Healthy Cleaning & Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To Guide

HEALTHY CLEANING
& ASTHMA-SAFER
SCHOOLS
A HOW-TO GUIDE
OCTOBER 2014
california
work-related asthma
prevention program
Our main concerns as the custodians

for our schools are cleaning in a manner
that protects our staff, custodians, and of
course every single one of our students
in every single site in our school district.
Switching our sites to green cleaning
products just makes good sense. There
is, in my opinion, no reason for a district
not to switch to the green cleaning
alternatives that are available at this time.
GLENN SHERMAN, LIVERMORE JOINT VALLEY
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA
HEALTHY CLEANING
& ASTHMA-SAFER
SCHOOLS
A HOW-TO GUIDE
OCTOBER 2014
Debbie Shrem, Justine Weinberg, Jennifer Flattery
Cleaning for Asthma-Safe Schools Project
Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program
Occupational Health Branch
California Department of Public Health
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/Asthma.aspx
[email protected]
Acknowledgements
The California Department of Public Healths WorkRelated Asthma Prevention Program (WRAPP)
developed Healthy Cleaning & Asthma-Safer
Schools: A How-To Guide with help from
and in collaboration with:
~ Alameda Unified School District
~ California Breathing, California Department of
Public Health
~ California Conservation Corps John Muir
Charter School
~ Elk Grove Unified School District
~ Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
~ Green Schools Initiative, Deborah Moore
~ Knightsen Elementary Unified School District
~ Lake Tahoe Unified School District
~ Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District
~ Long Beach Unified School District
~ Los Angeles Unified School District
~ Manteca Unified School District
~ Mariposa Unified School District
~ Palo Verde Unified School District
Special thanks to Alexandra Rodionova,

Environmental Health Sciences and Industrial
Hygiene intern at the University of California
at Berkeley, and Olga Martinez, Public Health
Associate from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, for their research on appendices
for the Guide. Noteworthy appreciation goes to
Tony Almeida at Elk Grove Unified School District.
An extra special thanks goes to the school districts
who shared their wisdom and lessons learned by
testing the Guide and providing us with invaluable
feedback: Glenn Sherman and Mike Nagel at
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District,
Matthew Sampson at Palo Verde Unified School
District, and Margaret McKean and Ken Gerrard at
Lake Tahoe Unified School District.
We thank Los Angeles Unified School District
personnel Robert Hamm, Phyllis Lott, and Sylvia
Avila, who shared details of their green cleaning
pilot with us and spent a great deal of time
helping us to understand cleaning in schools. We
also appreciate Informed Green Solutions Carol
Westinghouse, for her expertise and final review of
the document.
~ San Francisco Unified School District

~ San Diego Unified School District
PHOTO SOURCES
~ Yolo County Office of Education
Cover and page 11: www.istockphoto.com

Pages 19 and 21: Keith Schneringer from Waxie
Sanitary Supply
All other photos: California Work-Related Asthma
Prevention Program
ALTERNATE FORMAT INFORMATION

To obtain a copy of this document in an alternate
format, please contact (510) 6205757. Allow at
least 10 working days to coordinate alternate format
services. CA Relay Service: 711
CONTENTS
About Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Definition of Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Why Switch to Asthma-Safer Products?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Health Hazards of Conventional Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Work-Related Asthma and Cleaning Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Asthma, Environmental Health, and Cleaning Exposures Among Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Environmental Impacts of Cleaning Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cleaning Products, Schools, and Indoor Air Pollution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cleaning for Asthma-Safer Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

STEP 1: CREATE YOUR ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
STEP 2: TRAIN CLEANING CREW ON ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Good News About Green Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Third-Party Certification Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
When to Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Avoid GreenwashingUse Only Third-Party Certified Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
What Is Green Equipment? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
STEP 3: INVENTORY PRODUCTS TO REDUCE COSTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

STEP 4: SELECT PRODUCTS TO TEST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Select Only Third-Party Certified Cleaners to Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Test Only Asthma-Safer Disinfectants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Test Cleaning Products with Dilution Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Consider Testing Microfiber Mops and Cloths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Avoid Products with Fragrances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Avoid Disinfecting Wipes, Air Fresheners, and Spray Bottles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
STEP 5: ARRANGE VENDOR PRESENTATIONS, SELECT VENDORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Find and Invite Knowledgeable Green Cleaning Vendors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Select Products After Hosting Vendor Presentations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Contents
STEP 6: TEST AND EVALUATE PRODUCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Test Cleaning Products and Disinfectants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Evaluate Tested Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Meet to Discuss and Choose Cleaning Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Expand Asthma-Safer Cleaning to the Entire District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE YOUR SUCCESS AND SET POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Set District-Wide Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
HEALTHY CLEANING AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS: A HOW-TO GUIDE
APPENDICES
FIGURES
Appendix A: Cleaning Product Ingredients

That Can Cause Asthma (Asthmagens) . . . . . . . . 43
Figure 1: Work-Related Asthma (WRA) Is an

Important Problem for Custodians . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix B: Additional Health Concerns from

Product Ingredients That Can Cause Asthma. . . 47
Figure 2: Work-Related Asthma and Cleaning

Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Appendix C: Asthma-Safer Cleaning Resources. . 51
TABLES
Appendix D: Cleaning Product Inventory Form. . 53

Appendix E: WorksheetSelecting Which
Products to Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Appendix F: Green Seals Third-Party
Certifications for Cleaning Products. . . . . . . . . . . 56
Appendix G: UL ECOLOGOs Third-Party
Certifications for Cleaning Products. . . . . . . . . . . 57
Appendix H: Sample Vendor Letter. . . . . . . . . . . 58
Appendix I: Vendor Evaluation Form . . . . . . . . . 59
Appendix J: Asthma-Safer Cleaning Product
Evaluation Form (English and Spanish). . . . . . . . 60
Appendix K: School Newsletter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Appendix L: Press Release for Local
Newspaper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Appendix M: Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer
Schools Cleaning Model Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Appendix N: Resolution on Asthma-Safer
and Greener Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Appendix O: Information Sheet
Why Cant I Bring in Disinfectants or
Other Products from Home?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Table 1: Recommended Labeling Programs. . . . 26

Table 2: DisinfectantsAsthma-Safer Ingredients
and Ingredients That May Cause Asthma . . . . . . 28
WORK-RELATED ASTHMA PREVENTION

PROGRAM (WRAPP) CASE REPORTS
Safer Products Might Have Prevented Illness and
Saved Custodians Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Avoid Using Bleach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Provide School Staff With Safe Cleaning Options.8
Do Not Use Strong Chemicals While School
is in Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cleaning Carpet With Water Protects Teacher
With Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Disinfectant Misuse Led to Serious Health
Consequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
HEALTH SPOTLIGHTS
Bleach Use Can Be Harmful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Handwashing Is Important. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Quats Can Cause Asthma and Harm the
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Air Fresheners = Not Asthma-Safer. . . . . . . . . . . 29
Avoid Disinfectant Wipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix P: Certificate for Custodians. . . . . . . . . 72
Contents
About Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer

Schools: A How-To Guide
ome conventional cleaning products

can cause asthma or make it worse,
create other health problems, and
pollute the air in Californias schools.
Everyone in schoolscustodians, staff,
and studentsmay be exposed when harmful
cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products are
used.
first describes why safer cleaning practices are

preferable and then outlines how to accomplish
each step:
The Cleaning for Asthma-Safe Schools (CLASS)

project developed Healthy Cleaning and AsthmaSafer Schools: A How-To Guide. The Guide is
primarily for California school districts facilities,
maintenance, and operations managers or
supervisors. This guide helps school districts
transition to asthma-safer products and practices.
Any time the Guide uses the term asthma-safer, it
refers to products and methods that help prevent
asthma or asthma symptoms. These products
and methods are also safer to use, healthier, and
greener.
4. Select products to test
The How-To Guide also discusses the important

difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and
disinfecting, and suggests when to do each.
Newer cleaning products and technologies are
now available so that school districts can save
money and have a clean and healthy school with
fewer risks to health and the environment.
The Guide explains how to switch to asthmasafer cleaning in simple, manageable steps. It
Children spend a lot of time at

school. We need to keep their
environment as safe as possible.
AURORA LICUDINE, RN, CHAIRPERSON OF
SCHOOL NURSES, MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS,
CALIFORNIA
1. Create your Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team

2. Train cleaning crew on asthma-safer products,
methods, equipment, and the need for them
3. Inventory products to reduce costs
5. Arrange vendor presentations and select vendors
6. Test, evaluate, and choose asthma-safer products
7. Communicate your success and set policies
The Guide includes ready-to-use forms and tools
to help districts progress through each step,
and publicize successes. For example, theres
a sample cleaning inventory to help keep track
of cleaning products and a press release to
promote your asthma-safer cleaning efforts. The
Guide highlights cleaning success stories and
lessons learned from school districts throughout
the country. It also offers resources to help you
and your team learn more about green cleaning,
asthma, and disinfection.
The CLASS project http://www.cdph.ca.gov/
programs/ohsep/Pages/class.aspx is housed in
the Occupational Health Branchs Work-Related
Asthma Prevention Program (WRAPP) http://www.
cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/Asthma.
aspx. It is part of the California Department of
Public Health (CDPH). CLASS helps California
schools adopt safer cleaning practices to protect
worker and student health. WRAPP tracks the
frequency of and risk factors for asthma related to
work across California. Collecting this information
helps identify work-related asthma trends, such
as the types of exposures (like cleaning products,
epoxy resins, wood dust, etc.) that might cause or
worsen a persons asthma while at work.
Definition of Cleaning, Sanitizing,

and Disinfection
Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting is a basic goal in cleaning for
asthma-safer schools. Creating a plan for when to do each helps ensure that products are used correctly and
safely.
Cleaning
Cleaning removes dirt and germs (like viruses, and bacteria)1 from surfaces and reduces exposures to
asthma triggers like mold and dust. Cleaning is an important and necessary step to take before disinfecting.
Asthma-Safer Cleaning
Cleaning with products and equipment that do not cause asthma and that minimize exposures to
asthma triggers. These cleaning products and methods are also safer to use, healthier, and greener.
Green Cleaning
Cleaning with products that are safer for health and the environment.2 Asthma is not always
considered when giving products a green label, so these cleaners may have chemicals that can
cause or contribute to asthma.3,4 See Table 1 for a list of third-party certified cleaning products that
are asthma-safer.
Cleaning Products
Chemicals that include all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, neutral cleaners, carpet cleaners,
conventional cleaners, graffiti removers, etc.
Sanitizers
Products that lower the number of germs by 99.9%5 when cleaning hard surfaces (not used for food
service).6 For food service, a sanitizer should reduce the number of germs on a surface by 99.999% within
30 seconds.7 Sanitizers do not necessarily eliminate all germs. Sanitizers are considered antimicrobial
pesticides and are registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Sanitizers are required in certain
contexts, such as food service environments..
Disinfectants
Chemicals that destroy 99.999%8 of germs like bacteria and many viruses. This process does not
necessarily clean dirty surfaces.9 Disinfectants are considered antimicrobial pesticides and are registered
by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
While sanitizers and disinfectants are important to protect health in some instances, many contain
ingredients that may be harmful, and therefore, should only be used when necessary and as directed.
Studies show that cleaning with water and microfiber can remove 99% of germs. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine cleaning to stop the spread of germs. For more
information, see Step 4: Select Products to Test, under When to Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect.
Definition of Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfection
Why Switch to Asthma-Safer Products?
paradox exists for how most of our

schools are cleaned. While were
trying to get rid of dirt and germs
to keep students and staff healthy,
we may unintentionally expose
them to harmful chemicals in cleaning products,
sanitizers, and disinfectants. Some conventional
products like floor strippers and bathroom cleaners,
or ingredients like ammonia and bleach, can pose
avoidable risks for our health, our environment,
and our equipment. They may damage facilities,
which can be costly to repair or replace. They can
contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution and
harm aquatic life.
People deserve to work and learn in the safest
and healthiest school environment possible. Safer
cleaning products and practices can help make that
happen.
Countless schools have adopted healthier and
more environmentally friendly cleaning practices.
Multiple states in the US, including Connecticut,
Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri,
Nevada, New York, and Vermont passed legislation
guiding and/or mandating districts to purchase
certified green cleaners. As of 2014, no legislation
exists in California for asthma-safer or greener
WRAPP CASE
Safer Products Might Have

Prevented Illness and Saved
Custodians Job
A 43-year-old custodian was having breathing

problems at work. He used chemicals to clean
the bathroom and strip floor wax. When he was
away from the chemicals for a few months, his
breathing problems improved. The problems
came back when he returned to work. It took
a long time for doctors to figure out what was
wrong with him. A doctor finally told him he had
asthma. About a year later, he left his job because
of his breathing problems.
cleaning in schools. Some California districts,

including San Diego, Santa Monica-Malibu,
Fairfield-Suisun, and Elk Grove, have switched to
green products on their own.
Using some chemicals indoors can worsen indoor
air quality. Districts can improve their schools
indoor air quality by finding safer cleaning products
and methods. This can help reduce exposures
that may cause asthma or make it worse. Cleaning
with safer products and practices may help lower
custodians high rates of work-related asthma, and
it will also benefit students.
Districts switching to green cleaning have found
products and methods that are more cost-effective
and safer for health and the environment. Simple
changes in daily routines, like using microfiber
mops and cloths and disinfecting only when
necessary, have made a noticeable difference in
school districts across the country. Many school
districts that transitioned to safer and healthier
products and technologies found the following:
~ Districts saved funds on cleaning products
by ordering in bulk for the entire district,
purchasing concentrated products with dilution
control systems, eliminating excess products,
and securing long-term bids.
~ With money they saved, districts purchased
new equipment like microfiber cloths and
mops, walk-off mats, floor care machines, and
HEPA vacuum cleaners.
~ Districts created healthier environments by
disinfecting less, as well as by having the
school community regularly wash their hands.
They also used innovative technologies that
cleaned with fewer chemicals, reduced crosscontamination, and effectively got rid of dirt,
dust, and germs.10
~ Districts enjoyed green cleaning successes
like reduced absenteeism among staff and
students due to improved air quality, fewer
health problems among custodial workers
from using safer products, and fewer workers
compensation claims.
HEALTH HAZARDS OF
CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTS
Many California school districts have been unable
to switch or are unaware that there are safer
alternatives for some cleaning products. A quick
look at the scope of the problem:
~ One in five Californians spends their day
in school, including more than six million
children.13
~ Californias custodians have high rates of workrelated asthma. They also have the highest
exposures to cleaning products since they are
the ones cleaning everyday. Studies show that
people who clean are a high-risk group for
breathing problems and asthma.
~ About one in six school-aged children in
California has asthma,14 and while in school they
can be exposed to cleaning products that can
cause asthma or make their asthma worse.15
FIGURE 1: WORK-RELATED ASTHMA (WRA) IS

AN IMPORTANT PROBLEM FOR CUSTODIANS
The rate of WRA in California among janitors
and cleaners is 4 WRA cases for every
100,000 workers. The rate of WRA in
California for all occupations combined is
2 WRA cases for every 100,000 workers.
Work-related asthma rate

per 100,000 workers
TIP
Janitors and
Cleaners
with WRA
All
Occupations
with WRA
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
BLEACH USE CAN BE HARMFUL

Like many disinfectants, bleach is often used
unnecessarily as a daily cleaner. Bleach is
an asthmagen (which means it may cause
asthma) and can make existing asthma worse.
It also is corrosive and can damage eyes
and skin. Bleach can be fatal if swallowed,
gives off a potent vapor, and if mixed with
ammonia or acids, can create gases that cause
lung damage and death.11,12
Ingredients in common cleaning products,

sanitizers, and disinfectants have been associated
with a variety of health problems. Some chemical
ingredients in these products have been linked
with headaches, irritation of the skin, eye, nose,
and throat. Studies have also found associations
with cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine
disruption.16, 17
WRAPP CASE
Avoid Using Bleach
A 62-year-old female food services supervisor

worked for 12 years at an elementary school and
did not have asthma. One day a worker in the
kitchen used too much bleach while cleaning
the schools salad bar. The supervisor in the
area started to have trouble breathing and was
hospitalized for five days. She was diagnosed with
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, a form
of asthma that can sometimes develop from a
high dose of certain chemicals. The supervisor still
has asthma symptoms, but the school no longer
uses bleach to prevent others from developing
breathing problems.
SOURCE: California WRAPP Surveillance Data, 19932012
Work-Related Asthma and

Cleaning Products
Forty percent of adults with asthma in California

(nearly one million) reported in a survey that their
asthma has been caused or made worse by work.
The actual numbers are potentially higher, since
work-related asthma is often not recognized or
diagnosed.18
Asthma is considered work-related when it is
caused or made worse by exposure to substances
at work. Work-related asthma can happen in any
work setting from a wide variety of chemicals and
conditions. Custodians and other staff exposed to
cleaning products, sanitizers, and disinfectants can
get work-related asthma.
Workers who do not have asthma can begin a
new job, work with or near certain chemicals,
and then develop asthma. Some people who
already have asthma can get worse when working
around certain chemicals. Some workers can use
chemicals for years without having a problem
and suddenly develop asthma upon continued
exposure to those chemicals.19
WRAPP CASE
Provide School Staff With Safe

Cleaning Options
One day at work, a woman with asthma spilled

her coffee. To clean up the mess, she could
only find disinfectant wipes with quaternary
ammonium compounds (an ingredient that can
cause asthma). Her asthma flared up and she had
to go to the emergency room.
Using a cloth or a paper
towel would have been
adequate to clean the spill,
and would have avoided the
asthma episode and the trip
to the emergency room.
WRAPP CASE
Do Not Use Strong Chemicals

When School is in Session
A teacher had to go to the emergency room

for asthma after strong chemical solvents from
gum remover were used in her classroom. To
try to prevent triggering her asthma, custodians
only use the product during school breaks or if
the teacher will be away from the classroom for
three or more days.
FIGURE 2: WORK-RELATED ASTHMA AND CLEANING PRODUCTS20
11% of the California Work-Related Asthma Prevention Programs cases

linked their asthma to cleaning products. Of these cases:
20%
1 in 5
worked as
a cleaner.
50%
80%
4 of 5 of workers did not clean but were around

during cleaning or after cleaning just happened.
Half had new asthma that started after they began work.
On-the-job exposures likely caused their asthma.
USING SAFER
CLEANING
PRODUCTS
PROTECTS
CUSTODIANS,
SCHOOL STAFF,
AND STUDENTS.
The greatest recognition that the district could receive was a phone
call from a parent thanking us for having a green cleaning program.
Her daughter has asthma and she had noticed a remarkable reduction
of asthma attacks and illness during the school year. This is what the
program is all about, and gave the district tremendous validation. 21
DOUG SUITS, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CATOOSA COUNTY SCHOOLS, GEORGIA
Asthma, Environmental Health,

and Cleaning Exposures Among
Students
Asthma affects students, families, and school

budgets. About 1.7 million California children have
been diagnosed with asthma,22 and missed almost
1.5 million school days because of it in 2007.23
Research shows a link between asthma and
student absences.24 Schools lose money each day
a student is absent,25 and asthma-related absences
cost California schools about $31 million in lost
revenue each year.26
Because children are growing and developing,
they are particularly vulnerable to exposure to
environmental hazards,27 including ingredients in
cleaning products, sanitizers, and disinfectants.
San Francisco Unified School Districts

facilities department implemented a
green cleaning program and then tracked
attendance data from schools with high
rates of asthma. San Francisco Unified saw
lower rates of absenteeism. Willie Green,
their school facilities director
explained, Im not sure if it is
related to cleaning products,
but if kids are having less
asthma, it could be that were
doing something right.
10
Childrens exposure to some chemicals may cause

irreversible and delayed effects that may not be
noticed until later in life.28 Here are a few examples
of childrens vulnerabilities:
~ Childrens respiratory systems are not fully
developed,29 and rates of childhood asthma
continue to increase.30
~ In proportion to their size, children take in more
air than adults,31 and if the air quality is poor due
to conventional cleaners, children can breathe
in a proportionally higher dose of harmful
chemicals.32
~ Childrens immune and reproductive systems
are not fully developed,33 and some traditional
cleaning products may contain ingredients that
can disrupt hormone and reproductive systems
(known as endocrine disruptors).34
~ Childrens bones and other organs are growing
and conventional cleaning products may
contain or create substances like formaldehyde
that can cause cancer.35, 36
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Many ingredients in cleaning products can harm
our environment. They persist in the environment
and can be toxic to aquatic life.37 Some cleaning
products may also emit volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which contribute to smog,
ozone, and poor indoor air quality.38
Cleaning Products, Schools, and

Indoor Air Pollution
The Environmental Working Group (EWG)

is an advocacy organization that identifies
environmental health threats and finds solutions
for them. They conducted a study in schools that
showed conventional cleaning chemicals can
be an important source of indoor air pollution.
Investigators found that some of the cleaning
products they tested had links to asthma, cancer,
and other serious health concerns.40
EWG also cleaned a model classroom and found
that green cleaning supplies released less
than one-sixth of the air pollution produced by
conventional cleaning. Overall, certified green
cleaning supplies produce much lower pollution
levels and use fewer harmful chemicals than
conventional products.41
Why would you not

switch to green when
it benefits everyones
health? Its a nobrainer.
GLENN SHERMAN,
LIVERMORE JOINT VALLEY
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lockport Township High School in

Lockport, Illinois, noticed a 3%
increase in attendance after the
first year of an air quality program
that included green cleaning.39
Overall, certified
green cleaning supplies
produce much lower
pollution levels and
use fewer harmful
chemicals than
conventional products.
ENVIRONMENTAL
WORKING GROUP
11
Cleaning for Asthma-Safer Schools

Adopting a Cleaning for Asthma-Safer Schools
program accomplishes the following:
~ Minimizes exposure to harmful cleaning
chemicals and takes advantage of newer
cleaning technologies. These practices help
ensure the safest possible environment for
staff and students.
~ Improves indoor air quality, reduces the use
of volatile organic compounds, and helps our
environment.
~ Saves money, or costs the same as
conventional cleaning products.
The CLASS project has developed the guidance in
this document primarily from these sources:
1. Interviews with 15 districts that have
successfully implemented green cleaning over
the past several years.
2. Two pilot programs in 20092010 and
20112012, in which the WRAPPs CLASS
project collaborated with several school
districts to help them adopt safer cleaning
practices. In 20092010 CLASS also
partnered with the Green Schools Initiative.
After participating in the CLASS project,
custodians had:
~ Greater willingness to try out safer cleaning
products.
One facilities director explained, A challenge
was getting the crew to test out new products
when they were used to their other products.
To overcome that, one head custodian told
them the options were in their hands, that
they can help decide what products theyll use
next. People were skeptical, this is water with
food coloring, and after they tried some out,
some of them liked the products.
12
~ Awareness of cleaning chemical hazards, and

heightened concern about their health, the
health of their coworkers with asthma, and of
the students.
One custodian stated, Lets pick a different
product. This one has asthmagens.
~ A better understanding of the impacts
of harmful cleaning products on the
environment.
~ Increased confidence to serve as cleaning
for health leaders.
There are seven main steps to help you transition
to safer cleaning. The following section provides
the steps, relevant information, and tools to help
your school district clean for asthma-safer schools.
STEP 1: CREATE YOUR ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING TEAM

I figured that the custodial staff [at one school]
would be very receptive... The head custodian was
very excited to be a part of our trial, and the thought
of cleaning the school with green products appealed
to him...
GLENN SHERMAN, LIVERMORE JOINT VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The specific tasks below suggest ways to create your Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team.
1. Identify diverse, committed staff who are
leaders in your district to be a part of your
Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team.
2. Select school sites and/or head custodians.
Questions to ask yourself as you form your

team:
~ Who will support the project, and help
inspire others to want asthma-safer
cleaning to succeed in my district?
~ What might be some challenges to get this
project going? Who might be able to help
navigate those challenges?
~ Who might initially be skeptical about
asthma-safer cleaning so I can incorporate
their input from the beginning of the
project?
~ Talk with school principals and other

administrators about beginning an
asthma-safer cleaning project, and ask for
permission if their staff is involved.
~ Consider selecting custodians or asking for
volunteer sites and/or volunteer custodians.
~ The size of your team will vary depending
on the size of your district. Sample team:
purchasing department representative, 23
custodians, 23 pilot schools, the head of
facilities, or maintenance and operations.
A larger district might want to include a
teacher and a staff member from your
health and safety team, like a safety officer
or school nurse.
~ Who will give thoughtful feedback about

the products we test?
~ Who can help promote the project to the
school community (teachers and parents)
to get their support?
STEP 1: Create Your Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team
13
STEP 2: TRAIN CLEANING CREW ON ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING

The trainings made our custodial staff much more aware of how
cleaning products can affect their own health and the health of
our students. We had several custodians with asthma and they are
breathing easier now. They are really excited about being green leaders
in our school.
VICTORIA BRUNN, MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, PARTNERED WITH CLASS
To effectively transition to asthma-safer cleaning, make sure your team

understands asthma-safer cleaning, the importance of third-party certification of
cleaning products, and greenwashing.
Go to http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/class.aspx, to download a PowerPoint
presentation to:
1. Train your team about the impact that some
conventional cleaning chemicals can have
on the environment and on the health of
custodians, staff, and children, especially
as they relate to asthma. Teach them about
asthma-safer cleaning, green equipment, and
third-party certification of cleaning products.
Explain the importance of disinfecting only
when necessary.
2. Explain what green cleaning is, including that
green cleaning does not usually cost more
and that green products work as effectively as
3. Review steps you plan to take with your
Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team, such as
completing a product inventory (step 3),
arranging vendor presentations (step 5), and
pilot-testing and evaluating products (step 6).
14
In this next section, we outline some of the important topics to present to your Asthma-Safer Cleaning
Team and to your staff.
The Good News About Green Cleaning
School districts have noted numerous benefits from green cleaning. Not only is it safer for the environment,
but districts have found ways to reduce costs and to promote healthier workplaces.
Reduce Costs
The University of Georgia removed over 500
cleaning chemicals, and reduced costs from $1.5
million in 2007 to $197,000 in 2010. The University
now only uses three cleaning products, and in
some cases, they simply clean with water.42
In 2009, Columbia Public Schools in Missouri
switched to green products and procedures.
They significantly reduced the amount of cleaning
chemicals, made simple cleaning procedural
changes, and modified floor finish application
methods. With cost savings of almost 30%, they
purchased new technologies like microfiber cloths,
dust mops, wet mop systems, and floor finish
applicators. These changes also helped reduce the
amount of cleaning chemicals needed to maintain
their buildings.43
San Diego Unified School District reduced their
budget by 20% by using one line of chemicals
and eliminating unnecessary cleaning products.
Installing a dilution control system helped avoid
product waste. They also reduced costs by using
a two-year bid to purchase cleaning products. This
provided the SDUSD with a variety of cleaning
products at very low prices.44
If you simplify the line

of products you use, and
consolidate them, you will
reduce costs.
TOMMY LITTLE, GEORGIA TECH
Promote Healthier Workplaces

The University of Georgia compared the absences
of their custodians before and after implementing
green cleaning. From January through December
2007, custodians had lost almost 4,500 work
hours. By August 2009, they lost 386 work hours.
When injuries did happen, they were less serious in
nature.45
San Diego Unified School District noticed less
illness and allergy among the maintenance staff
after they switched to green cleaning. They
attributed it to safer cleaning chemicals.46
After Pennsylvanias Blackhawk School District
began a green cleaning program, they tracked
school absenteeism. Six months into the program,
they documented less absenteeism and fewer
asthma attacks.47
STEP 2: Train Cleaning Crew on Asthma-Safer Cleaning
15
Third-Party Certification Programs
Green Seal and UL ECOLOGO are well-recognized

and respected third-party certification programs.
These programs certify cleaning products that have
met high standards to protect human health and
the environment. For example, UL ECOLOGOs
Hardsurface Cleaners Standard, UL 2759, does not
allow ingredients that are known to cause asthma,
cancer, and reproductive problems. In addition to
strict toxicity standards, these products must meet
performance criteria. In order to be labeled under
this standard, the product must perform as well as
or better than a conventional, nationally-recognized
product. See Table 1 on page 26 for an overview of
recommended labeling programs that are asthmasafer.
Many third-party products have dilution control packaging.
Disinfectants and sanitizers are regulated as

pesticides by the US Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA). The USEPA so far has not
allowed outside entities to certify pesticides. For
this reason, disinfectants and sanitizers, which
have an EPA Registration number, have not been
certified by Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO. USEPAs
Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide
Pilot Project labels environmentally preferred
disinfectants. For more information, refer to Table1
and to Test Only Asthma-Safer Disinfectants
under Step 4: Select Products to Test.
Restrooms are cleaned throughout the day, so it is

important to use asthma-safer products.
16
When to Clean, Sanitize, and

Disinfect
Disinfecting is an important part of cleaning for an

asthma-safer schools program.
Because regular cleaning can remove up to 99%
of bacteria (if done with a microfiber cloth),48 it
is generally not necessary to routinely disinfect
school floors, walls, lockers, or desks, unless there
is blood, body fluid, vomit, feces, or if required by
law. Studies have shown that routinely disinfecting
floors offers no greater health protection over
routine floor cleaning.49
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommend routine cleaning rather than
disinfection for high touch surfaces.50 Disinfectants
and sanitizers are pesticides and many contain
ingredients that may have harmful health effects.
High touch surfaces are touched by a variety of
hands, and include door knobs, light switches,
handrails, shared equipment, etc. Districts might
consider cleaning these areas during the day
with a microfiber cloth and a third-party certified
all-purpose cleaner. When there is an outbreak of
an infectious disease, and the surface is touched
by a variety of hands, increasing the frequency of
cleaning will help to minimize the outbreak.51
Child care areas, kitchens, and nurses
health rooms have sanitizing and disinfecting
requirements on specific surfaces. The California
Retail Food Code requires school cafeteria workers
to sanitize food preparation areas. The Code
does not require schools to sanitize cafeteria
tables.55 When it is necessary to sanitize or
disinfect, cleaning the surface first and following
manufacturers directions for dwell times helps
ensure that you remove or destroy germs. Train
staff if it is appropriate to wear personal protective
equipment such as gloves and safety goggles as
indicated in the products Safety Data Sheet.
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
HANDWASHING IS IMPORTANT
An asthma-safer cleaning program limits the
use of disinfectants and instead encourages
staff, teachers, and students to wash hands
often with soap and water. Handwashing
is especially important in schools, where
people share desks, books, pencils, and food.52
If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains
at least 60% alcohol.53 Hand sanitizers that
have less than 60% alcohol or those made
without alcohol are less effective in killing
germs. Non-alcohol active ingredients such as
quaternary ammonium compounds, thymol,
and triclosan can be harmful and are not
recommended.54
Follow label directions and where allowed,

spray directly into the cleaning cloth or rag when
applying the cleaning product or disinfectant. An
Infection Control Plan for your district is the best
way to ensure that disinfectants are being used
properly and only where needed.56
For more information about when, how often,
and where to disinfect, refer to the Cleaning for
Healthier SchoolsInfection Control Handbook,
2010. The handbook was written by the National
Cleaning for Healthier Schools and Infection
Control Workgroup. It can be found at http://
www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Documents/
CleanSchoolsHandbook.pdf
For a handout for parents and teachers on cleaning
and disinfecting, see Appendix O.
17
Avoid Greenwashing: Use Only

Third-Party Certified Products
Cleaning product companies may label

their products as green, natural, or
environmentally-friendly. Sometimes these
claims are not entirely accurate. Greenwashing
refers to products that have false or misleading
environmental claims, either in advertising or
written directly on the label. As a result, people
are led to believe a product or practice is safer or
environmentally friendly, but in reality it is not.
In 2010, TerraChoice found that 95% of consumer
products claiming to be green included at least
one false or misleading claim.57 Because it can be
tricky to identify false claims, custodians, teachers,
parentsand even vendorsmay not know the
difference either.
Three ways to ensure that products used in your
district are safer:
1. Use third-party certified products. These
products have labels showing they meet
an outside organizations health and
environmental criteria. Companies are also
reviewed and audited, ensuring that products
are safer for people and for the environment.
Some companies create their own green line,
stating that their products adhere to their own
green criteria that is as strict as that of third-party
standards. Upon closer examination, many of
these products would never have passed the
requirements to become certified by Green Seal
or UL ECOLOGO. Companies have responded
that third-party certification is cost-prohibitive,
but applying for certification is usually a very
small part of a companys budget.
Not every company that applies succeeds in
getting its products certified. The companies
who do receive certification meet all the
stringent guidelines needed for certification.
18
2. Create a district-wide policy where only

the districts facilities or maintenance and
operations department approves the use
of asthma-safer products (after training
on asthma-safer cleaning products and
equipment). The district supplies the products
to all staff, including teachers. They also
enforce the rule that no one, including parents,
is allowed to bring in their own products. This
includes products like disinfecting wipes and
air fresheners. These products may cause
asthma or may cause symptoms among
people with asthma.
3. Double-check what you hear with trusted,
reputable sources, such as making sure a
product is actually third-party certified. Green
Seal and UL ECOLOGO list all the products
they certify on their websites. See Appendix C
for a list of asthma-safer cleaning resources.
Districts committed to cleaning for asthma-safer
schools should remove unsafe products and
conduct outreach to staff and parents to stop
bringing non-approved products into schools.
Instead, districts can supply individual bottles of
approved cleaners for classroom use or provide
lists of approved products for parent donation.
What Is Green Equipment?
Green equipment is frequently asthma-friendly because it effectively removes allergens like dust and mold
and uses fewer chemicals that may cause or worsen asthma. Green equipment also requires less water,
and is designed to increase productivity and reduce injuries. These technologies can help save schools
money in the future on health care58 costs, and possibly on asthma-related absences. Here are a few
examples of green equipment and its benefits:
Abrasive floor pads
strip floor wax. Using a wet
process does not create
dust, and eliminates the use
of chemicals and VOC
exposures.59 Custodians do
not use floor strippers to strip
wax layer by layer, so there is
a savings on chemical costs.
Carpet extractors
remove soil and residues
from carpets and reduce
mold growth. It is important
to use carpet dryers or fans
after extracting or
shampooing carpets. The
added moisture from carpets
left to air-dry might leave musty odors that could
trigger asthma. The Carpet and Rug Institute has a
certification program for carpet extractors.
Floor burnishers
shine floors. Use only
burnishers with active high
efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filtration dust control
systems to capture dust so it
is not inhaled.60
Steam cleaning
equipment uses tap water to
clean, remove mold, and kill
germs. Custodial staff needs
proper training to avoid
burns.
Vacuum cleaners with

high-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filters effectively
capture dirt, dust, and germs.
They can help remove
allergens from carpets and
extend the life of the floor.
Some custodians prefer
backpack style vacuum cleaners for their
ergonomic benefits. Maintain them properly and
frequently change the filter. The Carpet and Rug
Institute has a Green Label program for the highest
performing vacuums.61
Walk-off mats remove
allergens and dirt from shoes
to help keep floors and
building air cleaner. As a
result, custodians clean less
frequently, which leads to
less chemical use. Place
mats outside and inside, and
change or clean mats frequently.62
For more information on green equipment, visit the Healthy Schools Campaigns Quick + Easy Guide to
Green Cleaning in Schools at: http://www.greencleanschools.org
19
Using color-coded microfiber cloths helps avoid

cross-contamination.
Microfiber mop heads clean more effectively than

cotton string mops.
Microfiber
Microfiber mops and cloths are important tools for asthma-safer cleaning.
1. Microfiber requires less effort. Tests have
shown that cleaning with a microfiber mop
reduced the number of bacteria by 99%,
whereas conventional cleaning reduced
bacteria by about 33%.63 University of California
Davis Medical Center found that custodians
used 95% less water and chemicals when
using a microfiber mop compared to a cotton
string mop. The fibers carry an electric charge
that attracts dust, and the tiny fibers penetrate
cracks that traditional cloths and paper towels
cannot.
2. Using microfiber mops and cloths also helps
prevent injuries and illnesses. They minimize
chemical exposure since less cleaning product
is needed. They also reduce back strain since
they weigh less when wet, and they help avoid
cross-contamination when a color-coded system
is used.64 Example: red cloths for bathrooms,
green cloths for classrooms, and blue cloths for
cafeterias. Some school districts write a code on
the cloths with indelible ink so that color-blind
staff members can tell them apart.
20
3. Microfiber is absorbent. Made up of very dense

fibers, microfiber can hold seven or eight times
its weight in water.65 Conventional cloths and
cotton loop mops do not have this capacity.
4. Microfiber is durable. The University of
California Davis Medical Center found that
microfiber mop heads lasted for 1,000
washings, compared to 200 washings for
conventional wet loop mops.66
5. Microfiber is simple to clean. Once dirty or
after a couple of uses, wash microfiber with a
mild detergent. Microfiber is quick to dry and
can be line dried or machine-dried at a low
setting. To maintain microfibers effectiveness,
wash it separately, and not with other types of
materials, such as cotton-loop mops or cloths.
Asthma and Carpets

Carpets can hold asthma-related allergens like dirt,
pollen, mold spores, pesticides, and other toxins.
These allergens are frequently brought indoors
from peoples shoes.67 Studies have shown higher
rates of wheezing in people who have carpeted
bedrooms,68 and avoiding the use of carpets can
help reduce asthma severity.69
Make sure to regularly and thoroughly clean the
carpet in your schools using a HEPA vacuum and
asthma-safer cleaning methods. Consider removing
carpets when remodeling.70
New carpets sometimes contain chemicals, like
styrene and polyurethane, which can cause asthma
or make it worse.71 Districts buying carpet should
check with the manufacturers to avoid these
chemicals. The Carpet and Rug Institutes Green
Label Plus program has certified hundreds of carpets
with polyurethane,72 chemicals that can be unsafe
for asthma. Although this program does not prohibit
WRAPP CASE
Cleaning Carpet With Water

Protects Teacher With Asthma
A 54-year-old special education teachers

classroom carpet was cleaned over spring break.
During the morning on her first day back, she
developed labored breathing. She had to leave
halfway through the day, and was out for a week.
Because she was still having asthma symptoms
two years later, the staff at school only cleaned the
carpet in her room with water.
asthma-causing chemicals, the Green Label Plus

program approves carpet and adhesive products
that meet criteria for low chemical emissions. The
Green Label Plus program may still be a healthier
choice than products without this label.
If you have carpet, use vacuums with high efficiency filters.
21
STEP 3: INVENTORY PRODUCTS TO REDUCE COSTS

By switching to greener cleaners, my custodians could see that we
could save the district money and that could save their jobs.
KRISTI OJIGHO, ALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
To help you identify which cleaning products your district uses, complete the sample
Cleaning Product Inventory Form in Appendix D.
Taking an inventory can help you:
~ Identify duplicate products
~ Identify products that can be replaced with safer alternatives
~ Prevent over-ordering of a product
~ Lower costs
~ Identify expired products no longer used, to properly dispose of them
Here is part of a sample inventory. The recommended actions you can take to complete Step 3 follow.
SAMPLE INVENTORY FORM
22
Price per
unit ($)
and unit
size
Amount
(# of
units)
Where
is this
product
used?
Dilution rate
(ready-touse=RTU)
Uses
dilution
equipment?
Y/N
Certified by
Green Seal,
UL ECOLOGO, Storage
other?
location
Product
Type
Product Name
and Manufacturer
Allpurpose
Cleaner
Forest Green
Cleaner by
Greenest and
Earthiest
$51.25
1.5 liter
18 liters
Desks, walls, 1:64

counters
Yes
No
2nd floor
storage room,
all classrooms
Bathroom
Cleaner
Bathroom Cleaner
#4567 by Dicky
and Sons
$8.97
quart
17 quarts
Bathroom
counter,
toilet bowl
RTU
No
No
1st floor
custodial
cabinet
Glass
Cleaner
Simpler Glass
Cleaner by
Clearview
$7.26 quart 22 quarts
Windows
RTU
No
No
1st, 2nd floor

custodial
cabinets
1. Write down ALL the products you currently

order and have in stock for the entire district.
Also include old stock you no longer order and
products brought in by non-cleaning staff, such
as teachers and parents. You may need to
look in cabinets and under sinks in individual
classrooms for products like disinfecting wipes
and air fresheners.
2. Identify how many manufacturers and vendors
you work with, since using only 12 vendors
can lower costs.
3. Document the cost of each product to compare
cost savings in the future.
4. List where you use the product to determine
if you order too much of the same type of
product.
5. Check to see which products use dilution
equipment, since diluting products onsite is
another cost savings measure.
STEP 3: INVENTORY PRODUCTS TO REDUCE COSTS
6. Identify which products you use that are Green

Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified. If you do not
have a bathroom cleaner that is certified by
Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO, for example,
consider finding a green-certified bathroom
cleaner.
Districts that switch to safer cleaning find that
green products frequently cost the same or
less than conventional products. Rather than
purchasing expensive ready-to-use products,
green cleaners are highly concentrated. Installing
equipment to automatically dilute these cleaners
with water onsite is considerably more costeffective and safer for workers doing the mixing
and cleaning. Some dilution control systems dilute
one multi-purpose product at different strengths.
This reduces the number of cleaning products
needed for purchase, which also saves money.
Finally, districts can negotiate comparable prices
for green cleaners from their vendors or through
cooperative purchasing agreements.
23
STEP 4: SELECT PRODUCTS TO TEST

The criteria that had to be met for a product to be tried in our trials
were that they had to be third-party certified as green, carrying either
the Green Seal certification or the ECOLOGO certification.
Conduct the following steps and see AppendixE

for the worksheet to help you and your team
select which products to test.
1. Determine which products are of greatest
concern. Do you want to find a safer
alternative for your more toxic products, for
those used in the highest volume, or for your
products that are not UL ECOLOGO or Green
Seal certified?
2. Think about how many and which types of
product you would like to test. Many districts
simultaneously test 35 products, often a
combination of all-purpose cleaners, bathroom
cleaners, neutral floor cleaners, graffiti
removers, and disinfectants.
3. Prioritize cleaning products that are labeled
third-party certified to test, and asthma-safer
disinfectants (hydrogen peroxide, citric acid,
lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol).
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
QUATS CAN CAUSE ASTHMA AND

HARM THE ENVIRONMENT
Quaternary ammonium compounds,
also known as quats, are often found in
disinfectants, wipes, and all-purpose cleaners.
Quats can cause asthma and are irritating
to the nose and throat.73, 74 Some people
mistakenly think disinfectants with quats
are a good green alternative, but evidence
shows that quats can potentially harm people
and the environment. 75, 76 Benzalkonium
chlorides are the most widely used types of
quats.
4. Consider testing dilution control systems,

microfiber mops and cloths, and fragrancefree products.
Knowing exactly which products you plan to test
will help you determine which vendors to invite to show you their line of green products. It will also help
you create your bid requirements for potential vendors (see Step 5 for more information about vendors).
24
Select Only Third-Party Certified

Cleaners to Test
Green Seal and UL ECOLOGO are third-party

certification programs that certify only products
that meet stringent health, environmental, and
performance standards. Green Seals GS-37
Standard for Institutional and Industrial Cleaners
and UL ECOLOGOs UL 2759 Hardsurface
Cleaners criteria prohibit ingredients known
to cause asthma from being used in cleaning
products.77, 78
Products labeled and certified under these
standards can often be purchased through the
same vendors that supply conventional cleaning
products. See Appendices F and G for a complete
list of third-party product certifications to use. See
Table 1 for an overview of recommended labeling
programs that are asthma-safer.
25
TABLE 1: RECOMMENDED LABELING PROGRAMS

LEVEL 1: Prohibits the most asthma-causing chemicals (safest and healthiest options)*
Recommended third-party certified cleaning products
UL ECOLOGO UL 2759: Hardsurface Cleaners
(General purpose/bathroom cleaners, dish detergents, degreasers, and other cleaning products
for household, institutional, and industrial use)
UL ECOLOGO UL 2795: Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners
(carpet cleaners, carpet spot and stain removers, and upholstery care products)
Green Seal GS-37: Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional use
(General purpose, restroom, glass, and carpet cleaning products)
Green Seal GS-53: Specialty Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional use
(Dish soaps, graffiti removers, car cleansers, deck/outdoor cleaners, odor removers, polishes, and waxes)
LEVEL 2: Prohibits some asthma-causing chemicals**

Design for the Environment (DfE)
DfEs criteria prohibit chemicals that may cause cancer or have developmental, reproductive, or neurotoxicity
issues and limit some asthma-causing agents. For a list of products, visit: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/products
Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project

Labels environmentally preferred disinfectants. DfEs criteria prohibit chemicals that may cause cancer, endocrine disruption,
and are unlikely to cause developmental, reproductive, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues. Prohibits sodium hypochlorite
(bleach) and quaternary ammonium compounds. This is the only labeling program available for disinfectants.
LEVEL 3: Do not prohibit asthma-causing chemicals. May still be a healthier choice than uncertified
products.
Carpet and Rug Institute products help limit or get rid of asthma triggers
Green Label Plus
Tests VOC emission levels for carpet and adhesive products for a variety of chemicals. Does NOT prohibit ingredients that
cause asthma. This is the only labeling program for carpets and adhesives.
Seal of Approval for Residential Use Vacuums
Measures soil removal, dust containment, and surface appearance change. This is the only labeling program for vacuums.
These third-party certified products may contain ingredients that cause asthma. However,
they do not contain ingredients that are known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, and
they contain fewer VOCs and cause less pollution.
Green Seal GS-8: Cleaning Products for Household Use
Green Seal GS-34: Cleaning and Degreasing Agents
Green Seal GS-40: Floor-Care Products for Industrial and Institutional Use
UL ECOLOGO UL 2767: Paint and Varnish Removers
UL ECOLOGO UL 2792: Biologically-Based Cleaning and Degreasing Compounds
UL ECOLOGO UL 2777: Hard Floor Care Products
UL ECOLOGO UL 2780: Urinal Blocks
*UL ECOLOGO prohibits asthmagens that cause allergic-type asthma. Green Seal allows the use of enzymes, which can cause
allergic-type asthma. WRAPP recommends only Green Seal certified products that do not contain enzymes.
**Prohibits some asthmagens that can cause allergic-type asthma
26
Test Only Asthma-Safer

Disinfectants
WRAPPs database contains many examples of

school staff who experienced asthma symptoms
related to the use of disinfectants.
As mentioned earlier, disinfectants, which are
regulated as pesticides by the USEPA, cannot
be third-party certified by outside entities such
as Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO. USEPA has a
pilot program that approves safer disinfectants,
called Design for the Environment Antimicrobial
Pesticide Pilot Project. Products approved
under this program can have the Design for
the Environment (DfE) logo on their labels.
DfEs criteria prohibit chemicals that may cause
cancer or have developmental, reproductive,
or neurotoxicity issues. For a list of approved
products and to learn more about the program,
visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/
labels/design-dfe-pilot.html
You can also find safer disinfectants by reviewing
the labels list of ingredients. Refer to Table 2 for
a list of which chemicals are asthma-safer and
WRAPP CASE
Disinfectant Misuse Led to

Serious Health Consequences
A 48-year-old woman with asthma worked

as an office clerk at a youth training center.
A co-worker sprayed a disinfectant that was
falsely labeled as green to clean a counter in the
reception area near the office clerks desk. The
office clerk began having severe asthma symptoms
and had to be taken by ambulance to a hospital
for life-saving care. The staff has since learned that
a disinfectant was not even needed. The office has
now adopted alternative cleaning products that
are safer for the clerks asthma.
which ones may cause asthma. Asthma-safer

disinfectants use hydrogen peroxide, citric acid,
lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol
as active ingredients. These ingredients are not
known to cause asthma. Be aware that inert
ingredientsthe ingredients that do not directly
kill the germsare often not listed on the label or
the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Ingredients that may cause asthmaalso known
as asthmagensinclude quaternary ammonium
compounds (quats), bleach (sodium hypochlorite),
glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid (also known as
peroxyacetic acid), and thymol (a suspected
asthmagen). Thymol is also a terpene that can
react with ozone to form formaldehyde, which
is a known carcinogen and asthmagen. Thymol
did not pass the Design for the Environment
Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project criteria to be
considered a safe disinfectant. For a complete list
of asthmagens found in cleaning products and
disinfectants and other health effects, refer to
Appendices A and B.
27
TABLE 2: DISINFECTANTSASTHMA-SAFER INGREDIENTS AND INGREDIENTS THAT MAY CAUSE ASTHMA

Asthma-Safer Ingredients
Ingredients That May Cause Asthma*
Hydrogen Peroxide
Bleach
Lactic Acid
Glutaraldehyde
Citric Acid
Peracetic Acid (Peroxyacetic Acid)
Ethyl Alcohol
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (also found on the label

or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under many other names such
as Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, Benzalkonium
Chloride, Lauryl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride,
Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, and other similar
sounding names)
Isopropyl Alcohol
Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorine Bleach)

Thymol (Suspected Asthmagen)**
*See Appendix A for complete list of asthmagens
**Thymol is a skin sensitizer (it can cause skin allergies). Skin sensitizers are often respiratory sensitizers, meaning
they are often asthmagens. Thymol comes from the thyme plant, and thyme is an asthmagen. Because of these
associations, thymol is viewed as a suspected asthmagen. Thymol is also a terpene that can react with ozone
to form formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen and asthmagen. In addition, thymol did not pass the Design for the
Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project criteria to be considered a safe disinfectant.
Test Cleaning Products With

Dilution Control Systems
Several green cleaning products come with

dilution control systems. Often you can purchase
one product and dilute it at different strengths
to do light cleaning, normal cleaning, and heavy
cleaning. Dilution control systems are costeffective since they automatically measure out
the amount of chemical needed. This helps avoid
the glug-glug methodwhere staff estimates
how much cleaner to add, rather than actually
measuring the correct amount. It also minimizes
product overuse and chemical waste. Purchasing
one product as opposed to three or four also
saves money.
28
Consider Testing Microfiber Mops

and Cloths
Microfiber mops and cloths are important tools

for cleaning that you could consider trying out,
especially by starting a color-coded system to
avoid cross-contamination. See the Microfiber
section in Step 2, What is Green Equipment, for
more information about microfiber.
Avoid Products With Fragrances
Many people associate a clean room with a

particular smell, like bleach. A clean room that
is asthma-safer has no smell. Research by the
Institute of Medicine equated fragrance to
second hand smoke in triggering asthma.79,80
Fragrances in cleaning products are actually a
combination of many chemicals, some of which
contain ingredients that have been associated
with dizziness, cancer, endocrine disruption, and
asthma. When possible, try to avoid scented
cleaning products and to use fragrance-free
products.81
Avoid Disinfecting Wipes, Air

Fresheners, and Spray Bottles
WRAPP has reviewed cases of school staff

experiencing asthma-related problems from
disinfecting wipes, air fresheners, and spray
bottles. Teachers and parents frequently bring
in their own cleaning products, in an effort to
eliminate germs. However, they may not be
asthma-safe. School districts can reduce children
and staffs potential exposure to ingredients
that cause asthma and other health problems by
creating policies that do not allow such products.
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
AIR FRESHENERS = NOT

ASTHMA-SAFER
Band-aid Approach for Bad Smells
Like common cleaning products, air
fresheners can contain ingredients that can
cause and trigger asthma, as well as other
health effects.82, 83, 84 Air fresheners come
in a variety of forms, including plug-ins,
sprays, liquids, or gels. They are meant to
cover up a bad smell, rather than get rid of
it. It is healthier to find and fix the source
of the smell, rather than use an air freshener
to cover it up. For example, repairing water
leaks to stop the smell of mold and mildew is
much more effective than adding a variety of
chemicals in the air to cover it up.
Districts can supply teachers with approved,

asthma-safer products. Teachers, parents, and
students should only bring in cleaning products
that are approved by the school district. If
quick classroom touch-up cleaning is needed,
a microfiber cloth or unscented baby wipes will
suffice and they will not expose staff or students
to asthmagens. If disinfectants are needed, notify
the custodians who are trained to use them.
Children should never be allowed to use wipes
with bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds,
or glutaraldehyde.
29
Disinfectant wipestheyre
the number one problem
we have, theyre everywhere.
Teachers put together a wish
list [with these products for
parents to bring in] we
can give a list of acceptable
products to help with
cleaning.
GLENN SHERMAN, LIVERMORE JOINT
VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
30
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
AVOID DISINFECTANT WIPES

Disinfectant wipes are used regularly, but
they usually contain asthmagens. The most
common chemicals in wipes are called
quats (short for quaternary ammonium
compounds), which have names like alkyl
dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and
benzalkonium chloride. They can also
contain bleach and glutaraldehyde. These are
all asthmagens. In addition, many disinfectant
wipes can contain irritating fragrances. Often
disinfectant wipes are used when a regular
baby wipe would do, like for cleaning up after
an art project. Children should not be allowed
to use disinfectant wipes, and disinfectant
wipes should not be used to clean hands.
STEP 5: ARRANGE VENDOR PRESENTATIONS, SELECT VENDORS

All suppliers were generous in donating their product lines
dispenser systems and enough products to last for at least two weeks.
Representatives came out at the beginning of each product trial to
speak with our custodial staff
In Step 5, you will identify potential vendors to

work with, and invite them to present their line of
products. You will also select a line of products
and vendors to use for your pilot tests.
Find and Invite Knowledgeable

Green Cleaning Vendors
To determine which vendors to invite, contact

vendors you know and inquire about the green
cleaning products they offer. You can also ask
other districts for green vendor recommendations.
Additional considerations in choosing vendors:
1. Select vendors with a proven track record in
supplying third-party certified green cleaners
and asthma-safer disinfectants. Otherwise,
you may hear incorrect information from your
vendors. A few examples:
~ Vendors told a California school district that
disinfectants cannot be hydrogen peroxide
based (this is falsein fact, hydrogen
peroxide is recommended).
~ Vendors recommended a district use a UL
ECOLOGO certified graffiti remover, but in
reality the certification expired five years
earlier.
~ Vendors said their products were just like
Green Seal, but upon closer scrutiny, they
would never have passed Green Seals
requirements.
~ Vendors gave a district disinfectants to test

that contained asthmagens, so the district redid all their tests, which cost them more time.
2. Invite vendors that offer discounts to schools.
Some options include: a) Western States
Contracting Alliance, b) vendors on California
State Contracts, which have already been
competitively bid, or c) vendors on other local
or regional competitively-bid contracts, such as
your county or city.
We brought in the best

vendors, had them compete
with each other and said, if
you can beat what we have
now, well consider you. We
set up pilot programs. Our
program will be twice as good
next year. Its four times better
than it was four years ago.
STEP 5: ARRANGE VENDOR PRESENTATIONS, SELECT VENDORS
PATRICK PIZZO, EAST MEADOW

SCHOOL DISTRICT
31
Select Products After Hosting

Vendor Presentations
Assign a member of your Asthma-Safer Cleaning

Team to set up vendor presentations (See
Appendix H: Sample Vendor Letter).
1. Refer to the list of products you selected to
test in Step 4 to help you create your bid
requirements.
2. Ideally, invite three or four vendors to present
their line of products, with the goal of selecting
23 vendors whose third-party certified green
products you will test.
3. Pick a three-hour time period when you
and your Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team can
listen to three or four back-to-back vendor
presentations. Allow vendors 30 minutes each
to present their line of green cleaning products,
with a 15-minute break to evaluate each vendor
with your team.
4. Adapt the vendor letter (see Appendix H) to
include your list of priority items. Some vendors
might want to present products that are not
third-party certified or that contain ingredients
that can cause asthma, such as quaternary
ammonium compounds. Remind them not to
include these products in their presentations or
as part of your pilot test.
5. Ask your vendor to present the following
information:
~ Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified
cleaning products (all-purpose cleaners,
bathroom cleaners, neutral floor cleaners,
etc.)
~ UL ECOLOGO certified graffiti removers
~ Asthma-safer disinfectants (products
whose active ingredient includes hydrogen
peroxide, citric acid, lactic acid, ethyl alcohol,
or isopropyl alcohol that can replace bleach
and quaternary ammonium compounds
32
We rely heavily on our

vendors, some weve had for
many years. Even when they
tell us something, we double
check to make sure theyre not
pulling the wool over our eyes.
FRANCIS KENNEDY, FAIRFIELD-SUISUN
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
see Table 2 for more details), including

disinfectants authorized by Design for the
Environment.
~ Automatic dilution equipment for Green Seal
or UL ECOLOGO certified cleaners
~ Microfiber mops and cloths
6. When you host your vendor presentations,
provide a vendor evaluation form (see
Appendix I) to each member of your AsthmaSafer Cleaning Team. Discuss the following with
your team.
~ Did vendors show you third-party certified
products by UL ECOLOGO or Green Seal?
Did the vendor introduce appropriate
asthma-safer disinfectants?
~ Did vendors present products that were not
Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified, or
disinfectants that contained asthmagens,
like quaternary ammonium compounds? If
so, this may not be the right vendor for your
school district.
7. Determine with your team which vendors will
participate in your asthma-safer cleaning pilot
project and which products to test.
STEP 6: TEST AND EVALUATE PRODUCTS

Test Cleaning Products and
Disinfectants
Involving many custodians in testing the products

and listening to their opinions is important. Here
are sample steps to take:
1. Double check that you:
~ Select cleaners that are Green Seal or UL
ECOLOGO certified.
~ Select a graffiti remover (if applicable) that is
UL ECOLOGO certified.
~ Select a disinfectant with the active
ingredients hydrogen peroxide, citric acid,
lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,
or disinfectants authorized by Design for the
Environment.
~ Avoid disinfectants that contain quaternary
ammonium compounds, bleach, or other
active ingredients that can cause asthma
(see Appendix A for a complete list).
2. Pick an amount of time to pilot each product.
Many districts test all the products from one
vendor at the same time for 13 weeks.
4. Remove products that are not part of the test

from the pilot school sites, including products
brought in by teachers, non-cleaning staff, and
parents.
5. On the first day of the pilot test, Vendor A
trains all custodians at pilot sites on the various
cleaning products you have chosen to test.
Ask the vendor to describe how to use the
product(s) and how it may work differently than
a conventional product.
6. Make sure Safety Data Sheets are available
for custodians, and provide Hazard
Communication (HazCom) training on the
products that are selected for testing. Train
custodians on what personal protective
equipment to wear, if any.
7. Custodians test the products from Vendor A
every day or as needed during the 13 week
period.
8. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 with products from
Vendors B and C.
3. Supply pilot schools only with pilot products.

Most vendors will provide free sample
chemicals for your test period.
Dont be afraid to give it a chance, it doesnt cost you anything.

Be creative. Pick a pilot school, try it, see how it goesand then
evaluate it. Constantly support the school custodiansbe there, see
how that process is going to work, communicate with staff, collect
feedback from teachers and staff.
TONY ALMEIDA, ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
33
Evaluate Tested Products
1. Update the Asthma-Safer Cleaning Products

Evaluation Form, available in English and in
Spanish (Appendix J). Include questions on
the form about only the cleaning products
and equipment that you tested in your pilot
phase, and delete questions about products
you did not test. Be sure to put the name of
the product at the top of each page.
2. During the last week of the testing period,
review with custodians the AsthmaSafer Cleaning Products Evaluation Form
(AppendixJ), but do not hand it out.
3. On the last day of testing Vendor As
products, hand out pens and the AsthmaSafer Cleaning Products Evaluation Form
to each of the custodians from the testing
sites at the beginning of their shift. If
possible, hand out a SEPARATE form for
each type of product to EACH custodian.
You could consider copying each form onto
a different color of paper to easily tell them
apart. Example: each custodian could get
three formsone form for the neutral cleaner
(copied on blue paper), one form for the
disinfectant (copied on green paper), and
one form for the graffiti remover (copied on
white paper). This might help ensure that you
get valuable input from each custodian for
each product. At the end of the pilot test you
will have individual feedback on the different
products, which will make it easier to identify
the best products for your district.
[We found] a single chemical

product that is mixed at different
dilutions to do almost all the
everyday cleaning at our school
sites. I have to admit, I was
skeptical about a product that
could be used for just about
everything being effective. Boy
was I wrong. The custodians
really liked the product, in all
aspects of cleaning.
GLENN SHERMAN, LIVERMORE JOINT
VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
4. Collect forms before the custodians begin

to clean during their shift. Be sure to collect
all the evaluation forms from each of the
custodians for each of the products. Some
custodians may need help completing the
forms, especially if they are not fluent in
English. If possible, offer assistance.
5. Repeat steps 14 with Vendor B and Vendor C.
34
They seemed to be proud that their evaluations and opinions were

being listened to and counted on to possibly help determine the
cleaning products of the entire district. They were also pleased to see
that using green cleaning products required no sacrifices in regards to
their effectiveness in cleaning the schools.
GLENN SHERMAN, JOINT VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Meet to Discuss
and Choose
Cleaning
Products
After you complete pilot

tests from Vendors A,
B, and C, bring all the
custodians together
(or at least the head
custodians), and your
Asthma-Safer Cleaning
Team to discuss and
evaluate the products.
If the head of facilities
or the purchasing
department are not on your team, make sure they
come to the evaluation meeting. This process will
help you pick the best products for your district
while simultaneously having buy-in from decision
makers in your district.
1. Have someone from the team review the
written Asthma-Safer Cleaning Products
Evaluation Forms and tally the results in
advance of your meeting.
about each products cleaning performance,

inquire about health effects like coughing,
wheezing, and headaches, and discuss
the price of each. You might notice general
agreement on which products custodians like
best. If not, have each custodian talk through
their top choices.
Remind custodians that you really want to hear
their opinions. The products and equipment
need to perform well enough for the entire
district to use them. Many other products are
available to try out if the ones tested did not
meet your districts requirements.
4. If everyone agrees on which products they
like, then choosing which ones to recommend
for the district will be easy. If not, next steps
could include having your team members vote
for their favorite products and vendors. Or you
may choose to test a particular line of products
for longer. You may also need to confirm and
compare pricing before moving forward. Set
a timeline for accomplishing these final steps.
Once everyone agrees on a line of products,
determine next steps to expand asthma-safer
cleaning to the entire district.
2. Present and talk about the results.

3. Ask custodians to share their opinions about
whether they liked the products. Find out
35
Expand Asthma-Safer Cleaning to

the Entire District
To effectively transition your entire district

to an asthma-safer cleaning program, train
all custodians on new cleaning procedures,
including facility management and other relevant
school staff. Go to http://www.cdph.ca.gov/
programs/ohsep/Pages/class.aspx to download
a PowerPoint presentation for training on the
following:
~ Describe why the district switched to asthmasafer cleaning, including the environmental and
health concerns of conventional products.
TONY ALMEIDA, ELK GROVE UNIFIED

SCHOOL DISTRICT
Invite selected vendors to train staff on:
~ Explain what green cleaning means.
~ Cleaning techniques for new products.
~ Discuss the importance of third-party certified

cleaners by Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, and
the Design for the Environment Antimicrobial
Pesticide Pilot Project.
~ How to use and maintain new equipment.
~ Explain when to clean with neutral cleaners

versus when to sanitize and disinfect.
36
Green cleaning is a process

its not just the tools and the
equipment, but the training.
How you use the equipment is
also important.
~ Wearing correct safety gear.

Present this information in a simple, easy-tounderstand format. Adequately training all
custodians may help reduce product waste,
prevent injuries to employees, and make sure that
you are cleaning in an asthma-safer manner.85
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE YOUR SUCCESS AND SET POLICIES

Once you have begun asthma-safer cleaning in
your district, communicate your successes. School
administrators, staff, students, and their families
will be interested to know that you are working
to create a safer and healthier environment for
all. This is a great opportunity to communicate
that the facilities or maintenance and operations
department is making changes to help protect
staff and students with asthma. See the sample
school newsletter article and sample press release
that you can quickly adapt in Appendices K, L.
Set District-Wide Policies
Many school boards want to hear about cost

saving measures and changes in cleaning
protocols. For this reason, you may be asked to
present your asthma-safer cleaning successes
at a school board meeting. For example, a
representative from your Asthma-Safer Cleaning
Team could give a brief presentation that
describes the reasons for asthma-safer cleaning.
You might want to explain that custodians as a
group have high rates of work-related asthma
and your team would like to protect the children
in your school district with asthma. You could
also state that it will not cost more to switch.
During your presentation, you could also take
the opportunity to thank and recognize the
Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team and the custodians
involved in the pilot (see certificates to hand out in
Appendix P). This could be a chance to encourage
the school board to consider a district-wide policy
on asthma-safer cleaning (Appendix M) and to
pass a district-wide resolution (Appendix N). If the
school board is interested in considering a districtwide policy on asthma-safer cleaning, it could
include the following points:
~ Use disinfectants less. Rely on thorough
cleaning.
~ Only allow the purchase of third-party
certified cleaning products and asthma-safer
disinfectants.
I had a few custodians that

were always sickif a flu
or cold was coming around,
theyd get it, too. Now theyre
rarely sick. Theyre cleaning
in the same building they
were before, its just the new
procedures were using, and
some of the equipment we
got, it really really makes a
difference in your indoor air
quality. With that, it helps
with your absenteeism. The
children are not getting as sick.
ANDI LEE, BLACKHAWK INTERMEDIATE
SCHOOL, BEAVER FALLS, PENNSYLVANIA
~ Conduct outreach to staff and parents to stop

bringing un-approved products into schools
and provide a list of approved products.
~ Remove products brought in by teachers and
parents that can cause asthma or make it
worse. This includes air fresheners, harmful
wipes, and un-approved spray bottles.
~ Supply individual bottles of approved cleaners
for use in classrooms.
~ Promote a scent-free school, asking staff and
students not to wear or use scented products
while on the school premises. These products
can trigger asthma, chemical sensitivities, and
migraine headaches.
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE YOUR SUCCESS AND SET POLICIES
37
Conclusion
Thank you for using WRAPPs Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To Guide. We hope this
helps you transition to a healthier school environment. Be sure to look at the numerous resources outlined in
the appendices, including:
Appendix A: Cleaning Product Ingredients That Can Cause Asthma (Asthmagens)
Appendix B: Additional Health Concerns from Product Ingredients That Can Cause Asthma
Appendix C: Asthma-Safer Cleaning Resources
Appendix D: Cleaning Product Inventory Form
Appendix E: WorksheetSelecting Which Products to Test
Appendix F: Green Seals Third-Party Certifications for Cleaning Products
Appendix G: UL ECOLOGOs Third-Party Certifications for Cleaning Products
Appendix H: Sample Vendor Letter
Appendix I: Vendor Evaluation Form
Appendix J: Asthma-Safer Cleaning Product Evaluation Form (English and Spanish)
Appendix K: School Newsletter
Appendix L: Press Release for Local Newspaper
Appendix M: Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer Schools Cleaning Model Policy
Appendix N: Resolution on Asthma-Safer and Greener Cleaning
Appendix O: Information SheetWhy Cant I Bring in Disinfectants or Other Products from Home?
Appendix P: Certificate for Custodians
These resources can also be found online and downloaded by going to:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/AsthmaPubs.aspx#reports
38
References
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10 National Education Association Health

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43 Jones M. (2012, April 03). Email

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57 TerraChoice. (2010). The Sins of
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61 Cleanlink. (2011). Curbing
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71 Healthy Building Network. (2013).
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73 Purohit A, Kopferschmitt-Kubler
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85 Ace Janitorial Professional Cleaning
Services (2012). What is Green Cleaning.
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net/what_is_greencleaning.html
42
APPENDIX A
CLEANING PRODUCT INGREDIENTS THAT CAN CAUSE ASTHMA
(ASTHMAGENS)
The list of chemicals that are asthmagens came from the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
(AOEC) Exposure Code Lookup: http://www.aoecdata.org/ExpCodeLookup.aspx
CHEMICAL NAME
SYNONYM
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Acetic Acid1
CAS # 64-19-7
Ethanoic Acid; Glacial Acetic Acid;

Vinegar Acid; Vosol
Vinegar for household cleaning,

mildew cleaner, window cleaner,
floor cleaner, and multi-surface
cleaner
Aluminum Oxide2
CAS# 1344-28-1
Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3);

Aluminum Oxide (Ignited);
Gamma-Alumina
Polisher, hard water spot

remover, and surface cleaner
Aminoethyl
Ethanolamine3
CAS # 111-41-1
(2-Hydroxyethyl) Ethylenediamine;
(Beta-Hydroxyethyl) Ethylenediamine;
1-(2-(Hydroxyethyl) Amino)-2- Aminoethane;
2-((2-Aminoethyl) Amino) Ethanol;
2-Aminoethyl) Ethanolamine; Ethanolethylene Diamine;
Hydroxyethyl Ethylenediamine;
Monoethanolethylenediamine;
N-(2-Hydroxyethyl) Ethylenediamine
Fungicide, rust remover, metal

polish, and furniture cleaner
Ammonia4
CAS # 1336-21-6
Ammonia Solution, Strong;

Ammonium Hydroxide
Window cleaner, glass cleaner,

floor polishing wax, toilet cleaner,
bathroom cleaner, and multisurface cleaner
Bleach (Sodium
Hypochlorite)5
CAS # 7681-52-9
Modified Dakins Solution;

Hypochlorous Acid;
Sodium Salt; Sodium Hypochlorite
Tile cleanser, toilet cleaner,

bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner,
and disinfectant
Colophony (Rosin)6
CAS # 8050-09-7
Rosin; Rosin Gum; Gum Rosin;

WW Wood Rosin
Pine-oil cleaner and wood polish
Diethanolamine7
CAS # 111-42-2
Diethanolamine; 2,2-Iminobisethanol;
Ethanol, 2,2-Iminobis-;
Ethanol, 2,2-Iminodi-
Metal polish, stainless steel

cleaner and polisher, degreaser,
all-purpose cleaner, floor cleaner,
stain remover, floor finish, bleach,
bathroom cleaner, disinfectant,
glass cleaner, and cleaning
wipes
Dimethyl
Ethanolamine8
CAS # 108-01-0
Ethanol, 2-(Dimethylamino)-;
2-Dimethylaminoethanol;
N,N-Dimethylethanolamine; N-Dimethylaminoethanol
Glass cleaner and floor polisher
Appendix A
43
CHEMICAL NAME
SYNONYM
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Enzymes
There are many types of enzymes. Most enzymes used

for cleaning products are known asthmagens.
Stain remover, dish washer

detergent, drain cleaner, and
laundry detergent
Alpha Amylase9
CAS #s 9000-85-5,
9000-90-2;
Cellulase10
CAS #9012-54-8
Esperase11
CAS # 9073-77-2
Lipase12
CAS # 9001-62-1
Protease13
CAS # 9014-01-1,
000000-70-2
Subtilisin14
CAS #s 9014-01-1,
68038-70-0
44
Alpha Amylase: Pancreatic Amylase; Savinase; Termanyl

Cellulase: Carenzyme;
Endolase; Celluzyme
Esperase: Mesentericapeptidase; Proteinase;
Bacillus Subtilis Neutral Protease; Bacterial Protease;
Endopeptidase; Enzyme; Proteolytic; Protease;
Proteolytic Enzyme
Lipolase: Lipolase Ultra; LipoPrime; Triacylglycerol;
Rizolipase
Protease: Savinase; Everlase; Neutrase; Protamax
Subtilisin: Alcalase; Bacillus Subtilis Enzymes;
Bacillopeptidase B; Maxatase; Subtilopeptidase
C; Subtilopeptidase B; Subtilopeptidase A;
Bacillopeptidase A; Bacillus Subtilis Carlsberg
Formaldehyde15
CAS # 50-00-0
Formalin; Formaldehyde;
Formic Aldehyde;
Methaldehyde; Methanal
Disinfectant, rug cleaner, floor

polish, and graffiti remover
Glutaraldehyde16
CAS # 111-30-8
Glutaral; Pentanedial
Disinfectant, floor cleaner, spray

cleaner, and disinfectant wipes
CHEMICAL NAME
SYNONYM
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Hydrochloric Acid17
Hydrogen Chloride; Muriatic Acid
Disinfectant, toilet bowl cleaner,

and bathroom cleaner
Latex18
CAS # 9006-04-6
Latex Gum
An ingredient in some gloves

used for hand protection
Monoethanolamine19
CAS # 141-43-5
2-Aminoethanol; 2-Hydroxyethanamine; Ethanol,

2-Amino-; Ethanolamine; MEA
Multi-purpose cleaner, floor

cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom
cleaner, cleaning wipes, kitchen
cleaner, disinfectant, metal
cleaner, degreaser, floor cleaner,
and stain remover
Quaternary
Ammonium
Compounds20
There are many synonyms for this class of chemicals.

The most commonly used include the following and
other similar sounding names:
Disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner,

and sanitizer
Multiple CAS #s
Benzyl-C10-16-Alkyldimethyl, Chlorides; BenzylC12-18-Alkyldimethyl, Chlorides; Benzyl-C12-16Alkyldimethyl, Chlorides; Benzyl-C16-18-Alkyldimethyl,

Chlorides; Dodecyl-Dimethyl-Benzyl Ammonium
Chloride; Lauryl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium
Chloride; NOS; Quats; Benzalkonium Chloride;
Benzyldimethylstearylammonium Chloride;
Celtalkonium Chloride; Dialkyl Mehtyl Benzyl
Ammonium Chloride; And Dimethyl Ethyl Benzyl
Ammonium Chloride
Sodium Metabisulfite21
CAS # 007681-57-4
Disulfurous Acid, Disodium Salt; Disodium Disulphite;

Pyrosulfurous Acid
Bathroom cleaner
Sulfuric Acid22
CAS # 7664-93-9
Sulphuric Acid
Kitchen cleaner, toilet bowl

cleaner, and drain declogger
**Thymol23
CAS # 89-83-8
Isopropyl Cresol; 2-Isopropyl-5-Methylphenol;

3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-4-Isopropylbenzene; 5-Methyl2-(1-Methylethyl) Phenol; 5-Methyl-2-(1-Methylethyl);
P-Cymene, 3-Hydroxy-; Phenol
Surface cleaner, disinfectant,

and sanitizer
Triethanolamine24
CAS # 102-71-6
2,2,2-Nitrilotriethanol; 2,2,2-Nitrilotris (Ethanol);

Ethanol, 2,2,2-Nitrilotri-; Ethanol, 2,2,2-Nitrilotris-;
Nitrilotriethanol; TEA; TEA (Amino Alcohol);
Triethanolamine; Triethylamine, 2,2,2-Trihydroxy-;
Triethylolamine; Trihydroxytriethylamine;
Tris (2-Hydroxyethyl) Amine
Disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner,

glass cleaner, surface cleaner,
metal cleaner, and kitchen
cleaner
CAS # 7647-01-0
** Thymol is a skin sensitizer (it can cause skin allergies). Skin sensitizers are often respiratory sensitizers, meaning
they are often asthmagens. Thymol comes from the thyme plant, and thyme is an asthmagen. Because of these
associations, thymol is viewed as a suspected asthmagen.
Appendix A
45
Appendix A References
1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2011).
Household Products Database. Retrieved from http://householdproducts.
nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=67&query=acetic
+acid&searchas=TblChemicals
2 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2011). Household
Products Database. Retrieved from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.
gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=191&query=1344-281&searchas=TblChemicals
Products Database. Retrieved from http://householdproducts.nlm.
nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=3267&query=111-411&searchas=TblChemicals
Household Products Database. Retrieved from
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=c
hem&id=179&query=008050-09-7&searchas=TblChemicals
9 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2012). Household
gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=1697&query=alpha+amyl
ase&searchas=TblChemicals&prodcat=all

Household Products Database. Retrieved from
hem&id=2465&query=9006-04-6&searchas=TblChemicals
20 Purohit A, Kopferschmitt-Kubler MC, Moreau C, Popin E, Blaumeiser
M, Pauli G. (2000). Quaternary Ammonium
Compounds and Occupational Asthma. International Archives of
Occupational and Environmental Health. August 2000, Vol. 73, No. 6
(pp. 4237).
21 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2012).
Household Products Database. Retrieved from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=345&query=
Sodium+Metabisulfite&searchas=TblChemicals

gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=2029&query=cellulase&
searchas=TblChemicals1&prodcat=all
11 ASTHME. (n.d.). List of Agents Causing Occupational Asthma.
Retrieved from http://www.asthme.csst.qc.ca/document/Info_Gen/
AgenProf/Bernstein/BernsteinAng.htm#N2_8
Products Database. Retrieved http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/
cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=2423&query=lipase&searcha
s=TblChemicals&prodcat=all
gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=2648&query=protease&
searchas=TblChemicals2&prodcat=all
15 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2012). Retrieved
from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/
brands?tbl=chem&id=110&query=50-00-0&searchas=TblChemicals
46
APPENDIX B
ADDITIONAL HEALTH CONCERNS FROM PRODUCT
INGREDIENTS THAT CAN CAUSE ASTHMA
The list of chemicals that are asthmagens came from the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
Exposure Code Lookup: http://www.aoecdata.org/ExpCodeLookup.aspx
CHEMICAL NAME
HEALTH CONCERNS
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Acetic Acid1
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eye, nose, throat, and skin; causes

eye and skin burns
Vinegar for household

cleaning, mildew cleaner,
window cleaner, floor
cleaner, and multi-surface
cleaner
LONG-TERM: Erodes teeth; causes conjunctivitis, swelling

of throat, chronic bronchitis, asthma, skin allergies, and
thickening of outer layer of skin
Aluminum Oxide2, 3
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes and skin; causes pink eye,

coughing and difficulty breathing
LONG-TERM: Affects brain, causes throat inflammation,
chronic lung problems, and asthma
Aminoethyl
Ethanolamine4
SHORT-TERM: Severely irritates and burns eyes and skin;

irritates nose and throat; causes coughing, wheezing
LONG-TERM: Causes bronchitis with cough, phlegm, and
shortness of breath; causes dermatitis, skin allergies,
asthma
Ammonia5
Bleach6
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eye, nose, and throat; causes

difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, skin burns
Polisher, hard water spot

remover, and surface
cleaner
Fungicide, rust remover,

metal polish, and furniture
cleaner
LONG-TERM: Causes coughing up of blood, fluid in lungs,

asthma, vesicles in or beneath skin, frostbite
Window cleaner, glass

cleaner, floor polishing wax,
toilet cleaner, bathroom
cleaner, and multi-surface
cleaner
SHORT-TERM: Irritates nose, throat, and lungs; severely

irritates and burns eyes and skin; causes headaches,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting
Tile cleanser, toilet cleaner,

bathroom cleaner, floor
cleaner, and disinfectant
LONG-TERM: Causes fluid in lungs, bronchitis with phlegm

and shortness of breath, asthma; affects reproduction
Colophony (Rosin)7
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes and skin

LONG-TERM: Toxic to lungs and skin; causes asthma,
damage to organs
APPENDIX B
Pine-oil cleaner and wood

polish
47
CHEMICAL NAME
HEALTH CONCERNS
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Diethanolamine8, 9
SHORT-TERM: Causes eye and skin irritation
Metal polish, stainless

steel cleaner and polisher,
degreaser, all-purpose
cleaner, floor cleaner,
stain remover, floor finish,
bleach, bathroom cleaner,
disinfectant, glass cleaner,
and cleaning wipes
LONG-TERM: Causes cancer, asthma, and dermatitis
Dimethyl
Ethanolamine10, 11
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes, nose, throat, and skin

LONG-TERM: Affects brain; causes shortness of breath,
wheezing, cough, chest tightness, fluid in lungs; asthma
Enzymes12
(Alpha Amylase,13
Cellulase,14 Esperase,15
Lipase,16 Protease,17
Subtilisin18)
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes and skin, causes headaches,

coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, flu-like
symptoms, and sweating
Formaldehyde19, 20, 21, 22
SHORT-TERM: Causes headaches; irritates eyes, nose, and

LONG-TERM: Endocrine disruptor; causes cancer; causes
dermatitis, fluid in lungs, asthma
SHORT-TERM: Causes coughing; irritates eyes and skin;
causes skin rash, nausea, vomiting
LONG-TERM: Causes asthma and dermatitis
Hydrochloric Acid24
Stain remover, dish washer

detergent, drain cleaner, and
laundry detergent
LONG-TERM: Causes respiratory allergies and asthma
throat; causes coughing, shortness of breath, nausea
Glutaraldehyde23
Glass cleaner and floor

polisher
SHORT-TERM: Corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous

membranes; causes coughing, hoarseness, fluid in the
lungs, chest pain, and inflammation and ulceration of
respiratory tract; skin contact may cause severe burns,
ulceration, and scarring
Disinfectant, rug cleaner,

floor polish, and graffiti
remover
Disinfectant, floor cleaner,

spray cleaner, and
disinfectant wipes
Disinfectant, toilet bowl
cleaner, and bathroom
cleaner
LONG-TERM: Erodes and discolors teeth; causes

respiratory tract ulcers, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gastritis,
eye and skin sensitivity to light, and dermatitis
Latex25
SHORT-TERM: Not documented

LONG-TERM: Causes asthma, mild to severe allergies,
sensitive skin
Monoethanolamine26, 27
SHORT-TERM: Causes drowsiness; irritates eyes, nose, lung, Multi-purpose cleaner,
throat, and skin; causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of

breath, chest pain, choking
LONG-TERM: Damages brain, respiratory tract, lungs, liver,
and kidneys; causes asthma and skin allergies
48
An ingredient in some
gloves used for hand
protection
floor cleaner, glass cleaner,

bathroom cleaner, cleaning
wipes, kitchen cleaner,
disinfectant, metal cleaner,
degreaser, floor cleaner, and
stain remover cleaner
CHEMICAL NAME
HEALTH CONCERNS
TYPES OF CLEANERS
Quaternary Ammonium
Compounds28
SHORT-TERM: Irritates nose and throat
Disinfectant, all-purpose
cleaner, and sanitizer
Sodium Metabisulfite29
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs;

causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
LONG-TERM: Causes allergic responses and asthma
Bathroom cleaner
LONG-TERM: Causes asthma; bronchitis with cough and
phlegm
Sulfuric Acid30, 31
SHORT-TERM: Severely irritates nose and throat, causes

fluid in lungs, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing, and tightness in the chest; eye contact causes
severe burns with redness, swelling, pain, and blurred
vision; skin contact may cause pain, redness, burns, and
blistering
Kitchen cleaner, toilet bowl

cleaner, and drain declogger
LONG-TERM: Causes cancer; wears away tooth enamel;

irritates and inflames airways; harms respiratory system;
causes asthma; dry, red, and cracked skin (dermatitis);
permanent scarring; blindness
**Thymol32
SHORT-TERM: Irritates throat, lung, and respiratory tract;

Surface cleaner, disinfectant,
causes coughing, choking, mucous membrane damage,
and sanitizer
chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches,
nausea and weakness; eye contact can cause extreme
irritation and burns; skin contact can cause chemical burns
LONG-TERM: Erodes teeth, causes swelling and ulceration
of mouth lining; irritates airways; inflammation of lung
tissue; causes asthma and inflammation of skin
Triethanolamine33
SHORT-TERM: Irritates eyes, nose, throat, and skin; causes
coughing
LONG-TERM: Causes asthma and skin allergies
Disinfectant, all-purpose
cleaner, glass cleaner,
surface cleaner, metal
cleaner, and kitchen cleaner
** Thymol is a skin sensitizer (it can cause skin allergies). Skin sensitizers are often also respiratory sensitizers,
meaning they are often asthmagens. Thymol comes from the thyme plant, and thyme is an asthmagen. Because of
these associations, thymol is viewed as a suspected asthmagen.
APPENDIX B
49
APPENDIX B REFERENCES
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). NIOSH Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0002.html
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011).
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Retrieved from
3 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. (2011).Right to
Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://nj.gov/
health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2891.pdf
4 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. (1998).
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Retrieved from
http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0074.pdf
18 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. (2003). Right

to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://nj.gov/
19 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
(2012). Formaldehyde. Retrieved from
http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0275.htm
20 Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2011). OHSA
Factsheet. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_
General_Facts/formaldehyde-factsheet.pdf
5 New York State Department of Health. (2004).

The Facts About Ammonia. Retrieved from
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_
terrorism/ammonia_tech.htm
21 State of California Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Office

of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Safe Drinking Water and
Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Chemicals Known to Cause Cancer
or Reproductive Toxicity April 29, 2013. Retrieved from http://oehha.
ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/041913P65list.pdf
6 The State of New Jersey Department of Health. (2008). Right to Know

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://nj.gov/health/
eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1707.pdf
22 European Commission. (n.d.). Annex 10. List of 564 Substances With

Their Selection Criteria. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/
docum/pdf/bkh_annex_10.pdf
7 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. (n.d.). Asthma

and Rosin-Core Solder, What You Need to Know. Retrieved from
http://www.state.nj.us/health/surv/documents/wrarosin.pdf

Guide to Chemical Hazards. Retrieved from
8 United States Department of Labor. (2004). Occupational Safety

& Health Administration, Diethanolamine. Retrieved from
https://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_234685.html
24 United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2013).

Technology Transfer NetworkAir Toxics Web Site. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/hydrochl.html

25 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014).

The National Institue for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),
Latex Allergy A Prevention Guide. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-113/
10 New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services. (2007). Right

to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://nj.gov/
11 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2005).
International Chemical Safety Cards. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.
gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0654.html
12 Rosenman, K. (2014). Review of Medical Literature for Agents Already
Listed or Nominated to be listed on the AOEC Exposure Code List of
Designated Asthmagens.
Products Database. Retrieved from
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=
chem&id=1697&query=alpha+amylase&searchas=TblChemicals&pro
dcat=all
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl
=chem&id=2029&query=cellulase&searchas=TblChemicals1&prodca
t=all
15 Haz-Map. (2013). Retrieved from http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/
category-details?id=741&table=copytblagents
hem&id=2423&query=lipase&searchas=TblChemicals&prodcat=all
50

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl
=chem&id=2648&query=protease&searchas=TblChemicals2&prodc
at=all

Guide to Chemical Hazards. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/
npg/npgd0256.html
28 Purohit A, Kopferschmitt-Kubler MC, Moreau C, Popin E, Blaumeiser
M, Pauli G. (2000). Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and
Occupational Asthma. International Archives of Occupational and
Environmental Health. August 2000, Vol. 73, No. 6 (pp. 4237).
30 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2013).
Occupational Health and Safety Answers, Chemicals & Materials,
Chemical Profiles. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/
chemicals/chem_profiles/sulfuric_acid.html#_1_4
32 Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc. (2010). Thymol Material Safety Data
Sheet. Retrieved from http://datasheets.scbt.com/sc-215984.pdf
33 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2010).
International Chemical Safety Cards. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng1034.html
APPENDIX C:
ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING RESOURCES
PURCHASING & VERIFYING
PRODUCTS
FACT SHEETS & EDUCATIONAL

MATERIALS
Purchasing and verifying Green Seal certified cleaning

products
http://www.greenseal.org/
FindGreenSealProductsAndServices.aspx
Breathing Easier, School Districts Make the Switch to

Certified Green Cleaning Products Report, RAMP 2009
http://www.rampasthma.org/wp-content/
uploads/2009/11/Breathing-Easier-Report.pdf
Purchasing and verifying UL ECOLOGO certified

cleaning products and graffiti removers
http://productguide.ulenvironment.com/SearchResults.
aspx?CertificationID=27&CategoryID=30
Cleaning for Healthy SchoolsInfection Control

Handbook, National Cleaning for Healthy Schools and
Infection Control Workgroup, November 2010
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Documents/
Purchasing decisions from Informed Green Solutions on

cleaning for health
http://www.informedgreensolutions.org/
Purchasing carpet extractors (certification program) and
highest performing vacuums (Green Label program)
http://www. carpet-rug.org/
Purchasing and verifying Design for the Environment
Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Projects products
http://www. epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/labels/
design-dfe-pilot.html
WEBINAR
Cleaning for Asthma-Safe Schools Webinar given in

partnership with University of California at Berkeleys
Labor Occupational Health Program (July 2013)
http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=yEFIzEumIbg&featur
e=youtu.be
NEWSLETTERS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Manteca Schools Make the Switch to Green Cleaners

Green Schools Initiative Newsletter, September 2010
http://www.greenschools.net/article.php?id=320
Cleaning Products and Work-Related AsthmaWorkRelated Asthma Prevention Program Fact Sheet,
October 2010
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Documents/
WRA-CleaningProd.pdf
Cleaning Products and Work-Related Asthma:
Information for WorkersWork-Related Asthma
Prevention Program Fact Sheets 2012
English: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/
Pages/AsthmaPubs.aspx#factsheets
Spanish: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/
Documents/WRA-CleaningWorkersSpan.pdf
Chinese: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/
Documents/WRA-CleaningWorkersChin.pdf
Greener School Cleaning Supplies = Fresh Air +
Healthier Kids, Environmental Working Group Cleaning
in Schools Report, November 2009
http://www.ewg.org/research/greener-school-cleaningsupplies
Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals
OSHA-NIOSH INFOSHEET, July 2012
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3512.pdf
California School District Cleans UpWith CLASSEnvironmental Working Group Enviroblog, April 2010
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2010/04/californiaschool-district-cleans-class
Cleaning for Asthma-Safe SchoolsCoalition for
Adequate School Housing Newsletter, January 2010
http://www.cashnet.org/members/CASHRegister/2010/
Jan_IndividualArticles/AsthmaSafeClean.pdf
APPENDIX C
51
RELEVANT WEBSITES
Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program in the California Department of Public Health

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/Asthma.aspx
The Green Cleaning ToolkitGreen Schools Initiative
online resource
http://www.greenschools.net/article.php?id=245
California Breathing
http://www.californiabreathing.org
Healthy Schools Campaigns Green Clean Schools,
including their Quick + Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in
Schools
http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/programs/gcs/
Healthy Schools Network
http://www.healthyschools.org
PowerPoint Presentations on Cleaning for Healthy
Schools
http://www.cleaningforhealthyschools.org/documents/
Module2Sample.pdf
School Action for Safety and Health (SASH) Program: A
California Initiative to Promote Safe and Healthy Workplaces for Californias School Employees
http://www.dir.ca.gov/Chswc/SASH/index.htm
52
Product Type
Product Name and Manufacturer
Price per unit

($) and unit size
(quart, gallon, liter,
etc)
Amount
(# of units)
Where is
this product
used?
Dilution rate
(ready-touse=RTU)
Uses dilution
equipment?
Y/N
Certified
by Green
Seal, UL
ECOLOGO,
other?
APPENDIX D: CLEANING PRODUCT INVENTORY FORM (ADD IN MORE ROWS IF NEEDED)

Storage
location
Product Name and

Manufacturer
Amount
(# of units)
Where
is this
product
used?
Dilution rate
(ready-touse=RTU)
Uses dilution
equipment?
Y/N
Certified
by Green
Seal, UL
ECOLOGO,
other?
Green
Uses dilution Seal or UL
equipment? ECOLOGO
(Y/N)
Certified?
Storage
location
california
work-related asthma
prevention program
Include all products on this inventory, including all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner (non-disinfecting), glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, disinfectant,
degreaser, enzymes/bacterial, floor stripper, floor finish, floor cleaner, furniture polish, heavy duty cleaner, graffiti remover, gum remover, air
freshener, and carpet cleaner.
Product Type
Price per unit

($) and unit size
(quart, gallon, liter,
etc)
APPENDIX E:
WORKSHEET: SELECTING WHICH PRODUCTS TO TEST
To pick which types of cleaning products you would like to include in your test, ask your Asthma-Safer
Cleaning Team the following.
1. Which products are of greatest concern? List them here.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Which criteria do you want to use to find a safer alternative? Check all that apply:
o
Most toxic products
Highest volume used
Products not UL ECOLOGO or Green Seal certified
Other reason: ____________________________________________________________
2. Prioritize testing cleaning products that are third-party certified, and asthma-safer disinfectants
(hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol). Consider testing dilution
control systems, microfiber mops and cloths, and products that do not contain fragrances. Many districts
simultaneously test 3-5 products, often a combination of all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, neutral
floor cleaners, graffiti removers, and disinfectants)
How many and which types of products you would like to test?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What equipment would you like to test?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Knowing exactly which products you plan to test will help you determine which vendors to invite to show
you their line of green products. It will also help you create your bid requirements for potential vendors.
Appendix E
55
APPENDIX F:
GREEN SEALS THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATIONS FOR CLEANING
PRODUCTS
Company,
Number
56
Prohibits
asthmagens?
Revision
Date
Yes. Except for

enzymes, the
product shall not
contain ingredients
identified as
asthmagens.
2012
Standard Name
Purpose
Green Seal
37
Cleaning Products
for Industrial and
Institutional Use
Establishes criteria for

industrial and institutional
general purpose, restroom,
glass, and carpet cleaners.
Green Seal
53
Specialty Cleaning
Products for
Industrial and
Institutional Use

Yes. Except for
specialty cleaning products
enzymes, the
for industrial and institutional
product shall not
use including graffiti removers, contain ingredients
odor removers, gum removers,
identified as
polishes, and waxes.
asthmagens
or respiratory
sensitizers.
2012
Green Seal
8
Cleaning Products
for Household Use
Establishes criteria for general

purpose, bathroom, glass, and
carpet cleaners for household/
residential use.
No
2012
Green Seal
34
Cleaning and
Degreasing Agents
Establishes criteria for cleaning

and degreasing agents for
cleaning soils in production
and maintenance applications.
No
2011
Green Seal
40
Floor-Care Products
for Industrial and
industrial and institutional floorInstitutional Use
care products, including floor
finish and floor finish stripper.
No
2011
APPENDIX G:
UL ECOLOGOS THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATIONS FOR CLEANING
PRODUCTS
Company,
Number
Standard Name
Purpose
UL ECOLOGO
UL 2759
Hardsurface
Cleaners
UL ECOLOGO
Carpet and
UL 2795
Upholstery Cleaners
Prohibits
asthmagens?
Revision
Date
Establishes criteria for hard

surface cleaners including
bathrooms, windows, generalpurpose, and degreasers.
Yes. Products
shall not contain
ingredients
identified as skin
sensitizers or
asthmagens
2011
Establishes criteria for carpet

cleaners, carpet spot and stain
removers, and upholstery care
products.
Yes. Products
are not to be
formulated or
manufactured
with ingredients
identified as
asthmagens
2004
UL ECOLOGO
UL 2767
Paint and Varnish

Removers
Establishes criteria for graffiti

removers
No
2007
UL ECOLOGO
UL 2792
BiologicallyBased Cleaning
and Degreasing
Compounds
Establishes criteria for cleaning

and degreasing compounds.
No
April
2011
UL ECOLOGO
UL 2777
Hard Floor Care

Products
Establishes criteria for hard

floor care products, including
floor finish, neutralizers,
sealers, and strippers.
No
2010
UL ECOLOGO
UL 2780
Urinal Blocks
Establishes criteria for urinal

blocks.
No
2009
Appendix G
57
APPENDIX H:
SAMPLE VENDOR LETTER
This letter was adapted by the Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program and the Green Schools Initiative.
You can send this on your letterhead or via email.
<DATE>
Dear <VENDOR NAME>,
<SCHOOL/DISTRICT NAME> is in the process of developing and implementing a Cleaning for AsthmaSafer Schools program. The program follows the California Department of Public Healths (CDPH) Healthy
Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To Guide. We are modifying the purchase of cleaning products,
practices, and equipment to be greener and asthma-safer. To kick off this green cleaning initiative, we
would like to invite you to give a 20-minute presentation to our districts Purchasing Department and
members of our Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team about the environmentally preferable cleaning products
and training programs that your company offers. We will set aside 10 minutes for questions after your
presentation.
We would like to schedule a 20-minute presentation for the following date.
< DATE, TIME, ADDRESS>
Please let us know if you are available during that time. If not, please suggest an alternate date and time.
During this 30-minute meeting (including Q&A), we would like you to describe the following:
Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners, bathroom
cleaners, neutral floor cleaners, and graffiti removers.
Safer disinfectants, such as products whose active ingredients contain hydrogen peroxide, citric acid,
lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol. We want products that can replace bleach, quaternary
ammonium compounds, benzalkonium chloride, and other ingredients that cause asthma.
Automatic dilution equipment for green-certified cleaners and floor maintenance products.
Microfiber mops and cloths.
During your presentation, we would also be interested in hearing about:
Your companys asthma-safer and green cleaning training approach and experience.
At least one other municipality or school district that you have worked with to implement asthma-safer
and greener cleaning.
Any asthma-safer or green certifications or accreditations your company has received.
Any cooperative purchasing opportunities your company can offer through contracts with other public
agencies.
Pricing, and any discounts offered to schools or other cost saving programs.
If you have any questions, let me know (contact info below). Please confirm whether this day and time work
for you.
Sincerely,
<NAME>
<CONTACT INFO>
58
APPENDIX I: VENDOR EVALUATION FORM

Your Name:
Date:
School:
Vendor Name:
Phone:
Email:
Do you currently use this vendor? o Yes o No

Cleaning Product Information
Product #1 (Name, type):
o Green Seal
o UL
ECOLOGO
o Design for the Environment
o Green Seal
o UL
ECOLOGO
o Green Seal
o UL
ECOLOGO
Disinfectant (Name):
o Hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, lactic

acid, ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol
based?
o Design for the

Environment
Rinsing
required?
o Yes o No
Dwell Time? ___
Comments:
CLEANING EQUIPMENT
o Ready-to-Dispense (RTD), on bottle
o Free w/purchase of chemicals?
o Installed by vendor?
o Other:
o Servicing of equipment by vendor?

MICROFIBER
o Microfiber cloths
o Mops
o Laundry
system
SAFETY AND TRAINING

o Provides Hazard
Communication (HazCom)
training for products to test?
o Provides Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to

test products?
o Other
o Delivery time?
o Procurement contracts?
ORDERING
o Online
Is the vendor committed to asthma-safer and greener cleaning? o Yes o No

Answer yes if vendor a) presented Green Seal or UL ECOLOGO certified products and b) presented disinfectants
that contain hydrogen peroxide, lactic/citric acid, ethyl/isopropyl alcohol. If not, consider other vendors, especially if
showed products with asthmagens, like quaternary ammonium compounds.
Do you recommend working with this vendor and testing these products? o Yes o No
Comments:
Appendix I
59
APPENDIX J:
ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING PRODUCT EVALUATION FORM
Name:
School:
Phone Number:
Type of cleaner:
Green Product Name:
Name of Product Potentially Replacing:
DO YOU RECOMMEND
YOUR SCHOOL USE THIS
PRODUCT? o Yes o No
Surfaces used on:
Amount used (oz per gallon): ______________
What I liked best about the

product:
What I liked least about the

product:
Put check where you

noticed symptoms (if any)
when using this product:
Date:
Dilution rate used for old product: ____________

Other Comments:
Please compare the new product to your existing product (circle answer).
Agree
Same as
regular
product
Disagree
1. The new product worked well
2. I needed to use less of the new product
3. It took a shorter time to clean with the

new product
4. The new product left a cleaner surface
5. I liked the smell of the new product
o Skin irritation or rash

o Eye, nose, throat irritation
o Runny nose
o Headache
o Wheezing
o Coughing
o Chest Tightness
o Difficulty Breathing
o Asthma
o None
Please list health symptoms
from your existing product
(if any):
60
california
work-related asthma
prevention program
DILUTION EQUIPMENT
DO YOU RECOMMEND
YOUR SCHOOL USE THIS
EQUIPMENT? o Yes o No
Type of Dilution Equipment:
What I liked best about the equipment:
o Ready-To-Dilute Bottle-Mounted
o Wall-Mounted
o Other:
Please rate the equipment
1. It was easy to use
What I liked least about the equipment:
Agree
Same as
regular
product
Disagree
Other Comments:
2. It worked well
3. It took a shorter time to

clean with the new product
ASTHMA-SAFER CLEANING PROGRAM EVALUATION

Please write your comments, suggestions or questions relating to the Asthma-Safer Cleaning Pilot Test.
Appendix J
61
EVALUACION PARA LOS PRODUCTOS GREEN

Nombre:
Escuela:
Numero de telefono:
Typo de producto:
Nombre del producto

nuevo:
Nombre del producto que tal vez van a

reemplazar:
RECOMIENDA QUE LA
ESCUELA USE ESTE
PRODUCTO? o S o No
Donde uso el producto:
Cuanto uso (oz per gallon): ______________
Me gusto el producto
porque:
No me gusto el producto
porque:
Marque la cajita donde se

sintio sintomas cuando uso
el producto green:
Dilution rate used for old product/Tasa de dilucion

para el viejo producto: ____________
Otros comentarios:
Compare el producto green con el viejo producto

(haga un circulo para la mejor respuesta).
o irritacion de la piel o
erupcion
Totalmente
de acuerdo
De acuerdo
Totalmente
en
desacuerdo
El nuevo producto funciono bien
Use menos del nuevo producto
Demoro menos tiempo para limpiar
El producto nuevo dej una

superficie ms limpia
Me gusto el olor del nuevo

producto
o irritacion de los ojos,

nariz, garganta
o nariz que moquea
Fecha:
o dolor de cabeza
o respiracion ruidosa
o tos
o pecho apretado
o dificultad para respirar
o asma
o nada
Liste por favor sntomas
de salud de su producto
existente:
62
california
work-related asthma
prevention program
DILUTION EQUIPMENT/EQUIPO DE DILUCION

RECOMIENDA QUE LA
ESCUELA USE ESTE
PRODUCTO? o S o No
Type of Dilution Equipment/que tipo:
Me gusto el producto porque:
o Ready-to-Dilute (RTD) Bottle-mounted/

de la botella
o Wall-mounted/de la pared
o Otro:
Totalmente
de acuerdo
De
acuerdo
Totalmente
en
desacuerdo
Fue facil usarlo
Funciono bien
No tenia ningunas problemas
Haga un circulo para la mejor

respuesta
No me gusto el producto porque:
Otros comentarios:
POR FAVOR, ESCRIBA SUS COMENTARIOS, SUGERENCIAS O PREGUNTAS RELATIVAS AL PROGRAMMA.
Appendix J
63
APPENDIX K:
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Here is a sample school newsletter to use if you would like to promote healthy and asthma-safer cleaning
efforts in your schools to students, the school board, and the school community. Simply populate the
newsletter with your school or districts information and any supporting information you would like to add.
<SCHOOL NAME> Transitions to Asthma-Safer and Green Cleaning

Did you know that some traditional cleaning supplies used in many California school districts
could be polluting classroom air? Well, were happy to report that we just successfully transitioned
to asthma-safer and greener cleaning practices by following the California Department of Public
Healths (CDPH) Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To Guide. This project,
developed through a partnership of CDPHs Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program and the
Green Schools Initiative, helps to safeguard workers and students health through the use of
safer cleaning products and methods.
<SCHOOL NAME>s custodians, facilities, and purchasing staff partnered to find safer, less
expensive, and high quality products for our school. I commend our custodial staff for their
commitment to healthy schools and healthy kids, and their professional expertise in testing and
finding better products, says <NAME, TITLE>.
Our school is still focused on best practices for disinfection and germ control, says <NAME,
TITLE>, but we expanded our efforts to address poor indoor air quality. In addition to helping us
reduce asthma and absenteeism, green cleaners even helped us save money!
<SCHOOL NAME>s transition to asthma-safer and greener cleaning also decreased our
environmental footprint. All of the cleaning products now used by the school are certified to meet
stringent environmentally preferable criteria.
Were proud to be an asthma-safer and greener school, and look forward to working with parents,
staff, teachers, and the whole school community to continue to grow our asthma-safer and
greener initiatives.
64
APPENDIX L:
PRESS RELEASE FOR LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Here is a sample press release you could use to promote healthy and asthma-safer cleaning efforts in
your schools. Simply populate the release with your school or districts information and any supporting
information you would like to add.
<USE LETTERHEAD OR INSERT SCHOOL LOGO HERE>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
<NAME>
<PHONE>
<INSERT DATE>
<SCHOOL DISTRICT NAME> Cleans for Asthma Safe Schools

Leads a growing wave of schools replacing cleaning chemicals
linked to asthma, cancer
<CITY NAME, STATE><SCHOOL DISTRICT NAME> announced today that it has successfully
transitioned to asthma-safer and greener cleaning practices by following the California
Department of Public Healths (CDPH) Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools: A How-To
Guide. This Guide, developed by CDPHs Work-Related Asthma Prevention Program, helps to
safeguard workers and students health through the use of less-toxic cleaning products.
<SCHOOL NAME>s participation was a response, in part, to the fact that one in nine workrelated asthma cases are related to cleaning products, according to the Work-Related Asthma
Prevention Program. High rates of childhood asthma were another factor: one in six children
in California have been diagnosed with asthma. It is the most common chronic disease among
school-aged children, and is the leading cause of school absences due to chronic illness
nationwide.
A study of air pollution caused by school cleaning supplies also motivated the school to switch.
Conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the study revealed that cleaning
supplies used in many California school districts could be polluting classroom air with chemicals
linked to asthma and cancer.
Our school is still focused on best practices for disinfection and germ control, said <NAME,
TITLE>, but we expanded our efforts to address poor indoor air quality, which could affect the
health and productivity of students and educators alike. In addition to helping us reduce asthma
and absenteeism, green cleaners will even help us save money.
<SCHOOL NAME>s participation also decreased their environmental footprint. All of the
Appendix L
65
cleaning products now used by the school are certified to meet stringent environmentally
preferable criteria. They are free of ozone-depleting chemicals, less toxic to aquatic life,
have fewer smog-producing chemicals, degrade quickly in the environment, and are more
concentrated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The products must even
meet criteria concerning recyclable packaging.
Schools interested in learning more about how to make the switch to asthma-safer and
greener cleaners can contact the California Department of Public Healths Work-Related
Asthma Prevention Program via email at [email protected].
###
<INSERT SCHOOL BOILERPLATE HERE>
About the Cleaning for Asthma-Safe Schools Partners:
The Occupational Health Branch is a program in the California Department of Public Health
devoted to improving worker health and safety through prevention activities
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohb
Information about the CLASS project:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohsep/Pages/class.aspx
66
APPENDIX M:
GREEN, HEALTHY, AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS CLEANING
MODEL POLICY
Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer Schools Cleaning Policy
<SCHOOL/DISTRICT NAME> shall develop, put into place, and monitor a Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer
Cleaning (GHAC) plan. The plan will create the best conditions for learning and minimize exposures to
harmful chemicals, allergens, irritants, and pollutants. It is therefore the policy of <SCHOOL/DISTRICT> to
incorporate Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer Cleaning procedures for all school buildings.
Green, Healthy, and Asthma-Safer Cleaning Plan

A comprehensive GHAC plan focuses on using asthma-safer and greener cleaning practices, products,
equipment, and training. Dozens of manufacturers offer third-party certified green cleaning chemicals
that work well and are cost-competitive compared to conventional products. Vacuums, floor buffers, and
burnishers have filters that help improve indoor air quality. These high-efficiency filters remove microscopic
materials that might affect peoples health or damage equipment. Placing eco-friendly floor mats, especially
at building entrances, traps dirt before it even enters the building. Ideally, each school will have a mat at
every entrance and exit.
Cleaning Practices
GHAC promotes purchasing third-party certified asthma-safer cleaners and the use of equipment that
reduce the need to use harsh, conventional chemicals. GHAC also promotes frequent cleaning, disinfecting
only when necessary, and only allows products approved by the district. Individuals cannot bring in
disinfectant wipes or air fresheners. The cleaning industry has made remarkable advances with newer
technologies that perform effectively, reduce health and environmental impacts, and are cost-competitive
compared with conventional products.
It is best to promote cleaning programs based on Green Seals GS-42 Environmental Standard for
Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services.
Procurement of Cleaning Products and Equipment

A purchasing program that promotes GHAC uses the safest and healthiest products and equipment.
See table for guidance.
APPENDIX M
67
Recommended Labeling Programs

LEVEL 1: Prohibits the most asthma-causing chemicals (safest and healthiest options)*
Recommended third-party certified cleaning products
UL ECOLOGO UL 2759: Hardsurface Cleaners
(General purpose/bathroom cleaners, dish detergents, degreasers, and other cleaning products
for household, institutional, and industrial use)
UL ECOLOGO UL 2795: Carpet and Upholstery Care Products
(carpet cleaners, carpet spot and stain removers, and upholstery care products)
Green Seal GS-37: Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional use
(General purpose, restroom, glass, and carpet cleaning products)
Green Seal GS-53: Specialty Cleaning Products for Industrial and Institutional use
(Dish soaps, graffiti removers, car cleansers, deck/outdoor cleaners, odor removers, polishes, and waxes)
LEVEL 2: Prohibits some asthma-causing chemicals**

Design for the Environment (DfE)
DfEs criteria prohibit chemicals that may cause cancer or have developmental, reproductive,
or neurotoxicity issues and limit some asthma-causing agents. For a list of products,
visit: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/products
Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project
Labels environmentally preferred disinfectants. DfEs criteria prohibit chemicals that may cause cancer, endocrine
disruption, and are unlikely to cause developmental, reproductive, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues. Prohibits
sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and quaternary ammonium compounds. This is the only labeling program available
for disinfectants.
LEVEL 3: Do not prohibit asthma-causing chemicals. May still be a healthier choice than uncertified products.
Carpet and Rug Institute products help limit or get rid of asthma triggers
Green Label Plus
Tests VOC emission levels for carpet and adhesive products for a variety of chemicals. Does NOT prohibit
ingredients that cause asthma. This is the only labeling program for carpets and adhesives.
Seal of Approval for Residential Use Vacuums
Measures soil removal, dust containment, and surface appearance change. This is the only labeling program for
vacuums.
These third-party certified products may contain ingredients that cause asthma. However,
they do not contain ingredients that are known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, and
they contain fewer VOCs and cause less pollution.
Green Seal GS-8: Cleaning Products for Household Use
Green Seal GS-34: Cleaning and Degreasing Agents
Green Seal GS-40: Floor-Care Products for Industrial and Institutional Use
UL ECOLOGO UL 2767: Paint and Varnish Removers
UL ECOLOGO UL 2792: Biologically-Based Cleaning and Degreasing Compounds
UL ECOLOGO UL 2777: Hard Floor Care Products
UL ECOLOGO UL 2780: Urinal Blocks
*UL ECOLOGO prohibits asthmagens that cause allergic-type asthma. Green Seal allows the use of enzymes, which can cause
allergic-type asthma. WRAPP recommends only Green Seal certified products that do not contain enzymes.
**Prohibits some asthmagens that can cause allergic-type asthma
68
Training
GHAC practices provide proper training of custodians in the hazards, use, proper dilution, safety,
maintenance, and disposal of cleaning chemicals, dispensing equipment, and packaging.
Storage Procedures
Many cleaning products arrive in concentrated form that may require special handling, storage, and
disposal. Staff must plan for the physically-isolated storage, safe usage, and proper disposal of cleaning
agents and other hazardous chemicals that cannot be eliminated from school buildings and grounds.
Education
Staff, students, custodians, and the school community will be educated about the GHAC policy and
procedures. Custodial staff, administrators, teachers, students, vendors, and visitors can learn about what
they can do to promote a healthy school environment, such as maintaining uncluttered classrooms and
workspaces, and handling spills properly.
This sample is adapted from a sample policy developed by the Healthy Schools Campaign:
http://www.greencleanschools.org.
APPENDIX M
69
APPENDIX N:
RESOLUTION ON ASTHMA-SAFER AND GREENER CLEANING
Adopted by the Board of Education at its Regular Meeting on <DATE>
Subject: Resolution <#>
In Support of Asthma-Safer and Greener Cleaning throughout <NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT>

WHEREAS: It is estimated that one in six students in California has asthma; and
WHEREAS: Regular exposure to chemicals found in many consumer and custodial cleaning products, including
bleach, contain asthmagens, chemicals that can exacerbate or lead to the onset of asthma, and almost one in nine
persons with work-related asthma linked their asthma to cleaning products; and
WHEREAS: A comprehensive Asthma-Safer and Greener Cleaning policy and plan will support an effective and
sustainable transition to asthma-safer and greener cleaning products and help ensure the health of all students and
staff; and
WHEREAS: The Director of Maintenance and Operations or Facilities Department has officially declared and
distributed notification that unapproved classroom cleaning products are prohibited in any school or child care
classrooms;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That it is the policy of the Board of Education that <NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT> will
purchase only approved asthma-safer and greener cleaning products verified by the Director of Maintenance and
Operations or Facilities Department for use in <SELECT AREAS: Early Education, Student Nutrition, Special Education,
office, and classroom cleaning> as soon as possible; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the District will make every effort to ensure that unapproved products are kept out
of classrooms, schools, and offices by <DATE>; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the District will establish an Asthma-Safer and Greener Cleaning Oversight
Committee by <DATE> (with representation from departments that could include Facilities and Maintenance, Custodial
Services, Student Nutrition Services, Early Education Program, Special Education Program, labor partners, parent
representatives, and others) to help:
Develop a comprehensive funding and implementation plan to ensure a full transition (100%) to approved asthmasafer and greener cleaning products, taking into consideration time and funding needs, with a target of full transition
by <DATE>; and
Develop, in conjunction with <NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT>s Cleaning for Asthma-Safer Schools Team, by <DATE>,
a plan for a comprehensive education campaign, a funding plan, training program, and implementation schedule; and
Provide a report to the Board of Education annually to provide an update on implementation status, needs, barriers,
and recommendations by <DATE>; and
Ensure that newly hired staff as well as appropriate staff of the Custodial, Early Education Program, Special Education,
Before and After School Programs, and Student Nutrition Services receive training on asthma-safer and greener
cleaning practices by <DATE>.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED: That Facilities & Maintenance, Custodial Services, Student Nutrition Services, Early
Education Programs, and Special Education Programs will transition to 100% approved asthma-safer and greener
cleaning products, and use of unapproved products will be terminated by <DATE>.
MODIFIED FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS RESOLUTION ON GREEN CLEANING.
70
APPENDIX O:
INFORMATION SHEET: WHY CANT I BRING IN DISINFECTANTS
OR OTHER PRODUCTS FROM HOME?
Did you know that some common cleaning and disinfecting products may
cause headaches, rashes, cancer, and asthma?
We decided that in order to clean our school AND keep everyone healthy, we needed to make some
changes. And we did: were now using asthma-safer and greener cleaning products in accordance
with the California Department of Public Healths (CDPH) Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer Schools:
A How-To Guide. We are impressed with how well these products clean! They are safer for staff and
students, and improve the air for everyone, especially our asthma sufferers.
We learned that bleach, strong deodorizing fragrances, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners
may be bad for our health, our environment, and our equipment. They may also contribute to indoor air
pollution and can harm aquatic life. We learned that many cleaning products labeled green may not
actually be asthma-safer or greener. Thats why were using products that have been certified by two
third-party organizations, Green Seal and UL ECOLOGO, to make sure were using the right ones.
Disinfectants are pesticides, designed to kill germs. We are still disinfecting our schoolbut only when
necessary. We learned that regular cleaning with microfiber removes up to 99% of germs, so it is generally
not necessary to disinfect school classrooms, including desks, floors, and walls.
We created an Infection Control Plan that includes cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in a routine,
systematic way. This is the best way to ensure the health and safety of our school community. When there
is an outbreak of an infectious disease, we will clean even more often than our regular routine, especially
on surfaces touched by a variety of hands (like door knobs and shared equipment). And disinfectants
are always used after cleanup of body fluids like blood or vomit or if warranted by specific outbreak
circumstances.
How can you help?

Simple: Refrain from bringing in cleaning products from home and using any kind of disinfecting wipes
or sprays. Please do not bring in plug-ins and air fresheners, either. All teachers will also receive asthmasafer products for use in their classrooms. If a teacher asks for hand sanitizers, please make sure they
contain at least 60% alcohol.
If you have any questions or if you need anything specific done, please ask and contact us at <INSERT
DEPARTMENT NAME, PHONE NUMBER, CONTACT PERSON, EMAIL>.
Countless schools in California have adopted healthier and more environmentally friendly cleaning
practices, and we are proud to be one of them. Thank you for your commitment to creating asthma-safer
schools for our children and staff!
Appendix O
71
72
<District Name>
<YOUR NAME>
GIVEN ON <MONTH> <DAY>, <YEAR>.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
Schools Initiative, and the <District Name> hereby aw ard this
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Green
w orkers health.
environmental asthma risks and protecting childrens and
We thank you for taking an important step in reducing
Clean in g for Asth m a Safe Sch ools Pr oject
for expertise and participation in completing the
<Title>, <School>
<CUSTODIAN NAME>
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR
AWARD
APPENDIX P:
CERTIFICATE FOR CUSTODIANS
Overall, certified green cleaning

supplies produce much lower
pollution levels and use fewer
harmful chemicals than
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HEALTHY CLEANING

Our main concerns as the custodians

Special thanks to Alexandra Rodionova,

~ San Francisco Unified School District

~ Yolo County Office of Education

Cover and page 11: www.istockphoto.com

ALTERNATE FORMAT INFORMATION

Environmental Impacts of Cleaning Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cleaning for Asthma-Safer Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

STEP 3: INVENTORY PRODUCTS TO REDUCE COSTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

STEP 5: ARRANGE VENDOR PRESENTATIONS, SELECT VENDORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

STEP 6: TEST AND EVALUATE PRODUCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

STEP 7: COMMUNICATE YOUR SUCCESS AND SET POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

HEALTHY CLEANING AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS: A HOW-TO GUIDE

Appendix A: Cleaning Product Ingredients

Figure 1: Work-Related Asthma (WRA) Is an

Appendix B: Additional Health Concerns from

Figure 2: Work-Related Asthma and Cleaning

Appendix C: Asthma-Safer Cleaning Resources. . 51

Appendix D: Cleaning Product Inventory Form. . 53

Table 1: Recommended Labeling Programs. . . . 26

WORK-RELATED ASTHMA PREVENTION

Appendix P: Certificate for Custodians. . . . . . . . . 72

About Healthy Cleaning and Asthma-Safer

ome conventional cleaning products

first describes why safer cleaning practices are

The Cleaning for Asthma-Safe Schools (CLASS)

4. Select products to test

The How-To Guide also discusses the important

Children spend a lot of time at

1. Create your Asthma-Safer Cleaning Team

HEALTHY CLEANING AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS: A HOW-TO GUIDE

Definition of Cleaning, Sanitizing,

Definition of Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfection

Why Switch to Asthma-Safer Products?

paradox exists for how most of our

Safer Products Might Have

A 43-year-old custodian was having breathing

cleaning in schools. Some California districts,

HEALTHY CLEANING AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS: A HOW-TO GUIDE

FIGURE 1: WORK-RELATED ASTHMA (WRA) IS

Work-related asthma rate

BLEACH USE CAN BE HARMFUL

Ingredients in common cleaning products,

Avoid Using Bleach

A 62-year-old female food services supervisor

SOURCE: California WRAPP Surveillance Data, 19932012

Why Switch to Asthma-Safer Products?

Work-Related Asthma and

Forty percent of adults with asthma in California

Provide School Staff With Safe

One day at work, a woman with asthma spilled

Do Not Use Strong Chemicals

A teacher had to go to the emergency room

HEALTHY CLEANING AND ASTHMA-SAFER SCHOOLS: A HOW-TO GUIDE

FIGURE 2: WORK-RELATED ASTHMA AND CLEANING PRODUCTS20

11% of the California Work-Related Asthma Prevention Programs cases

4 of 5 of workers did not clean but were around