Environmental watch
Toxic Chemical Found in Green Cleaners and Body Care Products
The advocacy group Organic Consumers Association found that 47 of the 100 natural cleaning and body care products it tested contain levels of a cancer causing chemical.
The chemical, 1,4-dioxane (found in most traditional cleaning and body care products), is not included in product ingredient lists because it’s a byproduct of a process used to soften harsh detergents.
Jason, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Kiss My Face and Nature’s Gate are a few of the major brands found to contain 1,4-dioxane. We read through the OCA test results and found a few products sitting by our kitchen sinks, Seventh Generation dish soap and Earth Friendly Products Ultra Dishmate.
Seventh Generation responded to the OCA report by explaining their efforts to reduce 1,4-dioxane (their products have some of the lowest levels) and commitment to create a cleaner soap without the chemical. Earth Friendly Products examined raw materials provided by suppliers, started conducting third party tests, and installed detecting and removal equipment in their plants. They’ve announced that by May 1, 2008 they will be shipping 1,4-dioxane free products (which hopefully applies to all products, not just Dish Mate).
The OCA report reminds us that natural products may not be completely clean. And it’s inspiring brands to do better. While we get frustrated by the lack of government oversight–the EPA declares 1,4-dioxane a probable carcinogen, but the FDA doesn’t regulate the chemical–we appreciate the continuing development of non-toxic products and consumer advocacy.
1,4-dioxane was not detected in products from Dr. Bronner’s, Burt’s Bees, Avalon Organics, Terressentials, EO and the German natural certified Aubrey Organics and Dr. Hauschka.
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