Safer Cleaning and Disinfecting In the Age of COVID-19

Project Details

Year: 2020
Location: Statewide
Project Manager: Elizabeth Saunders
Partners: Brazilian Women's Group, Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, Resilient Sisterhood Project, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts Chapter

Overview

COVID-19 has amplified the issue of toxics in cleaning and disinfecting products. Many of the chemicals in cleaners and disinfectants that they are using for protection from COVID-19 in fact contain chemicals that are linked to asthma, respiratory irritation and other health impacts that are associated with poor outcomes for those who contract COVID-19.

Results

The Clean Water Fund trained house cleaners, custodians, teachers and members of environmental justice communities about how to choose safer cleaning and disinfecting products amid the coronavirus. Through workshops, online trainings and social media, the project team shared information about hazardous chemicals in cleaners and disinfectants that are linked to asthma, respiratory irritation and other health impacts. The grant partners – MassCOSH, the Resilient Sisterhood Project, Vida Verde Women’s Co-op of the Brazilian Women’s Group, and the American Federation of Teachers/Massachusetts Chapter – hosted workshops to protect vulnerable groups from harmful exposure to toxics in cleaners and disinfectants.