Do you know the Impact of
Chemicals of Concern
Many hidden risks in everyday products that can go unnoticed by consumers. These risks stem from the presence of harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on our health and the environment. From commonly used household cleaners to personal care items, Like Liquid Detergents, Dishwashing Liquids, Surface Cleaners & many other products contain ingredients that pose potential hazards.
At Green Life Forever, we believe cleaning should promote health, sustainability, and peace of mind. Our webpage sheds light on chemicals of concern in conventional cleaners, empowering you to make better decisions for a cleaner, safer home.
By understanding the risks and environmental impacts, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the Earth from unnecessary harm, while also reducing our ecological footprint. We are passionate about providing safe, effective, and nature-friendly alternatives to help you safeguard your loved ones and make a positive impact on the environment.
Join us on this educational journey to uncover the effects of chemicals of concern and explore the significance of opting Green Life Forever’s eco-responsible cleaning products and how they contribute to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
What are Chemicals of Concern ?
Chemicals of concern are substances that are recognized for their potential risks to human health and the environment due to their toxic, hazardous, or persistent properties. These chemicals can pose significant health risks when individuals are exposed to them directly or indirectly, such as through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. They can also have adverse effects on ecosystems, including water bodies, wildlife, and the overall environment. Common types of chemicals of concern found in conventional cleaners include: Phosphates – contribute to water pollution, Parabens – hormone disruption, Phthalates – adverse effects on human respiratory system, Formaldehyde – allergies to potential carcinogenicity and many others.
Risk & Impact of Chemicals of Concern
Chemicals of concern pose significant risks and have far-reaching impacts on human health and the environment. Here are some facts and figures that highlight the gravity of the situation:
1. Health Hazards
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to hazardous chemicals contributes to more than 2 million deaths and 53 million Disability-Adjusted Life-Years(DALYs for a disease or health condition are the sum of the years of life lost to due to premature mortality (YLLs) and the years lived with a disability (YLDs) due to prevalent cases of the disease or health condition in a population.)
Deaths Each Year
Disability-Adjusted Life-Years
- Common chemicals found in household products, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and triclosan, have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, hormone disruption, reproductive disorders, and even cancer.
Industrial Chemicals Detected in Newborns
Chemicals Cause Cancer in Newborns
Chemicals lead to birth defects
Chemicals Disrupt Hormone Function in Newborns
Industrial Chemicals leads to Infertility in Newborn
Chemicals negatively impact the immune system of Newborn
- Groundbreaking Study Reveals Alarming Pollution Levels in Newborns: 287 Industrial Chemicals Detected in Human Umbilical Cord Blood. In a benchmark investigation on industrial chemicals, pollutants, and pesticides, an eye-opening study called "Body Burden" uncovered a distressing reality—newborn babies are being exposed to an extensive array of pollutants. The study found a staggering 287 industrial chemicals present in the umbilical cord blood of newborns.
- Studies have shown that children, due to their developing bodies and behaviors like hand-to-mouth contact, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals.
2. Environmental Impacts
i. Contamination of Waterways, Soil, and Air,
ii.
Harm to Beneficial Insects, Pollinators, and Aquatic Life
iv. Ozone Layer Depletion and Climate Change
- Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are known to contribute to ozone layer depletion, which allows harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface.
- Additionally, these chemicals, along with other greenhouse gases, contribute to climate change, leading to rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
v. Harsh Acids and Bases Harming Nature & Us
- Harsh acids and bleach found in cleaning products like; Toilet Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Detergents etc. having toxics as HCL acid, Sulfuric acid, Phosphoric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Sodium hypochlorite(bleach), Caustic lye & many more in the concern list. They can cause severe injuries upon contact with human skin including acid burns, skin & eye irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems in humans.
- These concerns indiscriminately kills both harmful & beneficial micro-organisms (involved in natural waste decomposition and nutrient cycling), thus resulting reduced soil fertility and potential disruptions in natural water treatment processes means harming aquatic organisms the most. In short, they are disrupting the pH balance of ecosystems.
vi. Petroleum-Based Surfactants
- Many conventional and Cheap cleaning products contain petroleum-based surfactants. Petroleum-based surfactants popularly known as Linear Alkyl benzene sulphonate (LABSA/Acid Slurry) are tend to be cheaper for production but our water bodies & the whole ecological system pay a lot price in lieu of cheap surfactants. The production and use of these surfactants contribute to the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels, leading to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
vii. Phosphates in Cleaners
- Phosphates, commonly found in certain cleaning products like detergents, can enter water bodies through wastewater. These excess phosphates can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological imbalances in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Chemicals of Concern Contaminate Bengaluru: Toxic Lakes, Garbage, and Health Risks
3. Economic Costs:
- Healthcare Expenditure: Exposure to harmful chemicals leads to health issues, resulting in increased healthcare costs for individuals and healthcare systems.
- Loss of Productivity: Chemical-related health problems contribute to reduced workforce productivity, affecting economic growth and development.
- Environmental Remediation: Cleaning up chemical pollution requires significant financial resources, diverting funds from other developmental projects.
- Agriculture and Food Sector: Chemical contaminants in agriculture can harm crops, leading to lower yields and quality, impacting the agriculture and food industries.
- Impact on Tourism: Environmental pollution caused by chemicals can deter tourists, affecting local economies that rely on tourism revenue.
Yamuna River in danger: Toxic foam, disappearing wildlife and toxic crops raise alarm bells!
4. Consumer Awareness:
The risks and impacts of chemicals of concern on human health and the environment are substantial and far-reaching. However, a concerning reality persists: consumers often lack awareness of what they are consuming or using. This lack of awareness highlights the gravity of the situation, as individuals often neglect to read product labels, remain oblivious to ingredient safety, and are unaware of the manufacturers behind the products they purchase. Furthermore, even marketers selling these products may not possess comprehensive knowledge of their contents.
This lack of consumer awareness poses significant risks. Consumers unknowingly expose themselves to potential harm, as they may unintentionally use products containing chemicals of concern. Without understanding the associated risks, individuals are unable to make informed choices to safeguard their health and the environment.
All these facts and figures highlights the urgent need for understanding the risks posed by chemicals of concern and the importance of transitioning to safer, eco-friendly alternatives to protect human health, preserve the environment, and promote sustainable living.
We are committed to your safety and well-being, which is why we’re sharing a comprehensive list of chemicals of concern found in household cleaners. This invaluable resource empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring you choose products that prioritize your health while confidently rejecting those that pose potential risks. Together, let’s take control of our choices and select the right products that align with our values and provide the utmost protection.
Protect Your Loved Ones
Unveiling the List of some common Chemicals of Concern in Household Cleaners
| Chemicals of Concerns | Functionality | Health & Environmental Concerns | Conventional Products | Green Life Forever® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) | Surfactant | Endocrine disruption, environmental persistence, Highly toxic to aquatic life. | ||
| Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonates Popularly known as LABSA/ACID SLURRY, LAS, ABS/BAS,SDBS, SLAS etc. | Surfactant | These Petroleum Derivatives are synthetic tensioactive agents that are generally toxic and difficult to degrade through the action of microorganisms.Eye and skin irritation, potential environmental impact. | ||
| Ethylene glycol ethers | Solvent | Acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of the glycol ethers in humans results in narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Chronic (long-term) exposure to the glycol ethers in humans may result in neurological and blood effects, including fatigue, nausea, tremor, and anemia. | ||
| Butyl cellosolve (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) | Solvent | Respiratory and reproductive toxicity, skin irritation. Butyl Cellosolve has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage and should be handled as extremely dangerous. This substance also irritates mucous membranes, including those in the eyes, nose, and throat. | ||
| Trichloroethylene | Solvent | Trichloroethylene may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, liver damage, and even death. Trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen. | ||
| Toluene, Acetone, and Heptane | Solvent | Exposure can cause eye and nose irritation, tiredness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, inflammation of the skin, and liver and kidney damage. | ||
| Xylene | Solvent | Neurological effects, respiratory and skin irritation. | ||
| Trichloroethane 1,1,1 or methyl chloroform | Solvent | Irritating to the skin and eyes Absorption through skin leads to headache, dizziness, lack of coordination, stupor, coma, CNS and respiratory depression, and cardiac dysrhythmia. Other effects include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. | ||
| Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) | Chelators | Environmental persistence, potential toxic effects on humans & aquatic life. | ||
| Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) | Chelators | Potential to cause human cancers, eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation and can cause kidney and bladder damage. Environmental persistence, potential toxic effects on aquatic life. | ||
| Formaldehyde | Preservative | Carcinogenic potential, respiratory irritation, skin sensitization. | ||
| Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben) | Preservative | Environmental persistence, Cause of Breast cancer,Endocrine disruption, potential skin irritation, allergenic potential. | ||
| Isothiazolinones (e.g., methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, CIT-MIT) | Preservative | High aquatic toxicity. Skin sensitization, skin allergies, potential respiratory and eye irritation. | ||
| Quaternium-15 | Preservative | An allergen releases formaldehyde, and can cause dermatitis, irritant effects. | ||
| Polyvinylpyrrolidone | Polymer | Skin and eye irritation, potential respiratory effects | ||
| Mineral oil-based defoamers | Defoamer | Potential respiratory irritation, environmental persistence | ||
| Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) | Stabilizer | Environmental impact, potential water pollution, aquatic toxicity. | ||
| Tetrasodium pyrophosphate | Stabilizer | Environmental impact, potential water pollution, aquatic toxicity.The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. | ||
| Triclosan | Antimicrobial Active | Absorption through skin leads to Endocrine disruption, antibacterial resistance, potential environmental impact. | ||
| Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) | Antimicrobial Active/ Disinfectant | Cause of asthma, corrosive, potential skin and eye irritation, respiratory toxicant, immunotoxicant, gastrointestinal toxicant, and neurotoxicant, potential environmental impact. | ||
| Benzethonium chloride | Antimicrobial Active/ Disinfectant | Bacterial resistance or hormonal effects,Potential skin and eye irritation, respiratory effects, potential environmental impact. | ||
| DMDM hydantoin | Antimicrobial Active | Skin sensitization, skin allergies, potential respiratory and eye irritation. | ||
| Hypochlorite/Bleach (e.g.,Sodium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite) | Antimicrobial Active/ Disinfectant | Exposure to gasses released from hypochlorite may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, severe corrosive burns & damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues and can be fatal. | ||
| Chloroxylenol | Antimicrobial Active/ Disinfectant | Causes severe eye irritation,moderately toxic to freshwater invertebrates,toxic to fish, cats, and some amphibians, skin irritant and may trigger allergic reactions. | ||
| Synthetic musks (e.g., galaxolide, tonalide) | Synthetic Fragrance | Potential hormone disruption, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.Contaminate water, wastewater sludge, drinking water, soil, indoor air, and living species. | ||
| Phthalates (e.g., diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate) | Synthetic Fragrance | Cause of asthma, Endocrine disruption, potential reproductive and developmental toxicity, potential respiratory and skin irritation. | ||
| Limonene | Synthetic Fragrance | Respiratory and skin sensitization, potential eye irritation. | ||
| Linalool | Synthetic Fragrance | Cause of asthma ataxia Respiratory and skin sensitization, potential eye irritation, lateral recumbency, narcosis, and respiratory disturbances leading to death. | ||
| Safrole | Cleanser, Polish, Synthetic Fragrance, Antimicrobial Active & Additive | Bacterial resistance, Carcinogenic effects toxic to humans may damage the liver, genotoxic, negative effect on the central nervous system, leads to apoptosis of the nerve cells. | ||
| Crystalline Silica Quartz | Abrasive | Human Carcinogen,Exposure causes damage to organs,acute toxicity to aquatic life. | ||
| Paradichlorobenzene | Fumigant Insecticide | Carcinogenic effects toxic to humans, very strong odor Absorption through air leads to Endocrine disruption, headache, dizziness nausea, vomiting. | ||
| Amaranth (Red dye #2) | Colour | Carcinogenic effects toxic to humans. | ||
| Hydrofluoric Acid | Degreaser,oxidizer, Hard Stain Remover & Solvent. | Very poisonous, Exposure to gasses released may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, cause redness, pain, tearing, eyelid spasms, blurred vision highly irritating and corrosive, exposure can result in chemical burns, disability and death. | ||
| Hydrochloric Acid | Degreaser,oxidizer, Hard Stain Remover & Solvent. | Very poisonous, Exposure to gasses released may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, cause redness, pain, tearing, eyelid spasms, blurred vision highly irritating and corrosive, exposure can result in chemical burns, disability and death. | ||
| Phosphoric Acid | Degreaser,oxidizer, Hard Stain Remover & Solvent. | Exposure to gasses released may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, cause redness, pain, tearing, eyelid spasms, blurred vision and permanent damage, severe corrosive burns and can be fatal. | ||
| Sodium Hydroxide | Cleanser, Solvent, Degreaser | Exposure to gasses released may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, severe corrosive burns & damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues and can be fatal. | ||
| Ammonium Hydroxide | Cleanser, Solvent, Degreaser | Exposure to gasses released may cause burning & irritation in eyes, nose, throat, headache, dizziness, severe corrosive burns & damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues and can be fatal. |