Dangers of Chemical Cleaners in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are meant to promote healing, yet the very chemicals used to sanitize these environments may be putting patients, staff, and even visitors at risk. While cleanliness is critical in preventing infection, many commonly used industrial cleaning agents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. As the healthcare industry focuses increasingly on patient-centered care, it's time to scrutinize not just how we clean, but with what.

The Irony of "Clean"

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air, and in some cases, even up to 100 times worse (EPA, 2023). In healthcare settings, where vulnerable populations are concentrated, this becomes especially troubling. Chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are staples in hospital-grade cleaners, yet they’ve been linked to asthma, skin irritation, and long-term respiratory conditions.

A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that nurses regularly exposed to chemical disinfectants were at a 25% higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to those who weren’t (Dumas et al., 2019). This isn't just a theoretical concern—it's a public health issue unfolding in facilities designed to protect life.

Safety vs. Sterility: A False Choice

The good news is that hospitals no longer have to choose between sterility and safety. Eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning solutions have advanced significantly in efficacy, meeting—and in some cases exceeding—CDC and EPA disinfectant standards. CG Chemicals offers a hospital-grade cleaner that contains no VOCs, no harsh solvents, and no fragrances, while delivering superior antimicrobial performance on high-touch surfaces.

From surgical suites to pediatric wards, our solution simplifies the cleaning protocol, reduces chemical load, and improves air quality without compromising infection control. In fact, hospitals that have switched to non-toxic alternatives report lower staff sick days, fewer patient complaints about odors, and reduced long-term exposure risk.

Why Healthcare Must Lead the Charge

Healthcare facilities are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. As centers of healing, they have both a moral and operational incentive to model safer practices. By re-evaluating what "clean" really means and investing in non-toxic solutions, the industry can protect patients not just from pathogens—but from the very products used to combat them.

Make a change for the future of your staff, patients, and facility

If your facility is still using conventional chemical cleaners, it's time to reconsider. CG Chemicals provides proven, non-toxic alternatives that help healthcare environments meet both safety and sterility standards. Let’s start a conversation about cleaning that actually supports healing.

Shop now or contact us to learn more about our eco-friendly cleaning products!

Sources:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor Air Quality: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality
- Dumas, O., et al. (2019). "Occupational use of high-level disinfectants and asthma incidence in U.S. nurses: a prospective cohort study." Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 76(5), 246–253. https://oem.bmj.com/content/76/5/246