Custodial workers are especially exposed to the risks of sensitization
(becoming allergic to the products they work with). In small
workplaces, if only one person experiences a health problem in relation
to a product, that person tends to think of him/herself as an isolated
case and the problem as not being work-related. Since many of the
reactions to chemicals are allergic-type reactions, only the sensitive
individual will respond anyway, so numbers are not significant in
indicating risk.
Many allergic reactions to products involve fragrances and frequently
dyes used to color products. These can be forestalled by using
unscented products (including those without masking fragrances) and
by changing colors.
In most cases of occupational allergy, improvement tends to occur when
away from the job as long as the exposure ceases. For example, you are
not likely to see improvement with workers sensitized to rubber gloves
who continue to use them at home.
The following is a preview of the major health problems in janitorial
workers arising from inhalation, skin contact, skin absorption, and long
term exposure.