Toxins in the Workplace
Every day, we’re surrounded by toxins, harsh ingredients, and synthetic chemicals that can affect our health and wellness. These hidden culprits are on the surfaces we touch and even in the air we breathe.
Think about it: how much time do you spend at work? Hours, right? Now imagine how often you’re exposed to these harmful substances during that time. It’s not just about you—it can impact your employees, customers, and anyone who steps into your space.
Why not make a change? Choosing non-toxic cleaning products is a simple way to create a healthier environment for everyone.
What is the impact on your health through long-term exposure?
Toxic Overload
“It is generally understood that the number of chemical compounds currently recognized in the United States exceeds 3 million, and approximately 3,000 new ones are being added each year.”
Technologies and Management Strategies for Hazardous Waste Control, Published March 1983 by the United States Congress, Office of Technology Assessment.
Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disrupting chemicals, or endocrine disrupting compounds are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Found in many household and industrial products, endocrine disruptors “interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for development, behavior, fertility, and maintenance of homeostasis.”
Environmental endocrine disruption: an effects assessment and analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives 1998
How toxic are our workplace cleaners?
According to the American Lung Association, the ingredients in most commercial solutions, sprays, and scrubs can be air pollutants, harmful chemicals, flammable or corrosive agents, can Irritate eyes or throat, cause headaches, and contribute to health problems like chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions
Don’t Be Fooled
Some well-known products are labeled as “clean”, but contain many of the synthetics discussed. Don’t be fooled by “greenwashing.”.
Always read the label!
Toxins & Synthetics Have Impact on Your Health
The toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution.
Source: EPA report from 1985
Worker’s Comp Claim Potential
“All that is required for a workers’ compensation claim is that you are exposed to the dangerous substance in the course of your employment, and that the exposure caused an illness or other bodily harm.”
Exposure to Toxins at Work: Workers Compensation Options
AllLaw.com
Be Wary of Products with These on the Label
In addition to harsh chemicals, you should look out for warnings and claims that might indicate a product is harmful to your health.
- Directions that require a mask or ventilation while using the product
- Instructions for hazardous waste disposal. If you can’t throw them in your garbage, do you want them all over your house? The fact that the EPA classifies oven cleaners, drain cleaners, wood and metal cleaners, polishes, toilet cleaners, tile tub and shower cleaners, and laundry bleach as hazardous waste is one reason you should eliminate them from your home.
- A “combustible” or “flammable” warning
- An “unscented” or “free and clear” claim on the label. Unscented products can contain masking agents that are added to simply cover up fragrance with another toxic chemical. Always look for an ingredient list and not just the unscented claim.
Cumulative Impact to Your Health
You bring these toxins and synthetics into your workplace by using a variety of cleaning products. Their impact to your health, and your employee’s health is cumulative.
Knowledge is Power
It’s not just about exposure—it’s also about knowing what’s in the cleaning products you’re using at work. Are the ingredients actually safe, or do they come with warning labels?
Take a moment to read those labels and look for key details. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Harsh chemicals or toxins.
- Ingredients you can’t pronounce (that’s often a red flag).
- Warning signs like “flammable,” “toxic,” or “hazardous.”
Knowledge is power, and understanding what you’re using can help you make safer, healthier choices for everyone in your space.
Substances to Avoid in Your Cleaners
- Fragrance
- Phthalates
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Formaldehyde
- Ammonium Chlorides & Ammonium Hydroxide
- Butoxydiglycool & 2-Butoxyethanol
- Ammonia
- Hydrochloric Acid
Risks
- Allergies
- Hormone & endocrine system disruption
- Organ system toxicity
- Carcinogens
- Respiratory Effects
- Endocrine system disruption
- Skin irritation
Substances to Avoid – Period
- Chlorine
- Caustic Soda (Lye)
Bleach
Bleach is one of the most corrosive and deadly chemicals, and yet is found in many workplaces for disinfectant purposes.
Risks
- Skin irritation & burns
- Respiratory effects
- Allergies
- Hormone disruption
Substances to Avoid in Your Air Fresheners
- Artificial Fragrance
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde
- 1,4 Dichlorobenzene
Risks
- Endocrine disruption
- Suspected & known carcinogens
- Known to cause horrmonal abnormalities, thyroid disorders, birth defects, and reproductive problems
- Allergies & Asthma
- Harmful to lungs
You can do something!
If you own or manage a business, have employees, or welcome customers, you have a responsibility to create a healthier work environment. The impact of toxins didn’t happen overnight, and reducing their effects takes intentional steps.
Think about the wellness of everyone in your space—your team, your customers, and yourself. Making the shift to safer, non-toxic cleaning options is a meaningful way to promote health and wellness for all.
Why wait? Start today and take that first step toward a cleaner, healthier environment!
Toxic ingredients have a real impact on your workplace and the employees. Thieves products are a great alternative for your work environment. Keep your employees, customers, and workplace safer and healthy. For other non-toxic products, see our other options.