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At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.

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Results - Cleaning Labels Don't List Air Pollutants as Ingredients

Home > Cleaning Supplies

School Cleaners Test Results

EWG tested over 20 cleaners used in schools in California, and detected hundreds of air contaminants not listed as ingredients by manufacturers.

Further testing shows that cleaning a model classroom using 3 widely used, certified green products produces far less air pollution than cleaning the same classroom with 3 common conventional cleaners.

Test Results

Cleaning Products used in California Schools Air Contaminants Detected Ingredients Disclosed by Manufacturer Asthmagens Detected Carcinogens Detected

AIR FRESHENERS

Febreze Air Effects (Hawaiian Aloha)89301

BATHROOM CLEANERS

3M Brand Bathroom Cleaner (Product No. 44, Twist 'n Fill System) [Green Seal]10600
Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser (Regular)146617
NABC Non-Acid Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner13520

DISINFECTANTS

Alpha HP Multi-Surface Cleaner (disinfectant strength)6600
Clorox Regular Bleach8200
Virex II 2563410

FLOOR CLEANERS/FINISHES/POLISHES

Ripsaw7910
Shineline Seal Floor Sealer/ Finish31812
Twister10200
Waxie Green Floor Finish [EcoLogo]58112

GENERAL PURPOSE CLEANERS

Alpha HP Multi-Surface Cleaner (cleaner strength, results estimate) [Green Seal]5600
Citrus-Scrub 9056301
Marauder Environmental General Purpose Cleaner [Green Seal]8500
Pine-Sol Brand Cleaner (Original)18311
Pioneer Super Cleaner13322
Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner/ Degreaser/ Deodorizer93113

GLASS & SURFACE CLEANERS

3M Brand Glass Cleaner (Product No. 1, Twist 'n Fill System) [Green Seal]16310
Glance HC Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaner4501
Glance Non- Ammoniated Glass & Multi- Purpose Cleaner [Green Seal]1500
Waxie 21 Glass Cleaner6301

GRAFFITI REMOVERS

Goof Off Cleaner (CA VOC Compliant)86602

 

Cleaning Scenario Air Contaminants Detected Ingredients Disclosed by Manufacturer Asthmagens Detected Carcinogens Detected
Conventional Classroom Cleaning66512
Green Classroom Cleaning15711