tackling trouble areas Developing An Eco-friendly Odor Management Strategy Relying on chemical-based air fresheners can pose serious risks to public health. By Amanda Daluga Image courtesy of Fuse/Thinkstock A All too often, facility managers rely on synthetic fragrance solutions to deal with odor challenges. These solutions are typically chemical-based and can actually pose significant health threats, particularly in schools and hospitals. In fact, researchers from University of Maryland and Loyola College in Maryland released a white paper titled, “Fragrance in the Workplace is the New Second-Hand Smoke.” The study was presented at an Ameri-can Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences (ASBBS) conference in 2009, and it outlines how both smoking and the use of synthetic fragrance can seriously inhibit indoor air quality. Highlighting the six top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, findings con-cluded that, “nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were emitted from the products.” And, since that research was conducted, the topic has pressed on and continues to garner additional attention. The study also showcased how fra-grance is a known respiratory irritant that impacts one in five people in the U.S. The symptoms can include migraines, nausea, tightening of the throat and respi-ratory impairment in the asthmatic. These aren’t health issues to be taken lightly, and they need to be considered when developing a sound odor manage-ment strategy. Providing top-quality care in a healthcare facility can be more easily achieved if dis-agreeable odors are not part of the daily battle. Green Actually Works Fortunately, odor management solutions exist today that help eliminate odors natu-rally, and are non-toxic, effective and engi-neered from simple formulas — like plant oils, food-grade surfactant and water. These solutions contain no harmful VOCs, no alcohol and no artificial fragrances, mak-ing them safe to use in any environment. And, despite perceptions about “green” cleaning products, these next-generation, eco-friendly solutions actually work. There is a unique science behind these types of solutions where molecules from the eco-friendly odor management prod-uct make contact with malodor molecules through opposing electrostatic charges and random contact. Once they are bound together, the odor management molecules absorb and de-stroy the odors on a molecular level. Odors are eliminated, not covered up. come out of the industrial world, where only the strongest odor abatement solu-tions can counter odor issues in landfills, oil refineries, wastewater treatment facili-ties and the like. Odor management issues occurring at industrial sites have significant repercus-sions when neighboring businesses and residences are impacted. There can also be legal and legislative fallout to an industrial business when foul odor issues arise, further reinforcing the need for more sophisticated solutions. Safe Odor Management In Schools Although foul odors have been shown to negatively impact learning, controlling odors in schools is tremendously difficult. Industrial Heritage Some of the most effective solutions May 2014 40 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ®
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