Welcome to INFORM’s Cleaning for Health web resource page for New York state agencies.

In 2002, INFORM published Cleaning for Health, the first-ever manual on green cleaning. This manual analyzed a new generation of cleaning products and practices that are cost competitive and meet cleaning performance expectations but do not contain the many toxic substances found in traditional cleaners.

Since 2002, a revolution in cleaning products and practices has occurred. Manufacturers are offering an ever-increasing array of products, while local governments nationwide are requiring their constituent agencies to take advantage of the health and environmental benefits of switching to these products.

INFORM’s research has assisted government and private organizations across the Northeast in making the change to less-toxic cleaning products.

To assist those New York state agencies that are working to comply with Executive Order 134, which requires the use of less-toxic cleaning products in state buildings, INFORM is offering, free of charge, the following publications and information:

Cleaning for Health

INFORM’s extensive research report on the cleaning products and practices that can create a safer indoor environment

General Guidelines for Healthier Cleaning Processes

Basic “green” cleaning practices presented in outline form

Implementing Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Practices

The eight essential steps to designing and implementing an environmentally preferable cleaning program

Walk-Through Inspection Check List

An easy-to-use, information-gathering tool designed to help facilities take stock of the products and practices currently being used to maintain their building interiors

Ingredients to Avoid in Institutional Cleaning Products

A quick guide to which industrial cleaning chemicals to avoid and why they should be avoided

Asthmagens and Institutional Cleaning Products

A guide about occupational asthma, institutional cleaning products, and how to avoid those products that contain respiratory irritants and asthmagens

Respiratory Hazards and Restroom Deodorant Blocks

What you need to know about replacing toxic restroom deodorizers with PBT-free air freshening urinal blocks