Ever wondered what is present in your cleaning reagents? What is the actual role of each of the chemicals? Why are many companies not disclosing the ingredients if they are in fact "clean" and "safe" for the homes we live in, clothes we wear and dishes we cook and eat our food on.

1. "Project Sunshine" TWB Talk
By MoPolamar (Climate Miles)
13th December 2013
1-2pm @ B1 3rd Floor - TWB
mo.polamar@climatemiles.com

2. COMMON TOXINS IN YOUR
CLEANING REAGENTS
EDTA
Ammonia
2-Butoxyethanol
Coal tar dyes
MEA, DEA & TEAPhenols
Phosphates
Triclosan
SLS & SLES
Silica powder
Sodium Sulfate

3. Effects on Humans
cancer
bronchitus &
penumonia
skin & eye irritation
migranes
kidney & liver
damage
asthma
pimples
death
coma
allergies
reproductive
problems
nervous system
disorders

4. SOURCE: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hteiZbdPoY/UTf_maqyWAI/AAAAAAAAAXc/lhTBHQ94Bso/s640/chemicals-on-the-body.jpg
Chemicals
on our
bodies

5. Effects
on
Animals

6. Impact on the Environment
Air, Water, Soil
causes oxygen levels in water
bodies to decrease
Non-Biodegradable, hence
persistent in the environment
toxic burden on aquatic ecosystems
suffocating aquatic organisms
promote harmful algal blooms and increase
weed growth

7. What is in this
cleaning reagent?

11. Why
are
the
ingredients
not
mentioned?

15. Aqua containing extracts of saffron and coconut
milk, lauric acid, cocoamidopropylbetaine,
Potassium hydroxide, Ethylene, Glycol, Mono
Steerate, Cocoamidopropylbetaine, sodium
chloride, glycerin, sodium laureth sulfate,
coconut oil, oleic acid, myristic acid, triclosan,
hydroxy propylmethyl cellulose, Do-sodium
EDTA, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Methyl
Paraben, Propyl paraben, Tetrasodium, etidro-
nate, Potassium chloride, perfume - blossom,
hydroxide peroxide , colour

16. What are the effects of the
chemicals in your cleaners?
EDTA
Ammonia
2-Butoxyethanol
Coal tar dyes
MEA, DEA & TEAPhenols
Phosphates
Triclosan
SLS & SLES
Silica powder
Sodium Sulfate

17. Effect on YOU : A skin and eye irritant, blood
disorders. Exposure in high doses cause reproductive
problems. Listed as a toxic substance under the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act.
Found in YOUR: glass cleaners, laundry stain remov-
ers, carpet cleaners, automobile cleaners, windshield
wiper fluid, degreasers, oven cleaners, and rust remov-
ers.
Regulations limit the concentration of 2-BE in most house-
hold cleaners to 5 or 6 per cent, but higher concentra-
tions are permitted in other products, notably and
laundry stain removers (up to 22 per cent).
2-Butoxyethanol

18. Effect on YOU : Irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and
lungs - Long term exposure can cause bronchitis and
pneumonia. Asthma, kidney and liver damage.
Ammonia is mixed with products containing chlorine
bleach (sodium hypochlorite), highly poisonous
chloramine gas is formed.
Effect on the Environment : Also has a toxic effect
on plants, animals and fish.
Found in YOUR: window cleaners, drain cleaners,
toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners,
stainless-steel cleaners, car polish, and all-purpose
cleaners.
AMMONIA

19. Effect on YOU : Can induce an allergic response fol-
lowing contact with the skin. Quats are also known to
cause occupational asthma in cleaning workers. They may
cause adverse genetic and reproductive effects.
Effect on the Environment : Chemicals in this class
are persistent in the environment and toxic to aquatic or-
ganisms.
Found in YOUR: bathroom cleaning products,
all-purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, and degreasers.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
(Quats)

20. Effect on YOU : Derived from petrochemicals, and may
be contaminated with trace amounts of heavy metals like
arsenic, cadmium and lead. May cause cancer and that
heavy metals can harm the nervous system. Dyes in
cleaning products can be absorbed through the skin or
ingested in the case of soap residue on dishes.
Found in YOUR: most types of cleaning products.
They are completely unnecessary to the cleaning
function of the product.
Coal tar dyes

21. Effect on YOU : These be carcinogenic.DEA is a mild
skin and severe eye irritant. MEA is known to induce
asthma in workplace settings.
Effect on the Environment : Persistent in the
environment.
Found in YOUR: Liquid laundry detergents, all-pur-
pose cleaners, floor cleaners, car wash products,
degreasers, dishes soap, oven cleaners, and glass and
surface cleaners.
MEA , DEA , TEA
monoethanalomine,diethanolamine,triethanolamine

22. Effect on YOU : Suspected endocrine disrupters
associated with reproductive effects, including reduced
sperm count in men. Air fresheners contain a potpourri of
fragrance chemicals, in some cases including can-
cer-causing benzene and formaldehyde, as well as
phthalates and numerous VOCs.
Effect on the Environment : dibutyl phthalate(DBP)
as very toxic to aquatic organisms.
Found in YOUR: Glass cleaners and floor polishes
have also been found to contain DBP. Air fresheners .
Fragrance chemicals
synthetic musk & pthalates

23. Nonylphenol
ethoxylates(NPEs)
Effect on YOU : Degrade into nonylphenols (NPs),
which can mimic the hormone estrogen.NP has been
shown to stimulate the growth of human breast cancer
cells
Effect on the Environment : Causes adverse
reproductive effects in fish and other aquatic organisms.
Found in YOUR: Liquid laundry detergents, stain re-
movers, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, toilet
bowl cleaners, degreasers, and car wash products.

24. Phosphates
Effect on YOU : Function as a fertilizer in water and
stimulate algae growth.This can plug filtration devices at
water treatment facilities and affect the taste and odor of
the water, resulting increased costs of water purification.
Certain algae blooms produce chemicals that are toxic
to animals and people who drink the water.
Effect on the Environment : Phosphates in water
promote harmful algal blooms and increase weed growth
causing oxygen levels in the water to decline, which leads
to the suffocation of fish & underwater life.
Found in YOUR: dishwasher detergents, laundry de-
tergents, and bathroom cleaners.

25. EDTA
Effect on YOU : Skin irritant leading to allergies,
asthma, and skin rashes.
Effect on the Environment : Does not bio degrade
readily and is an environment hazard.
Found in YOUR: Hand-wash and other soaps.

26. Effect on YOU : Rated by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer as a known human carcingogen.
This natural ingredient (made from finely ground quartz) is
hazardous as a dust if inhaled.
Found in YOUR: Abrasive cleaning powders.
Silica powder

27. Effect on YOU : Corrosive; severe eye, skin and
respiratory irritant. It can also form chlorine gas, which
will burn the eyes, nose and mouth. High doses of this
chemical cause kidney damage.
Effect on the Environment : In its concentrated form,
this chemical is very toxic to aquatic organisms and may
cause long-term effects in aquatic ecosystems.
Found in YOUR: Oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners,
disinfectants, drain openers, and toilet bowl cleaners
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate
dihydrate

28. Effect on YOU : SLS is a skin irritant may be toxic to the envi-
ronment. SLES is less harsh. However, the process of creating it
can leave behind traces of 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcino-
gen.
Effect on the Environment : In its concentrated form, this
chemical is very toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause
long-term effects in aquatic ecosystems.
Found in YOUR: Dish soap, liquid laundry detergents, clean-
ing towelettes, and toilet bowl cleaners (as well as cosmet-
ics). Used in cosmetics as a detergent and to make products
bubble and foam. It is common in shampoos, shower gels and
facial cleansers.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and
sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

29. Effect on YOU : Toxic and a suspected endocrine
disrupter that can mimic or interfere with the function of
hormones. Irritating to the skin and eyes.
Triclosan is an anti-microbial agent and there is concern that
its extensive use in consumer products is contributing to
antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thus limiting treatment
options for microbial infections.
Effect on the Environment : and as very toxic to
aquatic organisms.
Found in YOUR: Dish soaps and disinfectants, as well
as a wide range of other household products. Look for it
listed as an "active ingredient" in
antibacterial products.
Triclosan

30. Effect on YOU : Human carcinogen. The concentra-
tions of NTA/trisodium nitrilotriacetate in drinking water are
low enough that they don't constitute a danger to human
health when ingested. The problem is that individually
small doses add up in the environment and contribute to
our overall toxic burden. In aquatic ecosystems, trisodium
nitrilotriacetate can also cause heavy metals in sediment to
redissolve and many of these metals are toxic to fish and
other wildlife.
Found in YOUR: bathroom cleaners and possibly
some laundry detergents (more common in industrial
formulations).
Trisodium nitrilotriacetate

31. So,
HOW CAN YOU
ENSURE YOUR
HOME AND
OFFICE ARE
SAFE FROM
THESE
UNWANTED
CHEMICALS?

32. Baking soda - a natural deodorizer
and stain remover, and it
rinses easily,
Non-toxic (no more dangers for kids
and pets licking surfaces that you’ve
cleaned)
AND extremely affordable.
Baking soda and vinegar are NOT
corrosive, poisonous, or hazardous to your health,
they’re actually completely safe if ingested.

33. Vinegar - is an all natural and mild acid,
it is a known disinfectant
Can remove stains,sanitize, and
is completely non-toxic and inexpensive.
However it shouldnt be used on stone surfaces or
acetate fabrics.

34. Hydrogen Peroxide is non-toxic
a natural bleaching agent with
disinfectant and stain removing properties.
It’s also extremely inexpensive

35. Liquid Castile Soap is a vegetable based soap

36. Soapnuts are actually berries that look like nuts, grow on
a Sapindus tree and contain saponin an antimicrobial
natural detergent in the fruit. They release the most soap in
hot water, so they will last longer in cold water washes.
They can be cooked in hot water to make a liquid soap.
They can also be put in a mesh or cotton bag and placed in
in the washing machine, the agitator motion brings out the
soapsuds.
It is often powdered and used to clean dishes.

37. Alternates to commercially
available cleaning reagents
All Purpose Liquid Cleaner
1 gal. hot water
1 tbsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. liquid soap (scrape a few shavings of vegetable soap and
put them in a bottle with some warm water and shake)
Mix to make a soapy paste and use to scrub on surfaces.

38. Window or Glass Cleaner 1
5 parts water to 1 part white vinegar,
Mix and spray on the glass surface and wipe it down.
Window or Glass Cleaner 2
Half a cup of water, half a cup of vinegar, ½ tsp. liquid soap
Mix and spray on the glass surface and wipe it down.
Air Freshner
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar or lemon juice
half a cup of hot water
Mix in spray bottle, don’t spray on silks or delicates.

39. Bathroom- Tub & Tile Cleaner
Apply vinegar full-strength to a sponge and wipe
Scour with baking soda
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Liquid vegetable soap
Baking soda or borax
Scrub with a toilet brush.

40. ToothPaste
Home made toothpaste (Makes about ½ cup)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
2 tablespoons coconut oil, in liquid form
5 drops peppermint oil
5 drops lemon oil
Directions: Mix all the ingredients until evenly combined. Add
more baking soda or coconut oil to adjust consistency. It
should be on the thicker side, not runny. Store in a small glass
container with a lid in your toiletry cabinet.