DO NOT USE

2-Butoxyethanol (CAS 111-76-2)

This ingredient, a common solvent used in cleaning products, may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, including damage to the male testes and  the developing fetus. It has also been listed as CEPA-toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Used in heavy duty cleaners, floor strippers, rug spotters and degreasers.

Cocamide diethanolamine (CAS 68603-42-9)

This ingredient is a suspect ed carcinogen based on laboratory experiments conducted by the U.S. National Toxicological Program. Used in some all-purpose cleaners and mchine-dispensed hand soaps.

Dibutyl phthalate (CAS 84-74-2)

This ingredient is a severe skin irritant and may cause damage to the developing fetus. It is an “endocrine disrupter” that can affect the hormone-producing organs of the body. It is one of several substances listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic” (PBT). It is an R-designated substance (reproductive toxicant) on the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists, the reference list used by WorkSafeBC. Used in hard surface cleaners and floor cleaners.

Ethoxylated nonyl phenol (CAS 9016-45-9)

Ethoxylated nonyl phenols, or NPEs, are also endocrine disrupters and have been listed as CEPA-toxic. Other CAS numbers for NPEs that commonly occur in cleaning products are 26027-38-3 and 7311-27-5. Used in laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners and other products.

Hydroflourosilicic acid (CAS 16961-83-4)

This ingredient is highly corrosive and irritating and according to the data sheet, prolonged exposure could cause “skin and eye damage, tissue damage, respiratory disorder or lung damage.” Used in laundry sours.

Methyl ethyl ketone (CAS 78-93-3)

This is a liver, kidney, skin and reproductive system toxicant. Used in hard surface cleaners and laundry starches.

Methylene chloride (CAS 75-09-2)

Also known as Dichloromethane, this is an IARC 2B (possible human) carcinogen, and a reproductive toxicant. It may also cause liver and brain damage on inhalation. Used in paint strippers as well as stain and graffiti removers.

Naphthalene (CAS 91-20-3)

This is an IARC 2B carcinogen. It may cause blood, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal and developmental damage. Used in mothballs and pest repellents.

N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (CAS 872-50-4)

Listed as a known reproductive toxicant under California’s Proposition 65, this may also also cause liver and kidney damage. Used in carpet cleaners and floor strippers.

Paradichlorobenzene (CAS 106-46-7)

Known also as p-Dichlorobenzene, this is an IARC 2B carcinogen and may cause liver and kidney damage. Used in washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.

Perchloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4)

Also known as tetrachloroethylene, this is an IARC Group 2A (probable human) carcinogen and may cause damage to the liver and kidneys as well as the developing fetus. Used in furniture polishes, hard surface cleaners and rug and upholstery cleaners. Both perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene have been listed as CEPA-toxic.

Styrene (CAS 100-42-5)

This is an IARC 2B carcinogen, which may also cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage as well as damage to the developing fetus. Found in some floor finishes. Note that the CAS number may be listed on the data sheet as “not available” if the styrene is part of is part of a mixture.

Trisodium nitrilotriacetate (CAS 18662-53-8; 5064-31-3)

This is  an IARC 2B known carcinogen.  It also impedes the elimination of heavy metals in wastewater treatment, creating an environmental hazard. Used in laundry detergents, carpet treatments, dishwasher detergents and other products.

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3)

Exposure to this ingredient may cause liver, kidney and brain damage and damage to the developing fetus. The New Jersey Dept. of Health warns that high exposures can cause death. Used in specialty cleaning products such as vandal mark removers.

Trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6)

This ingredient is an IARC Group 2A carcinogen and may cause live, kidney and respiratory system damage. High exposures can lead to irregular heartbeat, which could be fatal. Used in spot cleaners and degreasers.

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