Green Consultant Training

1. Green Consultant Training Indoor Air Quality 1C

2. Course Intent: Green Consultant Training It is our belief that the environmental crisis is a Universal Problem that requires Universal Participation. Too many niche programs…. Not enough standards … More participants.

3. Environmental Issue #1 – Green Options Cleaning Services and Products Vacuums and Microfiber tools Pest Control Services Paint, Carpet, and Furniture Green plants in the office Mold and Mildew Concerns Outgassing and Formaldehyde Chemicals and Floor Stripping Sanitizing and Green Germ Control HVAC and Dust CO, CO2, and Humidity Radon testing Floor mats and filtration

4. Indoor Air Quality – The Green Factor Since the best definition for “Green” is HEALTH IMPACT. It is important to understand the impact of air on the workplace: • Decreased Productivity • Lethargy • Headaches • Increased Sick Days • More Health Claims • Building Related Illness • Sick Building Syndrome “EPA estimates that businesses lose $60 billion in worker productivity due to poor indoor Air Quality”- (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/occupants_guide.pdf)

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) When a substance “volatilizes” gases are released in a kind of evaporation. In many cases, VOCs are harmful to health. • Cleaning Products • Paint, Glues, Varnishes • Pesticides • Mold and Mildew • Outgassing • Fragrances • Sanitizers Bioaccumulation is the compounded layers of elements in the air including dust, heavy metals, fragrances, and VOCs.

6. Acute versus Chronic Symptoms Not all symptoms are easily recognized. Liability Forming issues stem from health concerns in the workplace. • Acute Symptoms - Generally short-term problems • Headaches • Burns • Blindness • Poisoning • Nausea • Chronic Symptoms – Longer-term problems • Respiratory • Cancer • Endocrine disruption • Chemical sensitivity • Allergies • Central nervous system disorders • Kidney or liver damage

7. Liability Concerns (Tort Law Basics) The Tort (Damages or Loss) Proximate Cause Liability Forming Action or Neglect Judgment of Liability 300% increase in environmental worker’s claims makes health issues at work an immediate concern.

8. The Cleaning Service and Cleaning Products • Uses Green cleaning products • HEPA vacuums & microfiber tools • No ammonia window cleaners • No acid bowl cleaners • Green trained workers • Green floor strippers and finishes • Chlorine-free paper products • Essential oils instead of chemicals • No ozone depleting chemicals Note: Replacement type Greening costs literally means that Going Green doesn’t need to cost much for the transition

9. Avoid Greenwashing in Cleaning services A Green janitorial service is not about the products used, but the fact that the service is certified as a Green program.

10. Pest Control Concerns Pest control services can cost thousands of dollars each year, and arrive in the off hours to spread around harmful chemicals Products containing CEDAR OIL can be applied by maintenance person will no adverse effects. Chrysanthemum for spraying pests Natural predators with nematodes, praying mantis, and lady bugs Save money in your company and improve the environment

11. Paint, Carpet and Furniture Think of the Green options when remodeling the workplace or making changes. Be mindful of these issues during projects: • Low-Voc Paint • Glues used in carpet • Stains and Varnishes • Strippers and paint remover • Degreasing and cleaners • Furniture needs to be aired out GREENGUARD provide information on office furniture and paint. www.GreenGuard.org

12. Use Green Plants to Improve IAQ • A 1980 study by NASA proved that certain plants will do more than remove CO2 and add oxygen to the office. • Certain plants remove VOCs from the air over a 12 week people. • Spider Plants • Weeping fig plant • Chinese evergreen • English ivy • Philodendron • Golden pathos • Bamboo or Reed palm • Snake plant • Dracaena

13. Mold and Mildew are a Common IAQ Issue MOLD TOXICITY comes from Black Mold (Stracybotrys). It is the most dangerous mold causing numerous harsh symptoms.

14. Outgassing and Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a common “Drying Agent” found in common building products like particle and pressboard. Furniture and wood products will “outgas” for a period of time. Allow all new furniture to outgas for a time in ventilated areas. Formaldehyde is found in a large number of applications including fiberglass, smoking, adhesives, and paneling.

15. Chemicals and Floor Stripping Pay a visit to the janitorial area, storage areas, and workplace cabinets to discover what chemicals are being used. One task for a Green workplace is to go “Hands On” and visit all areas where chemicals are stored. Remove any items that present a threat to health. Note: Floor stripper in often very caustic and Green alternatives are now available.

16. HVAC and Dust Total airborne bacteria (37 percent reduction) Total airborne fungi (62 percent reduction) Total non-floor surface bacteria (29 percent reduction) Total non-floor surface fungi (25 percent reduction) Total carpet-dust bacteria (84 percent reduction) Total carpet dust fungi (93 percent reduction) Carpet-dust endotoxins (72 percent reduction) Solutions: HEPA Vacuums, microfiber cloths, floor mats, filter replacement, and clean air ducts. And a good cleaning service.

17. How to Identify Harmful Chemicals NFPA Rating Chart Health hazard (blue sections), Flammability (red sections), Reactivity (yellow sections), and   Other hazard information (white section). Five Hazard Levels Zero (0) = no special hazards and Four (4) = severe or extreme hazard potential • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) • Section One: Ingredients • Section Six: Health Hazards • Simply Google: (Product/Ingredient) and MSDS

18. Check the pH of the product pH of Water is 7 - Generally accepted range 4 to 10 pH

19. CO, CO2, and Humidity Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that often comes from a broken furnace manifold. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) cause tiredness, nausea, and other problems and usually indicates poor ventilation Humidity is a concern for comfort, but excessive humidity can lead to mold growth. (Humidity range 30-60%) We recommend a Six Month IAQ test and building review

20. Radon Testing (Second largest cause of lung cancer) Radon gas comes from decaying radium under the surface of the ground.

21. Floor Mats and Filtration System As odd as it may seem, floor mats and their maintenance is a fundamental for a cleaner and healthier building. Dirt and debris comes into the building on shoes in greater quantities that expected. Floor finish will wear out more quickly, dust and dirt will accumulate, and carpets will soil quicker. This increases the need for more maintenance. Source Reduction concept: Lessen the need for cleaning

22. The Green Officer’s Role in Green Business Certification Review the issues of your company Use the GBL point system as a guide Identify “Low Hanging” opportunities Develop a plan for Green improvement Involve key people in the Green plan Implement Green changes Earn points toward the Green Business certification Remember, this is a Five Year program Green Practices – Authentically Green