Study Finds Disconnect on Cleaning Products' Safety

UL Environment produced "Navigating the Product Mindset," which is based on a 2011 quantitative survey of consumers and manufacturers in China, Germany, India, and the United States.

  • Sep 14, 2012

A study produced the UL Environment found manufacturers and consumers diverge in how strongly they believe household chemicals are safe, reliable, and innovative. The "Navigating the Product Mindset" study is based on a 2011 quantitative survey of 1,235 consumers and 1,195 manufacturers in China, Germany, India, and the United States.

"When 65 percent of consumers believe the cleaning products of today are no better than those of five years ago, those perceptions are going to spill over into industrial cleaning. With consumers becoming more knowledgeable about products used at home, they are bringing that knowledge to the buildings where they work, to the schools where they send their kids, and to health care facilities," said Mark Rossolo, the UL business unit's director of public affairs. "And they're asking facility managers and other decision-makers about the impacts of industrial cleaning products."

The study can be downloaded free by a very simple registration at this website.

It says 40 percent of consumers surveyed believe manufacturers of household chemicals value sales and profits more than product safety (for fresh food and building materials, the percentages were 38 and 36, respectively). In addition, 77 percent of the consumers strongly agreed manufacturers of household chemicals do not use the best-quality materials in their products, and 64 percent said they find it difficult to locate product safety information fro these manufacturers.

Surveyed manufacturers said product reliability is the most important current consideration affecting their companies' ability to compete and product innovation is the most important future consideration.

UL Environment personnel will be offering additional information about the study at the company's booth 4104 during the ISSA INTERCLEAN trade show, Oct. 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Product Showcase

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence