The first project,
which took place in the City of Richmond, focused upon the needs of small
organizations - individual custodians, small janitorial contractors, and
neighborhood businesses. This project was funded by an Environmental Justice
Through Pollution Prevention grant from US EPA Region IX.
The County of Santa Clara hosted the
second project, which emphasized large organizations - government agencies,
schools, manufacturing firms, hotels, and large janitorial contractors.
This project was funded by a Pollution Prevention Incentives For States
grant from US EPA Region IX and California EPA.
What We Did On These Earlier Projects
On each of the earlier projects we interviewed
janitors to find out what they know, don't know, and need to know about
the chemical products that they use. These surveys were conducted in person,
by mail, by phone, and via the internet. In all, about 100 individuals
and organizations participated.
In addition, we studied workers'compensation
data to learn about the frequency and severity of actual accidents involving
janitors and chemicals.
Next, we conducted reviews of specific
chemical products being used for janitorial work by several dozen organizations.
These on-site assistance visits identified hazardous ingredients in the
products as well as patterns in the way that the products are used.
Guided by the surveys and site reviews,
we developed fact sheets, product sample kits, purchasing specifications,
and other outreach materials to advise users on the health, safety, and
environmental consequences of their janitorial products. We hosted several
workshops, demonstrated environmentally preferable products, and offered
on-site chemical product reviews.
Get More Info On our home page http://www.westp2net.org
you can use the buttons to see the fact sheets, reports, and training
workbooks that we prepared. All of the materials that we developed are
in the public domain, so you may freely copy and use them.
Studies: Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project
