Do you wonder what is in that detergent or cleaning product?  How green is it really? What do I do if it gets on my skin?

We have often cited Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS in our analysis of cleaning and construction products. What are they?

What is a MSDS

They are documents used to describe a products ingredients, what they are, are they hazardous, how to store them, toxicity, health affects, what should be done if there is an accident, regulatory issues, etc. Vendors have to undertake manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal of hazardous materials and chemicals to complete these documents.  There are even MSDS docs for things like Mustard gas, VX Nerve gas!

OSHA and the EPA set up regulations that require MSDS documents on certain products.

Where can I find MSDS documents

Often vendors have links to MSDS documents on their website or require you to email them asking for them.  This site has links to many MSDS docs.  NIH has a database of Household Products.

When checking out the greeness of a product, be sure to look for its MSDS document and READ it.

Additional carcinogenic chemicals identified

Formaldehyde, Aristolochic Acids, styrene,Captafol, cobalt tungsten carbide, inhalable gas wool fibers, O-Nitrotoluene, and Riddelliine was added to the National Toxicology Program’s carcinogenic list in 2011. It takes them a while to identify and add items to the list.

Formaldehyde is found in many composite wood products such as desks, bookcases, kitchen cabinets. Be sure to check our article on volatile organic compounds or VOCs.

Some herbal remedies contain Aristolochic Acids, so check your homeopathic medicines.

Some herbal teas contain Riddelliine.

Why are so few chemicals tested For Safety?

A recent article titled: Why Are So Few Chemicals Tested? reminded us about how scary the chemical world is.

Many everyday products contain chemicals that have never been tested for safety. The clothing detergent that you used and the dishwasher soap that you cleaned with probably hasn’t been tested at all.  The Toxic  Substances Control Act (TSCA) passed in 1976. The number of chemicals used in commercial products rose from 60,000 to 80,000 during this period. The EPA has tested only 200 of these chemicals and banned only five.

Under this act, chemicals are given the benefit of doubt. They are presumed safe unless proven unsafe. New laws are being proposed that would allow the EPA to regulate of new and existing chemicals and to take faster action. You sure do express your support for these measures with your local representatives.

A recent CNN program – Toxic America by Dr. Sanjay Gupta reiterates elements of a safe and clean home.

We need to look to Europe for leading edge guidance.  The European Chemicals Agency is considering restrictions or bans on these substances of very high concern. These are chemicals that are carcinogenic mutagenic, toxic for reproduction; persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; very persistent and very bioaccumulative. Scientific evidence showing probable human health effects from these chemicals should raise our concern level. Industry needs be more proactive in insuring all chemicals have fully tested for safety on humans.

Chemical – And Their Uses

Benzl butyl phthalate (BBzP) -Plasticizer, Vinyl tiles, food conveyor belts, artificial leather, traffic cones, plastic foam

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPH) – Plasticizer, Toys, medical devices, furniture, pool liners, lightsticks

Cobalt dichloride – Humidity indicator, Metal-plated objects

Dibutyl phthalate -Food Containers, nail polish

Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) – Paints, printing inks, adhesives

Hexabromocyclododecane – Flame Retardants

Lead chromate – Paints

Potassium chromate – Leather, textiles, enamels, pigments

EPA Green Chemistry Awards

The EPA gives out Green Chemistry Awards to the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle, including the design, manufacture, and use of a chemical product.

When you are looking for green products, be sure to check out past Green Chemistry award winners.

A 2003 winner was the Environmentally Friendly Biofungicide Serenade from AgraQuest. It stops fruit and vegetable, rose, vines, and flower diseases. It is Bacillus subtilis strain (QST713) based and compatible with IPM programs.

Be sure to read those ingredient lists and MSDS documents.

Spring is rapidly approaching, it is time to clean up your place. EWG Has a nice list of tips to help you clean your house the green more eco-friendly way.

• Check the exterior of your home and repair any cracked or flaking paint
• Check and clean gutters again
• It is time to work on your garden and rejuvenate your lawn
• Check and clean chimney if necessary
• The heater will get a rest, so it’s time to check your air conditioner and its filters
• Check your roof and patch or replace any damaged areas

Some other useful tips include:

Using cleaners that do not have any of these chemicals: 2-butoxyethanol, Alkylphenol ethoxylates, Dye, Ethanolamines, fragrance, pine or citrus oil, Quaternary ammonium compounds.

Learn how to check on the products and ingredients by reading MSDS documents.

Baking soda and water works well as a substitute for acidic toilet-bowl cleaner and oven cleaners.

These tips are also incorporated in their healthy home checklist.

Recycle old unused electronics and computers responsibly and perhaps get some money back.

Donate or give away unneeded items.

Costco has new Kirkland Signature Environmentally Friendly – Eco Friendly cleaner made from environmentally friendly ingredients that are biodegradable and biorenewable. Plant based formula, made from bio-renewable resources.  No Phosphates or dyes, cruelty free, natural fragrance.  Costco Connection has an article on this product in Costco Magazine page 55.

Kirkland Signature Environmentally Friendly fabric softener is also available. It uses biodegradable softening agents.

Costco Kirkland Signature Eco Friendly Cleaner Ingredients

Costco lists all active agreements. Coconut and palm oils ingredients as well as natural plant oils are used.  MSDS documents are tough to get. Calling Costco at 800-774-2678 lead to a recommendation to call their supplier for these products, Huish detergents – Sun Products, at 800-776-6702.  You can call them and ask for the MSDS documents.

Costco follows the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) requirement of cleaning agent degrading. Biodegrades 70% in 28 days after functioning.

Costco has stated that “Palm and coconut products are purchased only from certified-sustainable plantations where deforestation and irreversible damage to the ecosystem are forbidden.”

Per the MSDS documents, the Multi Purpose Cleaner has Cocamide DEA (From coconut oil, toxicity) and d-limonene (major component of the oil extracted from citrus rind). They do not indicate how much is present.

The Liquid Dish Detergent has Ethanol. (On the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders)

Liquid Laundry Detergent did not list items on its MSDS.

Digging into a product takes a while but can produce some interesting results.  At least Costco is moving in the right direction.  Using these products rather than old fashion ‘regular’ cleaners is a step in the right direction.

Alternative Eco Friendly, Green Cleaning products

An easier route we take is buying Planet, Seventh Generation, or Method product from a local grocery store or Amazon.  Free shipping and low prices make it easy. These vendors clearly declare ingredients used in their products. No need to lug the heavy items too!

Arm & Hammer has released a new line of Essentials cleaners that use plant based cleaning formulas, come with refillable spray bottles, and has ingredients that are biodegradable.  Plant-based cleaner derived from Coconuts and Palm Kernel Oil and contains other biodegradable eco-sensible cleaners. It contains no harsh ammonia or phosphates. The products contain no ammonia or phosphates, and contains between 20 to 38 percent less chemicals than traditional cleaners in pre-filled 32oz bottles. They use twist on concentrated cleaning cartridges and water you supply, saving on shipping costs.  You can register on their web site for coupons.  The cleaners cost about $4.

MSDS documents for these cleaners are on their Commercial & Professional Products website.  Some interesting facts in the documents for the All Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser:

1) Chemical ingredients are listed at 100% Proprietary, so who know what is in it

2) TOXICITY: This product is expected to be moderately toxic to aquatic animals.

3) BIOACCUMULATION: This product is moderately expected to bioaccumulate.

4) HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Toxic gas and oxides of sodium and sulfur.

While I like the concept of this product, I worry about the composition of the cleaner.  Their competition is a lot more transparent about ingredients. I think I’ll stick with them.

Be sure to check out our posting on Clorox Green Works Household Cleaner, Method, Seventh Generation.