Cleaning Chemicals Key Terms

Know cleaning chemicals key terms to keep everyone safe

By Nikki Davis

Cleaning chemicals key terms are critical to the safety of your business. Knowing what makes up your cleaning supplies and what type of chemicals you are using are the first steps to understanding how to properly use them and dispose of them. Being aware of the meaning of cleaning chemicals key terms can also help you in case of emergency ingestion and/or inhalation by an adult or child. Cleaning chemicals key terms come in handy for those producing, selling and buying chemicals, as well as those working with the chemicals or disposing of them.

Degreaser

A degreaser dissolves and breaks down heavy greases and oils and is used for cleaning machine parts, trucks, oil spills, concrete floors and metal surfaces.
Try: Learn more about degreaser concentrate from Interstate Products.

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is a cleaner with antimicrobial agents applied to surfaces in order to destroy micro-organisms. This is important in any sanitary area, especially in a medical environment or food area.
Try: The University of Kentucky offers interesting information on disinfectant chemicals.

Material safety data sheet (MSDS)

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is documentation required by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the manufacturer for any hazardous chemical. This listing should include both physical and chemical characteristics of the chemical, its potential hazardous effects, recommendations for appropriate protective measures when using this chemical and recommendations for its disposal.
Try: Find out more about material safety data sheets from OSHA.

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Long-term exposure to disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonium compounds may lead to health issues, such as occupational asthma and hypersensitivity syndrome.
Try: Eco Care has information on the danger of quaternary ammonium disinfectant (PDF).

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals sometimes found in chemical cleaners. VOC's can be a source of indoor air pollution and/or photochemical smog. You want to select products with the lowest VOC level.
Try: Find out more about volatile organic compounds from the Health Care Environmental Resource Center.

P-listed and U-listed waste

P-listed and U-listed waste is waste that is ready for disposal. P-listed wastes are acutely toxic and can cause death or irreversible illness. U-listed wastes are less toxic than P-listed wastes, but are still hazardous.
Try: Find out more about letter listings from Radford University.