Toxic chemicals are an important to focus to take and look at when we are making purchasing decisions for the workplace. We need to closely monitor many of the products we purchase for use in the workplace. We are mostly familiar with the terms eco-friendly and biodegradable. However, many of us are using things that are unhealthy and potentially hazardous. Our work environment may be twice as important our home environment due to the amount of time we spend working as well as the hazards of the exposure of other co-workers and the public.

Exposure to common chemicals like those found in hair products, cleaning fluids, and perfumes can cause migraine or sinus headaches. The worst thing about some of these hazards is the potential for developing cancer form exposure. Chemicals that are released into the air by materials like polyvinylchloride (pvc) and polyurethane which is a coating used for a finish for a wide array of products. A very common and unhealthy chemical is benzene found in any oil related product like furniture polish, glue, and paint, but is also released in the air in many other ways as fumes and smoke. Many of us are exposed to Benzene on a daily basis and it causes cancer and Hodgkin's disease. This makes it important to focus our choices for the products we choose to use in our work environment, and striving to make healthier choices whenever possible.

An informed decision involves using investigation when making buying decisions. Reading labels and researching the products used could be a lifesaving decision. Using more natural products could also save money. For example using baking soda and water for light cleaning tasks, vinegar instead of ammonia, air fresheners based from essential oils instead of chemicals. The more effort we make to regulate the hazards in our work environment, the healthier tomorrow will be for all of us.