Read the labels!

Friday, 16 July 2010 05:59

Before you reach into the cabinet under your sink, consider the ingredients in your cleaning products, and make sure you’re not replacing that dust and grime with chemical pollutants. Most conventional cleaning supplies contain ingredients that are hazardous to people and the environment: Chemical Purpose/Use Health Concern Acetone Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, etc. May cause liver and kidney damage and harm the developing fetus. Bleach/sodium hypochlorite Various uses including disinfectant. Known eye, skin and respiratory irritant, suspected to be neurotoxic and toxic to the liver. DEA (Diethanolamine) Foaming and emulsifying ingredient in cleaners. Suspected of causing cancer, and of being toxic to the respiratory and nervous systems. Formaldehyde Used in various products, including furniture polish. Recognized carcinogen, suspected immunotoxin, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, respiratory toxin, and skin irritant. Fragrance (The term ‘fragrance’ can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients) Scent in cleaners and air ‘fresheners’. Various health concerns with the thousands of chemicals ‘fragrance’ refers to. Many of these chemicals can affect the central nervous system, trigger asthma, and potentially cause cancer. Napthalene Pest repellent and deodorizer (registered pesticide). Recognized carcinogen, suspected developmental, neurological and respiratory toxin. Parabens Preservative in a range of products. Known hormone disruptors and suspected carcinogens. Phosphoric Acid Liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, disinfectants, bathroom cleaners, especially those that remove lime and mildew. Suspected neurotoxin and respiratory toxin. Sodium lauryl sulfate Lathering agent in cleaners. Known skin irritant, suspected liver toxin. Triclosan Antibacterial/antimicrobial agent in a variety of products. Suspected of weakening the immune system, disrupting hormones and causing cancer. Xylene Used in spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other products. Suspected developmental,neurological, reproductive and respiratory toxin. (This list is not exhaustive, thousands of chemicals are used in cleainng products. This information has been compiled from the Guide to Less Toxic Products and Scorecard.org Chemical Profiles.) Beware that in Canada manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on labels of household cleaning products. However, many companies using less-toxic ingredients are eager to make their ingredients known, and provide this information on labels or on information sheets or posters in stores.