Chemicals to Avoid The chart below lists chemicals that should be avoided whenever possible. They’re commonly used in conventional all-purpose and glass-and-surface cleaners, but better options are available.

CHEMICAL

Ammonia

Chlorine

 

Monoethanolamine (MEA)

 

Glycol ethers

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)

Phthalates

Triclosan

WHY IT’S USED

Cuts through grease

Disinfectant

Surfactant (agent that helps cleaners penetrate grime)

Dissolve soil

Surfactants

Used in synthetic fragrances

Disinfectant (used in antibacterial cleaners)

HEALTH EFFECTS

Known to cause asthma

Lung and skin irritation; lethal if ingested

Respiratory irritation and asthma

Cause nerve damage when absorbed by skin; irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs; have been linked to reduced fertility and lowered sperm counts

Hormone disruptors that act like estrogen in the body; have caused breast cancer cells to multiply in test tubes

Hormone disruptors linked to obesity and hypothyroidism (when the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone); studies have found that baby boys of mothers with high phthalate levels had problems with reproductive development.

May linger on cleaned surfaces, allowing resistant bacteria to grow; forms the probable human carcinogen chloroform when exposed to chlorinated water

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource

Production releases mercury and dioxin; poisonous to fish and aquatic life (see p. 20)

Derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource

Detected in groundwater in the U.S. and Canada; classified as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act and as toxic air contaminants by California’s Air Resources Board

Prevalent in U.S. rivers and streams; male fish exposed to APEs in rivers began producing female egg-yolk proteins; also reduce the number of eggs produced by certain aquatic species

Interfere with reproductive abilities of fish, leading to population die-offs

Builds up in fish tissue; has been detected in soil used to grow food

ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE(S)

Vinegar

Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, borax (sodium borate), lemon juice, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil

Plant-based surfactants made from corn, soy or coconut

Water or eucalyptus oil

Plant-based surfactants made from corn, soy or coconut

Plant essential oils, baking soda or borax (baking soda and borax act as deodorizers)

Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or hot soapy water

Government trade-secret laws protect cleaning-product manufacturers
from having to reveal their ingredients.