I recently became aware of one of this Country's watchdog agency's standards for ensuring the indoor environmental quality of their facilities. All, I could say was, "Holy Cow, they're finally getting it" !!
The CDC, (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), is a government-based agency that was founded in 1942. They are staffed with over 15,000 highly educated engineers, doctors, biologists, chemists, toxicologists and more. These are the folks that keep us up-to-date on local health issues up to biological threats to our population.
Apparently, this educated and informed agency has set very high standards for Indoor air quality in all of their facilities. The standards have been set to protect the health of their employees and customers, as well as lowering their liabilities to them. In the guidelines, they've even established the types of cleaners, etc., that will be used.
Here's a recap of their Housekeeping Guidelines:
CDC will ensure the products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only GREEN CLEANING (emphasis mine), products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.
They also have a laundry list of "Non-Permissible Products":
Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:
- Incense, candles, or reed diffusers
- Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind
- Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants
- Potpourri
- Plug-in or spray air fresheners
- Urinal or toilet blocks
- Other fragrance deodorizer/re-odorizer products
Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.
In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migranes.
Is it possible that some of their health issues may be a direct result of exposure to some of the CDC's mentioned "non-permissable products"?
Do the research and check out our non-toxic cleaners and personal care products. It may end up being a life-changing experience for you and others around you.
