Mixing of Chemicals
Cleaning chemicals are often purchased
in concentrated solutions that require
mixing and/or dilution by the employee
who is responsible for application. It has
been noted that when adverse health
effects are suffered by workers, the concentration
(or mixtures) of these products
is often incorrect. This may indicate
a problem with training, language skills
or worker supervision.
When certain cleaning chemicals are
mixed together synergistic effects may
occur. This means that the interaction of
two or more of these chemicals produces
a health effect greater than that of the
individual chemical alone. For example,
if a quaternary ammonium compound is
use in combination with a bleach cleaner,
a toxic gas called chloramine forms and
is released into the air.