Alternatives to Cold Cleaners: Choose Safer Industrial Cleaning Methods

 

In everyday industrial cleaning operations, cold cleaning agents are often regarded as the most effective option for removing stubborn dirt and grime. However, many companies fail to fully recognize the potential hazards associated with using these seemingly harmless cleaning agents.

 

 

The chemicals in cold cleaning agents can pose a range of health risks, from skin irritation to respiratory problems. In addition, improper handling or storage of these agents may lead to serious incidents such as fires or explosions. Therefore, it is essential for both employers and employees to understand these potential hazards and to take the necessary safety precautions when using cold cleaning agents.

 

 

While highlighting the potential risks of cold cleaners, we will also explore how to effectively minimize these hazards. Don't let the powerful cleaning performance of cold cleaners blind you to the hidden dangers they may pose.

 

 

 

Cold cleaning agents commonly used in industry cleaning processes

 

Before examining the hidden hazards of cold cleaning agents, let’s first take a look at the types of cold cleaning agents commonly used in industrial cleaning processes. Cold cleaning agents are typically solvents or cleaning agents used to remove oils, grease, and other contaminants. They are called “cold” cleaning agents because they can perform effectively without the need for heating.

 

Among these them, trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the most widely used cold cleaning agents. As a powerful solvent, it can effectively dissolve a variety of contaminants. Another commonly used cold cleaner is perchloroethylene (PCE), primarily applied in dry-cleaning processes. Because of their exceptional cleaning performance, these chemicals have become indispensable in industrial cleaning. However, despite their effectiveness, the potential risks they pose to human health and the environment cannot be overlooked.

 

 

Commonly Used Industrial Cleaning Agents:

 

 

1. Chlorinated Solvents

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): Widely used for degreasing metal components, offering strong cleaning power.
• Perchloroethylene (PCE): Commonly used in the dry-cleaning industry, effectively removes grease and stains.
• Dichloromethane (DCM): Used for coating removal and precision part cleaning; highly volatile with excellent cleaning efficiency.

 

 

2. Ketone Solvents

• Acetone: Commonly used to remove grease, paint, and adhesives; fast-evaporating and highly effective.
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK): Used for cleaning metal surfaces and removing paint; suitable for various material types.

 

 

3. Alcohol Solvents

• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Versatile; used for cleaning electronic equipment, optical instruments, and precision components; gentle on materials.
• Ethanol: Commonly used for laboratory and medical equipment cleaning and disinfection; also applicable in certain industrial cleaning tasks.

 

 

4. Aromatic Hydrocarbons

• Toluene: Used for cleaning grease, paints, and inks; strong solvent power.
• Xylene: Applied for paint and ink thinning and cleaning; frequently used in industrial cleaning.

 

 

5. Ester Solvents

• Ethyl Acetate: Used to remove paints, resins, and some adhesives; strong solvent power, though has a noticeable odor.
• Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate: Commonly used for cleaning printed circuit boards and removing photoresist.

 

 

6. Hydrocarbon Solvents

• Petroleum Distillates: Such as mineral spirits; commonly used for cleaning mechanical parts and electronic equipment; moderate volatility.
• Hexane: Used to remove grease, wax, and certain resins; suitable for industrial cleaning applications.

 

 

7. Water-Based Cleaners

• BIO-CIRCLE: These water-based cleaners use bioremediation technology as a foundation, offering a safer alternative to traditional cold cleaners with lower environmental impact.

 

 

8. Specialty Solvents

• Isopropylbenzene: Suitable for cleaning certain specialized materials; provides some corrosion resistance.
• Fluorinated Solvents: Used for high-precision cleaning applications in aerospace and electronics industries.

 

 

 

Hidden risks of cold cleaning agents:

 

 

The hazards of cold cleaners are primarily reflected in two aspects: potential risks to human health and impacts on the environment. The following sections will discuss each in detail.

 

 

Health risks

 

 

The chemicals in cold cleaners can pose serious health risks to workers who come into contact with them. The most common issue is skin irritation. Long-term exposure to these substances may cause dryness, redness, or even chemical burns. In some cases, repeated contact can lead to allergic reactions or the development of skin disorders.

 

In addition, inhalation of vapors or fumes from cold cleaners can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure may lead to more serious respiratory conditions, including asthma or chronic bronchitis.

 

 

Environmental impact

 

 

Cold cleaners not only pose potential risks to human health but also have significant environmental impacts. If improperly handled, these chemicals can contaminate soil and water sources. Once released into the environment, they may harm aquatic life, and some cold cleaners are resistant to degradation, persisting in the environment and causing long-term ecological damage. Besides, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by cold cleaners can degrade air quality, contributing to ground-level ozone formation and smog. This not only triggers respiratory illnesses but also exacerbates global climate change.

 

 

 

Alternative Solutions – Advantages of Water-Based Cleaners

 

 

Given the various risks associated with cold cleaning agents, finding safer alternatives for industrial cleaning is particularly important. Water-based cleaning agents, such as BIO-CIRCLE CB 100 and BIO-CIRCLE L, can completely replace traditional cold cleaning agents.

 

 

These water-based cleaning agents deliver excellent cleaning performance across a wide range of industry application, without posing health or environmental hazards like cold cleaning agents do. Utilizing bioremediation technology, these agents release little to no harmful vapors, such as VOCs, and are non-hazardous, making them well-suited for daily use by employees. When used properly, these carefully developed cleaners achieve cleaning results comparable to traditional cold cleaners.

 

 

 

Case study: Risks of cold cleaning agents

 

 

To illustrate the potential risks of cold cleaners, let's look at a few real-world cases.

 

Case 1: Factory Fire

In 2016, a manufacturing plant experienced a severe fire caused by improper storage and handling of cold cleaners, resulting in significant property damage and injuries. This incident highlights the importance of following proper safety procedures when storing and handling cold cleaners.

 

 

Case 2: Worker Health Issues

In a metal processing plant, prolonged exposure to cold cleaners containing toxic chemicals led several workers to develop serious respiratory illnesses. This case underscores the long-term health risks of exposure to cold cleaners and the necessity of preventive measures to protect worker health.

 

 

Case 3: Skin and Chemical Burns

At a manufacturing facility, workers suffered skin and chemical burns while cleaning machinery parts with cold cleaners due to inadequate training and lack of protective equipment. This incident emphasizes the need for proper training and safety measures to prevent such accidents.

 

 

Case 4: Respiratory Issues from Air Pollution

In a food processing plant, cleaners using VOC-containing cold cleaners in poorly ventilated areas caused several workers to develop respiratory illnesses. This case highlights the importance of ensuring adequate ventilation and using low-VOC cleaning agents.

 

 

Case 5: Fire and Explosion Risk

Improper storage of cold cleaners can also lead to fires and explosions. A cleaning company stored cleaners near heat sources, triggering a chemical reaction and causing a fire. Such incidents can be prevented by storing cleaners correctly and keeping them away from ignition sources.

 

 

Conclusion and Recommendations

 

 

In summary, the potential hazards of cold cleaners in industrial cleaning cannot be overlooked. These chemicals pose serious health risks to workers and, if mishandled, can significantly impact the environment. To ensure worker and environmental safety, employers should consider safer alternatives, implement best operational practices, comply with relevant regulations, and provide necessary training and protective equipment.

 

 

By staying informed and taking appropriate safety measures, industrial cleaning risks can be minimized, creating a safer workplace. Water-based cleaners like BIO-CIRCLE offer a safer alternative to traditional cold cleaners without compromising cleaning effectiveness.

 

 

(Some of the content is excerpted from bio-circle.co.uk)