Natural Living: Decoding Labels Edition

There's nothing more frustrating than trying to decode our food and cleaning product labels in the Unites States.  Let's start with cleaning products. We'll help you break down the meaning of these words so you can make the best and most sustainable choices for your home. 

Active ingredient

Cleaning products often contain "active ingredients," which are antimicrobial pesticides added to eliminate bacteria, viruses, or molds. It's best to avoid these chemicals as they can be hazardous, and most of the time, they are unnecessary for effectively cleaning your home.

Many everyday dish and hand soaps contain the pesticide triclosan. However, they don't offer superior cleaning compared to plain soap and water, nor do they provide added protection against illnesses. Moreover, when these soaps wash down the drain, they can be harmful to aquatic life, including algae, fish, and wildlife. Overusing products with pesticides can also contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to human health.

Antibacterial

Products labeled as "antibacterial" contain pesticides designed to kill bacteria, viruses, or molds. These pesticides are listed as "active ingredients" on the label. It's advisable to steer clear of these cleaners.

Biodegradable

"Biodegradable" ingredients break down in the environment after entering wastewater treatment plants, rivers, streams, or landfills. While cleaning product manufacturers often tout their products as biodegradable to convey safety or eco-friendliness, the term lacks regulation, and not all products labeled as such are truly environmentally sound. Some biodegradable ingredients degrade quickly into harmless substances, while others persist in the environment for years, potentially decomposing into harmful compounds. For instance, certain ingredients like nonylphenol ethoxylates, once common in laundry detergents, can transform into hormone-disrupting chemicals. It's essential to scrutinize product labels and choose wisely.

Chlorine-Free/Bleach Alternative

Products labeled as "chlorine-free" do not contain chlorine bleach; instead, they may use oxygen bleach. While both types of bleach require careful handling due to their irritating or corrosive nature, chlorine bleach can emit traces of harmful chlorine gas. Prolonged exposure to chlorine bleach may increase the risk of respiratory issues like asthma. It's recommended to opt for chlorine-free alternatives, taking care not to mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, acidic chemicals, ammonia, or oxygen bleach to avoid generating dangerous fumes.

Combustible/Flammable

Substances labeled as "combustible" or "flammable" can easily ignite and burn rapidly. Cleaning products containing flammable ingredients pose a fire hazard if stored or used near high heat or open flames. To ensure safety, store all cleaning products away from heat sources.

Corrosive/Caustic

"Corrosive" or "caustic" substances have the potential to cause severe chemical burns to the skin, eyes, or lungs. Common offenders include bleach, oven cleaners, and drain openers. It's crucial to avoid these products at home and keep them out of children's reach.

Enzymes

Enzymes, proteins added to cleaners to aid in breaking down and removing soils and stains, can pose risks such as asthma and respiratory problems for factory workers involved in cleaning supply production. While there is no evidence suggesting risk to consumers using enzyme-containing cleaners, it's important not to assume their safety solely based on their natural origin. It's advisable to approach enzyme-containing products with the same safety considerations as other ingredients or products. Additionally, be mindful that boric acid, often added to stabilize enzymes in cleaning supplies, can be toxic to the reproductive system.

Essential Oils

Essential oils, plant extracts known for their distinctive and often pleasant scents, may contain naturally occurring chemicals that can irritate the skin, trigger allergic reactions, or cause other toxic effects. Consumers should not assume that essential oils are inherently safe due to their plant origin and should approach them with the same safety considerations as other ingredients or products. When trying a new product containing essential oils, it's recommended to use a small amount initially to test for allergic reactions. Direct application of pure essential oils to the skin should be avoided. Furthermore, products containing essential oils that are old or exposed to light should be avoided, as some essential oils can react with air and sunlight to produce new, potentially hazardous chemicals.

Fragrance or Scent vs. Free & Clear/Free of Perfumes and Dyes

Many cleaning companies promote their products based on their scents or the absence of added fragrance. However, added fragrances are often unnecessary and can trigger allergic reactions. When you see "fragrance" listed as an ingredient, it indicates a complex mixture of chemicals for which safety data is limited. EWG advises opting for products free of undisclosed ingredients such as fragrance and dye. "Free & Clear" labeled products are preferable, though some may contain a subtle scent to mask other odors. For more information, consult EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning or contact the manufacturer directly.

Natural/Plant-based

The term "natural" on a cleaning product lacks regulatory oversight, meaning it can be interpreted in various ways. While some manufacturers use it to indicate ingredients derived from plants or minerals rather than petroleum, the actual composition and proportions are often undisclosed. Relying solely on the term "natural" can mislead consumers into assuming a product's safety or environmental friendliness. It's important to note that "natural" doesn't equate to "organic."

Non-toxic

The term "non-toxic" is commonly used in marketing to imply that a product or ingredient won't harm human health or the environment. However, due to the lack of a standardized definition within the cleaning products industry, relying on this term alone isn't sufficient for selecting the safest cleaners. It's advisable to seek out products with comprehensive ingredient disclosure and favorable ratings in EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning for a more informed choice.

Sensitizing

A sensitizing ingredient can cause a dramatic immune system response, typically an allergic reaction such as hives and or an asthma attack. First-time exposure to a sensitizing substance frequently does not cause a reaction, but repeated exposure can trigger one. This does include essential oil usage. When you are cleaning, open a window or run a fan to improve ventilation. Wear gloves when you can, especially when product directions indicate it.

Phosphate-Free

Previously prevalent in laundry and dishwashing detergents, phosphate ingredients have been found to contribute to harmful algae blooms when discharged into rivers, lakes, and oceans with wastewater. Consequently, 25 states have enacted bans on phosphates in household laundry and dishwashing detergents, prompting manufacturers to reformulate their products nationwide. Despite the widespread adoption of phosphate-free formulations, the common marketing claim of "phosphate-free" has become somewhat redundant, as few detergents still contain these ingredients.

EcoLogo / Green Seal

EcoLogo and Green Seal are organizations that independently certify environmentally friendly cleaners, authorizing approved products to display their seals of approval. Both programs impose restrictions on certain toxic chemicals, requiring manufacturers to provide data demonstrating product effectiveness and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with current environmental standards. Presently, these seals of approval are more commonly found on commercial cleaners than household products.

Inert

The term "inert" typically refers to non-pesticide ingredients in antibacterial cleaning supplies. While there's no requirement to list these on the product label, it's essential to note that "inert" doesn't equate to safety. Inert substances can include petroleum-derived solvents, preservatives, or fragrances, which may irritate the skin and respiratory system or lead to long-term health issues like neurological damage. EWG recommends selecting products that fully disclose all ingredients whenever possible to ensure awareness of inert components.

Safer Choice

Safer Choice denotes a voluntary program, previously recognized as Design for the Environment, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This initiative collaborates with manufacturers to develop products that prioritize safety for both individuals and the environment. Companies are eligible to display the Safer Choice Seal if their products meet the stringent standards established by the program. EPA scientists meticulously evaluate scientific data during the standard-setting process to ensure that the ingredients used in these products are safer compared to those found in traditional alternatives.

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