Many cleaning and disinfection products used in restoration work can be toxic to pets, and restoration professionals and homeowners need to understand these risks and take appropriate precautions to protect animals during and after restoration work.
Common restoration cleaning and disinfection products that can be toxic to pets include bleach and chlorine-based disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolic disinfectants, and some mold-killing products. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, skin burns, and more serious health problems if pets are exposed to them.
Restoration professionals should advise clients to remove pets from the work area before beginning cleaning and disinfection work, and to keep pets out of treated areas until the products have dried and the area has been adequately ventilated.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a database of substances that are toxic to pets, including many common cleaning and disinfection products. Restoration professionals who are familiar with this resource can provide valuable guidance to clients about protecting their animals.
The trend toward green chemistry and safer cleaning alternatives in the restoration industry benefits not only workers and occupants but also pets. Restoration companies that use pet-safe cleaning products can market this as a differentiating feature to pet-owning clients.
