http://www.care2.com/greenliving/read-a-label-s-signal-words-how-to.html
How to Read a Label’s Signal Words
By Annie B. Bond
In most ways there are few government safeguards in place for us regarding the safety of commercial cleaning products, but “signal words” and “warning words” on product labels are one notable exception.
They are placed there by order of the federal government and are primarily for helping you protect your family’s health.
Learn how to recognize the warning signs that you’re holding a toxic product in your hands.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from toxic products is to read labels and pay particular attention to “signal words.” They are placed on products by order of the federal government, with the primary purpose of protecting you, but sometimes to tell you about the products’ potential impact on the environment.
POISON/DANGER means something very toxic; only a few drops could kill you.
WARNING means moderately toxic; as little as a teaspoonful can kill.
CAUTION denotes a product that is less toxic; two tablespoons to a cup could kill you.
There are a few others, called “warning words,” such as STRONG SENSITIZER, TOXIC, CARCINOGEN, FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE.
The Environmental Health Foundation, in its book Toxic Turnaround, compiled a list of the top four chemical groups we should reject and eliminate.
These four are pesticides, toxic gases (such as chlorine and ammonia), heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), and volatile organic compounds (such as formaldehyde and solvents). The guideline are an excellent starting point. If we eliminate these chemicals, we will go a long way toward solving our environmental and health problems. I add plastics as a fifth category because of the increasing evidence that many plastic component are endocrine disrupters, synthetic chemicals that our bodies receive as if they were natural hormones.
Go to the Source
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add your comment »Safe vegan shop here at care2 http://my.care2.com/veganstuff
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I would call your local health department. My region in SW PA conducts Household Hazardous Waste collection events annually. Some states have year-round drop off points.
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Does anyone have any ideas about what to do with chemical cleansers that I no longer want? How can I dispose of them in a safe way, now that I'm using green cleaning products? I have TONS of them...some from my father's house when he passed away, as well as some of mine. Tnx!
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I avoid plastics as much as I can, but I was wondering what people recommend instead for children’s water bottles. I'm from Australia and have to send my small children off to school in 40+C sometimes and like to have cold water. Glass isn't practical so what are the alternatives? Are the harder plastics better than the soft ones for example? I have seen aluminum (or the like) but can’t see that being good either. Thanks in advance for suggestions. Kate
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Since I started rubbing on baking soda for deodorant I don't smell body ordor on myself or my clothes! It does bleach some fabrics, like silk. Anything you can do about that?
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To try all-natural Vinegar of the Four Thieves and On-the-Go Hand Sanitizer go to www.ForMyKidsOnline.com.
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I can remember my aunt sewing 'arm pit pads' that were worn in the arm pit to prevent the sweat from getting onto the fabric in the first place. Can't remember how they were worn or made. Might be something to 'Google'. . .
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Thank you, Annie, for putting all this very vital information out there! I am definitely switching to non-toxic, home-made cleansers and will teach all my students and retreat guests to do the same. By the way, using a few drops of essential plant oils (like lavender) in your home-cleansers will add a lovely, healing aroma to such products.
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I used to use only vinegar, baking soda, etc. Fortunately, with the coming of the "green" trend there are many readily available green, healthy, non-toxic cleansers available not only at health food stores and such but at your average grocery store and pharmacy making it much more accessible and fortunately acceptable to the average consumer. After many years of trying to convince my friends to convert to vinegar and the like, with little success, I'm making gift baskets for Christmas, filled with all they might need of non-toxic cleaners for the entire home. We'll all breathe a little easier and hopefully they'll be forever converted.
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If the garments are a natural fiber, just keep a spray bottle of 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part water. Spray- soak the affected areas before laundering. That's it. Also you can buy natural "detergents" I have found that they work just as well. I am a green housecleaner and I do a LOT of laundry. My top pick is 7th Generation free and clear 2x concentrated. People also often undervalue the benefits of soaking clothing (turn the machine on, let it begin to agitate then pause it for 20-30 minutes, restart, dry). I also find laundry boosters such as Borax for whites and Washing soda for colors very effective. "search" these products on this site and you will find ample information.
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