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How Safe is an Odor Eliminator?
The real meaning of the fine print on any label with DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION.
The following is quoted from the Environmental Protection Agency website:
Before You Buy A Product · Read the label. Make sure it is a product you want to buy and that you are not uncomfortable with the ingredients. · Buy the least toxic substance possible. Let signal words serve as a guide and pay attention to any hazard symbols contained on the label or container. Note that the word "nontoxic" is an advertising word and has no regulatory definition. · Avoid aerosols products. Aerosol disperses the substance in tiny droplets that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, aerosol cans may become explosive bombs when heated. · Do not purchase outdated products. Hazardous Product Labeling Most hazardous products, including cleaning agents, detergents, polishes, stripping compounds, pesticides, and many others, are required by law to meet specific label requirements.
There are two specific sets of federal regulations for labeling hazardous products · hazardous products other than pesticides, which can be toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable, or radioactive are regulated by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA); · products containing pesticides which are toxic are regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FHSA and FIFRA set the minimum standards for the information which labels must contain to comply with the law. Whether or not this information is found on the label depends upon the interest of the manufacturer in complying with the letter and spirit of the law. Unfortunately for the consumer, labels serve more as a product advertisement than as a source of information for product safety. The brand name and effectiveness of the product are often the most visible words on the label. It is necessary to read the small print and all of the wording on the label to find the clues and information which can guide you in determining product safety. Some labels do not even list ingredients of the product. Toxicity Rating Scale If the label has this signal word... You know that this is how toxic the product is.
Signal word required on label Approximate amount needed to kill an average person I Highly Toxic DANGER POISON A few drops to one teaspoon II Moderately toxic WARNING one teaspoon to one ounce III Slightly toxic CAUTION over one ounce IV Not toxic not required Toxicity Precautionary Statements Explained Oral inhalation or dermal toxicity Skin and eye local effects I Fatal if swallowed (inhaled or absorbed through skin). Do not breathe vapor (dust or spray mist). Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. (Front panel statement of treatment required). Corrosive, causes eye and skin damage (or skin irritation.) Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Wear goggles or face shield and rubber gloves when handling. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. (Appropriate first aid statement required.) II May be fatal if swallowed (inhaled or absorbed through the skin). Do not breathe vapors (dust or spray mist). Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. (Appropriate first aid statement required.) Causes eye (and skin) irritation. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Harmful if swallowed. (Appropriate first aid statement required.) III Harmful if swallowed (inhaled or absorbed through the skin). Avoid breathing vapors (dust or spray mist). Avoid contact with skin (eyes or clothing). (Appropriate first aid statements required.) Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water.
Get medical attention if irritation persists. IV No precautionary statement required. No precautionary statement required. End of EPA Quote COMMENTS: 1) Products used to be required to display the skull and cross bones when they contained poisonous or fatal ingredients. The skull and cross bones has been replaced with the words DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. Most consumers are unaware of the meaning of these words. 2) If these are the dangers to an adult, what are the dangers to a child, infant or pet? 3) While most people are not apt to ingest products with these warnings on them, the effects of repeated exposure to these products on health is not known. General information on Odor Eliminators Air and Fabric Fresheners A study in the Archives of Environmental Health 1995 pointed out that Air Fresheners contain potent organic chemicals that quickly and easily vaporize. A common one is paradichlorobenzene also used as a moth repellent. This chemical is known to cause cancer in animals and may cause it in humans as well. Paradichlorobenzene is a worldwide contaminant. In a random sample of 1000 Americans, 96 to 98 % had detectable levels of it in their urine or blood. The same journal reports in fall 1997 that Anderson laboratories in Vermont found that one air freshener produced acute toxic effects, including respiratory reactions mimicking asthma, in mice forced to breathe the emissions for an hour. Other ingredients may include known cancer causing substances, like isopropyl alcohol and d-limonene, which can be harmful when vaporized and breathed.
The real problem, though is, that manufacturers of air fresheners and odor eliminators aren’t required to list ingredients. They sometimes even refuse to provide a list of ingredients. Environmental scientists study air fresheners as polluters, not "improvers" of indoor air. Air fresheners and deodorizers don’t destroy the odors in the air; they simply make your nose less sensitive to them. http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/housewaste/house/airfresh.htm As a reference for chemicals used in air fresheners and odor eliminators we quote A Consumer’s Dictionary of Household, Yard and Office Chemicals, By Ruth Winter, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, 1992, ISBN 0-517-58722-X ODOR ELIMINATORS We first want to introduce to you the safest product on the market, PureAyre. PureAyre proves to all manufacturers of odor eliminators and air fresheners that a 100% safe and effective odor eliminator and air freshener can be produced. PureAyre effectively eliminates all odors in the air, on all surfaces and all fabrics as well as directly on all pets. When reading this report, please compare the information on all other odor eliminators and air fresheners with PureAyre to make an informed decision.
PUREAYRE All Natural Odor Eliminator, Pet, Fabric & Air Freshener. Manufacturer : Clean Earth, Inc. LABEL: “Guaranteed to work on all surfaces, all fabrics, all pets. Eliminates instantly all odors. Works on most pet stains! Contents: 100% pure enzymes, pure essential oils, and pure water. For Animals: PureAyre is safe to spray directly on all animals to remove skunk and other odors. Common Sense Cautions: In case of direct eye contact, flush with cool water. Not for Internal use. INSTRUCTIONS: Apply liberally on and around affected area. For hard surfaces, leather, vinyl and plastic use mist setting.
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Comments: 1. Ingredients are disclosed. PureAyre contains NO live or any other bacteria. It has only pure enzymes (which can never be “live”, since an enzyme is just a protein) The enzymes are derived from plant sources. 2. All ingredients are food grade. That means that if someone would accidentally drink PureAyre, the person would not be harmed in any way because they are substances that are contained in your daily food. They are most probably SAFER than most of the food people eat! 3. As a matter of fact, I always spray PureAyre into my mouth at consumer and trade shows do demonstrate its safety. I challenge every other manufacturer to do the same. We must have “not for internal use” on the bottle, since internal use requires FDA approval, which is very costly for a small manufacturer ($250,000.00 and more). 4. I have readily sprayed PureAyre into my eyes to demonstrate the complete safety of the product.
I have made tests with just water and PureAyre spraying both into my eyes. There was no difference. Even water sprayed with a trigger sprayer into the eyes causes a slight sting which can be removed with a little of flushing with cool water. 5. PureAyre can be used in the air, on all surfaces (even leather, plastic vinyl and polished furniture), on all fabrics (even silk). Remember that citrus odor eliminators cannot be used on leather, plastic or delicate polished furniture. 6. PureAyre can be used ON and around ALL pets. See where the many bird shops and bird breeders as well as reptile breeders that use PureAyre every day. No other product can claim this level of safety for all pets. 7. Pets are not allergic to PureAyre. As a matter of fact they seem to love it. Unlike a litter box sprayed with citrus, cats come back to the litter box after it has been sprayed with PureAyre. 8. PureAyre is used by thousands of people who are chemically sensitive, have allergies or have asthma. These people cannot use any other odor eliminator or air freshener. 9. According to canine (K9) unit officers citrus blocks their dogs’ sense of smell. PureAyre does not inhibit the dog’s ability to smell drugs or other traces. 10. PureAyre does not need SATURATION of the spot. It is enough to apply it liberally. 11. PureAyre works instantly. If applied correctly, cats and dogs cannot smell the urine on the spot they marked. They therefore usually do not come back to mark these spots again. 12. Hundreds of customers confirmed that PureAyre eliminated pet and other odors on the FIRST application.
FEBREZE Fabric Refresher Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 800308-3279 _________________________________________________________________________________
LABEL: “Ingredients: Contains odor neutralizers, quality control agents, perfume and water.” USE ONLY AS INTENDED. AVOID ACCIDENTS. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Do not spray directly toward face. If eye contact occurs, rinse well with water.” ________________________________________________________________________
Comment: Now: what is in it? If Febreze is so safe, why these warnings in capital letters? On the Proctor and Gamble web site about Febreze the manufacturer writes, and I quote, exactly from the print-out dated 11/17/99, “Like any household cleaning product, Febreze should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. When using the product, be careful to spray away from your face, other people and pets.” According to numerous web sites, Febreze contained Zinc Chloride. According to the Consumer’s Dictionary Zinc Chloride is “a zinc salt used as an anti-septic and astringent in shaving creams, dentifrice, and mouthwashes. Also used in fireproofing, soldering fluxes, burnishing and polishing compounds for steel, and for electroplating, mercerizing and sizing: in adhesives, dental cements, glass etching, parchment, embalming anti-static products, and as a denaturant for alcohol. Odorless and water absorbing, it is employed as a deodorant and disinfectant, Can cause contact dermatitis, is mildly irritating to the skin, and can be absorbed through it.” Several web sites claim that Febreze caused the death of birds and dogs and sickness in other pets. Procter & Gamble on their web site states that these reports could not be substantiated. Procter & Gamble also states on their own web site http://febreze.com/html/pet_rumor.html that zinc chloride WAS in Febreze, but was taken out in December 1998. Comment: The label was not changed. How do I know which bottle has zinc chloride in it? See http://cambear.onza.net/febreeze.html http://www.highwayq.com/wpt/articles/library/febreeze.htm http://search.msn.com/results.asp?RS=CHECKED&UN=doc&CO=20&FORM=MSNH&MT=febreze
Note that there is no MSDS published on the Procter & Gamble web site. Procter & Gamble enlisted the NAPCC, the National Animal Poison Control Center) to come to their defense. In a letter dated March 26, 1999 they write (see http://www.napcc.aspca.org/febreze.htm ) “Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center are conducting an on-going investigation into claims that use of Febreze caused the death of several pets. All information reviewed to date suggests that there is no evidence that Febreze represents any risk to pets when used according to label instructions. Presently, the center considers the product safe to use in households with pets. AS WITH ANY CLEANING PRODUCT, THE CENTER RECOMMENDS THAT BIRDS BE REMOVED FROM THE ROOM UNTIL THE PRODUCT APPLICATION HAS DRIED AND THE AREA HAS BEEN VENTILATED.” (Emphasis added.) Comment: WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? I suggest that everyone will have to draw his or her own conclusions. NATURE’S MIRACLE Stain and Odor Remover (Most of the following is also applicable for other bacterial or “live” enzyme odor eliminators) Manufacturer: Pet ‘n People, Inc. 27520 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 125, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. (310)-544-7125 LABEL: “INGREDIENTS: Water, Nature’s Enzymes, and Isopropyl Alcohol, Natural Citrus Scent.” KEEP CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN. INSTRUCTIONS: Saturate with NATURE’S MIRACLE. You must use enough to be sure the product reaches everywhere the urine went into the pad & floor. For treating large areas use a garden sprinkler can. Don’t wipe. Odors are eliminated virtually on contact. However it could take up to 2 weeks to completely dry during which time you may smell a slight damp carpet odor.”
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Comments: 1. There is no disclosure that actually bacteria are the main ingredient and NOT enzymes. The bacteria in Nature’s Miracle produce enzymes when “stressed”. “Stressed” means, “starved”. Bacteria, when starved, shed some enzymes, which are used in odor control. Their effectiveness however is limited. Do YOU, the customer, want to pour bacteria all over your house? 2. Isopropyl Alcohol is VOLATILE which means it evaporates and therefore gets into your and your pet’s lungs. ONE OUNCE is deadly and Isopropyl Alcohol is carcinogenic. How long does it take until it has an effect on your health? 3. According to several pet owners and cat breeders many cats are allergic to citrus. 4. According to K9 unit officer citrus blocks their dog’s sense of smell. Could it also block yours? 5. Nature’s Miracle sponsors the largest nationwide radio shows with huge annual, prepaid advertising budgets, namely Pet Talk with Bob Vella and Warren Eckstein with his pet show. When introduced to PureAyre and the fact that PureAyre is much safer and up to 10 times more effective, BOTH talk show hosts declined to talk in any way, shape or form about PureAyre. I personally talked to Bob Vella on Nov 29th,1999 and he told me that he would not talk on his show about a product that competes with Nature’s Miracle, because of the large sum of money he just got for the whole next year. Both talk show hosts emphasized that they have to be loyal to their sponsors. We understand the necessity of loyalty and we respect both talk show hosts for all the good work they do. However we deeply regret that their financial ties to Nature’s Miracle prevents millions of customers from finding out that there finally is a product that works much better and is much safer than Nature’s Miracle. 6. Nature’s Miracle needs SATURATION of pet odor spots according to their own label. It therefore can be much more expensive than an odor eliminator that only needs to be “applied liberally” on pet urine like PureAyre. 7. According to their own label a “slight carpet odor” may be smelled up to 2 weeks after application. The label also claims that “Odors are virtually eliminated on contact”
Which is true? This “light odor” is enough to have dogs and cats come back to mark the same spots again (according to customers) 8. Nature’s Miracle and many of bacterial enzyme products - according to customers - have to be applied repeatedly. 9. Nature’s Miracle contains Isopropyl Alcohol, a known carcinogen. Isopropyl Alcohol: Consumer’s Dictionary: ”An antibacterial, solvent, and denaturant. It is prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum. “Used in antifreeze, compositions, and as a solvent for gums, shellac and essential oils. Also used in many cosmetics. Rubbing alcohol contains 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Ingestion or inhalation of large quantities of the vapor may cause flushing, headache, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma. The fatal ingested dose is around a fluid ounce. Has low skin toxicity, but alcohol baths for fever have caused toxicity through skin absorption or inhalation. Workers exposed to it show an excess of sinus and throat cancers. A fire hazard.” (Comment: is that really “natural”?) Clorox Fresh Care Fabric Refresher Manufacturer: The Clorox Company, Oakland, CA 94612, 1-800-292-2200 http://www.clorox.com/products (Note: their web site lists no ingredients or MSDS for their product)
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LABEL: “Ingredients: odor neutralizers, quality control agents, denatured ethyl alcohol, water.” CAUTION – AVOID EYE CONTACT. Ventilate enclosed areas during use. FIRST AID – EYES – Rinse with water for 15 minutes. Contact physician if irritation persists. IF BREATHING IS AFFECTED – Move to fresh air. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN _________________________________________________________________________________
Comment: Now, What’s in it?! Can you figure out what “odor neutralizers and quality control agents” are? Regarding the caution statements – NO COMMENT. Ethyl Alcohol: (Same as ETHANOL below) “An antibacterial used in mouthwash, nail enamel, liquid lip rouge, and many other cosmetic products. Clear, colorless and very flammable, it is made by the fermentation of starch, sugar and other carbohydrates. Used medicinally as a topical antiseptic, sedative, and blood vessel dilation. Ingestion of large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, impaired perception, stupor, coma, and death. When deliberately denatured it is poisonous.” (Emphasis added.) AIR FRESHENERS GENERAL INFORMATION According to the Consumer’s Dictionary for household chemicals they may contain cresol, phenol or formaldehyde. Even small amounts of these chemicals may pose severe health risks as outlined below. Note that manufacturers need not disclose ingredients of odor eliminators and may not disclose these chemicals even when asked for, rationalizing that they are only used in “insignificant amounts”. Only increased public awareness may cause legislators to demand that these deadly chemicals be disclosed regardless of the amount contained in their products. If necessary, the EPA or the Dept. of Health should be enabled to verify claims through chemical analysis. There is however no regulation on a federal or state level on these substances. The California State Air Resources board has only 5 staff out of over 1000 staff designated to research and deal with indoor air pollution. And even they cannot do anything about it since there is no legal mandate. The EPA also has their hands tied due to a lack of public interest. Politicians have not been made aware of the real problem. However according to the EPA the toxicity WITHIN a home is often hundreds, if not thousands of times higher than outdoors. For more info see also: http://www.problemsolved.com/reference_library/indoor_air/index.htm http://muextension.missouri.edu/dldc/HHWP_Awareness/waste/house/airfresh.htm http://www.supernet.net/~jackibar/air.html http://www.supernet.net/~jackibar/mcs.html http://tec.nccnsw.org.au/member/tec/projects/tcye/faq/Household/faq_117.html http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_182.html http://www.purennatural.com/airfresh.htm The California Air Resources Board has just issued new regulation on the reduction of certain chemicals in air fresheners (See Los Angeles Times, October 29th, 1999), but only to reduce ozone levels outdoors. Comment: If these levels are so severely affected outdoors by air fresheners, what effect do these substances have indoors?
CARB states that 4.57 tons of smog forming gases are being released into the air every day in California from air fresheners alone! Comment: What effect do they create before they leave your living room and go into the air outside? These are some of the substances used in air fresheners: (Quotes from the Consumer’s Dictionary on Household Chemicals) Cresol: “Obtained from coal tar. It is irritating and corrosive to skin and mucous membranes, and can be absorbed through the skin. Can cause ear, nose, and throat irritation, central nervous system depression, and liver and kidney damage.” Phenol: “Carbolic Acid (other name for Phenol). Used in shaving creams and hand lotions. Obtained from coal tar. Ingestion of even small amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, and circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and greenish urine as well as necrosis of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Death results from respiratory failure. Fatalities have been reported from ingestion of as little as 1.5 grams (30 grams to the ounce). Fatal poisoning can occur through skin absorption. Although there have been many poisonings from phenolic solutions, it continues to be used in commercial products. A concentration of 1 percent used to prevent itching from insect bites and sunburn, applied for several hours, caused gangrene resulting from spasms of small blood vessels under the skin. Swelling, pimples, hives, and other skin rashes following application to the skin have been widely reported. A concentration of 2 percent causes gangrene, burning and numbness. Phenol, which is also used in metalworking fluids, may act as a cancer promoter, according to California’s Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS). HESIS reports that if you use a metal-working fluid containing mineral oil and phenol, your risk of developing skin cancer is likely to be greater than if you were exposed to the mineral oil alone.”
For more info: http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/mom/Air_fresh/Phenol.htm Formaldehyde: “Sold in the US under the following trade names: Formalin, Methaldehyde, Methanal, Methyl Aldehyde, Methylene Glycol, Methylene Oxide, Oxomethane, Oxymethylene, Paraform, Paraformaldehyde, Trioxane, BFV®, Fannoform®, Formalith®, Formol®, Fyde®, Ivalon®, Karsan®, Lysoform®, Morbicid®, Superlysoform®. Comment: Does the above great number of names indicate the enormous effort of the industry to disguise the true nature of the contents of their product? A colorless gas obtained by oxidation of methyl alcohol and, generally, used in watery solutions. Vapors are intensely irritating to mucous membranes. It has been estimated that 4 to 8 percent of the general population may be sensitized to formaldehyde. It is used in more than three thousand products, including disinfectants, cosmetics, fungicides, leather tanners, platers, de-foamers, preservatives and adhesives. It is also present in insulation textiles, plastics and combustion products, such as fuel exhaust and tobacco smoke.” “The eyes, nose, and throat are irritated by formaldehyde vapors at levels as low as one part formaldehyde per million parts of air. Formaldehyde is an inexpensive and effective preservative, but there are serious questions about its safety. Ingestion can cause severe abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and loss of ability to urinate, vertigo, coma and death. Skin reactions after exposure to formaldehyde are very common, because the chemical can be both irritating and an allergen. Physicians have reported severe reactions to nail hardeners containing formaldehyde. Its use in cosmetics is banned in Japan and Sweden. It is a highly reactive chemical that is damaging to the hereditary substances in the cells of several species. Researchers from the Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention of the National Cancer Institute recommended in April 1983 that formaldehyde be “further investigated”. Since it is involved in DNA damage and inhibits its repair, formaldehyde potentiates the toxicity of x-rays in human lung cells, and may act in concert with other chemical agents to produce mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Formaldehyde causes cancer in test animals. Some studies have suggested that formaldehyde exposure can cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract in humans, although other studies have not found this effect, according to the Hazard Evaluation Systems and Information Service of California (HESIS).” http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/ullmann/ull_10311.html (more info on formaldehyde) More Air-Fresheners (Odor Eliminators) and Their Ingredients ONE DROP all-purpose household deodorizer Manufacturer: Willert Home Products, St. Louis, MO 63110
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LABEL: “DANGER: HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED – FLAMMABLE - IRRITANT Contains Petroleum Distillates, Orthodichlorobenzene and Paradichlorobenzene. Notice: California has determined that a chemical contained in this product causes cancer based on tests performed on laboratory animals. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call Physician immediately. Do not use near heat or flame; avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin. In case of contact thoroughly.” COMMENT: no comment. Para-Dichlorobenzene “Crystals made from chlorine and benzene that have a penetrating odor, are almost insoluble in water, and are non-corrosive and non-staining. A solvent for many organic materials, PDB is employed in degreasing hides and wool, in metal polishes and in moth repellents, general insecticides, germicides, spray deodorants and fumigants. PDB is commonly found in room deodorizers and moth-killing products. Vapors may cause irritation to the skin, throat and eyes, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations may case weakness, dizziness, weight loss and liver damage. “ “A well-known animal cancer-causing agent, the chemical can linger in the home for months (emphasis added) or even years after use. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, and irritating to mucous membranes. You can lessen your exposure to PDB by reading product labels and avoiding preparations that contain it (although not all labels list it).” Similar product: ortho-dichlorobenzene: “ortho” means “straight ahead” In organic chemistry it designates the most highly water-saturated version of a chemical. LYSOL® Brand II Disinfectant Spray Manufacturer: Recklitt & Colman Inc. Montvale, N.J. 07645. 800-228-4722 LABEL: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Saccharinate 0.1% Ethanol 79% INERT INGREDIENTS 20.9% WARNING: READ PRECAUTIONS & FIRST AID ON BACK PANEL KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS: Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals. Warning: Causes eye irritation. Do not spray in eyes, on skin or on clothing. First Aid: In case of eye contact immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water, remove any contact lenses, and continue to flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. PHYSICAL HAZARDS: Flammable: Contents under pressure. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Exposure to temperatures above 130°F may cause bursting. Storage/Disposal: Store in original container in areas inaccessible to small children. Do not puncture or incinerate. COMMENT: How can someone use this in his or her house? Read on, there is even more interesting information. Alkyl “Meaning “from alcohol”; usually derived from alkane. Any of a series of saturated hydrocarbons such as methane.” (Methane: gaseous hydrocarbon, CH4, a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, the simplest of the hydrocarbons and commercially important as a fuel. World Book Dictionary). Comment: And we spray this in the air we breathe?! Dimethyl: “Having two methyl radicals (C2H6). Methyl: -CH3, a univalent hydrocarbon radical, occurring in methane.” Benzyl: “A univalent radical occurring in toluene derivatives C6H5CH2.” Ammonium: “NH4, Univalent basic radical whose compounds or salts are similar to those of the alkali metals.” Saccharin: “A white crystalline substance obtained from coal tar. C7H5NO3S.” Ethanol: “Other names: Ethyl Alcohol, Rubbing Alcohol, Grain Alcohol, and Ordinary Alcohol “An antibacterial used in mouthwash, nail enamel, liquid lip rouge, and many other cosmetic products. Clear, colorless and very flammable, it is made by the fermentation of starch, sugar and other carbohydrates. Used medicinally as a topical antiseptic, sedative, and blood vessel dilation.” Ingestion of large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, impaired perception, stupor, coma, and death. When deliberately denatured it is poisonous.” The MSDS of Lysol® quotes other chemicals. The names used in Section #2 of the MSDS, which is titled – “Hazardous chemical components” – Lists: ACGIH TLV-TWA: 5000 PPM, ACGIH TLV-STEL: 30000 PPM, OSHA PEL-TWA 5000 PPM. Comments: 1. While the exact nature of the above chemicals could not be found out, the measurements indicate the maximum daily exposure limits. I do not know how a housewife could possibly measure if these maximum exposure limits were exceeded in her house. 2. What are the “inert ingredients”? 3. If Lysol poses “Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals” why are we spraying it in the air in our homes and breathe it? 4. The State of California Air Resources Board (CARB) told me on the phone that “The industry changed the State Law to prohibit CARB from regulating Lysol. There are powerful forces in play.” (telephone conversation with Barbara Fry, head of the research division of CARB on Nov 19, 1999): OZIUM Manufacturer: MEDO Industries, Inc. Tarrytown, NY 10591-5123 http://www.medo.com/medo5d.html (Note: Their web site does not publish the MSDS for their products) _________________________________________________________________________________
LABEL: CAUTION: Keep out of reach of children. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Triethylene Glycol 4.4% Propylene Glycol 4.4% Inert Ingredients 91.2% DIRECTIONS FOR USE: It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Spray for one second toward center of room away from drapes, walls, plastic, vinyl, painted or varnished surfaces, etc. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS: hazards to humans and domestic animals: Avoid inhalation of spray mist. Avoid contact with skin or eyes. In case of eye contact, remove any contact lenses, and flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Contact physician. Keep out of reach of children. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARD: Flammable. Contents under pressure. Keep away from heat, sparks and open Flame. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Exposure to temperatures over 130°F may cause bursting. Do not spray on painted or lacquered surfaces. ________________________________________________________________________
Comment: 1. What else (short of inhaling) are you going to do with an air freshener? Are you supposed to wear a gas mask when applying it? 2. What are the “inert ingredients” what is the propellant gas? 3. They even need a federal law to prohibit use “inconsistent with its labeling” How do you enforce this with children? 4. Why can I only spray it for ONE SECOND? Is this the daily maximum exposure level? 5. Note that Ozium cannot be sprayed on drapes, walls, plastic, vinyl, painted or varnished surfaces. What is in it that makes this so aggressive? Triethylene Glycol: “Tri-” means three. “Prepared from ethylene oxide1 and ethylene glycol2, it is used as a solvent and plasticizer in vinyl, polyester, and polyurethane resins, to maintain water in printers’ inks, and in solid perfumes. 1) “Ethylene Oxide: A fumigant used on ground spices and other processed natural seasonings. A colorless gas, liquid at 12°C, derived from the oxidation of ethylene in air or oxygen with silver catalyst. It is used as a fungicide, rocket propellant, industrial sterilant, in surfactants and in the manufacture of Ethylene Glycol. It is an irritant to the eyes and skin. A suspected human carcinogen. Women exposed to Ethylene Oxide during pregnancy may have a higher rate of spontaneous abortion. Ethylene Oxide damages the sperm and testicles of test animals, reducing their fertility. Short –term overexposure to Ethylene Oxide can irritate your nose, throat, and eyes, and cause nausea, vomiting and headache. Longer-term overexposure can damage the nerves in your feet and legs.” 2) “Ethylene Glycol: Used as an anti-freeze and humectant (something that moistures). Toxic when ingested causing central nervous system depression, vomiting, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, kidney damage, and, possibly, death.” Propylene Glycol: “A clear, colorless, viscous liquid used in liquid makeup, waxes and resins, in cellophane, antifreeze solution, brake fluids, humectants and preservatives. It is being reduced in use, or replaced by safer glycols, such as butylene and polyethylene.” Widely used products that do not list their ingredients GLADE Odor Neutralizer Manufacturer: Johnson & Son, Inc. 800-558-5252, Racine WI 53403-2236 (800) 558-5252 _________________________________________________________________________________
LABEL: CAUTION: CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. READ BACK PANEL CAREFULLY! CAUTION: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. DO NOT SET ON STOVE OR RADIATOR OR KEEP WHERE TEMPERATURES EXCEED 120°F AS CONTAINER MAY BURST. DO NOT PUNCTURE OR INCINERATE. AVOID EXTREME COLD. MSDS: http://www.drackett.com/TUDUROMU.HTM Note: The MSDS does not indicate any hazard. However the ingredients are N-Butane, Isobutane and Propane. These are Petroleum Distillates! Butane: N-Butane, Methylsulfonal, Bioxiran, Dibutadiene, Dioxide. “A flammable, easily liquefiable gas derived from petroleum. It is the raw material for motor fuels and is used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber. A solvent, refrigerant, and food-additive. Also used as a propellant or aerosol in cosmetics. The principal hazards are fire and explosion, but it may also be narcotic in high doses and cause asphyxiation. It has been determined by the National institute of occupational Safety and health to be an animal carcinogen.” Isobutane: “A constituent of natural gas and illuminating gas, colorless and insoluble in water, and used in refrigeration plants, synthetic rubber, and motor fuels. Also used as a propellant for aerosols. Highly flammable.” Comment: and we use this to spray the air and then we breathe it?! Propane: “A gas heavier than air. Odorless when pure. Cleared for use as a propellant and aerating agent for foamed and sprayed cosmetics and foods. Also used as a household and industrial fuel, and a refrigerant. May be narcotic in high concentrations.” WIZARD Odor Neutralizer Manufacturer: Reckitt & Colman Inc. Wayne NJ 07474-0945 (800) 228-4722 _________________________________________________________________________________
LABEL: CAUTION: CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. READ BACK PANEL CAREFULLY. Keep out of reach of children. CAUTION: DO NOT PUNCTURE OR INCINERATE CONTAINER. DO NOT EXPOSE TO HEAT OR STORE AT TEMPERATURE ABOVE 120°F, AS CONTAINER MAY BURST. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Ingredients are not disclosed. Lemon and Lime Air Fresheners (Lemon Mate, Lime Mate, Citrus Magic, etc.) Contents: They contain Limonene (D,L, d-limonene): Consumer’s Dictionary: “a synthetic flavoring agent that occurs naturally in oranges. A skin irritant and sensitizer.” Comment: Officers of K9 units and professional wine tasters confirm that citrus sprays do NOT eliminate odors, but just desensitize the olfactory nerves (sense of smell). The EPA confirms this. Some of the above products also do not fully disclose their ingredients. They contain volatile gases in pressurized aluminum cans. These products can be found in grocery and even in health food stores. We picked one as an example: Note: There are citrus sprays that use actual lemons or orange peels for their ingredient. They do not disclose if their citrus peels or fruits have been exposed to pesticides. LEMON MATE Manufacturer: Orange-Mate, Inc. P.O. Box 883 Waldport, Oregon 97394
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LABEL: Ingredients: Pure, natural lemon oils and concentrated lemon essence taken from fresh, naturally grown lemons. Instructions: Always direct spray away from face and into the middle of room. Never spray on plastics or painted surfaces such as toilet seats or acrylics due to the corrosive nature of citrus. Avoid direct skin contact. If irritation occurs, wash with soap and water. Caution: Use as directed, Avoid sensitive skin and eye contact. Keep out of reach of children. FLAMMABLE, DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME. PLEASE STORE BELOS 110°F. Comments Although naturally grown the product seems to be aggressive to surfaces as well as to eyes and skin. The propellant gas or any other ingredients except the lemon extract are not disclosed. SUMMARY Given the above caution labels combined with the lack of disclosure of ingredients, the warnings of the EPA and the known dangers of chemicals used in these products, there is a need for further investigation. Only exposure of possible hazards and mobilization of consumers and politicians to demand adequate disclosure of contents can bring about a change. These products get voluntarily or involuntarily ingested like food (breathed in or absorbed through the skin). Their use in hotel rooms, offices and commercial facilities is not restricted nor can the consumer demand that they should not be used like they can ask for smoke free hotel rooms and offices. This should be changed. After all this information one could conclude that it is about time the public becomes aware of the dangers of indoor pollution caused by odor eliminators and air fresheners. About 30 years ago some brave reporters and environmental crusaders started to make the public aware of the dangers of second hand cigarette smoke. Today we are all aware of these dangers and smoking is prohibited in many public places. Today it is our task to make the public aware of the – possibly even greater than second hand smoke– dangers of indoor air pollution caused by common air fresheners and odor eliminators. It is up to us to inform and enlighten the public. It is up to us to mobilize enough people so that eventually our representatives in Congress act and introduce legislation that forces manufacturers to disclose ingredients in air fresheners and odor eliminators. Thus consumers will be able to make intelligent choices regarding the products they want to use in their households. And through our tireless exposure and public information eventually consumers will force manufacturers to produce safe and effective products, even if it means cutting their profits, because consumers will choose safe products and refuse to buy odor eliminators that endanger their health. We are not against these manufacturers. We encourage them to compete with the few safe products by providing consumers with equally safe and effective products. It now has been proven that safe odor eliminators and air fresheners can be produced if safety and quality – and not profit - are the primary motivation of the enterprise. ________________________________________________________________________________
For more information on the natural alternative to all air fresheners, fabric refreshers, odor eliminators and pet deodorizers see http://www.pureayre.com/ (This web site includes MSDS and all scientific back ground literature and store list) or call toll free 877-787-3297 (877-PureAyre) P.S. If you have any knowledge or documentation on toxic effects of odor eliminators, air fresheners or any of the ingredients listed above, if you have been employed by manufacturers who use these ingredients and believe you have suffered damage to your health, or if you know of actions against manufacturers of chemical air odor eliminators, please email us at info@pureayre.com.
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