When it comes to Nature Clean® products, most – if not all – of our loyal customers admire the fact that they are made from natural ingredients, they’re harmless and environmentally friendly – and not to mention Canadian too. However, truth be told, many common household product brands often have hazardous contents within their product formulas, which may or may not be disclosed on product labels.  

Manufacturers of household products are not required to list ingredients on packaging.  So how do you find out what’s in the bottle? You can contact companies directly and ask for a listing of ingredient. 

(Source: The Decorologist)

Another way to get an idea of some of the toxic chemicals used in these products is to look at the warning copy on the back of labels – these warning boxes are required by the government.  In case of accidental consumption or contact with skin or eyes, the ingredients with the highest percentage used in the formula are listed.  This is done so you can tell your doctor what the potential ingredient is that may be causing your reaction.

At Nature Clean® we list all the ingredients used in our products (we always have J), we also have warning boxes, but the ingredients we list here are natural.

Since  Family Day is just around the corner, we’d like to help families ”get to know” 5 harmful ingredients that don’t love us, and therefore, we don’t use them in our products! These ingredients (or non-ingredients in our case) can pose a threat to you, and are likely to also harm the environment. As a company made up of Really Nice Canadians, we live and breathe the Nature Clean® slogan: Love your family. Love your health. Love your planet.

(Source: Nature Clean®)

 

Ammonia

This chemical is a severe irritant in the respiratory region as well as the eyes. When mixed with other household products, it can react to form toxic fumes. Yikes!  That’s the cue to avoid mixing your cleaners and solutions.

Found in:  glass & window cleaners, laundry detergents, tub & tile cleaners, oven cleaners and all purpose cleaners

 

Synthetic Perfumes

Perfumes and fragrances can be made up of thousands ofdifferent ingredients. Within personal care products, manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients in a perfume or fragrance. Rather, they simply have to list the word. You’d be surprised how many hazardous ingredients one word can cover up. Often, perfumes and fragrances – along with their strong scents – cause irritation and sensitivities to the skin and respiratory areas.

(Source: Knowledgera-The World)

Found in: perfumes and fragrances, air fresheners, fabric refreshers, laundry liquids, fabric softener, shampoos, conditioners, body washes or any products that are scented with perfume or fragrance

 

Chlorine

Usually found in bleach and disinfectants, chlorine can be toxic and may react with flammable materials. If inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause dizziness and fainting. Human exposure to chlorine should be limited and you shouldn’t use it in an enclosed area.  It may be used in household products so it’s a good idea to limit yourself from these types of products you’re exposed to every day.

Found in:laundry bleach, laundry detergents, automatic dishwasher gels and powders

 

Petroleum Ingredients

You might associate petroleum with fuel and such, but can you imagine them playing a role in washing your dishes, doing your laundry or even existing in your personal care items? It’s not the best image to think of when putting on your lip balm or when you’re washing the dishes you eat off of. We don’t particularly like to categorize petroleum as a consumable ingredient!

(Source: Adi News)

Found in: household cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents and personal care products

 

Hydrochloric Acid

This solution is highly corrosive. Stay away from it if you’re not itching for severe eye, skin and lung irritation. When it is mixed with other household cleaners that contain chlorine, it will produce chlorine gas, which is highly toxic if inhaled. Housecleaning does not have to be this dangerous.  

Found in:toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers.

The best way to avoid these harmful ingredients is to keep them out of your home. The next time you’re in the aisle looking for household cleaners or personal care items, be sure to check their ingredient labels (since some companies may not have full disclosure of their ingredients, don’t hesitate to call and confirm!). If you see any of these non-ingredients on the labels, beware!

Stay tuned next month for more Nature Clean® non-ingredients. Until then, Happy Family Day!