FACTS

Chemical cleaning in any environment, including workplaces, can pose several hazards if not conducted properly. Here are some key risks associated with chemical cleaning:

1. Chemical Burns: Direct contact with cleaning chemicals can cause burns to the skin or eyes. Strong acids or alkalis are particularly hazardous.
2. Toxic Fumes: Many cleaning chemicals release fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, leading to respiratory issues, headaches, or other health problems.
3. Fire and Explosion Risks: Some cleaning chemicals are flammable and can create fire or explosion hazards if not used or stored correctly.
4. Allergic Reactions: Individuals may have or develop allergies to certain chemicals, resulting in reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe respiratory distress.
5. Environmental Harm: Improper use or disposal of cleaning chemicals can lead to environmental pollution, affecting air, water, and soil quality.
6. Chronic Health Issues: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals can lead to chronic health issues, including respiratory conditions, skin disorders, or even more severe health outcomes like cancer.

STATS

• The CDC has also reported on injuries from acute chemical incidents, noting that carbon monoxide, ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid were the top five chemicals resulting in injuries. These chemicals accounted for 37% of all injured persons in single chemical releases.
• The number of fatal chemical inhalations ranged from 33 to 55 each year.
• An estimated yearly total of one million U.S. employees could be exposed to toxic materials.
• American workers deal with thousands of chemicals on the daily and the number of chemical accidents that occur every year in the workplace is staggering. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Workers suffer more than 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths annually related to chemical exposures.
• In September 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services released some staggering statistics that showed in 2018, an Ontario small business owner lost-time injuries due to chemical exposure leading to a loss of over 8 million dollars.