YELLOW LIGHT CHEMICALS: The Details
Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate. Surfactant found in many cleaning products labeled as ‘all-natural’. Known eye and skin irritant. May contain traces of 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.
Sulfuric acid. Can severely damage eyes, lungs, and skin. Found in drain cleaners.
Sodium hydroxide (lye). Corrosive and extremely irritating to eyes, nose, and throat and can burn those tissues on contact. Found in drain, metal, and oven cleaners.
d-limonene. Can irritate the skin. Found in air fresheners.
Phosphates. Can reach waterways and contribute to the overgrowth of algae and aquatic weeds, which can kill off fish populations and other aquatic life. Some products are labeled "phosphate-free", which is considered to be a somewhat meaningful label by CU. Found in automatic dishwasher detergents and some laundry detergents.
Hydrochloric acid. Can severely burn skin, irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Found in toilet bowl cleaners.
Sources:
Green Choices
http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greencleaning
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate
This page was constructed by GreeningRozzie Intern Meredith Gallogly.