O-benzyl-p-chlorophenol

(also 4-chloro-a-phenyl o-cresol, chlorophene)

A synthetic disinfectant used in hand soaps, this is chlorinated hydrocarbon and is therefore unacceptable. Bacterial resistance hazards associated with the indiscriminate use of disinfectants (see benzalkonium chloride above for more information) can also occur with use.

Found in: Conventional hand soaps.

offgas

Many chemicals used in consumer products can be released as fumes, or gases. The process is called "offgassing." These gases can become trapped indoors and levels can increase in concentration over time if there is poor ventilation. These gases can also resolidify as particles that settle onto surfaces and floors, where they may be picked up on hands and then ingested accidentally. Some products, such as carpets and particleboard, may offgas for many months, while others, such as paints, offgas only when wet.

Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are a broad classification of many different synthetic chemicals that, when applied to clothing, convert UV light wavelengths to visible light, thus making laundered clothes appear "whiter." Their inclusion in any formula does not enhance or affect the product's performance in any way; they simply trick the eye. Optical brighteners do not readily biodegrade. They are toxic to fish when washed into the general environment and can create bacterial mutations. They can cause allergic reaction when in contact with skin that is then exposed to sunlight. Most optical brighteners are given trade names which consumers are unlikely to see on a label.

Found in: Conventional laundry detergents.

Organic Solvents

A category of solvents and grease-cutters of mostly synthetic origin (organic in this instance refers to their petroleum origins). All chemicals in this category are generally neurotoxins and nervous system depressants, especially if contacted in sufficient quantity.

Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners, degreasers and metal polishes.

organochlorine

A class of chemicals, such as DDT, PCBs, dioxin and lindane, that have been chlorinated. That is, they contain carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. Organochlorine chemicals affect the central nervous system and brain by interfering with transmission of nerve impulses. Organochlorine insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and other chemicals became widespread because they are inexpensive and effective. However, many accumulate in living tissue, remain there and in the environment up to several decades, and harm organisms that were not targeted (including humans). New research is showing that a number of organochlorines also mimic or block hormonal activity in wildlife and humans. Some organochlorines have been banned due to their acute and chronic toxicity, while others are restricted.

organophosphate

A class of insecticides that harm the central nervous system and brain by blocking an enzyme (cholinesterase) that is crucial in transmitting nerve signals. Generally, organophosphate (OP) insecticides are the most acutely toxic insecticides to mammals and fish. These chemicals are related to nerve gases developed for use as chemical weapons. Unlike organochlorine chemicals, OPs break down in the environment fairly quickly. OPs have come to replace many organochlorine pesticides. (The few organophosphate herbicides, such as glyphosate, do not have the same mode of action as the OP insecticides.)

Ozone Depleting Compounds

certain chlorine and/or- bromine containing compounds (chlorofluorocarbons or halons), which break down when they reach the stratosphere and then catalytically destroy ozone molecules.

Ozone Depleting Compounds ­ Destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation harmful to life. This destruction of ozone is caused by the breakdown of certain chlorine and/or- bromine containing compounds (chlorofluorocarbons or halons), which break down when they reach the stratosphere and then catalytically destroy ozone molecules.