Taking the Danger Out of Cleaning Products

Clean Air Advocates and Janitors’ Union Call on State to Reduce Toxics and Smog-forming Emissions from Cleaning Products

(Sacramento, California, June 25, 2008) – Consumer products, including cleaning products, are expected to be the largest source of smog-forming emissions in the state by 2020 – surpassing cars! Many of these products contain high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to California’s smog and are associated with toxics (cancer-causing chemicals).

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is scheduled to take action on an updated regulation for a wide-array of consumer products this Thursday, June 26 in Sacramento. Although the current proposed regulation includes some cleaning product categories, the proposal fails to include some of the worst pollution offenders including degreasers, non-aerosol glass and multipurpose cleaners, products that are most commonly used in the home and workplace. 

“What’s stored below our kitchen sink can make us sick and pollute the air,” stated Luis Cabrales, campaign and outreach associate with the Coalition for Clean Air. “California should take the leap forward to scrub out toxics and smog-forming chemicals from the products that we use to clean our homes.”

Clean air advocates and the largest union representing janitors in the state, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1877 are urging the State Air Board to include these products in the regulation, which would double the expected VOC emissions reduced from the regulation.  

“Workers deserve safe working environments,” stated Andrea Dehlendorf, vice president of SEIU Local 1877. “We’re counting on the State to protect the health of families and workers.”

A Breath of Toxic Air Campaign is focused on bringing attention to the smog and toxic emissions of widely-used cleaning products with the goal of pushing the state to direct manufacturers to reformulate their products. Supporters of the campaign effort include asthma coalitions, concerned consumers, clean air advocates, housekeepers and janitors.

For more than 35 years, the non-profit Coalition for Clean Air has been committed to restoring clean air to California. With offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Fresno, it is dedicated to strengthening the environmental movement by promoting broad-based community involvement, advocating responsible public policy and providing technical expertise.

Take Action, send a letter to the State Air Board

Tome Acción, Envíe una carta a la Mesa Estatal del Aire

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