Number
305-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Building and construction work
Other
Function
Cleaning agent
Process
Manual activities involving hand contact
Product category
washing ad cleaning products
Application
Substitution of a cleaning agent
Abstract
A disinfectant based on sodium hypochlorate, used in a cleaning and maintenance company, was substituted to a less toxic disinfectant based on a mix of water and non-ionic surfactants.
Substituted substances
Sodium hypochlorite
CAS No. 7681-52-9 EC No. 231-668-3 Index No. 017-011-00-1
Chemical group
Sodium compounds; hypochlorites
Classification: hazard statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Alternative Substances
Non ionic surfactants
CAS No. EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Surfactants
Water
CAS No. 7732-18-5 EC No. 231-791-2 Index No.
Chemical group
Non-metal oxides
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
skin/respiratory sensitizing
ecotoxicity
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Sodium hypochlorate is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Alternative substance: The alternative product containing non-ionic surfactants and water does not include any hazard statements.
Description of Substitution
This substitution was carried out in a cleaning company that used a cleaner based on sodium hypochlorate. More than 20 employees used the product on a regular basis. Due to the toxic risks associated with exposure and to its strong odour it was substituted by a safer disinfectant. The alternative product is a mix of water-based disinfectants and non-ionic surfactants. The cleaning company was used in several facilities; substitution of the product was perceived as positive by additional personnel besides the cleaning staff. These persons considered a positive result the elimination of strong odours caused by the substituted product. Advantages Expenses were reduced since the alternative product is used in lesser amounts. Cleaning efficiency was not affected. The alternative product is certified by the Spanish Ministry of Healthcare as an effective bactericide and fungicide.
Case/substitution evaluation
The main advantage of substitution is the elimination of a product which is corrosive and highly toxic to the aquatic environment. It must be taken into consideration that even though the alternative product does not include hazard statements, it must not be released into the environment due to its biocide properties.
State of implementation
Full capacity
Date and place of implementation
2009, Spain
Enterprise using the alternative
https://guiaempresas.universia.es/GESTION-RECURSOS-SERVICIOS-ISLADA.html
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Producer/Provider
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Contact
See information about the manufacturer of the alternative product.
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021