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.

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 aryl sodium sulfonates

(See Alkyl benzene sulfonates [ABS])

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 benzyl sulfonates

(See Alkyl benzene sulfonates [ABS])

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.

amide

A class of chemicals that includes insecticides and repellents, such as DEET, acetachlor.

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.

anionic surfactants

anodize

to coat metal by subjecting it to electrolytic action

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.