The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center®

The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center®
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The Deirdre Imus
Environmental Health Center®
In 1998, Deirdre and Don Imus founded The Imus
Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer® in Ribera, New
Mexico. The ranch is a pristine, non-toxic
environment, serving a vegetarian, organic menu and
is the first of its kind. After seeing kids thrive at the
ranch, Deirdre was inspired to bring this lifestyle to
another healing place: the hospital.
In 2001, Deirdre, founder of The Deirdre Imus
Environmental Health Center®, worked with a team
of experts at Hackensack University Medical Center, a
501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, to develop the
GTC Greening The Cleaning® program.
TM
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Why We Exist
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The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® represents one of the first hospitalbased programs whose mission is to identify, control and ultimately prevent toxic
exposures in the environment that threaten our children's health.
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Our children are our future, and for this reason, the Center works to ensure children
have the healthiest life possible. Through dedicated commitment, expert research,
education and practical solutions, we are convinced it can be achieved. We are
certain one day we will be able to ultimately eradicate the major environmental risks
our children are exposed to.
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The GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® program strives to eliminate all cleaning agents
containing hazardous ingredients and replace them with environmentallyresponsible, less toxic products.
“I believe even the environment in a hospital should heal.” Deirdre Imus
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Legislation
Efforts at the Environmental Health Center have resulted in “Green Cleaning” Executive
Orders from governors in multiple states - including New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut - as well as related legislation in 10 states.
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Green is Good Business
Legislation requiring green cleaning products has been passed in several states and more
states are signing on. The federal government is increasing its purchases of bio-preferred
(bio-based) products: products made from plants and other renewable agricultural
materials. According to Housekeeping Solutions magazine June 2012 Reader Survey:
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77%
76%
71%
67%
have instituted green cleaning practices in the last 5 years
do whatever they can to incorporate green products into their cleaning program
are happy with the results they see from the use of green cleaning products
say the most beneficial aspect of using green cleaning products is improved health
among building occupants and cleaning workers
The 2010 Sanitary Supplies Distributor Sales report from Sanitary Maintenance
magazine and the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) states that cleaning
product sales were estimated at over $7 billion annually with 23% being green cleaning
products. Use and sales of green cleaning products will continue to increase as products
improve in efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
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Green is a Growing Business
In the January 2012 edition of Cleanlink News, among the 10 predictions
for green and sustainability issues in "Annual Trends and Directions" are:
• Showing How: More facilities and businesses will establish green and
sustainability policies, but will have trouble putting them into practice. Jan/San
distributors and service providers will play a key role in showing them how.
• Green as a Given: Facility managers/cleaning professionals will select green
cleaning products first and conventional cleaning products only if green
products are not available.
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Green is Good Health
There is mounting evidence that traditional cleaning chemicals pose serious public health
threats, and ingredients in common cleaners can be known carcinogens.
• 5 BILLION - the number of pounds of chemicals that the institutional cleaning industry uses annually.
• 64 MILLION - the number of Americans (approximately 50% of the workforce) have complained of Sick
Building Syndrome (SBS) style symptoms. 23% of those 64 million report that their symptoms improve after
leaving their work environment.
• 14 MILLION - the number of school days lost each year among children ages 5 to 17. Asthma is the leading
cause of school absences from a chronic illness and accounts for more hospitalizations than any other childhood
disease.
• 10 MILLION - outpatient hospital visits attributed to asthma annually.
• 10 MILLION - total missed days of work for adults each year due to asthma.
Sources: My Green News 8.31.2012; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – aafa.org
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GTC Greening The Cleaning
TM
®
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The award-winning GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® program and products were developed
and are used at Hackensack University Medical Center, the 4th largest hospital in the country.
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To the greatest extent possible, GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® products contain
naturally-derived, plant and mineral-based ingredients that deliver the maximum level of
efficacy at the least level of toxicity.
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GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® products are never tested on animals and are not formulated
with animal-derived ingredients or known human carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens or
endocrine disruptors.
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We fully disclose all ingredients.
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GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® products have been implemented in hospitals, schools,
day care centers, government facilities and businesses nationwide.
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100% of all profits from our institutional products go to The Deirdre Imus Environmental
Health Center® for supporting the GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® program in addition to
funding education and research to identify, control and ultimately prevent toxic exposures
in the environment that threaten our children’s health.
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Research
As part of one of the nation's premier research and teaching hospitals, the Center aligns
with Hackensack University Medical Center’s commitment to discovering effective disease
treatment and prevention strategies. Current projects include:
Pediatric Head Lice Study
Head lice affects 6 to 12 million school children each year, often exposing kids to potentially toxic
treatments. The Center is conducting the nation’s largest study on a pesticide-free head lice
treatment. The initiative partners with nurses at 13 schools across New York and New Jersey to educate
families and find a safer, effective solution to this common childhood issue.
CDC Study: Environmental Factors of Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in NJ
Autism advocacy groups have long hoped for more research in the field of environmental causes of
autism. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) funded one of the first of these studies,
conducted by our Center. This research examines the statistically high rates of autism and other
neurodevelopmental disorders in New Jersey. With the 2nd highest autism rate in the nation
and significant levels of pollution in some areas, New Jersey is ideal for investigating the relationships
between environmental factors and ASD rates.
Environmental Chemicals and Estrogen Metabolism in Children: A Pilot Study
This study examines the potential link between exposure to certain chemicals including BPA, DEHP
metabolites (phthalates), parabens, triclosan and 4-NP and alterations in estrogen metabolism. This
research explores the presence of these chemicals in children and attempts to establish a correlation or
relationship between levels of these chemicals and levels of estrogen metabolites. If a correlation is
found, an increase in the use of these chemicals in everyday products could help explain the recent rise
in hormone-related cancers, especially in children. Using this critical information, our Center will help
educate the public about how to prevent potential health issues through eliminating toxic exposures.
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Product Categories
While The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® strives to use only all-natural or all naturallyderived ingredients wherever possible, effective all-natural replacements are not available for every
type of cleaning product at this time. For this reason, the Center has established 3 categories for our
products: a DIN Category, a DIC Category and a category for Sanitizers & Disinfectants.
DIN Products
Our DIN Products are formulated using naturally-derived, plant and mineral-based ingredients that help minimize
the hazards normally associated with traditional cleaning products. Some DIN products may contain 0.01% of FD&C
(food grade) dyes for use in institutional settings.
DIC Products
Our DIC Products, to every extent possible, are natural or naturally-derived, however may include some synthetic
ingredients for which effective natural substitutes have yet to be developed.
Sanitizers & Disinfectants
Our Sanitizers and Disinfectants contain synthetic ingredients for which effective natural substitutes have yet to be
developed. The effectiveness of such products at killing germs is paramount and synthetic microbiocides are simply
more effective than potential replacements of natural origin at this time.
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DIN Category
DIN 1
DIN 2
DIN 7
DIN 8
DIN 12
DIN 13
All Purpose Cleaner
Laundry Detergent
Basin, Tub & Tile Cleaner
Clinging Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Hand Soap
Glass & Window Cleaner
DIN 14
DIN 15
DIN 20
DIN 21
DIN 23
DIN 69
Heavy Duty Degreaser
Winter Wash
pH Neutral Floor Cleaner
Cream Cleanser
Carpet Extraction Cleaner
Pot & Pan Cleaner
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DIN Product Category Criteria
Products in this category meet the following criteria:
• Must not be formulated with known human carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and endocrine
disruptors
• Must not contain heavy metals, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) or Alkylphenol Ethoxylates
(APEs), phthalates, detergent-building phosphates, Triclosan, or petroleum-derived /
petrochemical blended fragrances
• Finished products must be safe for septic tanks and grey water
• Finished products are never tested on animals and do not contain animal-derived ingredients
• Must not contain components which cause or contribute to the creation of greenhouse gases or
ozone depletion or contribute to the production of photochemical smog, tropospheric ozone or
poor indoor-air quality
• Must not be corrosive
• Must have low or no Volatile Organic Compound levels
• Must not be delivered in single use aerosol cans or cans using ozone-depleting propellants
• Must not be severe skin or eye irritants
• Should not be combustible below 150ºF
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DIN Product Category Criteria
continued
• Must not contain chlorine, chlorinated or brominated solvents
• Must not contain compounds that persist or bioaccumulate in human or animal tissue or in the
environment
• Ingredients must not be listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s hazardous air
pollutants list
• Ingredients should be biodegradable; if not biodegradable due to inorganic content, the
ingredient should be chemically inert
• Should be as concentrated as possible to green the supply chain
• Should be able to be dispensed through automatic systems in order to reduce user and
environmental contact
• Must not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Must not contain paraben
• Must not contain any synthetic preservatives
• Should contain dyes derived from natural resources whenever possible
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DIC Category / Sanitizers & Disinfectants
DIC 1
DIC 4
DIC 8
DIC 11
DIC 12
DIC 24
DIC 53
DI 18
DI 256
Spray Disinfectant
Air Freshener
Clear Cut Floor Stripper
Stainless Steel Cleaner
Zinc-Free Floor Finish
Graffiti Remover
Spray Buff
Sanitizer
Neutral Disinfectant
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DIC Product Category Criteria
Products in this category meet the following criteria:
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Must not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Should not be corrosive
Must have low or no Volatile Organic Compound levels
Must not contain heavy metals that are toxic to humans, animal life or the environment
Must not be delivered in single-use aerosol cans or cans using ozone-depleting propellants
Must not contain ozone-depleting ingredients or detergent-building phosphates
Must not contain Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) or Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)
Sanitizers & Disinfectants Criteria
Products in this category meet the following criteria:
•
•
•
•
Must not contain heavy metals that are toxic to humans, animal life or the environment
Must not be delivered in single-use aerosol cans or cans using ozone-depleting propellants
Must not contain ozone-depleting ingredients or detergent-building phosphates
Must not contain Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) or Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs)
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Awards and Recognitions
Hackensack University Medical Center was chosen to receive an ‘Excellence in Patient
Care’ award from the Studer Group. The hospital was presented with the recognition at
the eighth annual What's Right in Health Care Conference for its exemplary ‘cleanliness’
rating on the HCAHPS patient survey.
The New Jersey Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) bestowed its first
Green Product Award on the GTCTM Greening The Cleaning® line of commercial cleaners
from The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center®.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized The Deirdre Imus Environmental
Health Center® at Hackensack University Medical Center for its recent contributions to
environmental health with a Region 2 Quality Award.
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Representative Client Listing
Schools
Healthcare
The Mendham Cooperative Nursery School, NJ
The Goddard Schools (4), NJ
York Avenue Preschool, NY
The Waldorf School of Princeton, NJ
Unity Charter School, NJ
Red Bank Schools Board of Education, NJ
St. Gerard House, NC
Otsego Elementary School, NY
Tuckahoe Common School, NY
Harbor Elementary School, NY
The Rudolf Steiner School, NY
Felician School for Exceptional Children, NJ
St. Cassian School, NJ
The Foote School, CT
Frewsburg High School, NY
Seaford School System of Long Island, NY
The Whitby School, CT
Saint Bridget School, CT
Boces School of Herkimer County, NY
Roslyn School System, NY
Bermuda Hospitals Board, BWI
Dick Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center, NY
Clara Maass Medical Center, NJ
Bronx Psychiatric Hospital, NY
Community Medical Center, NJ
The Cottage Hospital, MA
Summit Dental Arts, NJ
St. Barnabas Healthcare Service, NJ
A.I.D.S. Resource Foundation For Children, NJ
Hudson Valley DDSO, NY
Mary Johnson Children’s Center, VT
Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, NY
Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital, CT
Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ
Kimball Medical Center, NJ
St. Vincent’s Medical Center, CT
The George Washington University Medical Center, DC
Hall-Brooke Behavioral Services, CT
Monmouth Medical Center, NJ
Humane Society of New York, NY
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Client Testimonials
“We’ve come to the conclusion there’s no reason not to do this. We are getting the same results in terms of
cleanliness and we are getting the same results in terms of infection control. We really feel we are protecting
our patients, visitors, physicians and the community much more by doing this. It makes eminent sense to do
this.” Ron Bianchi - Corporate Senior Vice President, St. Vincent’s Medical Center
“Greening The Cleaning® products are the best we've tried in 35 years of owning/running a motel. Besides
being kind to the environment, they honestly do the jobs they claim. Having a clean motel is foremost in the
minds of owners; therefore, we have to have confidence in the products we use.” Marje Stampfl - The Linda
Vista
“I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much our customers like the new GTCTM Stainless Steel Cleaner.
We just signed up a medical office building and the head of maintenance told me that the cleaner they
previously used in the elevators aggravated her asthma. She was thrilled to learn that our new GTCTM Stainless
Steel Cleaner is not petroleum-based and is odorless!” Bob Carr - President, Skyway Supply
"Since we made the switch to Greening The Cleaning® products, we can honestly say that our facility is as
clean, if not more so, than when we were using conventional cleaning products. Not only is the level of
cleanliness consistent with our rigorous standards, we have heard from our cleaning and maintenance staff
that they no longer feel the need to wear masks while cleaning and that they feel relieved to avoid daily
contact with chemicals that are harsh on their skin, eyes, and lungs“. Bonni Branciforte - Gym Time, Rhythm
and Glues & York Avenue Preschool, New York, NY
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Non-Profits Helping Non-Profits
In 2008, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® partnered
with The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(CABVI), a not-for-profit organization. Pouring and packaging GTCTM
Greening The Cleaning® products is just one of the important
employment opportunities CABVI provides for those who are blind
and visually impaired.
In 2011, the Center formalized a strategic partnership with The
Arc™ of Bergen and Passaic counties in NJ. The Arc™ has been
providing meaningful employment to people with developmental
disabilities for over 60 years. This partnership is twofold: The Arc™
pours, packages and distributes our GTCTM Greening The Cleaning®
Hand Soap and markets and sells our Hand Soap into New Jersey
government offices.
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Ordering Information
Master Distributor
877.611.5611
Toll Free Main
315.797.2233
Angela Walker – Customer Service Representative
315.223.4512
Fax
angelaw@cabvi.org
greeningthecleaning@cabvi.org
100% of all profits from our institutional products go to the Center for supporting the GTCTM Greening The Cleaning®
program in addition to funding education and research to identify, control and ultimately prevent toxic exposures in the
environment that threaten our children’s health.
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