CDC and Indoor Environmental Quality

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new policy concerning the air quality of in their buildings. The aim of this new policy is to have an internal environment "that products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of VOCs. Only green cleaning products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces.
Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior spaces. This includes the use of:
• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers
• Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind
• Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance-emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants
• Potpourri
• Plug-in or spray air fresheners
• Urinal or toilet blocks
• Other fragranced deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and the use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migraines.

Employees should avoid using scented detergents and fabric softeners on clothes worn to the office. Many fragrance-free personal care and laundry products are easily available and provide safer alternatives."

So follow in the footsteps of the CDC and use Green Cleaning Products, fragrance-free soaps, shower gels, laundry products and such. Stay Well! Elise