Some of the nasties in common cleaning products mean they are potentially quite harmful for you and the environment. These ingredients can include (but are NOT in EcoConcepts products):
Multi-purpose cleaners
Butoxyethanol
A neurotoxin that can cause liver and kidney damage, and is a known membrane irritant.
D-Limonene
Acutely toxic to skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
Ethylene Glycol
A toxicant to the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, nervous system, reproductive system, respiratory system and to skin and sense organs. Absorbed through the skin.
Glass cleaners
Ammonia
Especially common because it helps achieve a streak-free finish, it is both caustic and hazardous and can cause lethal fumes. It can be irritating to the eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts, and is highly toxic to aquatic animals.
Glycol ethers
A powerful grease-cutting class of chemicals that can cause anemia, irritation of eyes and nose, and intoxication. Penetrates skin and enters the bloodstream, even through rubber and plastic gloves. They are associated with birth defects, damage to sperm and testicles, and liver cancer in laboratory animals.
Benzisothiazolinone
A preservative that may irritate skin and eyes, acts as a dermal sensitizer, and is linked to cancer.
Methanol
Workers repeatedly exposed to methanol may experience adverse effects ranging from headaches to sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems to optic nerve damage.
Isopropanol
An irritant to eyes, nose and throat, may cause drowsiness, dizziness and headache. Highly toxic to aquatic animals.
Bathroom cleaners
Chlorine
A common culprit in household poisonings. It is acutely toxic to skin, eyes and the respiratory system. It is associated with reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.
Ammonia
Especially common because it results in a relatively streak-free shine, it is both caustic and hazardous and can cause lethal fumes. It can be irritating to the eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts, and is highly toxic to aquatic animals.
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
Very corrosive. Very low levels can produce irritation of the skin and eyes, while exposure to the solid or concentrated liquid can cause severe burns in the eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract which may ultimately lead to death.
D-petroleum distillates
Mixtures of petroleum derivatives distilled from crude petroleum. Can cause anesthetic effects, respiratory tract irritation, and dermatitis, and has been associated with neurobehavioural dysfunction.
Sodium peroxide
Corrosive and causes severe burns to every area of contact.
Carpet cleaners
Glycol ethers
A powerful grease-cutting class of chemicals that can cause anemia, irritation of eyes and nose, and intoxication. Penetrates skin and enters the bloodstream, even through rubber and plastic gloves. They are associated with birth defects, damage to sperm and testicles, and liver cancer in laboratory animals.
Hydrogen peroxide
A mutagen and potential carcinogen. Exposure to concentrated amounts can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting; contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage; inhalation can irritate the nose and throat.
Phosphates
Are plant nutrients and can have harmful effects when released into waterwarys as may cause algae to over-populate, depleting the water of oxygen and harming aquatic life.
Stain removers
D-Limonene
Found in a large number of stain removers, it is acutely toxic to skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
Most stain removers are marketed as just glue and stain removers, and not as versatile as the EcoConcepts Total Stain Remover. Do more, a more safer way!
Air fresheners
Volatile organic compounds
Inhaling volatile organic compounds can cause headaches, asthma, dizziness, weakness, disorientation, numbness of fingers, toes and limbs, nausea, fatigue, and blurry vision.