Many so-called green products are toxic and deceptive

Thursday, July 07, 2011 by: Anthony Gucciardi
Tags: green products, greenwashing, health news

(NewsTarget) Consumers worldwide have begun to realize that most conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that put their health, and their family's health, at risk. It is no surprise that shoppers have started reaching for so-called 'green' products, which they expect to contain significantly less amounts of these toxic substances thanks to tricky marketing practices. Many products even carry labels stating that the item is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-flammable, and non-corrosive. Unfortunately, these same 'green' cleaning products sometimes contain 2-Butoxyethanol -- a petrochemical solvent. Liver and kidney damage are but two of the symptoms that go along with chronic exposure to this toxin, and it may be lurking in your 'green' cleaning supplies.

Household cleaning products are not very highly-regulated by the government. In fact, cleaning product manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the ingredients used in the product on the label. Even companies who produce 'green' and 'natural' cleaners are not required to do so. This means that consumers checking the ingredients of the product to ensure it is safe for use in their home may be falsely led to believe that a product is safe when it most certainly is not. A number of unlabeled carcinogenic chemicals may be lurking in 'green' products without the consumer knowing. One such chemical, 2-butoxyethanol, was a chemical used in one of the controversial dispersants used for the BP oil spill -- Corexit 9527A.

Banned in the United Kingdom, Corexit 9500 and Corexit 9527A have been linked to a number of health conditions including respiratory, neurological, liver, kidney and blood disorders and to harmful effects on sea life. Even while containing 2-butoxyethanol -- the chemical used in Corexit 9527A --'green' product manufacturers continue to claim to be producing 'non-toxic' cleaners that are environmentally responsible. This is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among cleaning and cosmetic product manufacturers. A recent study that analyzed 25 commonly used scented products, including cleaning products (disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, dish detergents), showed half claimed to be green, organic, or natural. Among the products tested, on average 17 chemicals were emitted upon usage, but only one compound ever made it to the label. Overall, the 25 products emitted 133 different chemicals total, 25% of which are currently classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law. Every product emitted at least one chemical listed as toxic or hazardous.

Instead of looking for words like 'green' and other marketing keywords, first check the label. Even though many ingredients aren't listed, it's the first step in eliminating harmful products. If any of these ingredients are listed, find another product right away: phosphates, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE's), phthalates, ethanolamines, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, volatile organic compounds (VOC's) including 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and chlorine. Purchasing cleaning products from a source that openly lists all the ingredients in each product, or openly labels its products to be free of the aforementioned chemicals, is the safest choice when it comes to potentially-hazardous cleaning supplies. Don't fall for 'green' marketing techniques, and do your own research on a product's ingredients before making the purchase.

Sources:

http://depts.washington.edu/exposure/Steinem...
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/page/simple-gree...
http://www.simplegreen.com/pdfs/MSDS_EN-US_A...
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=3...

About the author

Anthony Gucciardi is a health activist and wellness researcher, whose goal is centered around educating the general public as to how they may obtain optimum health. He has authored countless articles highlighting the benefits of natural health, as well as exposing the pharmaceutical industry. Anthony is the creator of Natural Society (http://www.NaturalSociety.com), a natural health website. Anthony has been accurately interpreting national and international events for years within his numerous political articles. Anthony's articles have been seen by millions around the world, and hosted on multiple top news websites.