| 1.
Fewer adverse health effects from toxic compounds. Some cleaning products contain toxic
chemicals, which may kill aquatic life and harm humans. Cleaners with
sufficient concentrations of ammonia and sodium hypochlorite can irritate
the lungs and are not recommended for people with heart conditions and
chronic respiratory problems.
2. Fewer toxic releases from
manufacturing. Ingredient manufacture
sometimes involves toxic releases as well. For example, petrochemical
extraction and refining processes release benzene and other toxic
chemicals into the environment.
3. Fewer hazards in the municipal
solid waste (MSW) stream. Cleaning
products containing hazardous ingredients present further hazards when
disposed as MSW, because these systems are not designed to manage even
minimal volumes of some hazardous chemicals.
| 4. Less ecosystem destruction
from persistent chemicals.Components of cleaning products that
break down slowly or incompletely may endanger plants, animals and
microorganisms that live in water systems.
5. Less smog and ozone depletion. Some components of cleaners, such
as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contribute to photochemical smog.
The EPA has found that levels of VOCs in indoor air are up to 10 times
greater than levels outdoors.
6. Less waste. Even the packaging of cleaning products has
environmental impacts. For example, secondary packaging and non-refillable
containers contribute unnecessary waste to landfills and incinerators.
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