What To Look For In Commercial Cleaning Products
2010 April 6
The first rule of thumb is to read labels. Look for products that provide a complete list of ingredients. Best bets, products that are:
Phosphate-free- Nitrogen-free
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Contain no added dyes (except when added for safety purposes)
- Designed for use in cold water (to conserve energy)
- Reduced or no skin irritants
- Made from natural cleaners (such as citrus, seed, vegetable, and pine oils)
Contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)- Vegetable based surfactants
- Perfume/Fragrance free
- Concentrated (reduces packaging)
Certified by an independent 3rd party:
- EcoLogo (environmentalchoice.com)
- Greenseal (greenseal.org)
A ‘Scent’sitive subject
The majority of perfumes and scents used in commercial products are derived from man-made chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). Some perfumes contain as many as 600 different petrochemical derived compounds including acetones, benzene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, phenol and toluene – many of the same chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Chemically sensitive individuals can suffers a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty in concentrating and breathing. In the most extreme cases, exposure can result in seizures or anaphylactic shock – a potentially fatal response. Play it safe:
- Buy unscented products.
- Line dry clothes for that “spring fresh” scent (and save energy in the process)
- Clean furnace air filters regularly and have ducts cleaned in the spring to remove lingering odors and perfumes
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