ARE YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS SAFE, HEALTHY AND GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

• What are the active ingredients?   Usually antimicrobial pesticides which are not healthy and to be avoided.  
  

• Is it biodegradable?   Will break down in the environment into harmless substances.  This is a good thing. 
  

• What does “anti-bacterial” really mean and is it actually safe?  It means that it contains pesticides and is not safe.  Avoid these. 
  

• What are chlorine free bleach alternatives and why is that important?  Chlorine bleach is irritating and corrosive.   Bleach alternatives are less irritating and less corrosive.  
  

• Is it combustible or flammable?  Easily ignited and can burn.  Avoid. 

• Is is corrosive/ caustic or able to cause damage?  This can cause serious chemical burns. 
  

• Does it have a green seal for the environment?  Independent third party certification for environmental safety.  
  
  

CLEANING SUPPLIES AND HEALTH EFFECTS

• Fumes from products can contribute to respiratory problems.
• Many common cleaning products can contain carcinogens.  This means they are  cancer causing or contributing.  
• Elevated risk of birth defects
• Chemical burns, poisoning, allergies, or other severe reactions.
• Most cleaning product labels do not give clear information about ingredients and whether the product is safe or not.  
  
  

Sources and more information:  

ewg.org guide to non-toxic cleaners

https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/decoding_labels/

https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health/