Green Cleaning Project

Who is conducting the research study?

Dr. Tim Morse and staff at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) are conducting a research study called Green Cleaning: Exposure Characterization and Adoption Process Among Custodians.  Staff from the University of Connecticut Health Center have been working with schools, universities, unions, and other community organizations, like ConnectiCOSH, to develop health and safety training and educational materials to help workers better understand what “green cleaners” and green cleaning are, and the type of work practices that can protect your health while cleaning.

What is the purpose of the research study?

The purpose of the study is to find out the ways that workers and workplaces choose to adopt cleaning products that have lower health and environmental impact, and what obstacles they face in shifting over to using them.  We will also be trying to discover how frequently custodians develop asthma and skin disorders, which might be linked to cleaners, and what the current exposures to a group of specific chemicals (phthalates) found in current cleaning and household products might be in custodians.  With all this information, we will then be developing best-practices and training to increase the proper use of safer alternatives to cleaning chemicals.  This research study is a collaborative approach that helps to link community partners and UCHC researchers in identifying and developing solutions to problems in work health and safety.  The study is funded by a federal grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

What is involved in the study?

We are recruiting State of Connecticut employees at selected sites who are members of the Connecticut Employees Union Independent-SEIU who use cleaners to participate in the study.  The study is endorsed by state agencies and unions. Information collected in the study will be distributed only in summary form; individual information from workers who participate will not be shared with the union or state agency.

Participant Involvement:

• Focus groups:
  We have held 10 focus groups with 64 participants, including three for English as a Second Language (ESL) custodians and one with facilities and occupational health staff, transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas TI qualitative analysis software. Key themes/areas are being written up for an article, and included feedback mechanisms for the use of green cleaners, training, safety awareness, equipment/dilution, disinfectant use, health effects,language issues, work related pressure to do a job well (including odor issues), and use of cleaners.
  
• Survey:
  Workers who use cleaners will be asked to fill out an anonymous survey on their health and actual cleaner use. The survey would be done on work time. We are expecting to conduct the survey in the late summer and early fall of 2011.
  
• Urine samples:
  We have collected urine samples from about 60 custodians to evaluate the levels of a particular type of chemical (called phthalates) that are in traditional cleaners. Results of the samples will be analyzed in the late fall of 2011.