A
acephate:
Acephate is another name for the active ingredient in the insecticide
Orthene. It is considered a suspect carcinogen by EPA (IRIS, 1997).
acetone
: A moderately toxic, highly volatile and flammable solvent used in
nail polish removers, glues, paint strippers and other products.
Considered less toxic than aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and
xylene, it causes symptoms similar to but slightly more severe than those
of ethanol.
*Skin
and eye irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some adhesives, art products, and
paint removers and strippers.
acetoxyphenylmecury:
Neurotoxic.Teratogenic. Used in some paints.
acid:
Any material with a pH of less than 7. Acids can be corrosive if
sufficiently concentrated in strength. Examples of acids used in household
products include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic
acid, and acetic acid. The strength of the acid is more important than its
identity. The pH of a product gives some clues as to the material's
potential hazard, but is not in itself sufficient information
acid
blue 9: Carcinogenic. Used in some toilet bowl
cleaners and deodorizers
alcohol,
denatured: Dangerous fire hazard. Irritant. Acutely poisonous
aerosol
propellants: can cause heart problems, birth defects, lung cancer,
headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, eye and throat
irritation, skin rashes, burns, lung inflamation, and liver damage.
Aerosol gases also can turn into other more toxic gases, including
fluorine, chlorine, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
alcohol
ethoxylate: A type of surfactant commonly used in cleaning
products. Like all detergents, quite toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
Biodegradability is generally good, provided molecular structure is linear
and not branched, hence the name linear alcohol ethoxylate
aliphatic
hydrocarbons: Prolonged exposure and inhalation may cause
irritation to skin, digestive system, throat, and lungs, Neurotoxic. Used
in some car waxes.
aliphatic
naphtha: Eye irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some furniture polishes
aliphatic
petroleum distillate: Flammable. Eye and skin irritant.
Neurotoxic. Used in some car cleaning products.
aliphatic
petroleum solvent: Moderately irritating to skin on
prolonged contact. Neurotoxic. Used in some carpet cleaners.
alkaline
bacillus: Allergen. Used in some laundry soil and stain removers
alkanol
amines: (alsomonoethanolamine,diethanolamine,triethanolamine). A
class of synthetic solvents that are precursors to the carcinogen
diethanolnitrosamone.
alkyl
aryl sodium sulfonates: (see Alkyl benzene
sulfonates [ABS] )
alkyl
benzene sulfonates: or 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:
Laundry detergents (usually identified as "anionic
surfactants").
alkyl
benzyl sulfonates: (See alkyl benzene
sulfonates [ABS])
alkyl
phenoxy polythoxy ethanols: (also nonyl phenoxy
ethoxylate or nonyl phenol). This 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 activities
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: Dry detergents, all-purpose cleaners,
hard surface cleaners
alkylphenol:
Eye irritant May cause skin sensitization. May act on the body with
weak estrogenic effects. Used in some adhesives.
allethrin:
Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face, eyelids,
lips, mouth, and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like symptoms.
Neurotoxic. Damaging to the immune system. Highly toxic. Used in some pet
flea-control products.
aluminum:
Inhalation of powder has been reported as a cause of lung disease. May
be implicated as one of the factors in the onset or exacerbation of
Alzheimer's disease. Used in some drain openers
aluminum
silicate: Suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity; its hazard is in
the dry state (e.g., when sanding or scraping), Used in some paints.
ammonia:
Ammonia is a gas which is intensely irritating to skin, eyes, and the
respiratory tract. even in low concentrations Household ammonia is a 5-10%
solution of ammonia in water, and like other types of cleaning products
with ammonia, it gives off ammonia gas vapors. Environmental impacts from
household use are probably minimal, although use of ammonia-based
fertilizers can lead to groundwater pollution with nitrates, Ammonia
reacts with chlorine bleach to produce toxic and irritating chloramines.
*Undiluted,
a powerful eye and systemic irritant that may cause severe burning pain
and corrosive damage, including chemical burns, cataracts, and corneal
damage. Mild exposure to vapors may cause respiratory irritation. Repeated
or prolonged exposure to vapors may cause irritation bronchitis, and
pneumonia. Used in a wide range of household cleaning and auto products.
ammonium
chloride: Corrosive to the eyes; can cause permanent damage. Used
in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers.
ammonium
hydroxide: A solution of ammonia in water. See ammonia, above.
*Eye
irritant. Safe when highly diluted as in most household products. Used in
some air fresheners.
amorphous
fumed silica: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Poses
little to no risk when used. as it commonly is, in fragrance pottery.
amyl
acetate: A synthetic grease cutter, amyl acetate is a neurotoxin
implicated in central nervous system depression. Found in: Furniture
polishes.
anionic
surfactants: (See alkyl benzyl
sulfonates)
aromatic
hydrocarbon: Highly flammable. Heating may cause pressure buildup
and possible rupture of the container. Eye and skin irritant. May contain
traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some
adhesives.
artificial
colours: Artificial colours are made from petroleum, though some 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.
aspartame:
an FDA approved natural sweetener made from amino acids, can change levels
of chemicals in the brain that affect behavior. Scientific testing to
establish aspartame's safety prior to FDA approval resulted in brain
tumors and grand mal seizures in rat studies, and depression, menstrual
irregularities, constipation, headaches, tiredness, and general swelling
in human test groups. When exposed to heat, aspartame breaks down into
toxic methyl alcohol. This may occur even at temperatures reached by diet
sodas during regular storage.
B
baking
soda: has been more used for household cleaning than any other
substance. It is made from soda ash, which is produced from a naturally
occurring ore called trona, mined (by deep mining opposed to more damaging
strip mining) in Wyoming. Baking soda is slightly alkaline, with a ph
around 8.1 (7 is neutral), so it neutralizes acid-based odors in water and
absorbs odors from the air.
barium:
Moderate eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Used in some artist's oil
colours
base:
Any material with a pH greater than 7. Although a base is the opposite of
an acid, toxicologically it exhibits similar effects. Strong solutions are
corrosive and cause skin or eye burns. Examples of bases are sodium
hydroxide(lye), sodium carbonite, and ammonium hydroxide (ammonia).
bendiocarb:
Eye and skin irritant. Allergenic. Sensitizer. Neurotoxic. Used in
some home and garden pesticides.
benzene:
An aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of six carbons arranged in a ring,
each with a single hydrogen atom attached. The benzene ring is an
important building block in organic chemistry. Benzene is a highly toxic,
volatile, flammable solvent with strong narcotic properties. It causes
serious damage to the blood and bone marrow, as well as leukemia. A
component of gasoline, benzene is no longer used as an ingredient in other
consumer products but may be present as a impurity in some refined
petroleum solvents and is a component of cigarette smoke.
borax:
A naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and
water. First appearing in history over 4,000 thousand years ago, Borax is
used as an effective laundry whitener, general purpose cleaner and
disinfectant. Somewhat less toxic than boric acid, below. (New
information on borax, and some better options)
boric
acid: A boron compound used as an insecticide, particularly against
ants and fleas. Although it is considered moderately toxic, boric acid is
not volatile and thus does not emit toxic vapors. Formerly used to clean
and dress wounds, boric acid is absorbed through broken skin, and deaths
have occurred from that use. The major hazard from household use is
accidental ingestion or inhalation of dust.
butane:
A highly flammable and potentially explosive gas often used as a
propellant in aerosol spray products. Slightly toxic by inhalation, it
causes central nervous system depression at high concentrations.
*Flammable.
Neurotoxic at very high concentrations. Used as a propellant in a wide
range of consumer aerosol products.
butoxyethanol:
(see butyl cellosolve below)
butyl
acetate: Flammable. Skin and eye irritant. Mild allergen. Neurotoxic.
Used in shoe products
butyl
cellosolve: (also butoxyethanol,butyl oxitol, ethylene glycol
monobutyl ether). A toxic synthetic solvent and grease cutter that can
irritate mucous membranes and cause liver and kidney damage. Butyl
cellosolve is also a neurotoxin that can depress the nervous system and
cause a variety of associated problems. Found in: Spray cleaners,
all-purpose cleaners, abrasive cleaners
butyl
oxitol: (see butyl cellosolve above)
(monobutyl
ether): Mild skin and eye irritant . Damages blood and body's
ability to make blood, central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Readily
absorbed through the skin. Neurotoxic. Used in some all-purpose cleaners,
window cleaners, and a wide range of other household cleaning products.
C
cadmium:
Inhalation affects respiratory system and kidneys. Carcinogenic.
Teratogenic. Used in some artist's oil colours.
calcium
carbonate: Moderate to severe eye irritant. Used in some all-purpose
cleaners
calcium
hypochlorite: Can cause severe irritation of skin and mucous
membranes. Used as a disinfectant for pool chlorine.
calcium
oxide: Characterized as a powerful caustic to living tissue. Used in
some home and garden pesticides.
carbaryl
(Sevin): A highly toxic insecticide in the carbamate family of
neurotoxins. Also extremely toxic to bees, which can be killed by visiting
previously treated foliage. To aquatic organisms, and to birds. Found in a
number of garden insecticides, as well as some slug baits.
*
Eye and skin irritant. Allergenic. Sensitizer. Highly neurotoxic; symptoms
include increased salivation, coughing, difficult breathing, and phlegm.
Associated with birth defects. Used in a wide range of pet flea-control
products.
carcinogen:
an agent that increases the risk of cancer
caustic
soda: (see sodium hydroxide)
chlorine:
(also known as hypochlorite, sodium, dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen
chloride, hydrochloric acid) Chlorine was first manufactured on an
industrial scale in the early 1900's. It was used as a powerful poison in
World War1.Chlorine is the household chemical most frequently involved in
household poisonings in the U.S. Chlorine also ranks first in causing
industrial injuries and deaths resulting from large industrial accidents.
Chlorine is an acutely toxic chemical created through the energy intensive
electrolysis of sea and water. This manufacturing process also creates
extremely toxic byproducts. Sodium hypochlorite (known as household
bleach, a 5% solution if sodium hypochlorite) is a chemical precursor of
chlorine and should be treated as such because any use will create pure
chlorine in the environment. Found in: Scouring powders, laundry
bleach, dishwasher detergent, and basin, tub and tile cleaners.
chlorophene:
(see O-benzyl-p-chlorophenol)
chlorpyrifos(Dursban):
A highly toxic and moderately persistent organophosphate insecticide used
to control structural pests such carpenter ants and termites, as well as
fleas and other house and garden insects. It is extremely toxic to fish,
birds and bees. Indoor uses may be especially hazardous to children (Gurunathan
1997)
*Severe
eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Allergenic. Sensitizer. Highly
neurotoxic. Significant reproductive effects. Commonly used by home
exterminators, for lawn care, and in pesticide products in stores. Poses
acute and chronic hazards to both pets and owners.
citrus
oil: A fragrant oil with strong solvent properties, distilled from the
skins of citrus fruit such as oranges or lemons. Used alone as a solvent
or degreaser, or formulated into cleaning products to add efficacy and
odor. Citrus oil contains a number of compounds, including limonene and
linalool, which are useful as insecticides. Citrus oil is frequently used
in flea sprays and shampoos.
coal
tar: A complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained as a by-product of the
manufacture of coke in the steel industry. Used in many types of personal
care products, especially dandruff shampoo. Some coal tars have been shown
to cause skin cancers when applied to laboratory animals (NTP,1991).
cobalt:
Carcinogen. Used some artist's oil paints
cocamide
DEA: (also cocamide diethanolamine,fatty acid diethanolamides). Even
though this surfactant, which is a foam stabilizer, is made from coconut
oils, it is unacceptable because it contains diethanolamine. This
synthetic component can react with sodium nitrate or nitrate oxides to
form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Found in: Dishwashing
liquids, shampoos, cosmetics.
cocamide
diethanolamine: (see cocamide DEA above)
cocodiethanolamide:
Mild eye and skin irritant. Used in some interior and exterior
cleaners and protectants.
concentrated
perfume oil: Mild eye irritant. Used in some air freshners
copper
naphthenate: One of the copper compounds used as a wood preservative.
Because of its relatively low acute toxicity to humans, it is considered a
safer alternative to pentachlorophenol and creosote. Copper compounds,
including copper naphenate, are highly toxic to aquatic organisms.
Copper
accumulates in soils, and concentrates in marine and fresh water
organisms.
crystalline
silica: Eye, skin, and lung irritant. Carcinogenic. Its hazard occurs
when it is in the dry, not liquid state. Used in some highly popular
brands of cleanser, cat litter, paints, and some powered flea-control
products for pets
cyanoacrylate:
The major ingredient in instant glues. Vapors are intensely irritating
to the eyes. The main hazard from these glues is that they rapidly and
tightly bond to skin.
cyanoacrylate
ester: Combustible. Vapors can irritate the eyes and skin, as well as
the mucous membranes. Used in some adhesives.
cyclohexane:
Flammable. Moderate eye , skin, respiratory irritant. Use in some
adhesives.
cyfluthrin:
Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face, eyelids,
lips, mouth, and throat tissues, as well hay-fever like symptons.
Neurotoxic. Used in some pet flea- control products.
D
d-cis
trans allethrin: eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of
face, eyelids, lips, mouth , and throat tissies, as well as hay fever-like
symptoms. Neurotoxic. Use in some pet flea-control products.
deet:
Eye and skin irritant. Sensitizer Neurotoxic. Readily
absorbed into skin. Used in mosquito and insect repellents, as well as pet
flea-control products.
detergents
and soap (uncharacterized): Can cause temporary respiratory tract
irritation when in powder form (as in the case of laundry detergents) and
mild to severe irritation of eyes in both powder and liquid form (as with
dish washing liquids, or other, harsher liquid cleaning products).
Symptoms of respiratory distress include coughing, sore throat, wheezing,
and temporary shortness of breath. Eye-related symptoms include stinging,
tearing, itching, swelling, or redness. Used in some carpet cleaners,
dishwashing products, laundry detergents, and a wide range of other
household cleaning products
d-limonene:
The major terpene component of citrus oil. Studies have shown it to
promote cancer in some cases and prevent cancer in others. It clearly
causes cancer in male rats (NTP,1990),but many feel by a mechanism not
possible in humans.
*Eye
and skin irritant. Sensitizer. Suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity.
Neurotoxic Teratogenic. Used in some paints and pet flea-control products
and passed off as safe. Its safety is suspect.
Diazinon:
An insecticide commonly used in lawn and garden insecticide products.
Its extreme toxicity to birds as manifested in numerous actual bird kills
has resulted in EPA banning its use on golf courses and sod farms.Diazinon
may be contaminated with sulfotepp, a much more toxic and persistent
chemical than diazinon itself (Meier, 1979).Diazinon is a frequent
contaminant of groundwater and surface water (US EPA 1989; Bortleson and
Davis 1997).
*Combustible.
Corrosive to eyes. Severe eye and skin irritant. Allergenic. Sensitizer.
Highly neurotoxic. Toxic to the fetus. Toxic to birds. Used in lawn
pesticides and flea collars, as well as by home exterminators and lawn
care companies.
1,4-dichlorobenzene
(para-dichlorobenzene): Carcinogen. Highly volatile. Causes liver and
kidney damage. Used in moth repellents and toilet deodorizers.
dichlorodifluoromethane:
Eye irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some drain openers.
dichlorvos
(DDVP): Eye and skin irritant Allergenic. Sensitizer, Carcinogenic.
Highly neurotoxic. Teratogenic: causes sperm and other reproductive
abnormalities. Used in some no-pest strips, flea collars, and other pet
flea-control products.
diethanolamine
(DEA): Mild skin and severe eye irritant. Reacts with nitrates (added
as undisclosed preservatives to some products or their raw materials or
present as contaminants) to form highly potent carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Nitrosamines have been shown to readily penetrate the skin .Used in a wide
range of household cleaning products.
dimethhylbenzyl
ammonium chloride: Severe eye and skin irritants. Used in some
bathroom cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers
dimethhyl
ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride: Severe eye and skin irritants. Used in
some bathroom cleaners.
dioctyl
phthalate (di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate): Skin and severe eye irritant.
Carcinogenic. Reproductive toxin. Used in adhesives and correction fluid.
dioxane:
(also diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, diethylene oxide) (not to
be confused with dioxin). Dioxine is a solvent classified by the EPA as a
probable human carcinogen, and some research suggests that it may suppress
the immune system. Dioxine is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a
hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA's Community Right-to-Know list.
Found in: Windows cleaners.
dipropylene
glycol methyl ether: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some laundry soil
and stain removers, car interior and exterior cleaners and protectants,and
shoe products
d-trans
allethrin: Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face
,eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like
symptom. Neurotoxic. Used in some pet flea-control products.
E
EDTA:
(ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate). A class of synthetic,
phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium
hardness in water. EDTA is also used to prevent bleaching agents from
becoming active before they're immersed in water and as a foaming
stabilizer. EDTA does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the
general environment can redissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in
underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter and recirculate in the
food chain. Found in : Laundry detergents.
ethoxylated
alcohols: May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is
carcinogenic and rapidly penetrates the skin.
ethoxylated
nonyl phenol: Eye and skin irritant.Used in some car bug ,
insect, and tar removers.
ethyl
alcohol: Mild eye, skin, respiratory tract irritant. Used in air
fresheners, pet flea-control products, and a wide range of other household
cleaning products.
ethyl
benzene Neurotoxic. Used in some art products.
ethanol:
Derived from fermentation of sugar and present in alcoholic
beverages. Well known adverse effects on human reproduction have lead to
the familiar warnings on wine and beer bottles. Central nervous system
depressant. Acute toxicity considered slight. Denatured ethyl alcohol is
more toxic. Highly flammable. A common ingredient in mouthwashes, cold
medicines, and other over the counter preparations.
ethyl
cellosolve: This synthetic solvent is both a nasal irritant and a
neurotoxin (see solvents). Found in All-purpose cleaners, automotive
antifreeze.
ethylene
glycol: A moderately toxic liquid which is a principal component
of automobile antifreeze.
*Flammable.
Eye, skin, respiratory irritant. Excessive exposure may cause kidney,
blood, and possibly liver damage. Neurotoxic. Reproductive toxin. Absorbed
through the skin. Used in antifreeze, metal polishes, stains, car waxes,
and shoe products
ethylene
glycol monobutylether: (see butyl
cellosolve)
ethylene
glycol propyl ether: Eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in
some paints.
F
fatty
acid alkanol amides/amines: These surfactants are made by
reacting an ethanolamine with a fatty acid obtained from either synthetic
petroleum sources or natural vegetable oils.(Most fatty acids are produced
synthetically as this method is currently less expensive.) Fatty acid
alkanolamides can react with materials in the environment to form
nitrosamines (see diethanolamines above). Found in: Shampoos and
conditioners, liquid cleansers, and polishes.
fatty
acid diethanolamines: (see cocamide DEA)
feldspar:
Mild respiratory irritant. Used in some all-purpose cleaners.
fenvalerate:
Highly neurotoxic to humans and pets. Can cause tingling and
burning sensation of the hands and face. Sweden has discontinued its use
among forestry workers. Used in some home and garden pesticides, as well
as pet flea-control products
fluoride:
is carcinogenic. More than ten thousand cancer deaths per year
are linked to fluoridated water. Exposure also can cause tiredness and
weakness, mottling of the teeth, wrinkled skin, a prickly sensation in the
muscles, kidney and bladder disorders, constipation, vomitting, itching
after bathing, excessive thirst, headaches, arthritis, gum diseases,
nervousness, diarrhea, hair loss, skin dissorders, stomach disorders,
numbness, brittle nails, sinus problems, mouth ulcers, vision problems,
eczema, bronchitis and asthma. Excessive fluoride can also reduce blood
vitamin C levels, weaken the immune system, and cause birth defects and
genetic damage. The use of fluoride has been banned in ten European
countries.
formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde earned notoriety through its widespread use as a
component of urea formaldehyde insulation. It is an unstable compound
usually used in aqueous solution, but which emits the highly irritating
gaseous form of the compound. Used as a preservative in many types of
products. Urea-formaldehyde glues emit formaldehyde vapors which can be a
serious indoor air pollution problem (US EPA, 1988b). Formaldehyde
exposure causes sensitization in a significant fraction of people exposed.
Formaldehyde caused cancer in animal tests.
*Poisonous
irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. A sensitizer.
Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some furniture polishes, car cleaners
and waxes, and a wide range of other consumer items, especially paints and
related products.
G
germicides:
A broad category of usually synthetic bacteriacides. While some
germicidal ingredients are natural (tea tree oil, borax), it is still
safer assume that any germicide ingredient has a synthetic source until
proven otherwise. For more information, see benzalkonium chloride above. Found
in Spray disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners, disinfecting hand
soaps and lotions
glycol
ether (including butoxy ethanol, butyl cellosolve, butyl
diglycol, butyl carbinol): A class of chemicals related to the
glycols, but which include many variants used as water soluble solvents in
a variety of cleaning products, latex paint, and other applications. The
toxicity varies with chemical structure, but typically the ethylene glycol
ethers are more toxic than propylene glycol ethers. Some glycol ethers
cause damage to the blood and bone marrow (HESIS, 1987). Many cause
reproductive effects, such as birth defects. All are readily absorbed
through the skin.
*Eye
irritant. Used in some household cleaning products.
glyphosate:
A herbicide of relatively low acute toxicity used as the active
ingredient in the popular Roundup and Kleenup weed killers. The major
toxic effects in those products appear to arise from the surfactant which
is used as the inert ingredient. This surfactant is highly toxic to fish
(O'Brien, 1990). Formaldehyde is a breakdown product (Rueppel,1977).
H
heptane:
A highly volatile, flammable solvent used as a principal
ingredient in rubber cement. Although somewhat less toxic than hexane (see
below), heptane shares hexane's ability to cause nerve damage (James,
1985).
*Flammable.
Neurotoxic. Used in some shoe products.
Hexachlorobenzene
(HCB): Eye and skin irritant. Sensitizer. Carcinogenic.
Neurotoxic. Used in some artist's oil colours
hexane:
Similar to heptane, but more toxic. Used in rubber cement and
rubber cement thinners. Causes permanent nerve damage in sufficient doses
(James, 1985).Hexane accumulates in body tissue.
*Flammable.
Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant. Neurotoxin. Used in some
adhesives and art products
hydrogen
peroxide: An oxidizing agent used as an alternative to chlorine
bleach. Quite toxic in high concentrations, but household products usually
contain about 5%. Highly unstable; breaks down quickly into water and
oxygen in the environment
hydramethylnon:
Carcinogenic. Used in some home and garden pesticides
hydrocarbon
solvent: Slight to moderate skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in
furniture polishes and a wide range of other consumer products
hydrochloric
acid: Corrosive. Severe eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritant;
highly toxic if inhaled with unknown systemic effects. Inhalation of
vapors may cause severe irritation of the respiratory system, coughing,
and difficulty breathing. Used in some toilet bowl cleaners and
deodorizers. (also see chlorine and muriatic acid) A strong mineral or
"inorganic" acid. In high concentrations, it is extremely
corrosive. Found in: Toilet bowl cleaners
hypochlorite:
( see chlorine)
hydrogen
chloride: (see chlorine)
hydrogenated
oil: hydrogenation of oil into hard fat (margarine, vegetable
shortening) destroy or deforms the essential fatty acids in the oil. Lack
of essential fatty acids can contribute to neurological disease, heart
disease, arteriosclerosis, skin disease, cataracts, arthritis, high
blood-cholesterol levels, and cancer.
I
inert
ingredients: Any ingredients in a pesticide formulation whose
function is something other than killing the target pest. Include
solvents, carriers, detergents, and propellants. Inert ingredients are not
necessarily chemically or toxicologically inert. In fact, some are more
toxic than the active ingredients in a pesticide formulation. Inert
ingredients are usually considered trade secret. Commonly used inert
ingredients include kerosene, xylene, toluene, benzene, methylene,
chloride, and petroleum distillates.
iodine:
Can cause stinging and burning of the eyes and conjunctivitis.
Skin irritant. Used in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers.
isobutene:
A form of butane with a particular molecular structure, but
similar in toxicology to either butane or propane, Used as a propellant in
aerosol sprays. Highly flammable.
*Flammable.
Neurotoxic at very high concentrations . Used as a propellant in aerosols.
isopropanol:
An alcohol frequently used as a solvent in consumer cleaning
products, rubbing alcohol, felt- tipped pens, inks, etc. More toxic than
ethanol, but much less so than other types of solvents. Highly flammable.
isobutyl
acetate: Flammable. Skin and eye irritant. Used in some
adhesives.
isoparaffinic
hydrocarbon: Moderate eye and skin irritant. Used in a wide range
of household cleaning products, including air fresheners and car waxes.
isopropyl
alcohol: Combustible. Can be a moderate eye irritant. Neurotoxic
at high concentrations. Used in some carpet cleaners and car waxes
J
no
listings
K
kerosene:
Flammable. Slight to moderate eye and skin irritant. May contain
traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some
furniture polishes and car waxes.
L
lead:
A highly toxic metal once used in oil-based paints and printing
inks, and still used in some motor fuels, some pigments, solders, and
gradual hair dyes. Older homes may still contain layers of lead-bearing
paint which pose a toxic hazard if disturbed. The soil outside older homes
also typically contains elevated lead levels, which correlate with lead
levels in house dust inside the home(Roberts,1991). Lead passes through
the blood and accumulates in the bone. It causes loss of learning ability
in children at levels as low as 10 ppm in the blood.(ATSDR,1988). Many
lead compounds cause cancer. Like other metals, not biodegraded in the
environment.
*Carcinogenic.
Neurotoxic. Reproductive effects. Used in some artist's oil paints
light
petroleum distillates: Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Can
cause rashes of the skin. Neurotoxic. Repeated exposure has caused kidney
disorders and damage in experimental animals. Used in some spot removers.
limonene
fraction terpenes: Eye .skin and respiratory irritant. Used in
some spot removers.
linear
alkyl benzene sulfonate: One of the most widely-used surfactants
in the detergent industry. It was the first modern
"biodegradable" detergent, invented after early detergents were
found to be contaminating rivers across the country. It is considered by
most measures to be reasonably quick to break down in aerobic conditions
(Swisher, 1987), but is highly toxic to fish before breakdown.
linear
alkyl benzene sulfonates: (see alkyl benzene
sulfonates)
linear
alkyl sulfonates: (see alkyl benzene
sulfonates)
M
malathion:
A commonly used insecticide, Considered highly toxic, likely to leach into
groundwater, and harmful to aquatic life in very low concentrations. One
of its possible breakdown products is far more toxic than malathion itself
(HSDB,1992; RTECS,1992).
medium
aliphatic hydrocarbons: Suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity.
Used in some car waxes.
medium
aliphatic solvent naphtha: Eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic.
Used in some auto products.
mercury:
The only liquid metal, mercury has many applications in the
electrical industry. In the home it was once common in thermometers and
still is used in thermostats. Because of its toxicity, mercury has been
removed from many products, including latex paints, in which it was once
used as a mildicide, and alkaline batteries, Mercury is still likely to be
found in old, spent batteries or those made in Asia.
metaldehyde:
A common active ingredient in slug and snail bait. Moderately
toxic and not very persistent, it poses a major hazard to pets, who are
attracted to it and may think it is food
methanol
(methol alcohol): The simplest alcohol , sometimes called wood
alcohol. Toxic effects similar to ethanol, except for its unique ability
to cause blindness as a side effect, a property which makes its presence
in many paint removers a major hazard. Like other alcohols, methanol is
highly flammable
*Severe
eye and skin irritant. Can cause permanent blindness. Neurotoxic. Used in
some paint removers and strippers and art products.
methoxychlor:
Eye and skin irritant. Sensitizer. Limited evidence of carcinogenicity.
Reproductive toxin. Weak estrogen-like effects. Used in some pet
flea-control products.
methyl
ethyl ketone: Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Neurotoxic.
Reproductive toxin. Use in some thinners and adhesives.
methylene
chloride (dichloromethane): A chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent
commonly use in paint removers and many types of aerosol sprays, including
paints, adhesives, lubricants, and pesticides. Causes cancer in animals.
In the human body, it is metabolized to carbon monoxide, reducing the
blood's ability to carry oxygen. It has caused spontaneous heart attacks
in persons with cardiovascular conditions. Currently CPSC requires special
hazard labeling on consumer products containing methylene chloride, and it
is likely that the material may soon be banned from consumer products. EPA
considers methylene chloride a priority water pollutant
*Severe
skin and moderate eye irritant. Can cause irregular heartbeat, even heart
attack, when inhaled. Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some thinners and
spray paints.
mineral
acids: (see hydrochloric
acid)
mineral
seal oil: Eye and skin irritant. Can cause dermatitis. Used in
some furniture polishes.
mineral
spirits: Severe eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some
floor cleaners, waxes, polishes, and many paints and related products.
monethanolamine:
Moderate skin, and severe eye irritant. Used some paint removers
and strippers.
morpholine:
Moderate to severe eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritant.
Reacts with nitrates( added as undisclosed preservatives to some products
or their raw materials or present as contaminants) to form carcinogenic
nitrosamines. Can cause kidney damage. Used in some furniture polishes and
car waxes
N
naled:
Eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Transforming product includes
dichlorvos, which is carcinogenic and a reproductive toxin. Used in some
pet flea-control products.
naphtha:
Another name for petroleum distillates (see below)
naphthalene:
Essentially two benzene rings linked together, naphthalene is a
solid material derived from coal tar. It is one of two chemicals commonly
used to make mothballs. It is highly toxic and in some individuals,
particularly those of dark skinned races, can produce a catastrophic
breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in anemia or acute kidney failure.
Listed as a priority water pollutant by EPA, it bioconcentrates in aquatic
organisms.
*Combustible.
Eye and skin irritant. Can cause corneal damage and cataracts. Neurotoxic.
Reproductive toxin: transported across the placenta and can cause blood
damage. Used in some moth repellants and car waxes.
neurotoxin:
an agent causing an adverse in the structure or function of the
nervous system; the effect may produce either structural change in the
nervous system, such as gross cell loss, or function changes that may be
related to subtle changes in nerve cell communication.
n-octyl
bicycloheptene dicarboximide: Eye and respiratory tractirritant.
Used in some household and garden pesticides,as well as pet flea-control
products.
nonionic
surfactant: Eye irritant. Used in some toilet bowl cleaners and
deodorizers
nonoxynol
4: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some laundry soil and stain
removers.
nonylphenol
ethoxylate: A type of surfactant used in some cleaning products.
It has a poor reputation for biodegradability (Swisher, 1987), however,
and many manufacturers have abandoned it in favor of other surfactants.
The intermediate breakdown product nonylphenol is more toxic to fish than
the original substance (Naylor, 1992).
*Mild
eye irritant. Used in some air freshners.
nonylphenol
polyethylene oxide: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant.
Use in some spot removers.
nonylphenol
resin: Skin and eye irritant. May cause skin sensitization. Used
in some adhesives.
O
oil
of orange: Skin irritant. Carcinogenic. Used in some all-purpose
cleaners, furniture polishes, and spot removers
oleic
diethanol amide: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some car waxes
ortho
phenylphenal: Severe eye and skin irritant. IARC says the
evidence is inadequate to assess its carcinogenicity. EPA says it is
probably carcinogenic to humans. (As is our general policy, we have used
the higher ranking). Used in some air fresheners and disinfectants
oxalic
acid dihydrate: Moderate eye and skin irritant. Can be
allergenic. Used in some cleansers.
P
parabens
(methyl, propyl): Allergenic. Used as preservatives in some
household products
permethrin:
Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face,
eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like
symptoms. Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some household and garden
pesticides, and pet flea-control products.
paradichlorobenzene
(1,4-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, PDCP): One
of two chemicals used to make mothballs and toilet bowl deodorizer
tablets. Less acutely toxic than naphthalene, but PDCB causes cancer in
laboratory animals (NTP,1991). Like many other chlorinated hydrocarbons,
it is considered a priority water pollutant by EPA. It bioconcentrates in
fatty tissues and may bioaccumulate
pentachlorophenol
(penta): A chlorinated ring hydrocarbon used widely as a
wood preservative. Now banned from use as a consumer product, it is a
suspect human carcinogen based on its ability to cause cancer in test
animals (RTECS, 1992). It bioconcentrates in body tissue.
petroleum
distillates (petroleum naphtha): A generic term describing
mixtures of hydrocarbons derived by distilling crude oil. As an ingredient
in household products it generally includes liquids with a varying range
of volatility. Highly volatile mixtures are found in cleaning fluids, and
less volatile mixtures are found in lighter fluids, furniture polishes and
lubricating oils. Inhalation hazards vary with volatility, but all
petroleum distillates share the ability to cause potentially fatal
chemical pneumonia if aspirated into the lungs as a result of accidental
ingestion (Gosselin, 1984).Flammable
*Fire
hazard. Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Can cause conjunctivitis and
dermatitis. May contain traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Mild to
significant neurotoxic effects leading to organic brain damage, depending
on concentration and duration of exposure. Used in a wide range of
products, including heavy-duty cleaners, laundry stain removers, home and
garden pesticides, pet flea-control products, and car waxes.
petroleum
hydrocarbons: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. May contain
traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some
furniture polishes.
petroleum
process oil: Eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant. May
contain traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some
furniture polishes.
petroleum
solvents: Severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. May contain
traces of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Significant neurotoxic effects.
Used in some floor cleaners, waxes, and polishes
petroleum
spirits: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. May contain traces
of benzene, which is carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some spot removers.
phenol:
A highly toxic, corrosive chemical which is quite hazardous by
all routes of exposure (James 1985). Formerly called carbolic acid, it is
a potent disinfectant, which has been used for centuries but is
increasingly being abandoned in favor of safer chemicals. It is frequently
found in medications such as sore throat lozenges and gargles. Considered
a priority water pollutant by EPA
phenothrin
(sumithrin): Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of
face, eyelids, lips, mouth and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like
symptoms. Neurotoxic. Used in some pet flea-control products.
phosphates:
A group of compounds containing phosphorous and oxygen, which are
used to enhance the effectiveness of detergents. Also a component of
fertilizers, phosphates are essential plant nutrients. Phosphates residues
from detergents cause excessive growth of algae and freshwater lakes and
streams. As a result, many states and regions have banned phosphates from
laundry detergents. They are still commonly used in dishwasher detergents
because they are more difficult to replace in that application.
phosphoric
acid: Corrosive. Severe eye, skin, respiratory irritant.
Breathing vapors can make lungs ache. Used in some bathroom cleaning
products, especially those that remove lime and mildew, metal polishes
pine
oil: An oil extracted from pine trees as part of the
manufacturing of paper. Used as a solvent and disinfectant in household
cleaners, particularly pine cleaners, which contain as much as 40% pine
oil. Not highly toxic, but many people have allergic reactions to pine oil
*Weak
allergen. Very large doses cause central nervous system depression. Used
in a wide range of household cleaning products.
piperonyl
butoxide: A chemical synergist usually combined with pyrethrins
to increase their effective toxicity. Believed to interfere with the
body's ability to detoxify pyrethrins. Toxicity not well studied.
•
Acrylonitrile (lucite/plexiglass): suspected
carcinogen. Also can cause breathing difficulties, vomitting, diarrhea,
nausea, weakness, headache, and fatigue.
•
Epoxy resins: suspected human carcinogens.
•
Latex: one of the less toxic plastics. Though usually
it is considered relatively safe, clinical observation by medical
doctors has shown that latex can cause adverse reactions in those who
are sensitive to petro-chemical derivitives.
•
Nylon: usually considered relatively safe, but clinical
observation by medical doctors has show that nylon can cause adverse
reactions in those who are sensitive to petrochemicals. Both benzene and
phenol are used to make nylon.
•
Phenol-formaldehyde resin ("Bakelie"):
releases minute amounts of formaldehyde when new.
•
Polyester: can cause eye and respitory-tract irritation
and accute dermititis.
•
Polyethylene: suspected human carcinogen.
•
Polyurethane: can cause bronchitis, coughing, and skin and eye
problems; also releases toluene diisocyanate, which can produce severe
pulmonary effects and sensitization.
•
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): releases vinyl chloride,
especially when the product is new. Vinyl chloride is carcinogenic,
mutagenic, and teratogenic, and can cause mucous-membrane dryness,
numbness in the fingers, stomach pains, hepititis, indigestion, chronic
bronchitis, ulcers, raynaud's disease, and allergic skin reactions.
•
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP):carcinogenic and also can
cause thesaurosis, a lung disease affecting some users of hairspray,
causing enlarged lymph nodes, lung masses, and changes in blood cells.
The disease is reversible if hair spray is avoided.
•
Tetrafluoroethylene (teflon): can be irritationg to
eyes, nose and throat, and can cause breathing difficulty; produces
gases when burned, and also may produce these gases to a lesser degree
when heated.
polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB): Cause dermatitis. Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic.
Teratogenic. Used in some artist's oil paints
poly
(methyl methacrylate): Skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.
Limited evidence of carcinogenicity. Used in some adhesives.
polyoxyethylene
oleyl ether: Moderate eye and skin irritant. Used in some air
fresheners.
polystyrene
resin solution: Flammable. Eye and skin irritant. Used in some
adhesives.
propane:
A flammable gas similar to butane used as a propellant in some
aerosol spray products.
*Flammable.
Neurotoxic at high concentrations. An aerosol spray propellant used in a
wide range of consumer products.
propoxur:
Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some home and garden
pesticides.
propylene
glycol methyl ether: Mild to moderate eye, skin, and respiratory
irritant. Used in some carpet and car cleaning products.
propylene
oxide: Flammable. Skin and eye irritant. Carcinogenic.Neurotoxic.
Used in some adhesives.
proteinase:
Allergenic. Used in some laundry soil and stain removers.
proteolytic
enzymes: Mild eye irritant. May cause sensitization with symptoms
ranging from mild hay fever and asthma to dermatitis Used in some laundry
soil and stain removers
pyrethrin:
One of the family of individual chemicals present in pyrethrin
which give it insecticidal properties. Increasingly the term is also used
in reference to synthetically manufactured chemicals which are similar to
natural pyrethrins. Some of these synthetic pyrethrins are actually much
more toxic and persistent than natural pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are commonly
used in aerosol sprays for controlling fleas, ants, flies, bees, and other
common household insects.
*Allergenic.
Neurotoxic. Used in some household and garden pesticides. As well as pet
flea-control products.
pyrethrum: A extract from a type of chrysanthemum flower
which exhibits strong insecticidal properties due to the presence of a
series of chemicals called pyrethrins. The raw extract is only slightly
toxic to humans, but concentrated pyrethrum powder is moderately toxic.
Degrades to harmless substances in the presence of sunlight within about
24 hours or less.
Q
quaternary
ammonium compound: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some
all-purpose cleaners and laundry fabric softeners.
quaternary
ammonium chloride: Cationic (positively charged) surfactants used
as disinfectants and fabric softeners. Highly toxic in concentrated
solutions, their toxicity decreases with dilution.
quaternary
dicco: Slight fire hazard. Moderate to severe
eye and skin irritant, in some cases it might cause skin burns and corneal
damage to the eye. Used in some car interior and exterior cleaners and
protectants.
quarternium
15: Eye and skin irritant. Allergen. Can release formaldehyde.
Used in some hand and automatic dishwashing products.
R
resmethrin:
Can cause sudden swelling of face, eyelids, lips, mouth and
throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like symptoms. Neurotoxic. Used in
some pet flea-control products
rotenone:
Skin irritant. Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Tetrogenic. Used in some
pet flea-control products
S
silica:
Naturally occurring crystals of silicon compounds. Toxicology
inert except when inhaled. Some types of silica produce silicosis, a
scarring of the lungs similar to that produced by asbestos. Crystalline
silica can also cause lung cancer (NTP,1991). Many forms of silica are
used in consumer products, not all of which are equally dangerous. Often
used as abrasives in scouring powders, polishes, etc.
silicon
dioxide: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some auto products.
silicone
emulsion: Slight fire risk. Used in some interior and exterior
car cleaners and protectants.
sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda): A slightly toxic, slightly alkaline
salt used as a leavening agent in baked goods, but also in many cleaning
products. Considered an excellent, environmentally safe abrasive cleaner.
sodium
bisulfate: Corrosive and damaging to the eyes, skin, and internal
tissues if ingested. Can cause asthma attacks. Used in some toilet bowl
cleaners and deodorizers.
sodium
carbonate (soda ash, washing soda): A moderately toxic and
alkaline salt used in powdered laundry detergents and automatic dishwasher
detergents to boost the performance of the surfactants. Primarily
responsible for the alkalinity of these products. Does not biodegrade, but
not thought to be particularly dangerous to the environment.
sodium
dichloroiscyanurate dihydrate: Corrosive. Severe eye, skin, and
respiratory irritant. Can form chlorine gas that can cause burning and
watering of the eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. Used in
some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers.
sodium
2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetate (2,4-D): Irritant, Sensitizer.
Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Terotogenic. Used as a herbicide in lawn care
products.
sodium
dithionate: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Used in some
spot removers.
sodium
dodecylbenzene sulfonate: Eye and skin irritant. Used in some
laundry soil and stain removers.
sodium
hydroxide (lye): A corrosive alkaline salt used in drain cleaners
and oven cleaners and responsible for their hazardous properties. Not
particularly harmful to the environment if diluted or neutralized with an
acid. Lye is used in the manufacture of soap, but in that process the lye
reacts chemically and loses its hazardous properties.
*corrisive.
Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. When highly concentrated as used in
some drain openers and oven cleaners, it can burn eyes, skin, and internal
organs. Can be fatal if swallowed. Used in a wide range of household
cleaners.
sodium
hypochlorite (bleach): The source of available chlorine in liquid
chlorine bleach, which is a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite in water.
Also found in mildew removers, disinfecting cleaners, and toilet bowl
cleaners. Its bleaching action arises from its ability to oxidize
(chemically remove) stains. Household bleach is not systemically toxic or
corrosive, but is a strong skin, eye, and respiratory irritant. Ingestion
has proved serious or fatal in a few cases, but is not usually so. Sodium
hypochlorite is chemically reactive, forming hazardous vapors if mixed
with any products containing ammonia or with any acids. Although most of
the hypochlorite breaks down into harmless compounds, a few percent of the
material combines with chemicals in soil and wastewater to form
chlorinated compounds such as chloroform and carbon tetrachloride that are
toxic or persistent.
*Corrosive.
Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Sensitizer. Can be fatal if
swallowed. Especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma.
Used in a wide range of household cleaners.
sodium
lauryl sulfate: A common surfactant in household cleaners and
personal care products. It is readily biodegradable but, like other
surfactants, is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic to fish.
sodium
metasilicate: A highly alkaline salt used in some powdered
laundry and dishwashing detergents to boost cleaning power. Moderately
toxic and a skin/eye irritant, it is considered an environmental problem.
*Corrosive.
Severe Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Inhalation of dust can cause
throat and lung damage. Used in some driveway and garage floor cleaners.
sodium
ortho-phenylphenol: Eye and skin. Carcinogenic. Used in some
bathroom cleaners.
sodium
silicate: Can be corrosive .Can cause burns to the eyes and
tissue damage to the skin, as well as cause burns to the mouth, throat,
and stomach if swallowed. Used in some automatic dishwashing detergents
and car interior and exterior cleaners and protectants.
sodium
sulfate: Corrosive. Severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant.
Can cause asthma attacks. Used in some toilet bowl cleaners and
deodorizers.
solvent:
A solvent is any material which is used to dissolve another.
Although water is most common solvent, generally when the term solvent is
used to describe an ingredient, it refers to so-called "organic
solvents" such as petroleum distillates, alcohols or chlorinated
hydrocarbons. Organic solvents are usually quite hazardous.
*solvents
(uncharacterized): Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in
some paint removers and strippers.
solvent
orange 3 dye/solvent red 49 dye: Carcinogenic. Used in some shoe
polishes
starch:
Allergenic. Used in some laundry starches
stoddard
solvent: Slight fire hazard. Eye and mucous and membrane
irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some auto, floor wax, and shoe products
sulfur:
Poses minimal risk for eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, as
well as nausea and allergic sensitization. Frequently used in least-toxic
pesticides, especially for organic gardening, sulfur products are some of
the safest chemicals available for use ¾ for both people and the
environment
surfactant
(note: not "surfacant): The primary ingredient in most
cleaners. Surfactants improve the penetrating power of water, create suds,
and dissolve grease. The name is a conjunction of the terms surface active
ingredient, which describe its function. Most surfactants are skin and eye
irritants, and most are quite toxic to aquatic animals, hence the
importance of their biodegradability. Surfactants are classified as
anionic, nonionic, or cationic on the basis of their electrical charge.
*surfactants
(uncharacterized): Eye irritant. Used in a wide range of household
cleaning products.
T
talc:
Carcinogenic when inhaled. Used in some home and garden
pesticides.
teratoxins:
agents that may cause birth defects. (eg: alcohol)
tetrachloroethylene
(perchloroethylene): Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.
Carcinogenic. Neurotoxic. Used in some spot removers
tetrachlorvinphos:
Eye and skin irritant. Carcinogenic. Used in some pet
flea-control products.
tetrahydrofuran:
Irritant to eyes and mucous membranes. Neurotoxic. Can cause
injury to liver and kidneys. Used in some adhesive products.
tetramethrin:
Eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face,
eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like
symptoms. Neurotoxic. Used in some pet flea-control products.
tetrasodium
EDTA: Eye irritant.Used in some bathroom cleaners.
titanium
dioxide: Limited evidence of carcinogencity Hazardous, not as a
liquid, but as a dust (as when paint containing titanium dioxide is being
sanded or scraped). Used in some paints and shoe polishes
toluene
(note: not "tolulene"): An aromatic ring solvent,
similar in structure to benzene, though not a carcinogen. Stronger central
nervous system depressant than benzene. Commonly used in adhesives, paint
removers, paints, marker pens. Highly flammable.
*Eye
and skin irritant. Can cause cardiac sensitization. Neurotoxic.
Reproductive effects. Used in some spot removers and art products.
trichloroethane
(TCA): Usually refers to 1,1,1-trichloroethane, sometimes called
methyl chloroform. Once a common ingredient in aerosol sprays, adhesives,
spot removers, electrical parts cleaners, and automotive products, TCA has
been phased out under the Montreal Accord, an international agreement on
protecting the ozone layer. Acute toxicity is only moderate, but chronic
exposure can cause birth defects. A serious and frequent groundwater
pollutant and an ozone depleting chemical.
Moderate
skin and severe eye irritant Can cause cardiac sensitization. Neurotoxic.
Reproductive effects. Used in some spot removers and art products.
tri
(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol: Eye and skin irritant. May cause
skin sensitization. Used in some adhesives.
triethanolamine
(TEA): Eye and skin irritant. Can react with nitrates (added as
undisclosed preservatives to some products or their raw materials or
present as contamimants) to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Nitrosamines
have been shown to readily penetrate the skin. Used in some liquid
all-purpose cleaning cleaning products,metal polishes, spot removers, and
other household cleaning products.
tripropylene
glycol monomethyl ether: Prolonged and repeated skin exposure to
large doses can result narcosis and kidney injury. Used in some floor
cleaners and waxes, and polishes.
trisodium
nitrilotriacetate: Carcinogenic. Used in some bathroom cleaning
products.
turpentine:
A solvent distilled from the gum of pine trees and used as a
paint thinner. Highly volatile, flammable, and quite toxic by all routes
of exposure. Accidental ingestion can cause aspiration into the lungs and
subsequent chemical pneumonia. Products with more than 10 % turpentine
require special labeling by CPSC
*Flammable.
Eye irritant. Can cause allergenic sensitization. Neurotoxic. Can cause
serious irritation of the kidneys. Used in some furniture polishes, auto,
art, and shoe products.
U
urea:
Skin irritant. Allergen. Used in some laundry soil and stain
removers.
V
vinegar
& lemon juice: Are acid and they neutralize alkaline ,or
caustic ,substances.
vm&p
naphtha: Eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some
furniture polishes.
W
washing
soda: A chemical neighbor of baking soda, washing soda (sodium
carbonate) is much more strongly alkaline, with a ph around 11, and is a
heavy duty cleaner. It is mined much like baking soda, but processed
differently. Because is quite Caustic, it cannot be called non-toxic, and
you should wear rubber gloves when using it. It releases no harmful fumes
and is far safer than a commercial solvent formula. Washing soda cuts
grease, cleans petroleum oils and dirt, removes wax or lipstick, and
softens water. Can cause eye burns with potential injury on prolonged
contact. Used in some laundry detergents.
white
mineral oil: Eye and skin irritant. Neurotoxic. Used in some
furniture polishes.
X
xylene:
A solvent closely related to toluene, but more toxic. Used in
paints, glues, marker pens, degreasers, pesticides, and many other
products. Highly flammable.
*Severe
eye and moderate skin irritant. Significant neurotoxic effects.
Reproductive effects. Used in some spot removers, car cleaners, paints,
and other consumer products.
Y
no
listings
Z
zinc
naphthenate: Similar to copper naphthenate, a wood preservative.
Relatively low toxicity, but zinc may have adverse effects on aquatic
life. Usually formulated with petroleum distillates, which are probably
responsible for major toxicity of products to humans.
Bibliography:
Safe
Shoppers Bible -
Master
Home Environmentalist - training manual (partial)
Clean
and Green - Annie Berthold-bond
Home
Safe Home - Debra Lynn Dadd
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