Degreasing products are essential in industrial and household cleaning, but their use raises a legitimate question: are they good for your health? The answer depends on the type of degreaser, its composition and, above all, how it is used. A well-formulated degreaser that is applied correctly is safe and necessary; one that is misused or has an aggressive composition can cause irritation, allergies and other adverse effects. In this article we explain everything you need to know.
What a degreaser is and what it is used for
A degreaser is a cleaning chemical formulated specifically to dissolve and remove grease, oils, waxes and organic residues adhering to surfaces. Unlike a general-purpose detergent, a degreaser penetrates the molecular structure of the grease and breaks it down, leaving the surface clean and ready to be disinfected.
What is degreaser used for? Its applications are very wide-ranging: cleaning industrial machinery, professional kitchens, mechanical workshops, production floors, air-conditioning equipment, aeronautics, automotive and general maintenance of facilities. In environments where grease is the dominant type of dirt, degreaser is the indispensable product.
In addition, in industrial maintenance, using a degreaser before applying a disinfectant is essential: if germs remain hidden under the layer of grease, the disinfectant cannot reach them, which means they are not removed from the surface and pose a real risk of infection for employees, operators and visitors.
Chemical composition of degreasers
The composition of a degreaser varies greatly depending on the type and the application for which it is formulated. The most common components are:
- Surfactants: they are the main component of most degreasers. They reduce the surface tension of water and allow the product to penetrate the grease and emulsify it so that it can be easily removed. Anionic and non-ionic surfactants are the most common in industrial degreasers.
- Organic solvents: present in some industrial degreasers to attack very stubborn grease. They are effective but require greater care in handling because of their potential to cause irritation and their flammability.
- Alkalis (hydroxides, carbonates, silicates): they provide a high pH that enhances the degreasing action, especially against proteins and animal fats.
- Chelating agents: they help keep dirt in suspension and prevent it from redepositing on the cleaned surface.
- Corrosion inhibitors: they protect metal surfaces from oxidation during and after cleaning.
As for the pH of the degreaser, most are alkaline (pH above 7), since grease is removed best in an alkaline medium. However, there are also neutral degreasers (pH 7) for more delicate surfaces. A degreaser is neither acidic nor alkaline in a universal way: it depends on its specific formulation.
Impact of degreasers on health
The impact of degreasing products on health depends fundamentally on their composition, the concentration used and the user’s exposure. Below we detail the main risks and how to minimise them.
Effects on the skin
The surfactants present in degreasers can cause allergies, irritation and contact dermatitis with direct, prolonged contact with the skin. Degreasers containing organic solvents or strong alkalis are particularly aggressive and can strip the skin’s natural lipid layer, causing dryness, cracking and irritation. In extreme cases, highly concentrated degreasers or those with caustic components can cause chemical burns.
To avoid this, it is essential to use protective gloves suited to the type of product and to respect the usage concentrations indicated by the manufacturer.
Effects on the eyes
Splashes of degreaser in the eyes can cause eye irritation and, in the case of highly concentrated products or those with caustic components, more serious injuries. Wearing safety goggles when applying industrial degreasers is a basic protective measure.
Effects on the respiratory tract
Inhaling degreaser vapours, especially those containing volatile solvents, can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness and, with prolonged exposure, occupational asthma. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, these effects are intensified. Proper ventilation of the work area and, where necessary, the use of a mask with a suitable filter are the key preventive measures.
Is degreaser toxic?
The answer is: it depends on its formulation. Not all degreasers are toxic in the strict sense of the term. The toxicity of a degreaser is determined by its active components, its concentration and the route of exposure (dermal, inhalation or ingestion).
Degreasers based on chlorinated organic solvents or very strong alkalis (such as caustic soda) have real toxicity that requires strict precautions. By contrast, degreasers formulated with biodegradable surfactants and without solvents or NaOH have a much more favourable toxicological profile and can be used more safely in ordinary working environments.
To find out the specific toxicity level of any degreaser, it is essential to consult its safety data sheet (SDS) and the instructions on the label, which detail the risks, protective measures and first aid in the event of accidental exposure.
Types of degreasers according to their safety
Not all degreasers present the same risk profile. We can classify them according to their aggressiveness:
- Degreasers with organic solvents: highly effective on very resistant grease, but a greater risk to health and the environment. They require mandatory ventilation and full protective equipment.
- Strong alkaline degreasers (with NaOH): very effective, but corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. Their use in the food industry is heavily regulated.
- Degreasers based on biodegradable surfactants: lower impact on health and the environment, with sufficient effectiveness for most industrial and domestic applications. They are the most advisable option when seeking to balance effectiveness and safety.
At CH Química we have DG10, a surfactant-based degreasing cleaner that removes grease and heavily encrusted dirt without the need for solvents or NaOH. Its formula is non-alkaline and biodegradable, which makes it an effective option with a clearly superior safety profile compared with conventional degreasers. It can be applied to any surface that is not damaged by water and acts as a 2-in-1 product: it disinfects and degreases at the same time.
DG10 is suitable for industrial machinery, kitchens, air conditioning, grilles, boilers, aeronautics, industrial floors, upholstery, painted wood, bathrooms, refrigerators, ovens, extractor hoods and automotive, among other uses.
How to use degreasers safely
Safe use of degreasers means applying these basic measures:
- Always read the label and the safety data sheet before using the product for the first time.
- Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): product-resistant gloves, protective goggles and, in enclosed spaces, a mask with an organic vapour filter.
- Observe the recommended dilutions: a higher concentration does not always give a better result and does increase the risk to health and to surfaces.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent the build-up of vapours.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact: in case of accidental contact, wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Store correctly: in a cool, ventilated place away from heat sources, with the container tightly closed and out of the reach of unauthorised persons.
At CH Química we are specialists in chemical products for industrial maintenance, institutional and service use. If you want to keep your office or industrial site properly clean, do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently asked questions about degreasers and health
Is degreaser toxic?
It depends on its formulation. Degreasers with organic solvents or strong alkalis such as caustic soda have real toxicity and require strict precautions. Degreasers formulated with biodegradable surfactants and without solvents have a much more favourable toxicological profile. To find out the toxicity level of a specific product, always consult its safety data sheet.
Does degreaser burn the skin?
Degreasers that are highly concentrated or contain strong alkalis or aggressive solvents can cause irritation, dermatitis and, in extreme cases, chemical burns to the skin. Degreasers formulated with mild surfactants are less aggressive, but it is still advisable to avoid prolonged contact and to wear gloves during application. In case of accidental contact, wash immediately with plenty of water.
Is the degreaser acidic or alkaline?
Most degreasers are alkaline (pH above 7), since grease is removed best in a basic medium. However, there are also neutral degreasers (pH 7) for delicate surfaces. There is no single pH for all degreasers: it depends on the specific formulation of each product. Always consult the technical data sheet to find out the exact pH of the product you are going to use.
Which degreaser is safest for health?
The safest degreasers for health are those formulated with biodegradable surfactants, without organic solvents and without strong alkalis such as NaOH. These types of products have a more favourable toxicological profile, are less irritating to the skin and respiratory tract and have a lower environmental impact. CH Química’s DG10 is an example of an effective degreaser with these characteristics: it contains no solvents or caustic soda, is non-alkaline and biodegradable.
What is industrial degreaser used for?
Industrial degreaser is used to remove grease, oils, waxes and organic residues from machinery, floors, equipment and surfaces in production environments, workshops, industrial kitchens and other facilities. Besides cleaning, using it before disinfection is essential: if the grease is not removed first, the disinfectant cannot act on the germs that remain hidden beneath it, compromising the hygiene of the working environment.