Evaluating products for my healthy home services means research and field-testing. I’m passionate about healthy homes and healthy families, so it’s organically just part of my job. And my customers have come to expect no less.
For my least-toxic specs— always in progress— read on!
Non-toxic, before anything “green” was cool
My first product advisor was Debra Lynn Dadd. That was in 1985, when launching my service. Debra was one of the first to write about nontoxic products for a consumer audience. And became one of my first non-toxic customers. 🙂
With Debra’s help, I learned how to screen products on my own. Not like a biochemist. But enough to protect myself and my customers from potential harm.
My priorities are the same now as they were back then. Of widely-available products, I seek out the least-toxic and most cost-effective products that work, involving the least waste.
I continually reevaluate the products I use, ready to change course as I learn more. And as more options become available. A never-ending journey.
My disclaimer: I carefully screen every products I use. However, I can take no responsibility for inaccuracies, especially when formulas or labels change. So if you need to be 100% sure about my product specs, or the brands I use, please verify my information with experts you know and trust.
Complete ingredient lists
Every brand I use provides complete ingredient lists to the public, unless noted. A complete list uses specific chemical names, vs generic words like “surfactant” or “preservative”.
Complete ingredient lists are not legally required for cleaning products. But they are becoming more important to educated consumers.
Least-toxic
When I say least-toxic, I mean that accidental exposure is least likely to cause human health effects, in the short or long term.
From Day One, I’ve strived to use the least-toxic cleaners that work. Not only for my own health and safety, but also for my customers and their loved ones. And hopefully, for a less polluted earth.
Acute (immediate) health effects
I steer clear of products with hazard signals like “DANGER” or “POISON” on the label. Such signals are legally required on products that can cause immediate and severe health effects.
That said, I sometimes disinfect with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide can be very irritating to the skin and respiratory tract. And you don’t want to swallow it. But it’s still less toxic than most other disinfectants.
Long-term health effects
I avoid products with potential long-term health risks. Long-term risks can include organ damage, cancer, or endocrine disruption.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are on my no list. Products that contain EDCs include some brands among the following.
- Antibacterial products containing triclosan or triclocarban.
- Synthetic fragrances. Please note: I use essential oils, except when a customer requests otherwise.
- Pesticides.
- Toxic disinfectants (disinfectants are pesticides!)
- And most detergents.
Please note: Borax contains two EDC, according to Environmental Working Group. I’ve occasionally used borax for disinfecting, after cleaning up small areas of mold. But will now look into safer alternatives.
Free of synthetic fragrances
I generally avoid synthetic fragrances in my work. Also in my personal life— meaning my laundry, personal care products, etc. While I’m not sensitive to fragrance, many others are, especially those with environmental allergies or asthma. So why not be considerate?
I do use essential oils, when they happen to be in the products I buy. Mostly almond or peppermint. But essential oils are completely optional in my services. Just ask!
Virtually all plant-based
I’ve used virtually all plant-based products since 1979, before anything plant-based or eco-friendly was a thing. Read more here, where you’ll also find a list of products I use.
Organic ingredients when possible
Organic ingredients aren’t easy to find yet, at least in cleaners. But Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, and Spectrum Organic White Distilled Vinegar, are two exceptions. Both happen to be the two products I use most.
Fair Trade when possible
Certified Fair Trade brands aren’t easy to find either. But Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap is one exception. A great multi-surface cleaner, except for the worst-case grease.
Cruelty-free
All the products I use are free of animal testing. The commercially formulated products are certified by the Leaping Bunny, PETA, or both. If you can have a safe product without cruelty, why go any other way?
Field-tested products for health-based cleaning
Check out some products I field-tested onsite in my healthy home services. I’ve long specializing in environmental allergies and asthma, but these products passed muster with many non-suffering skeptics too.