asthma among nurses and housekeeping staff.
In the U.S. alone, more than 2 million nosocomial infections are acquired each year, resulting in over $4 billion in healthcare costs and approximately 100,000 deaths. As a result, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) continue to enforce stricter guidelines in the type of cleaning products used in medical facilities.
As alternative, eco-friendly products are currently being more widely produced, hospitals are now able to choose safer, milder cleaning products. Green Bridge provides non-toxic, bio-renewable surface cleaners, which are better for patients and healthcare workers. These products have the ability to clean floors, walls, painted surfaces, exterior bowl surfaces, empty basins, showers, and conductive flooring and lavatory fixtures. Green Bridge also has designed its products to help neutralize odors commonly found in hospitals and other medical facilities.
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AGRICULTURE
Green Bridge’s products aid in the elimination of odors and toxins, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which occur naturally in animal waste. H2S is released primarily as a gas that spreads in the air; it is flammable, colorless and has a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Numerous studies have linked H2S with health problems in humans. Exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing for some asthmatics. In many individuals, there may be permanent or long-term effects such as headaches, poor attention span, poor memory and poor motor function.
H2S level regulations and guidelines have historically been determined and enforced on a State level, although more recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that certain livestock farms report their estimated air emissions and have been enforcing penalties of up to $25,000, per day, with non-compliant farms. Current states that enforce H2S level regulations include: Arizona, California, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin.
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RETAIL
Green bridge
While it is true that today’s household cleaning products are much more effective than those available to consumers a decade ago, the majority of these products contain a plethora of chemicals whose presence in the household raises very serious health concerns. Chemicals contained in these products can remain suspended in the air for hours after the products have been used and can easily be inhaled. Due to these factors, the EPA has estimated that the air quality inside the home is 5 to 10 times more toxic than the air outside. A recent study, examining indoor home air quality, throughout 6 cities, revealed peak concentrations of 20 specific toxic chemicals were 200 to 500 times higher inside than the highest concentrations recorded outside.
There are approximately 85,000 chemicals used in household cleaning products. According to the Breast Cancer Fund, complete toxicological screening data is available for only 7% of these chemicals. Additionally, more than 90% of these chemicals have never been tested for their effects on human health. Testing conducted by the National Toxicology Program concluded between 5% and 10% of all chemicals in production could be expected to be carcinogenic in humans.
As consumers are becoming more aware of the harmful effects that their household cleaners pose, consumers trends show that the ‘green factor’ has become a criterion when making purchasing decisions. Between 2006 and 2007, sales of natural cleaning products rose by 23%. Although U.S. organic household cleaning products currently only represented 3% of the $5 billion industry, it is anticipated that the total market share will increase to 30% by 2013.
Green Bridge offers 100% organic cleaners, to replace synthetic products currently offered in the marketplace. The Company’s GBI Product Line consists of stain removers, all-purpose disinfectants, window cleaners, laundry detergents, odor eliminators and toilet bowel cleaners.
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