Lysol spray can help create a clean and pleasant working environment for you, but your co-workers may not agree with you. Lysol spray’s main ingredient is ethanol, which poses a health risk to you and the people around you. Some of the effects are only a minor inconvenience, but prolonged exposure can lead to death.

Respiratory Irritation

Some Lysol spray products have a strong scent or taste that can irritate your co-workers and even make them feel ill. Even if the spray does not affect you in any negative way, it may be harsh on the lungs of people around you. Ethanol can cause discomfort ranging from a cough to an extreme headache. Listen to and observe your co-workers for any signs that they may be suffering from the Lysol fumes.

Eye or Skin Irritation

Lysol spray uses a wide array of ingredients that can cause eye or skin irritation. Airborne chemicals are more likely to spread when using an aerosol because the cleaner comes out in a mist rather than a concentrated stream. Take care not to spray it near the eyes of co-workers. The chemicals in the spray also can affect your co-workers if they touch a newly cleaned surface. A skin irritation is most likely a result of the ethanol in the Lysol spray.

Fire Hazards

Lysol spray is a flammable compound that can be dangerous to use in working environments with open flames. The chance of igniting a fire using Lysol significantly decreases when the spray dries, but avoid using the spray in areas exposed to high heat and flames. Store the spray in an area where it cannot suffer puncture damage and where it stays under 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Food Contamination

If you or your employees eat, drink or store food and dishes around the area you use the Lysol, you can be causing a hazard. Accidental ingestion of Lysol due to contaminated food or dishes can lead to severe health problems. Avoid problems by relocating dishes and food supplies while you clean an area. Throw away any food sprayed with the Lysol spray and wash dishes thoroughly.