August 31, 2007—Something as common as a rental shop towel can raise a health and safety issue for workers, according to an independent study. The study revealed that “clean” shop towel samples tested contained elevated levels of toxic heavy metals.
Test results are summarized in a report from Kimberly-Clark Professional.
The full study can also be downloaded in PDF format.
According to the study, rental shop towels can retain measurable levels of heavy metals—such as lead, cadmium and antimony—even after washing. The study also found that it is possible for the metals to travel from rental shop towels to the hands of workers and, ultimately, the mouth. Using just 2.5 towels a day, workers may ingest unacceptable amounts of toxic heavy metals, according to the study, which was conducted by the Gradient Corporation.
Kimberly-Clark Professional suggests that shop towel users looking for a cleaner, safer alternative to laundered rental shop towels have an option with its WypAll Wipers, which contain no toxic heavy metals, oils, or greases and are manufactured without chemical binders or other agents that could harm workers or work processes.
For more information, visit the K-C Professional Web site.
