Are your Cleaning Products Really Safe?
How safe are your cleaning products? You might be surprised that some products advertised as “nontoxic”, ‘biodegradable” and “environmentally friendly” still contain harmful chemicals. Many IPAX products, such as Green Unikleen, are certified by Green Seal, and do not contain these chemicals.
Look at the following article syndicated by the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as the list of products containing a popular, but hazardous ingredient.
July 27, 2007
Hazards found in household cleaners
Common products have chemicals linked to fertility disorders in lab tests, nonprofit reports.
Jane Kay / San Francisco Chronicle
SAN FRANCISCO -- Dozens of common household cleaning products contain hidden toxic chemicals linked to fertility disorders in lab animals, according to data gathered by a women's research group.
A type of glycol ether is frequently found in popular cleaning products such as Windex Aerosol, Formula 409, Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol and Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, says the report released this week by Women's Voices for the Earth, a Montana-based nonprofit working to eliminate or reduce toxic chemicals in the home.
The chemical, called ethylene glycol butyl ether or EGBE, is on California's list of toxic air contaminants. Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as testicular damage, reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects. People exposed to high levels of EGBE for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths, studies show.
It's difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers aren't required to list it on the label. Neither the state nor the federal government regulates indoor air pollution, for instance how the cleaners might degrade air inside a home.
"These are products that women are using in their households on a daily basis, and they use them around their children," said Alexandra Gorman, the group's director of science and research and an author of the report.
The group wants to help people become aware of chemicals they might want to avoid
The women’s research group poured through federally mandated Material Safety Data Sheets pertaining to household cleaning products. The data sheets, which are prepared by the manufacturers and are widely available online, contain information on the chemicals used in products.
The group found that EGBE, also known as 2-butoxethanol. was a common ingredient. It’s colorless, biodegradable degreasing chemical with a fruity odor. The researchers found about 50 products containing varied amounts of the chemical. Some manufacturers, like Sunshine Makers, Inc., which makes the Simple Green brand, didn’t report how much of the chemical is used in its products. Sunshine Makers, based in Huntington Beach, California, advertises its Simple Green brand as nontoxic and environmentally friendly. In its response to the research group’s study, the company said it didn’t detail all the chemicals in its products to “protect its formula from piracy.”
Cleaning products reported to contain 2-butoxyethanol
Source: Scripps Howard News Service
All-purpose cleaners
America's Home Value All Purpose Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green
Clean Swipe Spray Cleaner
Crystal Simple Green Cleaner/ Degreaser
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Grease & Grime
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh Antibacterial
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Degreaser (trigger spray)
Formula 409 Spray All Purpose Cleaner
Formula 409 Daily Kitchen Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Cleaner & Antibacterial Spray
Pro Formula 409 Degreaser
Savogran Dirtex Spray Cleaner
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scented
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Foam
Simple Green BBQ Grill Microwave Cleaner
Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner, Degreaser, Deodorizer
Simple Green Extreme Clean
Simple Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner
SOS All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent
Whistle All Purpose Cleaner
Bathroom Cleaners
America's Home Value Bathroom Cleaner
Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner
Magic American Marble & Granite Magic Tile & Grout Magic Cleaner
Carpet/Rug Cleaners
Aroma Clean by Simple Green Carpet, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner
Carpet Stain Remover
It's Magic Carpet Cleaner
Simple Green Carpet Cleaner
Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover, aerosol and trigger sprays
Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Floor Cleaners
Fresh Scent Pine-Sol Spray & Mop Floor Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Quick Floor Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green Floor Cleaner
Break Up Floor Stripper
Glass Cleaners
America's Home Value Glass Cleaner
Easy Off Glass Cleaner
Lemonized with Ammonia
Formula 409 Glass & Surface Cleaner
Glass Plus Mirror & Glass Cleaner
Sparkle Glass Cleaner
Windex Aerosol Wipes
Aroma Clean by Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Wipes
Formula 409 Cleaning Wipes
Simple Green All Purpose Towelettes
Simple Green Lemon Scented All Purpose Wipes
Simple Green Safety Towels
Source: Manufacturers and Women's Voices for the Earth,
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