Federal custodial contracts now prioritize PFAS-free cleaning products

By Johann Nacario | FM Link | June 24, 2024

Read the full article by Johann Nacario (FM Link)

"In a move aimed at better protecting the health of custodial staff, federal employees, and the environment, the Biden-Harris Administration in April directed government contractors to purchase PFAS-free cleaning products for federal buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) collaborated to implement President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs federal agencies to prioritize the purchase of sustainable products and services, including products without added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”

The change is reflected in GSA’s custodial specification, which now prioritizes PFAS-free cleaning products. Contractors will be required to use products certified to ecolabels such as EPA’s Safer Choice, which meet strict criteria for human health and the environment by using effective, safer chemical alternatives, as well as certain Green Seal certifications.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated:

Everyone deserves protection from the harmful effects of forever chemicals, including the workers who use cleaning products, federal employees, and those who visit government buildings every day. EPA has well recognized and established tools to help our partners in the federal government identify cleaning products that use safer ingredients and do not contain intentionally added PFAS to keep people safe and healthy"