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Is Your Janitor Closet Safe?

By: Steve Hanson

Most commercial cleaning chemicals stored in janitor closets are safe, as long as they're being stored and used according to the manufacturer's directions. However some products used by cleaning companies can cause dangerous situations and adverse health affects.

One of the most common mis-used substances is bleach. Mixing bleach with other chemicals like ammonia can be toxic to humans. Skin or eye exposure can cause burns, and inhaling bleach can cause sore throats, coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs.

Ammonia is also commonly found in janitor closets. Skin or eye exposure can cause severe pain, blistering, and tissue destruction. Inhaling ammonia can cause burning pain in the nose, mouth, and throat. Severe exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and gastric burns. Severity depends on how much was inhaled and the length of exposure.

Toilet bowl cleaners and drain cleaners contain corrosive acids. Exposure to the skin can range from redness to swelling and blistering. If the product is splashed into the eyes it can cause pain and burning, and corneal damage. Like bleach, inhaling acid cleaners can cause sore throats, coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs.

Keep your janitor closets safe. Either don't use the products mentioned above, or ensure all employees are properly trained.

Copyright (c) The Janitorial Store (TM)

Article Source: http://www.cleaningarticles.com

For more cleaning tips and information on starting and running a successful cleaning business, visit Steve Hanson at www.TheJanitorialStore.com. And while you're there, sign up for Trash Talk: Cleaning Tip of the Week. Read cleaning success stories at www.cleaning-success.com.

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