Choosing Safer Cleaning Chemicals: Cleaners, Sanitizers or Disinfectants: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants as follows: Cleaners remove dirt through wiping, scrubbing or mopping. Sanitizers contain chemicals that reduce, but do not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and molds from surfaces. Public health codes may require cleaning with the use of sanitizers in certain areas, like toilets and food preparation areas. Disinfectants contain chemicals that destroy or inactivate microorganisms that cause infections. Disinfectants are critical for infection control in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants serve different purposes, and it is important to choose the least hazardous cleaning chemical that will accomplish the task at hand. Before purchasing cleaning products, determine whether or not sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary. If sanitizing or disinfecting is not required, then choose a cleaner. In general, disinfectants and sanitizers are more hazardous than cleaners. If sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary, be sure that the product purchased is effective for the microorganisms being targeted. EPA regulates sanitizers and disinfectants (termed antimicrobial pesticides) and is a useful resource. For further information, See EPA's webpage What Are Antimicrobial Pesticides? (http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/ad_info.htm). 3Choosing Safer Cleaning Chemicals: Green Cleaners: Many employers and building managers are purchasing green cleaning chemicals with the expectation that green cleaning products are safer for workers and the environment. However, placing the word green in a name or on a bottle does not ensure that a chemical is safe. Employers should review the cleaning chemicals they purchase, including green cleaning products, to understand their health and safety hazards. Employers should choose the least hazardous cleaners. Independent organizations are now certifying chemicals, including cleaners, as green. Certified green cleaners must meet specific criteria as defined by the certifying organization. Employers may find information from these certifying organizations helpful when purchasing cleaning chemicals. Some certifying organizations are listed under the Resources section below. The EPA webpages Cleaning (http://www.epa.gov/epp/ pubs/products/cleaning.htm) and Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products: A Guide for Federal Purchasers (http://epa.gov/epp/pubs/ cleaning.htm) provide comprehensive guidance for purchasers of cleaning products. 4Choosing Safer Cleaning Chemicals: Material Safety Data Sheets When choosing safer cleaning chemicals, employers can learn much from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). Employers must obtain and maintain MSDSs for all hazardous cleaning products and chemicals that they use. MSDSs must be readily accessible to workers. Employers can use the information contained in the MSDSs to ensure that workers are properly protected. MSDSs include the following important information: (a) Hazardous chemical ingredients; (b) Symptoms and health problems that may be caused by the chemical ingredients; (c) First-aid measures if workers are exposed; (d) Recommended personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety goggles or respirators; and (e) Proper procedures for cleaning up spills. See more from topic source: https://www.osha.gov/html/a-z-index.html