SAN FRANCISCO – Dozens of common household cleaning products contain hidden toxic chemicals linked to fertility disorders in lab animals, according to data gathered by a women’s research group.
A type of glycol ether is frequently found in popular cleaning products such as Windex Aerosol, Formula 409, Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol and Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, says the report released Tuesday by Women’s Voices for the Earth, a nonprofit group that aims to eliminate or reduce toxic chemicals in the home.
The chemical, called ethylene glycol butyl ether, also known as 2-butoxyethanol or EGBE, was taken off the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of hazardous air pollutants in 2004, and manufacturers aren’t required to list EGBE on the label.
But the agency reached its delisting decision based on potential outdoor exposure. The federal government does not regulate indoor air pollution, such as how the cleaners might degrade air inside a home.
The chemical continues to be regulated as a volatile organic compound and reported in the Toxic Release Inventory.
Some animal studies indicate that it creates reproductive problems, such as testicular damage, reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects. People exposed to high levels of EGBE for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths, studies show.
An EPA document, however, notes that “EGBE is not significantly toxic to the reproductive organs … nor to the developing fetuses of laboratory animals.” The conclusion was reached in spite of a two-generation study of the animals that revealed “fertility was reduced in mice only at very high maternally toxic doses.”
The document does acknowledge the reproductive-toxicity properties of two other glycol ethers, EGME and EGEE.
“These are products that women are using in their households on a daily basis, and they use them around their children,” said Alexandra Gorman, the group’s director of science and research and an author of the report.
The women’s research group pored through federally mandated Material Safety Data Sheets pertaining to household cleaning products. The data sheets, prepared by the manufacturers, contain information on chemicals used in products.
The group found that EGBE was a common ingredient. It’s a colorless, biodegradable chemical with a fruity odor that acts as a degreaser.
The researchers found about 50 products containing varied amounts of the chemical. Some manufacturers, like Sunshine Makers Inc., which makes the Simple Green brand, didn’t report how much of the chemical is used in its products.
Brian Sansoni, a spokesman for the Soap and Detergent Association, an industry trade group, responded to criticisms of the use of EGBE in household cleaners.
“There is no need to play ‘Fear Factor’ here. This ingredient usage in cleaning products is not known to be of concern for consumers who use these products as directed,” Sansoni said.
Andrew Jacques, a spokesman for the American Chemistry Council, which represents the manufacturers of the chemical, said his group believes EPA reviews of EGBE “indicate its low toxicity to humans and the environment.”
But William Nazaroff, a professor of environmental engineering and chairman of the Energy and Resources Group at University of California-Berkeley, said the EPA erred when it removed the chemical from the hazardous air pollutants list.
His studies found that people using some common products containing EGBE could be exposed to levels 12 times greater than California’s one-hour exposure guideline. EGBE remains on California’s list of toxic air contaminants.
Products containing the chemical:
The following cleaning products contain 2-butoxyethano (EGBE), according to manufacturers and Women’s Voices for the Earth.
All-purpose cleaners
America’s Home Value AllPurpose Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green
Clean Swipe Spray Cleaner
Crystal Simple Green Cleaner/ Degreaser
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Grease &Grime
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh Antibacterial
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Degreaser (trigger spray)
Formula 409 Spray All Purpose Cleaner
Formula 409 Daily Kitchen Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Cleaner &Antibacterial Spray
Pro Formula 409 Degreaser
Savogran Dirtex Spray Cleaner
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scented
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Foam
Simple Green BBQ Grill Microwave Cleaner
Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner, Degreaser, Deodorizer
Simple Green Extreme Clean
Simple Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner
SOS All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent
Whistle All Purpose Cleaner
Bathroom cleaners
America’s Home Value Bathroom Cleaner
Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner
Magic American Marble &Granite Magic Tile &Grout Magic Cleaner
Carpet/Rug Cleaners
Aroma Clean by Simple Green Carpet, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner
Carpet Stain Remover
It’s Magic Carpet Cleaner
Simple Green Carpet Cleaner
Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover, aerosol and trigger sprays
Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Floor Cleaners
Fresh Scent Pine-Sol Spray &Mop Floor Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Quick Floor Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green Floor Cleaner
Break Up Floor Stripper
Glass cleaners
America’s Home Value Glass Cleaner
Easy Off Glass Cleaner
Lemonized with Ammonia
Formula 409 Glass &Surface Cleaner
Glass Plus Mirror &Glass Cleaner
Sparkle Glass Cleaner
Windex Aerosol Wipes
Aroma Clean by Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Wipes
Formula 409 Cleaning Wipes
Simple Green All Purpose Towelettes
Simple Green Lemon Scented All Purpose Wipes
Simple Green Safety Towels
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