1. Are cleaning products with a Green Seal or Environmental Choice logo the only ones that are environmentally preferable?
2. Are public purchasers requiring that cleaning products be Green Seal or Environmental choice certified?
3. Who is Steve Ashkin and why does he promote Green Seal GS-37?
4. What is Environmental Choice?
5. What is EPA Design for the Environment?
6. Does the EPA endorse or approve standards for environmentally preferable cleaning products? Do state agencies, school districts or government purchasers require Green Seal or Environmental Choice Certification of cleaning products?
7. Are alcohol ethoxylates hazardous?
8. Is Hydrogen Peroxide hazardous?
9. What is LEED?
10. Are Avmor’s EcoPure™ products third-party certified?
11. What is bacteria?
12. What is an enzyme?
13. What are bacteria based cleaners?
14. What are the key factors that affect the functionality of bacteria?
15. If the Biomor products are stored in temperatures below 5 and above 60 degrees Celsius (41 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit), what will the products react?
16. How long will the bacteria last after they have been diluted in water?
17. When will the bacteria begin working and for how long will it remain active?
18. What type of organic matter will the bacteria digest?
19. How often should you apply the Biomor products?
20. Can the bacteria be harmed?
21. Which Biomor products work in both aerobic and anaerobic environments?
22. Will the use of Biomor products damage paint or varnish?
23. While cleaning a surface with a Biomor product, if water splashes under equipment, what will occur?
24. When using the Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner, how do you deal with those really tough oil stains?
25. How do I get rid of the shadow on old oil stains after using Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner?
26. When using the Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner are the results more apparent on concrete than on asphalt?

Are cleaning products with a Green Seal or Environmental Choice logo the only ones that are environmentally preferable?

No!  Both Green Seal and Environmental Choice provide a credible and valid certification process. Products certified by Green Seal or Environmental Choice meet an excellent environmental standard and provide a good measure of assurance to purchasers. There are many acceptable ways for companies to demonstrate their compliance with stated attributes. The Green Seal and Environmental Choice Certifications are two of them. EPA Design for the Environment recognition is another valid way to know that a product is best in environmental class. Third party certification to the EP 114 standard is another. All EcoPure™ products have been certified or recognized by one or more of these processes.

Are public purchasers requiring that cleaning products be Green Seal or Environmental choice certified?

No!  It is not mandatory that cleaning products be certified by Green Seal or Environmental Choice to be considered environmentally preferable. In fact, organizations like the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, the State of Oregon, City of Calgary, Toronto Board of Education, Vancouver School Division #1 or City of Victoria do not require products to be Green Seal or Environmental Choice Certified. They may refer to Green Seal and Environmental Choice attributes but a vendor must comply with the attributes as described in their bids. The bidders may accept Green Seal or Environmental Choice certified products without additional verification.

Who is Steve Ashkin and why does he promote Green Seal GS-37?

Steve Ashkin is a consultant from the Ashkin Group located in Indiana that promotes green cleaning throughout the country. His clients include cleaning products manufacturers and non-profit organizations. He has contracted with the federal government and was paid by them to promote environmentally preferable purchasing. 

Steve supports the Green Seal GS-37 approach. It keeps it simple. Green Seal GS-37 is an excellent environmental standard. Any product certified under GS-37 by Green Seal (Third-Party Certifier) should be acceptable to organizations wanting to procure environmentally preferable cleaning products.

What is Environmental Choice?

The Environmental Choice Program (ECP) is an independent, third-party, credible certification that helps consumers and professional buyers identify products and services that are less harmful to the environment. A product or service may be certified because it is made or offered in a way that it improves energy efficiency, water conservation, reduces hazardous by-products, uses recycled materials, or because the product itself can be recycled. To qualify for ECP certification and authorized use of the EcoLogo, product(s) must meet or exceed the criteria outlined in our guidelines. The criteria includes Hardsurface Cleaners, CCD-146 (Neutral Floor Cleaner, Disinfectant Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Industrial Cleaner and All Purpose Cleaner); Industrial & Commercial Cleaners, CCD-147(Floor Finish, Floor Stripper); Industrial Hand Cleaners, PRC-046 or Personal care Products, PRC- 087 (Hand Soap); and Surface Coatings, ECP-076 (Floor Sealer, if a varnish) - to brief you on the criteria relevant to your product(s).

What is EPA Design for the Environment?

The Design for the Environment (DFE) program is on of EPA’s premier partnership programs, working with individual industry sectors to compare and improve the performance and human health and environmental risks and costs of existing and alternative products, processes, and practices. DFE partnership projects promote integrating cleaner, cheaper, and smarter solutions into everyday business practices. EPA also supports “green chemistry”. EPA’s Green Chemistry Program promotes the research, development, and implementation of innovative chemical technologies that prevent pollution in both a scientifically sound and cost-effective manner. Avmor is one of the first Canadian companies to receive EPA recognition for EcoPure 64, 65, 80 and 83.

Does the EPA endorse or approve standards for environmentally preferable cleaning products? Do state agencies, school districts or government purchasers require Green Seal or Environmental Choice Certification of cleaning products?

EPA does not endorse or approve standards for environmentally preferable cleaning products. They do not endorse or approve Green Seal GS-37 nor will they endorse or approve EP 114. Currently there are no government purchasers that require that environmentally preferable cleaning products be Certified by Green Seal. However, there is a growing demand for products that meet the Green Seal GS-37 attributes.

Are alcohol ethoxylates hazardous?

No! The Alcohol Ethoxylate is a surfactant widely accepted throughout the U.S. and Europe as an excellent replacement for alkyl phenol ethoxylates.  Alcohol ethoxylates have been submitted to U.S. EPA in their Design for the Environment program and were carefully reviewed by the scientists at EPA. They were considered excellent replacements for conventional ingredients being used in cleaning products.  Alcohol ethoxylates are readily biodegradable under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide hazardous?

No! Hydrogen Peroxide is viewed favourably by EPA and environmental advocacy groups because of its positive degradable profile. It breaks down into water and oxygen. Hydrogen Peroxide at the level it is being used (less than 7%) in cleaning products is very safe and non-reactive. Higher levels of Hydrogen Peroxide can be problematic because of its oxidizing properties.

What is LEED?

•         A leading-edge consensus-based system for designing, constructing, operating and certifying the world’s greenest buildings. •         Created by US Green Building Council, adapted for Canada by Canada Green Building Council•         LEED examines and assigns points in:–        Sustainable Sites–        Water Efficiency–        Energy & Atmosphere–        Materials & Resources–        Indoor Environmental Quality–        Design Excellence

Are Avmor’s EcoPure™ products third-party certified?

Yes!  EcoPure™ Products are third-party certified by Environmental Choice, Green Seal and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What is bacteria?

Bacteria are destitute of chlorophyll, and are the smallest of microscopic organisms.  They are very widely diffused in nature, and multiply with marvellous rapidity, both by fission and by spores.  Certain species are active agents in fermentation, while some are non pathogenic are beneficial to mankind.

What is an enzyme?

A protein molecule that catalyzes a chemical reaction. Any group of enzymes breakdown the long chainlike molecules of proteins into shorter fragments and eventually into their components, amino acids.  Enzymes are present in bacteria, plants and are most abundant in animals.

What are bacteria based cleaners?

Bacteria based cleaners have specially selected bacteria strains that will produce the specific enzymes needed to breakdown compounds so the bacteria can digest them.  Naturally occurring bacteria are scientifically adapted to digest specific compounds such as fats, oils, greases, and petroleum.  The specialized bacteria will secrete the proper enzyme to attack a specific type of organic matter and will then digest the compound to form water and carbon dioxide.  During the digestion process malodours are controlled. By controlling odours at a microscopic level the need for masking agents like perfume is eliminated.

What are the key factors that affect the functionality of bacteria?

1. TEMPERATURE: Conditions best for growth of most types of bacteria will range from temperature between 5 and 60 degrees Celsius (41 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. MOISTURE:Bacteria need water for two reasons.  Bacteria are made up of almost 90% water themselves and need some moisture to function.  They also need water as a transportation system that allows them to move around the waste.
3. pH:Between 5 and 9.5.
4. FOOD SOURCE:With specialized bacteria, it is necessary to utilize the proper bacteria to the proper waste. 

If the Biomor products are stored in temperatures below 5 and above 60 degrees Celsius (41 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit), what will the products react?

It is not recommended that these products be stored in extremely cold or hot areas. For the dry product, freezing will kill the vegetative strains; these are 2 out of the 5, therefore the product will not be working as effectively.  For the liquid product, the spores in all the liquids will be ok with freezing; however the chemical formulation may separate.  It is not highly recommended to use these products  Over 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), some strains will die.  Please note that there are certain strains in the carpet cleaner that can go up to 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short period of time.

How long will the bacteria last after they have been diluted in water?

The first thing to determine is whether or not the product has been diluted at the correct ratio. If the Biomor products remain in either a spray bottle or bucket without being used the bacteria will remain active, without a food source, for the following time frames: Biomor A.S.A.P. Floor Degreaser: 1 – 2 weeks.Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner: 1 day.Biomor Deodorizer and Carpet Cleaner for Fabrics and Carpets: 4 weeks.Biomor Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Odour Eliminator: 1 – 2 weeks. Please note it will then be important to create a fresh solution.

When will the bacteria begin working and for how long will it remain active?

Bacteria begin working upon contact with organic matter and keep working 80 hours after application.  They will keep working as long as there is organic matter (food source) and moisture.

What type of organic matter will the bacteria digest?

Fats, oils, grease and petroleum stains. Please note each is dependent on the Biomor product.

How often should you apply the Biomor products?

This depends on the type of soil.  However, the key is to develop a daily maintenance schedule, which may later be changed to a preventative cleaning program.  Please see tech data sheets in section 6 for specific use directions.

Can the bacteria be harmed?

Our products contain a 5 and 7 strain technology.  Some strains are designed to withstand changes in temperature and pH while others are not.  The same will apply if the bacteria come into contact with quat, bleach or chlorine.  Some bacteria will instantaneously be killed while others may not.

Which Biomor products work in both aerobic and anaerobic environments?

Both the Heavy Duty Drain Maintainer and the Powdered Drain Maintainer work in environments with low oxygen levels.  The powdered drain maintainer is to be used alongside the heavy duty drain maintainer.  The powder works faster and is used for start-ups (as a shock treatment).  Regular use of the Heavy Duty Drain Maintainer will provide long-term results and lasting results.

Will the use of Biomor products damage paint or varnish?

The Biomor products will not damage painted or varnished surfaces.  The pH is low and contains no petroleum distillates.  Furthermore, the bacteria are selected to remove specific organic matter, not paint.

While cleaning a surface with a Biomor product, if water splashes under equipment, what will occur?

The Biomor products will work wherever there is moisture and organic matter.  If either of these are found under equipment the bacteria will find its way to those areas, express enzymes, cleave the organic matter and then digest it.

When using the Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner, how do you deal with those really tough oil stains?

Really tough stains need to be softened up before cleaning them.  Apply the Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner full strength, after sundown, and let it sit on the surface overnight. 

How do I get rid of the shadow on old oil stains after using Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner?

The bacteria in the Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner will eat the residual stain or shadow as long as the stain is from an organic hydrocarbon or derivative.  After cleaning with the Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner and a shadow still remains apply more product to the shadowed area and leave it to soak in.  The bacteria will continue to work until the shadow is gone.

When using the Biomor Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner are the results more apparent on concrete than on asphalt?

Concrete is a manufactured stone, as it dries and sets, the water escapes through evaporation, creating “straw-like” tubes in the stone.  Typically when a spill occurs the fluid fills the tubes.  The Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner goes deep down into the tubes and the microbes eat the organic material in the spill and empty the tubes over time.  On concrete the shadow will go away in a few days, however on asphalt it takes a while longer. Asphalt is a mixture of gravel and oil.  Everything that is added to asphalt becomes part of the mixture.  A spill usually discolours asphalt surfaces. When the Industrial Degreaser and Concrete Cleaner is applied to the spill, it works its way to remove hydrocarbons.  Depending on the type of spill, it can take anywhere from 2 days to over 1 month before the shadow disappears.  For tough stains apply the product at full strength and leave it to work without rinsing.  With regular maintenance the asphalt’s colour will be restored.