1 Safer & Cheaper Home Cleaning Products Green and Clean FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1- 4-12 Materials developed under a grant from the Toxics Use Reduction

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Safer & Cheaper Home Cleaning Products

Green and Clean

FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1-4-12

Materials developed under a grant from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, UMASS Lowell.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? Meeting the needs of the present generation of life

(human and non-human) without compromising the ability of future generations of life to meet their own needs.

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SOCIAL

ECONOMICENVIRONMENTAL


WHAT IS GREEN?Products and services that have reduced health and environmental impacts. Some ways a product can be green are:

Less toxicity Biodegradable No/low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) No carcinogens (cause cancer) or hormone

disruptors Will not irritate skin/eyes

3 FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1-4-12

4 Vida Verde Members - 2009

The Vida Verde Story


On average, a janitor uses 48 pounds of hazardous chemicals per year

Has anyone noticed a respiratory problem when they clean?


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Potential problems with household cleaners

HEALTH ENVIRONMENT

Indoor air pollutionPoisonous if ingestedCorrosive (burns)Toxic

cancerreproductive harmdisrupts hormone

systemIrritant (nose, eyes, lungs)

All ingredients are not biodegradable

Some ingredients break down into even MORE toxic substances

Threatens fish, wildlife and humans – in soil, water and air

AND they can be expensive!................FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1-4-12

SOME FACTS In 2000, 10% of all calls to the US Poison Control

Center were from exposure to cleaning products.

Over ½ of those calls were for children less than 6 years old (120,434 calls).

According to the EPA – toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3X more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air pollution

Study of 1,915 cases of work-related asthma: 236 cases (12%) were due to cleaning products;

80% of these were new cases


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HEALTH EFFECTS

IMMEDIATE (ACUTE) • skin irritation• respiratory irritation• watery eyes• chemical burns• asthma attack

LONG-TERM (CHRONIC)

• cancer• hormone disruption• asthma• reproductive problems• liver damage• kidney damage• central nervous system damage


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ACUTE DANGERS (immediate)CORROSIVE PRODUCTS

Severe Burns on eyes, skin and if ingested, throat and esophagus

(oven cleaners, drain cleaners, acidic toilet bowl cleaners)

CHLORINE BLEACH & AMMONIA NEVER mix – they react with each other to produce

toxic gases that damage the lungs

Should NOT be used by people with asthma or heart and lung problems

Fumes are highly irritating to eyes, nose, throat, lungs


AVOID!

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MORE ABOUT CHLORINE BLEACH & AMMONIA…

Ammonia + Chorine Bleach CHLORAMINE GASES

Ammonia + Lye (in some oven cleaners) CHLORAMINE GASES

Chlorine Bleach + Acids Toxic Chlorine Gas (in some common toilet bowl cleaners, vinegar is acidic)

NEVER mix these ingredients together!!!


ACUTE DANGERS (continued)FRAGRANCES

In sensitive individuals, or people with asthma or allergies fragrances can cause:

Respiratory irritation Headaches Sneezing Watery eyes Trigger an asthma attack

1/3 of substances used in fragrances are TOXIC (Phthalates – reproductive harm)

Fragrances are considered “trade secrets” so their ingredients don’t have to be listed- You just see the word “fragrance” on the list of ingredients.

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AVOID!

WARNING LABELSDANGER or POISONMay be fatal on short exposure. Specialized protective equipment required.

WARNINGCorrosive or toxic. Avoid skin contact or inhalation. (ex: drain cleaner)

WARNINGMay be harmful if inhaled or absorbed.

CAUTIONMay be irritating.

No unusual hazard

Most Dangerous

Safest


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LONG-TERM (chronic) EFFECTS1. CANCER

2. HORMONE DISRUPTION Chemicals that interfere with body’s natural chemical

messages (hormones). They either mimic or block hormones. They can cause cancer, birth defects and immune problems. They can lower sperm counts & increase rate of male birth

defects.

3. LIVER DAMAGE

4. KIDNEY DAMAGE

5. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE (brain, nerves)

6. ASTHMA


DO YOU HAVE TO BE A CHEMIST TO CLEAN YOUR

HOUSE SAFELY?

NONYLPHENOL ETHOXYLATES



CHEMICAL FOUND IN DANGERS

ALKYLPHENOL ETHOXYLATES(Many different names such as: nonylphenol ethoxylate, octylphenol ethoxylate, Nonoxynol-9)

-All-purpose cleaners-Stain Removers-Laundry detergent-Carpet cleaners

- Endocrine disruptors; mimic estrogen; estrogen-sensitive breast cancer

-Environmental toxin- Does not biodegrade easily- Altered reproduction and

feminization in fish- Can be contaminated with a

carcinogen (1,4 dioxane)

PHTHALATES -Fragrances (many products; trade-secret)

-Endocrine disruptor- Reproductive defects in baby boys-Causes asthma

BUTYL CELLUSOLVE (Many names such as:butyl glycol, Dowanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE),2- butoxyethanol)

-Glass cleaners (ex: ClearVue)-Oven cleaners-Degreasers-Carpet cleaners-Stain- removers

-Reproductive problems-Fertility reduction-Embryonic death -Birth defects- Serious kidney and liver problems-Neurotoxin-Suspected carcinogen



AMMONIUM QUATERNARY COMPOUNDS (ex: dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride)

-Lysol disinfectant- 409-Toilet cleaners-Disinfectant sprays

-Occupational asthma-Some have been linked to decreased fertility and birth defects in mice

ETHANOLAMINES(mono-, di-, and tri-,)

Monoethanolamine (MEA):-Windex Original-Spic and Span Heavy Duty Degreaser-Spic and Span 10X Concentrate Disinfecting All Purpose SprayDiethanolamine:-Softsoap Antibacterial Hand SoapTriethanolamine:-Clorox Floral Fresh 2 Liquid -Orange Energy Pine Sol All Purpose Cleaner-Lysol Brand II Disinfectant Spray Aerosol, Green Apple Scent

MONO-: hormone disruption; asthmagen; can form carcinogens

DI-: suspected carcinogen, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, kidney, neurological, skin and sense organ and respiratory toxicant

TRI-: suspected immune system, respiratory, skin and sense organ toxicant; asthmagen



GLYCOL ETHERS

- Preservatives- All purpose cleaners

(including Simple Green)- Bathroom cleaners- Degreasers - Floor cleaners

-Reduced fertility-Low birth weight- Developmental toxin- Reproductive toxin

TRICLOSAN (ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTIFUNGAL)(also called Microban ® and Biofresh ®

-Antibacterial Hand Soaps such as: - Ultra Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and Antibacterial Hand Soap, - Palmolive Ultra Antibacterial Hand Soap, - Softsoap Fruit Antibacterial Hand Soap (also in toothpaste, mouthwash, cosmetics, deodorant, kitchenware, children’s toys, clothes, computer equipment)

-Endocrine disruption-Increased risk of breast cancer- Persistent in environment- Breaks down into more

toxic substances that don’t biodegrade

Sweden: In1998, 25% of toothpaste had triclosan- about 2 tons of active ingredient

DISINFECTANT QUIZTrue or False?

1. Disinfecting is another word that means cleaning.

2. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself from illness and infection.

3. You should disinfect more often if you have a baby in the house.

4. There is never a reason to use disinfectants or antibacterial cleaners.

5. All bacteria is harmful, which is why it’s important to disinfect.


WHY IS THIS SO CONFUSING?Complicated ingredient names Ex: nonylphenol ethoxylate, dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride

Lots of different names for the same ingredient

Ex: 2-Butoxyethanol; Butoxyethanol; Butyl cellosolve; Ethanol, 2-butoxy-; Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether; Monobutyl ethylene glycol ether; n-Butoxyethanol

All ingredients aren’t listed on the label



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MYTHS1. If it’s on the shelf, then it’s safe.

• Companies don’t have to disclose the ingredients

• Companies often claim it’s a “trade secret” – especially fragrances

2. If it says “GREEN” or “NATURAL” or “ECO-FRIENDLY then it’s safe & environmentally friendly.


Simple Green products still contain:

Glycol ethers (reduced fertility; low birth

weight)

Ingredient Disclosure on Website

Some ingredients on www.simplegreen.com

Not disclosing:• Ingredients in dyes

• Ingredients in preservatives • Ingredients in fragrances

Ingredient Disclosure on Product Label

No

Makes: Simple Green® and Simple

Green Naturals®

22 FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1-4-12 Women’s Voices for the Earth Website

Shop for products that:

List all ingredients

Biodegradable

Are plant-based not petroleum-based

pH neutral (not a strong acid or base)

Packaged in pump-spray bottles not

aerosol cans

Are third party certified


What to look for……..Specific ecological labels like:

“no solvents”

“plant-based” “no phosphates” “biodegradable in 3 to 5 days”

Not just “natural” or “eco-friendly” or “green”

(ex: Mean Green at Walmart’s is $1.24/qt but no ingredients are listed –

is it really “green” – what’s in it? - where’s the proof?)

Not just greenwashing….“no CFCs”

(CFCs have already been banned internationally)


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LET’S LOOK AT SOME PRODUCT

LABELS


Other Pollution Prevention OpportunitiesChemical Substitutions

Use vinegar to clean windows instead of a glass cleaner containing butoxyethanol

Chemical Use ReductionDilute as much as possible and use only when absolutely necessaryToilet bowl cleaner – use acid-based cleaners only when needed to

remove hard water deposits and stubborn stains. Use a mild product for daily cleaning.

Indirect strategiesFloor mat at entrance Vacuuming

Changing the Cleaning ProcessAdd vinegar and baking soda to oven, spritz with water, go to bed!

Rinse off in morning.


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IS THERE ANOTHER EASIER WAY?

YES!!!!! (and it’s usually cheaper!)

PLUS! You don’t need a degree in chemistry!


THE SOLUTIONS!Clean with safer, simpler ingredients!!!!

Vinegar

Baking soda

Castile soap

Water

Olive Oil

a coarse sponge

SAFER, SIMPLER and CHEAPER!!!!!!


GREEN INGREDIENT WHAT IT DOES

BAKING SODA Cleans, deodorizes, mild abrasive, odor absorber

WHITE VINEGAR

5% acid(NEVER mix with Bleach)

Cuts grease, prevents mold and mildew, deodorizes, dissolves soap scum;

kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses

LIQUID SOAP (Vegetable Oil based, castile or glycerin- says no petroleum)

Removes dirt and grease

OLIVE OIL Shines

ESSENTIAL OIL (OR EXTRACT- less concentrated) Peppermint, lemon, lavender, etc.

Mostly used for deodorizing or scenting cleaners. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant.


DOES VINEGAR REALLY WORK IN REDUCING GERMS?


TURI Lab has shown that when you use

100% (full strength) WHITE VINEGAR,

you can reduce bacterial count from

1 MILLION ONE

within 1 minute!

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Pre-Made Cleaner Prices

All Purpose Cleaner

FROM WALMART:

Lysol All Purpose disinfectant $2/qt “quats”- occupational asthma, developmental toxin

Green Works (DfE) $2.77/qt

Windex Surface Cleaner – Vinegar $2.97/qt

Meyers All Purpose Cleaner $7.98/qt

Glass Cleaner

FROM MARKET BASKET:

ClearVue $2.79/qt butylcellosolve – kidney and liver problems, etc

Green Works $2.99/qt

Windex Original $3.68/qt (patented ingredients)

Oven Cleaner

FROM MARKET BASKET:

Easy Off $4.99/lb • monoethanolamine (hormone disruption, asthma); • diethylene glycol n- butyl ether (developmental and reproductive toxin; • “no CFCs “(Greenwashing- use of CFCs is illegal anyway)



Furniture Polish

FROM MARKET BASKET:

Market Basket brand: $1.99/12.5 oz (aerosol)

Pledge: $3.49/12.5 oz

Drain De-Clogger

FROM MARKET BASKET:

Mister Plumber $1.39/32 oz (corrosive – burns- strong base)

Draino Liquid $2.79/32 oz (corrosive- burns- strong base)

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

FROM MARKET BASKET:

Market Basket brand: $1.79/24 oz (danger, strong acid, burns)

The Works $1.59/32 oz (Danger, strong acid, burns)

COST COMPARISONSGreen Recipe Pre-Made Cleaner

All Purpose Cleaner

$0.29 - $2.15(per Qt)

$2 - $7.98(per Qt)

Glass Cleaner $0.29-$0.69(per Qt)

$2.79-3.68(per Qt)

Oven Cleaner $0.27(per pound)

$4.49 (per pound)

Furniture Polish

$0.43(12.5 oz)

$1.99-3.49(12.5 oz)

Drain De-Clogger

$0.75(per Qt)

$1.39-2.79(per Qt)

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

$0.67(per Qt)

$1.39-2.79(per Qt)

COST SAVINGS!

$2.70-$4.96 $14.05-$25.22


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$2.12/4 lb Baking soda; Walmart in laundry isle$ 2.32/gal White Vinegar; Walmart$ 12.19/32 oz Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap; Hannaford's

$16.63TOTAL

GREEN INGREDIENTS

With these ingredients you’d have enough Castile soap to make 9 quarts of All Purpose Cleaner PLUSenough vinegar and baking soda left over to make:- 4 quarts of Toilet Bowl Cleaner- 1 quart Glass Cleaner- clean the oven 2X (assuming you use 1 lb of baking soda

each time)

If you bought the same amount of pre-made cleaners the cost would be:9 Green Works All Purpose Cleaner at $2.77 each = $24.934 The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner at $1.59 each = $ 6.361 Green Works Glass Cleaner at $2.99 each = $ 2.992 Easy Off oven cleaner at $4.99 each = $ 9.98

TOTAL = $44.26

$16.63

You save$27.63!

(plus health care costs!)

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Documents

1 Safer & Cheaper Home Cleaning Products Green and Clean FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1- 4-12 Materials developed under a grant from the Toxics Use Reduction