Chemical Glossary
1,4-dichlorobenzene
(see para-dichlorobenzene)
1,4-Dioxane Carcinogenic. Readily penetrates the skin. The products most likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane are those with PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, "eth" (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate) or oxynol in the ingredients. Polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 may also be contaminated.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (also known as Bronopol ) A preservative (see). May break down in products into #f (see). Can form nitrosamines which are carcinogenic. Found in cosmetics, personal care products (shampoo, lotions), baby products.
1,4-dichlorobenzene (see para-dichlorobenzene)
1,4-Dioxane Carcinogenic. Readily penetrates the skin. The products most likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane are those with PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, "eth" (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate) or oxynol in the ingredients. Polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 may also be contaminated.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (also known as Bronopol ) A preservative (see). May break down in products into #f (see). Can form nitrosamines which are carcinogenic. Found in cosmetics, personal care products (shampoo, lotions), baby products.
2-Butoxy-1-Ethanol (see butyl cellosolve)
Aerosol propellants (see propellants)
Alkyl Phenoxy Polyethoxy Ethanol (see phenol)
Ammonia (also known as ammonium chloride, ammonium hydroxide, benzalkonium chloride and quaternary ammonium compounds) An irritant that affects the skin, eyes and respiratory passages. It is extremely toxic when inhaled in concentrated vapors and repeated exposure may lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. It can cause chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage, and has been shown to produce skin cancer. Disruptions to the ecosystem can result, with toxic effects to plants, animals and fish. The EPA lists ammonia as a toxic chemical on its Community Right-to-Know list. Found in a wide range of household cleaning products including glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants and more.
Ammonium Chloride (see ammonia)
Ammonium Hydroxide (see ammonia)
Amyl Acetate (banana oil, pear oil) A skin irritant and neurotoxin causing central nervous system depression. Found in furniture polish, nail finishes, nail polish remover and perfume.
Benzalkonium Chloride A synthetic disinfectant and bacteriacide. Wide use is causing new strains of resistant bacteria. Negatively affects living organisms. Found in disinfecting hand soaps, dishwashing detergent, disinfectants and cleaners
Benzalkonium Chloride (see ammonia)
Benzene Carcinogenic. Harmful amounts may be absorbed through skin. Irritating to mucous membranes, poisonous when ingested. Inhalation of fumes may be toxic. Cited by the EPA and OSHA as a threat to public health. Found in oven cleaners, detergents, furniture polish, spot removers, nail polish remover.
Bronopol (see 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
Butane (see propellants)
Butoxyethanol (see butyl cellosolve)
Butyl cellosolve (also known as 2-butoxy-1-ethanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, butoxyethanol, butyl oxitol) A highly toxic synthetic solvent and grease cutter that can irritate mucous membranes and cause liver damage. It is readily absorbed through the skin and is neurotoxic. Found in some all-purpose cleaners and degreasers, window cleaners, and a wide range of other household cleaning products.
Butyl Oxitol (see butyl cellosolve)
Butylparaben (see parabens)
Carbon Disulfide (see organic solvents)
Caustic Soda (see sodium hydroxide)
Chlorine (also known as sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, sodium dichloroixocyanurate, hydrogen chloride, hydrochloric acid) A powerful irritant and can be fatal upon inhalation. This toxic chemical causes the most household poisonings in the U.S., and ranks first in industrial injuries and deaths.There is growing evidence that chlorinated drinking water causes bladder cancer and rectal cancer. Many chlorinated water supplies probably contain some amount of THM (trihalomethanes), which are carcinogenic compounds. THMs can be removed from tap water with an adequate home filtration system with activated carbon. Chlorine and compounds are environmentally damaging, break down slowly in the ecosystem, are stored in the fatty tissue of wildlife, and a prime cause of atmospheric ozone loss. Chlorine is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant. Found in a wide range of household cleaners including laundry bleach, dishwasher detergent, tub and tile cleaners and more.
Chlorine Dioxide (see chlorine)
Cocamide DEA (also known as cocamide diethanolamine) While not carcinogenic, it has the potential to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in dishwashing liquids, shampoos, cosmetics
Cocamide Diethanolamine (see cocamide DEA) Colors and Dyes (FD&C or D&C) Artificial colors are made from petroleum and coal tar, and are believed to be cancer-causing agents. They may penetrate the skin, can cause allergies and are irritants to the skin and eyes. They are found on labels as FD&C or D&C and followed by a color and a number. Yellow, amber, green or blue products are obviously dyed with synthetic colors, and should be avoided.
Crystalline Silica Eye, skin and lung irritant, and is carcinogenic. Found in some highly popular brands of all-purpose cleaners.
D&C (see colors and dyes) D-limonene Eye and skin irritant. Evidence of carcinogenicity. Neurotoxicity. Found in some paints, pet flea-control products, lice treatments and some cleaning products.
DEA (also known as diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
Diammonium EDTA (see EDTA)
Diazolidinyl Urea (see imidazolidinyl urea)
Diethanolamine (see DEA)
Diethylene Dioxide (see dioxane)
Diethylene Ether (see dioxane)
Diethylene Oxide (see dioxane)
Dioxane (also known as diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, diethylene oxide) A carcinogen. Dioxane is listed as a hazardous air pollutant in the 1990 Clean Air Act. Found in window cleaners.
DMDM Hydantoin (see formaldehyde and preservatives)
EDTA (also known as ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic, diammonium EDTA) Can be a skin irritant and irritating to the mucous membranes leading to allergies, asthma and skin rashes. It does not readily biodegrade and binds with heavy metals trapped in our lakes and streams thereby activating the metal and causing them to reenter the food chain. Found in laundry detergent.
Ethoxylated Alcohols (see 1,4-dioxane) May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is carcinogenic.
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (see butyl cellosolve)
Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic (see EDTA)
Ethylparaben (see parabens)
FD&C (see colors and dyes)
Flame Retardants (TRIS) Proven to be mutagenic and carcinogenic to animals. Absorbed through the skin from clothing.
Formaldehyde Irritating, allergy-producing, a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Can cause insomnia, coughing, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds and skin rashes. Some of the most irritating and allergenic preservatives contain, release or break down into formaldehyde. These include 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium 15. Widely used in deodorizers, disinfectants, personal care products (including shampoo) and cosmetics (including nail polish and hardeners). A common air pollutant, it is also used in permanent press sheets, mattresses, foam, plastics and building materials.
Fragrance, Artificial fragrances are 95% derived from petrochemicals. The word "fragrance" listed on a label can indicate that as many as 600 separate chemicals have been used in the formula. Some, such as methylene chloride, are carcinogenic, and some fragrances contain or release formaldehyde (see). They often cause allergies, skin irritation, headaches and nausea.
Germacides
(see benzalkonium chloride) Mostly synthetic bacteriacides. See benzalkonium chloride. Found in disinfecting hand soaps, dishwashing detergent, disinfectants and cleaners
Glycol Ether
(also see butyl cellosolve) Name for a large group of chemicals. Can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and some are hazardous to the reproductive system. Can range from relatively nontoxic to extremely toxic. Can damage the kidney, liver and central nervous system. Can be absorbed quickly through the skin. Found in some household cleaning products, paints, cosmetics and perfumes.
Hydrochloric Acid (also see chlorine) Can dissolve and destroy tender tissues upon direct contact. Eyes, nose and throat easily irritated by vapors. Can burn, result in permanent scarring and even blindness. Found in aluminim cleaners and rust removers.
Hydrogen Chloride (see chlorine)
Hypochlorite (see chlorine)
Imidazolidinyl Urea (also diazolidinyl urea; see preservatives) Most commonly used cosmetic preservative after the parabens. A primary cause of contact dermatitis. Found in cosmetics, baby shampoos, personal care products and fragrances.
Kerosene (also mineral spirits) Eye and skin irritant, can damage lung tissues. Neurotoxic. May contain the carcinogen, benzene. Found in all-purpose cleaners, furniture polishes and waxes.
Lanolin Causes allergic skin rashes. Cosmetic-grade lanolin can be contaminated with pesticides including DDT, dieldrin and lindane which are carcinogenic and diazinon which is neurotoxic. These chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the skin. Labels do not disclose which lanolin-based ingredients are pure. Found in wide range of cosmetics, hair products, ointments, lotions.
Lindane Toxic. Readily absorbed through the skin. Known to cause convulsions and seizures. Animal carcinogenic. Found in head lice treatments (shampoo).
MEA (monoethanolamine, see DEA)
Methanol (also known as methyl alchohol) Severe eye and skin irritant. Can cause blindness. Neurotoxic. Found in glass cleaners, some paint removers and strippers, art products.
Methyl Alchohol (see methanol)
Methylparaben (see parabens)
Metyl n-Butyl Ketone (see organic solvents)
Mineral Spirits (see kerosene)
Monoethanolamine (see DEA)
Morpholine Extremely toxic. Irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May cause liver and kidney damage. Reacts with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in all-purpose cleaners, furniture polishes and car wax.
n-Hexane (see organic solvents)
Naphthas (see petroleum distillates)
Napthalene Irritating to eyes and skin. Can cause cataracts, corneal damage and kidney damage. A suspected carcinogen, extremely toxic to small children and infants. Can cause blood damage to the fetus. Found in mothballs, air fresheners, deoderizers, carpet cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners.
Nonyl Phenoxy Ethoxylate (see phenol)
Nonylphenol Recent research is indicating this to be an endocrine disruptor and should be avoided.
Octyl Dimethyl PABA
(see Padimate-O)
Optical Brighteners Can cause allergic reaction. Do not readily biodegrade. Toxic to fish. Found in laundry detergents.
Organic Solvents (also known as carbon disulfide, n-hexane, metyl n-butyl ketone, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, toluene) Neurotoxic and central nervous system depressant. Many are recognized as carcinogens and reproductive hazards in the workplace. Found in all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, metal polishes, varnish and lacquer removers, dry cleaning, paints and coatings, adhesives.
Oxynol (see 1,4-Dioxane)
p-Dichlorobenzene (see para-dichlorobenzene)
Padimate-O (also known as octyl dimethyl PABA) Can cause formation of nitrosamines. May be carcinogenic. Found in sunscreens and cosmetics.
Para-dichlorobenzene (also known as p-dichlorobenzene, PDCB, 1,4-dichlorobenzene) Extremely toxic. Carcinogenic. Highly volatile. Causes liver and kidney damage. Does not biodegrade. Found in moth repellents, toilet deoderizers, room deoderants and insecticides.
Parabens (also known as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben) Preservatives that have a greater-than-normal potential for causing irritation and allergic reactions. Reported to be toxic. Widely used in personal care products including shampoo and cosmetics.
PDCB (see para-dichlorobenzene)
PEG (see 1,4-Dioxane)
Perchloroethylene (also see organic solvents) Animal carcinogen, suspected human carcinogen. Air pollutant. Groundwater contaminant. Drinking water contaminated with perc has leukemia and birth defect implications. Long-term overexposure may effect the nervous system. Found in spot removers, degreasers and dry cleaning fluids.
Petroleum Distillates (also known as naphthas, see toluene, xylene, benzene, napthalene, Stoddard solvent) A group of chemicals obtained from the petroleum refining process. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Neurotoxic effects can lead to organic brain damage. Many petroleum products are carcinogenic. Found in heavy-duty cleaners, laundry stain removers, furniture polish, car waxes, lice shampoo, home and garden pesticides and pet flea-control products.
Phenol (also known as alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, nonyl phenoxy ethoxylate) Very toxic and suspected carcinogen. Swelling, pimples and hives are common. Internal consumption can cause circulatory collapse, convulsions, cold sweats, coma and death. Found in laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, disinfectants and furniture polish.
Phosphates Cause an excessive growth in aquatic plants (esp. algae) leading to suffocation of fish and other aquatic life. Found in laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and all-purpose cleaners.
Phosphoric Acid Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Breathing vapors can make lungs burn. Found in bathroom cleaners
Polyethylene Glycol (see 1,4-Dioxane)
Polyethylene (see 1,4-Dioxane)
Polyoxyethylene (see 1,4-Dioxane)
Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80 (see 1,4-Dioxane)
Preservatives (also see parabens, formaldehydeimidazolidinyl urea) One of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. Grapefruit seed extract, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), Vitamin (retinyl) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are extremely gentle, effective and seem to be the least irritating and allergenic preservatives.
Propane (see propellants)
Propellants (propane, butane) Eye, throat and respiratory irritant. Aggravates asthma. Known to cause lung diseases. Can cause eye injury and chemical burns. Found in wide range of aerosol products, including oven cleaners, furniture polishes, air fresheners, insecticides and personal care products.
Propylene Glycol Reported to have severe adverse health effects including contact dermatitis and allergies, kidney and liver damage. Used widely in cosmetics, personal care products, baby products (wipes and lotions).
Propylparaben (see parabens)
Pyrethrin Allergic. Neurotoxic. Found in head lice treatments, house and garden pesticides and flea-control products.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (see ammonia)
Quaternium 15 (see formaldehyde and preservatives)
Soda Lye (see sodium hydroxide)
Sodium Bisulfate Corrosive and damaging to the eyes, skin and internal tissues if swallowed. Can cause asthma attacks. Found in toilet bowl cleaners and deoderizers.
Sodium Dichloroixocyanurate (see chlorine)
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (see sodium laureth sulfate)
Sodium Hydroxide (also known as lye, caustic soda, soda lye) Corrosive. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Can burn eyes, skin and internal organs. Can cause lung damage, blindness and be fatal if swallowed. Found in a wide range of household cleaners including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and drain openers.
Sodium Hypochlorite (see chlorine)
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (see sodium laureth sulfate)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (also sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, also see 1,4-dioxane) Skin irritant. Reported as toxic in many studies. Has tendency to react with other ingredients to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. The FDA has stated that levels of dioxin formation in products containing sodium laureth sulfate are unacceptable. Studies have shown eye and systemic tissue (heart, liver, brain) penetration. Main ingredient in shampoo, baby shampoo, toothpaste.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (see sodium laureth sulfate)
Sodium Metasilicate Corrosive to the skin, a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Inhalation can cause throat and lung damage. Found in detergents and dishwasher detergents.
Stoddard Solvent (see petroleum distillates) Petroleum distillate. Eye and mucous membrane irritant. Neurotoxic. Found in all-purpose cleaners, abrasives, floor and auto wax
Sulfates (see sodium laureth sulfate)
Sulfuric Acid (see sodium bisulfate) Very corrosive producing severe burns on contact. Found in toilet bowl cleaners and metal polishes.
Talc Cosmetic talc is carcinogenic. Talc-based powder has been linked to ovarian cancer. Found in baby and bath powders, face powders, dry rouges, foot powders.
TEA (also known as triethanolamine, see DEA) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate Irritating, corrosive and highly toxic. Suspected of forming organophosphate properties which cause excessive algae growth (see phosphates).
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (see phosphates)
Toluene (also known as xylene, see petroleum distillates, organic solvents) Highly toxic petrochemical solvent. Eye and skin irritant, carcinogenic, neurotoxic and reproductive effects. Found in spot removers, car cleaners, paints.
Trichloroethane (TCA) Severe eye irritant. Can be absorbed through skin. Hazardous air pollutant. Inhalation and ingestion can lead to death. Found in cosmetics and as a degreaser.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) (see organic solvents) Suspected carcinogen. Very irritating to eyes and nose. Found in spot removers, metal polishes.
Triethanolamine (TEA, see DEA) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
TRIS (see flame retardants)
Xylene (see toluene, petroleum distillates)
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