EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning

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Evidence
Products Listing It
Possible Impurity In

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F

FORMALDEHYDE

This substance ranges from C to F depending on concentration/usage.

Asthma/Respiratory

Moderate Concern

Skin Allergies &
Irritation

High Concern

Developmental &
Reproductive Toxicity

No Data, Some Concern

Cancer

High Concern

Environment

Low Concern

Top scoring factors: Evidence of cancer; skin irritation/allergies/damage; general systemic/organ effects

FORMALDEHYDE can be found in 20 products.

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Evidence

Health issue

Level of Concern

Source

Suspected of causing cancer

high

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Known to cause cancer

high

Prop 65 - CA Proposition 65

Known To Be Human Carcinogen

high

NTP 12th RoC - NTP RoC

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner

high

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Carcinogenic to humans

high

IARC 103 - IARC

Probably carcinogenic to humans

high

EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) - Cancer - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Toxic in contact with skin

moderate

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Toxic if swallowed

moderate

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Toxic if inhaled

moderate

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Generally accepted as an asthmagen

moderate

AOEC Asthmagen list - AOEC

suspected human carcinogen

moderate

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis - American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

Asthmagen

some

AOEC Asthmagen list - AOEC

May cause an allergic skin reaction

some

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Oven Cleaner; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner

some

GHS Hazard Codes - EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes

eye irritation

low

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis - American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

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EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from the published scientific... continue reading →

EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors that determine actual health risks, if any. (Hide)
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Grade A

Lowest Concern

Few/no known or suspected hazards to health or the environment

Grade B

Low Concern

Limited potential for hazards to health or the environment

Grade C

Moderate Concern

Some potential for hazards to health or the environment

Grade D

High Concern

Likely hazards to health or the environment

Grade F

Highest Concern

Potentially significant hazards to health or the environment

About the ratings: EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any.

Grade A

Lowest Concern

Few/no known or suspected hazards to health or the environment. Good ingredient disclosure.

Grade B

Low Concern

Limited potential for hazards to health or the environment. At least some ingredient disclosure.

Grade C

Moderate Concern

Some potential for hazards to health or the environment. At least some ingredient disclosure.

Grade D

High Concern

Likely hazards to health or the environment. May also have poor ingredient disclosure.

Grade F

Highest Concern

Potentially significant hazards to health or the environment or poor ingredient disclosure.

About the ratings: EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any.

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Where did Method’s scores go?

Method and EWG are working together to use new information provided by Method to update Method's scores. Please check back for updated scores in the near future.