EWG’s Updated Guide to Healthy Cleaning

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. They recently updated the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, a database of more than 2,700 cleaners that can be found on their website. It includes the following product categories :

  • 288 Air Fresheners
  • 507 All Purpose
  • 227 Bathroom
  • 368 Dishwashing
  • 166 Floor Care
  • 155 Furniture
  • 93 Kitchen
  • 817 Laundry
  • 82 Other

The recent update included more than 400 additional products from 85 companies. The EWG states the following:

  • Almost three-fourths of common cleaners contain ingredients that may have worrisome effects on respiratory health.
  • More than one-fourth received scores indicating moderate to high health concerns because they contain ingredients or possible impurities that have been linked to increased cancer risk.
  • One-fifth of products got scores indicating moderate to high health concern because they have ingredients associated with developmental, endocrine or reproductive harm.
  • Almost half of the products were rated “poor” on disclosure because their ingredients are not adequately listed on product labels and company websites.

The database has an interesting and informative layout. Products are graded (A,B,C,D, and F) and their principle ingredients are graded as well, a layout that teaches consumers which additives are dangerous to the body or the environment and why.

Surprisingly, many well-known “green” labels earned Fs. For example, Whole Foods 365 Brand Cleaners run the gamut with individual products earning As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Fs.

The database lists 7 Trader Joe’s products. One earned a B, 3 earned a D, and 3 earned an F.

There are 35 Seventh Generation products listed. Although only one earned an F, with 12 Ds, 37% are ranked D and below.

So line up your cleaning products and look them up. You may be in for some surprises. You may decide it’s time to simplify and use all natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean your home. Check out the article below to learn more.

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By Allene Edwards

Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children’s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magazine and a regular contributor.