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.

Naphthas

(See petroleum distillates)

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.

Nitrilotriacetic acid

(See NTA)

NOAEL

A term used in toxicology that describes the maximum dose (of a substance) that produces no detectable changes under defined conditions of exposure.

Nonyl Phenoxy Ethoxylate

(See alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols)

Nonyl-phenol

(See alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols)

NTA

(Nitrilotriacetic acid)

This carcinogenic phosphate substitute is banned in the U.S. As with EDTA, it can free heavy metals in the environment and reintroduce them into the food chain. NTA is slow to biodegrade.

Found in: No U.S. manufactured products. However, imported products, especially laundry detergents, should be scrutinized to ensure that no NTA has escaped regulatory attention.

nutritional additives

Additives, such as vitamins and minerals, used to increase a food's health benefits. Most of the time, they are added to restore the nutrients that are lost when a food is processed