Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
The amount of a chemical a person can be exposed to on a daily basis over an extended period of time (usually a lifetime) without suffering deleterious effects.
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Active Ingredients
Any ingredient in a product formula that plays an active role in performing the marketed function of the product. For example, the active ingredient in many antibacterial products is triclosan, which is the chemical responsible for actually killing bacteria. the remaining ingredients assist in the delivery of this active ingredient and are sometimes called inserts.
Acute
The term used to describe any dramatic effects resulting from a single and often massive exposure to a product or chemical. Sudden poisoning and caustic burns are the two most common acute effects that follow certain chemical exposure.
acute toxicity
The immediate health effects of exposure to a chemical. Acute toxicity is based upon a measurement called LD50s or LC50s, which refers to the "lethal dose" or "lethal concentration" (in the air if it’s a gas) that would to kill 50 percent of a test population within 14 days after an exposure to the concentration of chemical. When classifying chemicals by toxicity, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that exposure through ingestion, inhalation and absorption through the skin be considered. EPA requires warning labels for pesticide products based on LD50s. CHEC ranks acute toxicity as very highly toxic, highly toxic, moderately toxic, and slightly toxic.
alkanol amines
(also monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine) A class of synthetic solvents that are precursors to the carcinogen diethanolnitrosamine.
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates (ABS)
(also linear alkyl benzene sulfonates or LAS, linear alkyl sodium sulfonates) A class of synthetic surfactants (see Surfactants below for more information). ABS are very slow to biodegrade and seldom used. LAS, however, are the most common surfactants in use. During the manufacturing process, carcinogens and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. While LAS do biodegrade, they do so slowly and are of low to moderate toxicity. LAS are synthetic. The pure compounds may cause skin irritation on prolonged contact, just like soap. Allergic reactions are rare. Because oleo-based alternatives are available, LAS should not be used.
Found in: Conventional laundry detergents (usually identified as "anionic surfactants").
alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols
(also nonyl phenoxy ethoxylate or nonyl phenol ethoxylate)
This is a general name for a group of synthetic surfactants (see Surfactants below for more information). They are slow to biodegrade in the environment and have been implicated in chronic health problems. Researchers in England have found that in trace amounts they activate estrogen receptors in cells, which in turn alters the activity of certain genes. For example, in experiments they have been found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and feminize male fish. One member of this family of chemicals is used as a common spermicide, indicating the general level of high biological toxicity associated with these compounds.
Found in: Conventional laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, hard surface cleaners.
ammonia
Ammonia is an irritant that affects the skin, eyes and respiratory passages. The symptoms of ammonia exposure are: a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat; pain in the lungs; headache; nausea; coughing; and increased breathing rate. Ammonia adds nitrogen to the environment. In areas that cannot handle the added nitrogen, disruptions to the ecosystem will result. These include toxic effects to plants, fish and animals. Ammonia is included as a toxic chemical on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list and the EPA has set limits on permissible levels in bodies of water. The FDA also regulates the amount of ammonium compounds in food. OSHA regulates the maximum allowable levels in the air to protect workers.
Found in: Conventional window cleaners.
amyl acetate
A synthetic grease cutter, amyl acetate is a neurotoxin implicated in central nervous system depression.
Found in: Conventional furniture polishes.
Antibacterial
Any product or ingredient that kills bacteria in order to sanitize surfaces and materials.
antibiotic
A substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
aromatic hydrocarbon
A type of volatile organic compound (which readily release fumes) that is structurally similar to benzene, contains a high ratio of carbon to hydrogen, and has a fragrant smell. Many hydrocarbons are derived from petroleum. Includes benzene, toluene, xylene and other solvents.
aromatic hydrocarbons
A class of synthetic compounds used as solvents and grease cutters, these are members of the carcinogenic benzene family of chemicals. Though not all are carcinogenic, aromatic hydrocarbons should nonetheless be considered hazardous. Aromatic hydrocarbons also contaminate air and groundwater. (They cannot easily evaporate underground and little biological activity exists there to cause them to biodegrade.)
Found in: Conventional heavy-duty degreasers, deodorizers.
artificial colors
Artificial colors can be made from petroleum, though some are made from coal. Many do not degrade in the environment and also have toxic effects on both fish and mammals. They do not serve any useful purpose. Additionally, they often can cause allergies and skin or eye irritation.
artificial fragrances
Artificial fragrances can be made from petroleum. Many do not degrade in the environment, and may have toxic effects on both fish and mammals. Additionally, they often can cause allergies and skin or eye irritation.
Asthma
A chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by a narrowing of the body's airways, which results in recurrent attacks of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and labored breathing.
benzalkonium chloride
A synthetic disinfectant and bactericide, this chemical is biologically active (meaning it can negatively affect living organisms). The widespread indiscriminate use of bactericides is also now causing the emergence of new strains of bacteria that are resistant to them. Benzalkonium chloride, and other synthetic disinfectants, should be avoided for these reasons.
Found in: Conventional spray disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners, disinfecting hand soaps and lotions.
benzene
(also benzol, benzole, annulene, benzeen, phenyl hydride, coal naphtha). Made from petroleum and coal, benzene is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a carcinogen, is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant, and is on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list.
Found in: Conventional oven cleaners, detergents, furniture polish, spot removers.
Biaccumulation
The process that occurs when animals and human being repeatedly ingest a chemical over time (usually in very small doses) via air, food, and/or water, or through absorption by the skin. If the ingested chemical is persistent, it can build up or bioaccumulate, in bodily tissues and result in a body burden. Bioaccumulation also refers to a specific material's slowly increasing presence in animals and people as it moves up the food chain.
Biodegradable
A term that refers to the ability of a substance or material to be broken down into its fundamental component parts by exposure to the natural action of microorganisms, sunlight, and/ or water.
Body burden
A term that refers to the total amount of persistent chemical pollutants absorbed by the human body over time and semi-permanently stored in its tissues.
butyl cellosolve
(also butoxyethanol, butyl oxitol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether). A toxic synthetic solvent and grease cutter that can irritate mucous membranes and cause liver and kidney damage. Butyl cellosolve is also a neurotoxin that can depress the nervous system and cause a variety of associated problems.
Found in: Conventional spray cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, abrasive cleaners.
Cancer
Any of over 100 different types of disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division that results in the malignant growth of often easily spread tumors in various bodily organs and tissues.
carbamate
A class of pesticides (primarily insecticides, but also includes fungicides and herbicides) that impact the central nervous system and brain by blocking an enzyme crucial to nerve transmission. Carbamates are among the most widely used pesticides in the world. However, very little research exists on their effects on animals and humans or long-term toxicity.
Caution
A regulated term used on the labels of chemical consumer products to indicate that more than once ounce must be ingested before life threatening symptoms will occur.
certified organic
National Organic Standards developed and finalized in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assure shoppers that foods marketed as "certified organic meet consistent, uniform growing and production guidelines. Beginning on October 21, 2002, producers and handlers must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent to sell, label, or represent their products as either "100 percent organic," "organic," or "made with organic (ingredients or food).
certified sustainable wood
Wood products that have been certified by an agency that it has been farmed and harvested in a manner that maintains forests instead of destroying them.
Chlorinated compound
Any compound or chemical that contains chlorine atoms. Chlorinated compounds tend to exhibit the characteristics of POPs and, in fact, most chlorinated chemicals are classified as POPs.
Chlorine
The 11th most common element in the earth's crust. Chlorine is a green yellow gas that turns to a liquid at -34 degrees Celsius. It is used primarily as a disinfectant and bleaching agent, and as a raw material for a wide variety of chlorinated compounds.
Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)
CCA, 22 percent pure arsenic combined with chromium and copper, is injected into wood at high pressure to prevent rot and insect damage. The arsenic migrates to the surface of treated wood, where it can be picked up on hands and then ingested. (This is a particular concern with children playing on playgrounds, where CCA treated wood is common.) Arsenic can also contaminate the soil under and surrounding treated wood. CCA was the most common wood preservative and pesticide used in the United States. Fortunately, as a result of consumer pressure to review its safety, the EPA and the treated wood industry agreed to a ban on CCA in outdoor wood intended for consumer use by the end of 2003.
Chronic
A term used to describe effects that result from repeated low-level exposures to a chemical or product over an extended period of time. Chronic health effects from exposure to chemicals include cancer and asthma.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Community members purchase a share in a local organic farm's operation at the start of each growing season, or a subscription" to the farm for a set period of time. In return, members receive fresh produce directly from their grower every week during harvest season (usually June through November). Payment is usually made up front to help cover growers' costs. CSAs provide markets for small farmers, funds for farmers to start out the growing season, and inexpensive seasonal fresh (often picked that day) produce for consumers.
Crystalline silica
Crystalline silica is carcinogenic and acts as an eye, skin and lung irritant.
Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners.
Danger
A regulated term used on the labels of chemical consumer products to indicate that a few drops to one teaspoon of the product can be life-threatening if ingested
Diethanolamines
(also diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine)
A synthetic family of surfactants, this group of compounds is used to neutralize acids in products to make them non-irritating. Diethanolamine is slow to biodegrade and reacts with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the atmosphere to form diethanolnitrosamine, a suspected carcinogen.
Found in: Conventional personal care products and some detergents.
Dioxane
(also diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, diethylene oxide) (not to be confused with DIOXIN)
Dioxane is a solvent classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen, and some research suggests that it may suppress the immune system. Dioxane is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list.
Found in: Conventional window cleaners and is an impurity in some ethoxylated surfactants.
EDTA
(ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate)
A class of synthetic, phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness in water. EDTA is also used to prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they're immersed in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate in the food chain.
Found in: Conventional laundry detergents.
endocrine disruptors
A condition where the body's endocrine (or hormonal) system is altered by exposure to certain chemicals whose molecular shape matches that of certain hormones. These chemicals are able to fit into receptors on cell surfaces that are meant for hormones, which are the body's messengers. When endocrine disruptors attach to cells they may trigger undesirable behaviors in the cell or prevent legitimate hormones from attaching and delivering their signals.
EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency charged with ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
Ethyl Cellosolve
This synthetic solvent is both a nasal irritant and a neurotoxin (see Solvents).
Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners.
Ethylene Glycol
(also ethylene dihydrate, ethylene alcohol)
This synthetic solvent is highly toxic and is both a nasal irritant and a neurotoxin (see Solvents). Its vapors contribute to the formation of urban ozone pollution. Ethylene glycol is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list.
Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners
Fatty acid Alkanol Amides/Amines
These surfactants are made by reacting an ethanolamine with a fatty acid obtained from either synthetic petroleum sources or natural vegetable oils. (Most fatty acids are produced synthetically as this method is currently less expensive.) Fatty acid alkanol amides can react with materials in the environment to form nitrosamines (see diethanolamines above).
Found in: Conventional shampoos and conditioners, liquid cleansers, and polishes.
flavoring
Artificial or natural additives used to enhance taste because, during processing, a food’s natural flavors are lost. Or flavors may be used to replace a real food ingredient. For example, fruit drinks may contain flavor additives instead of real fruit juice.
food color
An additive used to change or enhance the color of a food item. Any color additive derived from natural sources, such as animals (including insects), fruits, vegetables or minerals, is exempt from FDA certification; but most must meet defined criteria for specifications and purity. Only nine synthetic colors are allowed for use in food, but industry prefers them — synthetic colors are unflavored, consistent and cheaper to produce. Synthetic colors are derived from coal tar, a petroleum product.
Formaldehyde
Although not common as a primary ingredient, formaldehyde is present as a contaminant in many consumer household products. It is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant and may appear as a preservative. Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable.
Found in: Conventional deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides, adhesives, permanent press fabrics, particleboard.
fungicide
A substance the kills fungi, such as molds, mildew, rusts, blight. Fungicides are used outdoors to prevent and treat disease in the garden and on the farm. They may be used on foods to prevent mold growth during transport and storage. Indoors, fungicides are used prevent or control the growth of mold and other fungi in building and decorative products.
gene drift
A term used most often to describe what happens when genetically engineered crops accidentally cross-pollinate other crops or closely related weed species. When this happens, non-engineered crops and wild plants become contaminated with genetically engineered characteristics that can make organic crops non-organic and could cause weeds and wild plants to become heartier and more successful than other species, giving them the advantage and disturbing ecosystems.
General biocide
An antibacterial chemical capable of disrupting so many different cellular functions at once that bacteria encountering it cannot survive. General biocide antibacterial products do not contribute to the rising problem of disinfectant and antibiotic resistant “super bug” bacteria.
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Substances added to foods, such as salt, sugar, spices and vitamins, which are excluded from safety assessment because they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
genetically engineered
Organisms that have had genes carrying desired traits from another species joined to their own genetic code. Genetic engineering is a process that primarily been used to create new plants for agricultural purposes.
Germicides
A broad category of usually synthetic bactericides. While some germicidal ingredients are natural (tea tree oil, borax), it is safe to assume that any germicide ingredient has a synthetic source until proven otherwise. For more information, see benzalkonium chloride above.
Found in: Conventional spray disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners, disinfecting hand soaps and lotions.
Greenwashing
A spin on the term “whitewashing”, greenwashing occurs when manufacturers attempts to label a product “green” or “environmentally friendly” when in fact there's little or no difference between the product in question and regular products of its kind.
HEPA
Used in vacuums and air purifiers, HEPA filters are highly effective at blocking particles as small as 0.3 microns (a micron is 0.0004 inches), which can irritate airways or cause an allergic reaction. Equipment must be built to accommodate HEPA filters. They cannot be installed on non-HEPA vacuums, air purifiers and air conditioners, as air does not flow easily through them and can cause motors to burn out.
herbicide
A substance that kills plants. Some herbicides target specific types of weeds. Others generally kill all plants.
Hydrocarbon
Any compound consisting only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Petroleum consists of many different hydrocarbon compounds connected together on a “chain” . Breaking this chain apart separates these various hydrocarbon compounds for use as the basis of synthetic chemicals.
Hydrochloric Acid
(also muriatic acid)
A strong mineral or "inorganic" acid. In high concentrations, it is extremely corrosive.
Found in: Conventional toilet bowl cleaners.
Inerts
The catch-all name for ingredients that are not considered active ingredients. Inert ingredients have no role in performing the actual marketed function of the product but are added as buffering agents, solvents, preservatives, dispersal agents and carriers, wetting agents, fillers, and other ingredients that help stabilize, dispense and increase the potency, effectiveness and ease-of-use of the product. Inerts are frequently more toxic than active ingredients.
insecticide
A substance that kills anthropods, such as hard shelled insects, spiders, millipedes and scorpions.
Integrated Pest Managment
A systemic approach to pest control which relies on prevention, identification and control by the least harmful means, such as biological controls, first before moving on to more toxic methods.
irradiation
For food items, exposure to ionizing radiation can kill harmful bacteria and disease-causing parasites. Surgical tools are irradiated to sterilize them. While not a common practice yet in the U.S., irradiation is currently approved for use on meat, poultry, wheat flour, white potatoes, herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables.
Kerosene
(also mineral spirits)
A synthetic distillate used as a grease cutter, kerosene can damage lung tissues and dissolve the fatty tissue that surrounds nerve cells. Mineral spirits function similarly and often contain the carcinogen benzene as an impurity.
Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners and abrasives (use of kerosene in these product categories is rare), furniture polishes, degreaser.
landfill
A common method of disposing trash and garbage by burying it under layers of earth in low ground.
Lethal dose (LD)
A scientific standard used to measure the potential of a given substance to cause death in humans. Lethal Dose standards use a benchmark known as LD50, or the amount of a compound in milligrams per kilogram of body weight needed to cause death in 50% of test animals exposed to this quantity.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals to distribute Material Safety Data Sheets to purchasers or users of the chemicals upon request. MSDS contain information about hazards of the product, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.
Methanol
(also methyl alcohol)
A solvent derived from wood, natural gas, or petroleum, methanol is acutely toxic and can cause blindness.
Found in: Conventional glass cleaners.
Morpholine
A highly toxic synthetic that can cause liver and kidney damage. While this ingredient is rare in consumer products, its extreme toxicity warrants its inclusion on this list.
Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners and abrasives, waxes, polishes, antiseptic products.
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)
Also known as environmental illness, MCS is believed to be an acquired allergic disease. It is characterized by a wide variety of potential symptoms that affect any number of bodily organs or systems and that appear when the victim is exposed to trigger chemicals in tiny or even trace amounts.
mutagen
An agent that causes a permanent genetic change in a cell other than that which occurs during normal genetic recombination. Mutagenicity is the capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause such permanent alteration.
Naphthalene
A member of the carcinogenic benzene family derived from coal tar or made synthetically. Known to bioaccumulate in marine organisms, naphthalene causes allergic skin reactions and cataracts, alters kidney function and is extremely toxic to children.
Found in: Conventional deodorizers, carpet cleaners, toilet deodorizers.
National Toxicology Program
A program of the Department of Health and Human Services created in 1978 to coordinate toxicology testing programs within the federal government, strengthen the science base in toxicology, develop and validate improved testing methods, and provide information about potentially toxic chemicals to health, regulatory, and research agencies, scientific and medical communities, and the public.
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