How to Tell if Your Cleaning Products Contain PFAS
Colorado recently passed SB24-081, a law that further bans and restricts the use of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are known as “forever chemicals,” and they have been shown to be harmful to the environment. They also pose health risks to humans.
As the owner of a cleaning company in Arvada, we have always been diligent in using non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for people, animals, and the environment. Our cleaning products - like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and Bar Keepers Friend - are non-toxic and verified not to contain PFAS.
Since SB24-081 doesn’t go into effect until next year, and won’t be fully in effect until 2028, Colorodans run the risk of buying unsafe cleaning products without even knowing it. For this article, I partnered with Third Partners, a company that works in corporate ESG and sustainability, to explain how consumers can check to see if their cleaning products are in fact non-toxic, safe to use, and don’t contain PFAS.
What are PFAS substances?
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s. They are commonly found in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics. They can also be found in cleaning products. PFAS are known for their ability to resist grease, oil, water, and heat.
Health and Environmental Risks Associated with PFAS
While their chemical stability makes them useful in many applications, it also means that PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. As a result, they can accumulate over time. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health problems, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer. Environmentally, PFAS contamination affects water supplies and wildlife, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Overview of the New Colorado Law Banning PFAS Use
Colorado’s new law aims to reduce PFAS pollution by banning the sale of certain products containing these substances and requiring manufacturers to disclose their use. The law focuses on eliminating PFAS from consumer goods such as food packaging, firefighting foam, and various household items.
Key Points and Requirements of the Law
- Ban on PFAS in Consumer Products: The law prohibits the sale of specific items containing intentionally added PFAS.
- Disclosure Requirements: Manufacturers must report the presence of PFAS in their products.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The law includes provisions for enforcing these requirements and penalties for non-compliance.
How to Tell if a Cleaning Product is Non-Toxic, Safe for Use, and Doesn’t Contain PFAS
1. Check for Certifications and Labels
One of the easiest ways to identify non-toxic cleaning products is to look for reputable certifications and labels. Certifications like the EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, and Ecologo indicate that a product has met strict criteria for safety and environmental impact. These labels provide assurance that the product has been independently reviewed and deemed safer for use.
Adam Freedgood, Co-Principal at Third Partners, advises that consumers can look for EWG certified products.
“EWG is a great consumer-friendly resource to look up specific ingredients. You’ll get a trustworthy, no-nonsense explanation of nearly any chemical or additive,” Freedgood says.
2. Read the Ingredient List
Understanding what’s in your cleaning products is crucial. Avoid products that list harmful chemicals such as:
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde
- Ammonia
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Instead, look for natural and biodegradable ingredients. Products that are plant-based or contain essential oils are often safer choices. Remember, a shorter ingredient list with recognizable components is usually a good sign.
3. Research the Manufacturer
Take the time to learn about the companies behind the products. Manufacturers committed to sustainability and transparency are more likely to produce safe, non-toxic products. Look for companies that share detailed information about their ingredients, sourcing practices, and sustainability efforts. Customer reviews and expert ratings can also provide valuable insights into a product’s safety and effectiveness.
4. Look for Independent Testing and Reviews
Products that have undergone third-party testing offer an extra layer of security. Independent testing verifies the safety and efficacy of a product, ensuring that it meets the claims made by the manufacturer. Reliable sources for product reviews and recommendations include environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and trusted online review platforms.
5. Beware of Greenwashing
Unfortunately, some companies use misleading marketing tactics to appear more eco-friendly than they actually are, a practice known as greenwashing. Be cautious of vague claims like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green” without specific certifications or ingredient lists to back them up. Genuine eco-friendly products will provide clear, detailed information to support their claims.
According to Freedgood, greenwashing among cleaning products nowadays is much better than it used to be, but consumers still need to be careful. “Thanks to laws passed in California, such as the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2017 which compelled manufacturers to start listing ingredients on the label and online, greenwashing among cleaning products isn’t as bad as it used to be. However, consumers should still watch out for a soup of “made with and made without” claims, which aren’t always helpful.
“For example, a product may be “made without” phthalates or parabens, but that doesn’t mean that the substitute ingredients are any safer. In addition, there are still many cleaning products on the market that contain harsh industrial chemicals that are cheap to manufacture but have safer alternatives that are just as effective.”
4 Tips to Ensure Your Cleaning Product Will Actually Sanitize Your Home
Even though we want our cleaning products to be safe and non-toxic, they need to work as intended. This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, and any area where surfaces should be disinfected.
“Not all disinfectants are created equal and people generally do not use them properly,” Freedgood advises. He gives us 4 tips for choosing and using safe disinfectants so they actually sanitize your home:
- Hydrogen-Peroxide based cleaners are environmentally conscious and highly effective disinfectants when used as directed. They can typically be used on food contact surfaces. Unlike other EPA-listed disinfectants, which contain harsh chemicals with names you can’t pronounce, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water.
- Avoid using bathroom products on kitchen surfaces and vice-versa. You don’t want those added fragrances and harsher ingredients near your food.
- Follow the required “contact time.” Disinfectants only work after so many minutes of surface contact. Spray, wait, wipe. You have to wait up to 10 minutes for most disinfectants to do their job.
- Wipe it, don’t spray it. Airborn disinfecting sprays do not work the way people think they do. You need to saturate the target surface. Spraying a can into the air is only good for filling your lungs with harmful propellants and fragrances. Stick with surface-applied sprays or disinfectant wipes.
Conclusion
Using PFAS-free and non-toxic cleaning products is crucial for our health and the environment. By staying informed and making conscientious choices, we can reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and support sustainable practices. The new Colorado law on PFAS represents a significant step forward in this effort, and I encourage all Coloradoans to get ahead of this law by making sure the cleaning products stored under your sink are PFAS-free.