NTA can be found in laundry detergents, stain removers and soap scum removers. Prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory irritation. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. NTA also causes irritation of skin and eyes. Major US detergent manufacturers voluntarily agreed in 1970 to discontinue the use and manufacture of trisodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA). NTA is listed as a possible human carcinogen (IARC 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It can disrupt the elimination of metals in wastewater treatment facilities.
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Jan 202011
A toxin is a poison. Within the scientific community, it is the term used specifically to refer to poisonous substances that are produced by living organisms (animals, plants or bacteria). Botulism, for example, is a bacterial toxin. People commonly use the term, however, as a catchall for all poisonous substances, both naturally occurring and man-made.
Jan 202011
Toluene is added to gasoline, is used to produce benzene and is also used as a solvent. The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target for toluene toxicity in humans. Short term effects may include fatigue, headaches, nausea, weakness and confusion. Long-term effects may include more pronounced nervous disorders such as spasms, tremors, impairment of speech, hearing, vision, memory, coordination; liver and kidney damage. Toluene is listed by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a reproductive toxin that may cause harm to the developing fetus.
Jan 202011
Jan 202011
Jan 202011
Sustainability is the ability to use a resource without depleting or permanently damaging it. A broader, commonly accepted definition, as set out by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Ideally, a truly “sustainable” product would be durable, reparable, energy efficient, made with recycled materials and eventually recyclable. Also, the manufacture, use, disposal and packaging would have minimal impact on the environment.
Jan 202011
This acid is often found in drain cleaners and other cleaning products. It is highly corrosive and can cause severe irritation and permanent damage to the skin, eyes and lungs. It may be fatal if swallowed. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded there is sufficient evidence that occupational exposure to strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid, is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
Jan 202011
These substances are often found in many personal care products such as soaps, shampoo and toothpaste. Surfactants lower water surface tension, enabling cleaning chemicals to spread and penetrate more easily. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is derived from the non-renewable petroleum byproducts benzene (which the EPA has classified as a human carcinogen) and paraffin. It is often used in laundry powders and liquids. LAS, often listed in ingredients as “anionic surfactant,” causes contact dermatitis, respiratory irritation and, if ingested, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is also corrosive to the eyes. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common sudsing agent, can penetrate the skin and cause contact dermatitis. SLS and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, which may also be present in vegetable-derived alcohol ethoxylate surfactants. Even though we recommend avoiding SLS and SLES in personal care products, finding a cleaner without it can be difficult.
Jan 202011
