Spring time is synonymous with rebirth, restoration, and the renewal of oneself. It also means decluttering, disinfecting and washing windows. Before you start on that journey to find peace of mind, be sure to choose eco-friendly cleaning products that will make your home glisten without compromising your health or the health of your loved ones.
Although many brands claim to offer eco-friendly cleaning products, this does not mean they are free of toxic ingredients. Manufacturers of beauty or household products are not required to provide a complete list of contaminants used in their products – even if they claim to be eco-friendly![1] Simply put, if an ingredient appears in a product as an impurity or residue resulting from the manufacturing process, the chances of it being included on the label are slim to none.
Here is our list of five ingredients to avoid that will help you sift out the faux green brands on your way to finding the eco-friendly cleaning products for your spring cleaning.
1. 1,4-Dioxane
Considered to be a possible carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65,[2] 1,4-dioxane is one of the most common contaminants[3], and perhaps the most difficult to detect because it is never intentionally added to a cleaning product. Even so, this contaminant is frequently found in products as a residual in the following blowing agents and emulsifiers:
- Sodium laureth sulfate and all ingredients ending in the suffix “eth” or “oxynol”
- Polyethylene, polyethylene glycols (PEG)
- Polysorbate (20, 30, 80)
2. Formaldehyde
Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer,[4] this contaminant acts as a preservative and disinfectant in many products that are used daily. Despite being used in low concentrations, this carcinogenic contaminant can still prove harmful to the skin. To detect formaldehyde, search for the following ingredients on the labels of your cleaning products.
- DMDM hydantoin
- Dioazolidinyl urea / imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium-15
3. Endocrine disruptors
The harmful effects of endocrine disruptors are increasingly documented. Even small amounts of these toxic ingredients can alter hormone levels, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.[5] The hormonal system could be disrupted due to cleaning products containing chemicals from these two main sources: the family of phthalates and the family of pesticides, including antibacterials.
Phthalates are responsible for the pleasurable aromas that give your home that “clean” smell. However, they have also been accountable for causing problems to the kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
Despite being associated with killing germs, pesticides, including antibacterials, can compromise hormonal development. In this category, triclosan, an antibacterial agent, was banned from over-the-counter antiseptic products by the FDA in 2017. According to a study published in the journal Science Translation Medicine, triclosan is suspected of promoting the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.[6]
Make sure your eco-friendly cleaning products are untainted by the troublesome endocrine disruptors before you begin your spring cleaning.
4. Isothiazolinones
This family of antimicrobials is used in cleaning products to fight bacteria and mould. The most common by-product, methylisothiazolinone, began to be used when parabens created a cause for concern. However, methylisothiazolinone cannot be trusted either. It has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis,[7] a rash resembling eczema.
Skip this family altogether to avoid burning and itching sensations after your spring cleaning.
5. Allergens
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but chances are that the aromas you love spreading throughout your home are from a combination of aromatic substances that can lead to asthma and allergic reactions. The same can be said of that fresh laundry fragrance that comes from fabric softeners. Go for an activated-carbon air purifier or merely open the windows to let in the natural floral scent of spring.
One thing is certain: at ATTITUDE, we make sure to minimize allergy risks. Our aromas do not contain any of the 25 most common allergens known to cosmetics.[8] What’s more is that many of our products are hypoallergenic, as stated on the labels.
The database of eco-friendly cleaning products
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit organization that collects, analyzes, shares, and promotes public information to protect your health and the planet. This extensive database has over 86 000 reports on personal care and household products while offering a description of chemicals, all classified based on their degree of toxicity and registered use.
The products of our Home Care line are top rated on EWG Database, which means they are free of any ingredients of concern, further supporting our mission to supply both you and the planet with eco-friendly cleaning products. Discover our selection of cleaning wipes, all-purpose cleaners, air purifiers, dishwashing liquids, detergents and much more, all designed to keep your home safe and clean.
Enjoy the spring cleaning!
Sources
[1] https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/findings/
[2] https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list
[3] https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/findings/
[4] https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/be-safe-at-work/formaldehyde
[5] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
[6] https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/science/529117/triclosan (French only)
[7] https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/07/10/un-produit-causant-une-epidemie-dallergies-pourrait-etre-interdit (French only)
[8] https://www.febea.fr/fr/allergie-allergenes (French only)