One exception is that the EPA requires a product that is antibacterial to disclose the name of the antibacterial used, she says. 'It's a largely self-policing industry,' she says. 'We were surprised to see a few 'green' brands were still a little cagey about their ingredients.” The 'Wild West'Ĭleaning products are largely unregulated, says Sutton, calling it a ''wild West'' situation. 'Ninety-three percent provided ingredient lists that were incomplete or not specific enough,' she says. 'Companies are still hiding information from us, and we have a right to know what we are buying,' says Rebecca Sutton, PhD, a senior scientist at EWG involved in compiling the report. In other cases, it was difficult to figure out what was in the product because of incomplete labeling. One industry trade group disputes the findings, though, saying the report doesn't make the grade.Īccording to the EWG report, more than half the products evaluated contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. Products are graded A to F based on the safety of the ingredients and how well the maker discloses those ingredients. The environmental group rated more than 2,000 household cleaners - from laundry soaps and stain removers to bathroom cleaners and floor care products. 10, 2012 - Household cleaning products may contain toxic substances linked to health problems such as asthma, allergic reactions, and cancer, according to a new report by the Environmental Working Group.
