FM newsroom – worksafety, facility cleaners. Growing evidence shows that occupational exposure to cleaning chemicals poses serious health risks to cleaning operatives. But who is ultimately responsible for safeguarding their well-being—governments, manufacturers, employers, or the operatives themselves?
In the EU, nearly three million people work as general cleaners, accounting for 2.3% of the workforce as of 2020. With the cleaning sector continuing to grow, these numbers are set to rise.
Now, with increasing research into the short- and long-term health effects of cleaning chemicals, the facility management sector must confront a key dilemma: how can we maintain clean, healthy environments without compromising the health of those doing the cleaning? – ECJ raises the question.
The Health Risks
Cleaning operatives frequently use powerful chemicals that are assumed to be the most effective. Many of these products, however, contain synthetic compounds that harm both the environment and the users.
- Respiratory Conditions: Many cleaning products emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), even those marketed as “green.” Indoors, VOC concentrations can reach up to 10 times higher than outdoor levels. Inhalation can lead to immediate symptoms—such as coughing and shortness of breath—and long-term issues like asthma and even lung damage. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs), found in various cleaners, are especially harmful with prolonged exposure, increasing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly among women.
- Skin Conditions: Contact dermatitis is a common occupational hazard for cleaners. Many chemical agents damage the skin’s barrier, causing irritation, blistering, or eczema, especially among those with pre-existing skin conditions.
- Cancer Risks: Long-term exposure to certain cleaning chemicals has been linked to increased cancer risk. A study from ISCO found that female housekeepers who worked for over seven years had a 76% higher risk of lung cancer. Additionally, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), common in many products, can interfere with hormone regulation, raising the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer.
These examples represent just a portion of what researchers are uncovering about the dangers cleaning operatives face. As more data emerges, it becomes essential to have open, proactive discussions on how to protect these workers.
Who Is Responsible?
Responsibility for protecting the health of cleaning operatives is shared among multiple stakeholders:
Governments: In the EU, government bodies set occupational health and safety standards. The 1989 OSH directive mandates that employers implement preventive measures and conduct regular risk assessments. Chemical regulations like REACH and CLP ensure substances are registered, labelled, and assessed for risk.
However, these laws often represent the bare minimum. True protection requires businesses to go beyond legal compliance.
Manufacturers: Under REACH, manufacturers must register chemical substances and assess their hazards. They must also provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and communicate risks clearly. However, not all harmful substances are banned, and many still appear in common cleaning products. Manufacturers must do more to develop safer alternatives and engage transparently with their clients.
Employers: Employers carry the day-to-day responsibility for worker safety. Regulations like COSHH require them to identify hazards, replace dangerous substances with safer ones, and supply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Laws such as Directive 2004/37/EC compel companies to reduce exposure to carcinogens and perform health monitoring.
Going beyond compliance—by auditing product safety and actively seeking safer alternatives—is key to real change.
Cleaning Operatives: While they have limited control over which chemicals they use, cleaning operatives play a role in following safety protocols, using PPE correctly, and reporting unsafe conditions. However, the burden should not fall on them to ensure the safety of their work environment.
A Shared Duty
Though legislation provides a framework, true protection depends on businesses taking initiative. This means selecting products from manufacturers that prioritize health and safety, such as those with certifications like Global GreenTag’s HealthRATE, and engaging in open dialogue with suppliers.
Ultimately, cleaning operatives should not be forced to choose between their health and their job. By prioritizing safer practices and chemical transparency, the industry can create both healthy spaces and safe working conditions.
