Product labels sometimes can be confusing even for the most conscious buyers. It’s our goal to help you navigate the complexities and better understand what you’re really investing in.
Green Flags – what to look for:
Ingredients are listed by concentration, so non-toxic ingredients listed first indicate less harmful products; for us and the environment
Products with minimal ingredients, which can be easier to understand and contain fewer additives
The more understandable the ingredient names are—the better
Pro tip: if the ingredient’s name is Latin, it is most likely of natural origins. If the name is in English, it can be a chemical compound, potentially harmful
Red Flags – what to avoid
High concentrations of chemicals and additives
Products with terms like “fragrance” or “flavor” can contain hundreds of different chemicals in them—people are often allergic to the “fragrance” of a product but can have a hard time identifying what chemical it is they’re reacting to
Terms like “natural” as there is no formal regulation for what constitutes a product to be as such
Companies are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to communicate information on hazardous chemicals to consumers so they can make informed purchases. These sheets include the properties of each chemical, environmental and physical health hazards, and safety precautions for use.
Here is what to pay attention to:
Identification
Section I: Identification – Substance identification, recommended use, and supplier information
Section II: Hazardous Ingredients Identification – Hazards of chemicals presented and their appropriate warning information
Understanding Chemical Names
Section III: Composition/Information on Ingredients – Identifying ingredients, substances, mixtures, and all chemicals (trade secrets are not required to be listed except in emergencies)
Hazards and Responses
Section IV: First Aid Measures – Information on care for untrained responders to individuals exposed to chemicals
Section V: Firefighting Measures – Suitable ways to extinguish a fire caused by chemicals burning
Section VI: Accidental Release Measures – Responses to chemical spills, leaks, and releases
Handling and Precautions
Section VII: Handling and Storage – Guidance on the safe handling and storage of chemicals
Section VIII: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection – Protocols and procedures for exposure as well as preventative protective measures