Best Non-Toxic Rug & Carpet Cleaner in 2024

Butoxyethanol studies show severe effects in mice including hemoglobinuria and changes to the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Human volunteers exposed to 200 ppm for 8 hours showed no adverse effects except for mucous membrane irritation. There is, however, limited evidence of spontaneous abortions and decreased sperm counts in humans, and more conclusive evidence of birth defects and testicular damage in animals. Humans are resistant to butoxyethanol-induced red blood cell hemolysis.

Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical primarily used for dry cleaning and metal-degreasing, and also serves as an ingredient in other chemicals and consumer products. It can cause central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, and induce anesthesia when inhaled in high concentrations. Tetrachloroethylene is also associated with causing skeletal abnormalities in mice and increased spontaneous abortion rates in women exposed to it occupationally in Finland. Despite its potential harmful effects, a study found no clear link between occupational exposure and subsequent cancer incidence. Remedial measures like ventilating affected areas and donning protective clothing are recommended for handling spills; its containers should be kept away from fire to prevent production of poisonous phosgene gas.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes, with 70% technical solutions causing severe burns. It also irritates the respiratory tract and may lead to kidney failures. The chemical can cause burns when inhaled, leading to possible injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. It is also harmful if ingested.

Hydrogen fluoride is available as a gas and in aqueous solutions, and it's commonly used for etching glass, cleaning in the manufacture of semiconductors, computer chips, ceramics and rust removal, among other applications. Human exposure to this chemical can lead to hypocalcemia, cardiac abnormalities, pulmonary injuries, and fatal outcomes. It is highly corrosive to all tissues, with systemic absorption following skin contact or ingestion. Studies on animals revealed that it can cause injuries to the liver, eye and mucous membranes and significantly alter weight. Chronic exposure to this chemical in aquatic species like tadpoles and fish has been found to lead to mortality, impaired redox balance, DNA damage, and immune system suppression.

Nitrilotriacetic acid and its salts are categorized under cleaning products and household care, and personal care. This includes general household cleaning products, oven cleaners, hand/body lotion, and shampoos. However, these chemicals may have carcinogenic properties with inadequate evidence in humans but sufficient evidence in experimental animals. The chemicals can be absorbed by the body through inhalation or ingestion, causing symptoms like cough, sore throat, and redness. They are also listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by many cleaning products, as revealed by a study in Chemosphere which analyzed 30 such items. Of the 530 distinct VOCs identified, 193 were considered hazardous, linked to health issues like respiratory system damage and cancer. Indoor air contamination from VOCs is significantly higher than outdoor, with up to 10 times more pollutants. However, products labeled as green, particularly those without fragrances, exhibited fewer hazardous VOC emissions. Exposure to VOCs has critical health implications, especially for cleaning industry workers and children, and these compounds also contribute to outdoor air pollution.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is primarily used to create salts that aid in the processing of producing fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. It also acts as a surfactant in firefighting foams, an intermediate in creating fluoroacrylic esters, and a crucial aspect in manufacturing Teflon and similar chemicals. However, exposure to PFOA can lead to adverse health effects, including alterations in thyroid hormone levels, lower fertility, an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a possible link to ADHD, smaller abdominal circumference and birth length in infants, an increased risk of common cold and gastroenteritis in children, and potentially prostate cancer mortality. Studies on animals have indicated possible liver and brain dysfunction, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Ecotoxicity studies found alterations in genes linked to lipid metabolism, hormone action, immune responses, and mitochondrial functions in rare minnows exposed to PFOA.

Perfluoroalkyls are synthetic chemicals known for their ability to resist oil, grease, and water, primarily used in surface protection products and fire-fighting foams. The two most abundant perfluoroalkyls are perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Studies have observed liver enlargement and elevated cholesterol in animals given high doses, and the presence of PFOS in various populations has raised environmental and health concerns, leading to the phase-out of some PFOS-based chemicals. Tests have shown a range of health effects in animals, including eye irritation, liver changes, teratogenic effects, and more, with no evidence of mutagenicity. However, no substantial link has been found between PFAS concentrations and increased cardiometabolic risk measures in human studies, and there are no known health effects from exposure when used as intended.

Naphthalene is a white solid, also known as white tar and tar camphor, found in substances like petroleum, coal, tobacco, and wood. It vaporizes easily and has a strong but not unpleasant odor. Major uses for naphthalene include the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, moth repellents, toilet deodorant blocks, and other chemicals such as dyes and resins. Acute exposure to naphthalene can trigger hemolytic anemia, liver damage, and neurological conditions, with chronic exposure potentially leading to cataracts and retina damage. The substance is considered a possible human carcinogen and high doses have lethal potential, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions.

Ammonium hydroxide is a corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. High concentrations, either through inhalation or prolonged exposure, can lead to significant respiratory issues, including inflammation, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. It is used in various industries such as fertilizers, dyes, explosives, plastics, and cleansing agents, among others. Due to its intense pungency and potential to cause extreme irritation and even life-threatening conditions, precautions such as wearing protective clothing and immediate cleansing of affected areas are recommended. It should be stored away from combustibles and heavy metals, in well-ventilated areas and in specified containers. Disposal guidelines also need to be referred from environmental regulatory agencies due to the hazardous nature of the substance.

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.

Isothiazolinones are preservatives known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, primarily in workers involved in manufacturing industries like paint, paper, rubber, and air fresheners. Additionally, there's a reported case of occupational asthma from exposure to this chemical among workers.

Benzyl alcohol can occasionally lead to allergic contact dermatitis or occupational contact urticaria. It can irritate the skin and eyes, and inhalation at high quantities can result in central nervous system effects. Rats exposed to high concentrations showed no deaths, however, it has caused fatalities in premature infants when given in IV solutions at doses over 4.5mg/kg a day. The substance is quickly metabolized to hippuric acid and is noted as a known contact allergen in humans.

Diethylene glycol ethers is a chemical that has been found to have hematologic, liver, and kidney effects. Exposure to large amounts, about 250 mg/kg/day, can lead to central nervous system depression and other organ damage in rats and may decrease red blood cell counts. It does not show genotoxic, mutagenic, liver, kidney, blood, or reproductive toxicity in animals or humans, but it is classified as an exceptional allergen. The material can be absorbed through the skin and is identified as a mild skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Notably, its toxicity is lower than that of ethylene glycol ethers.

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate does not cause skin irritation but can cause serious eye irritation in rabbits, as classified by the EC. It does not trigger skin sensitization in guinea pigs, yet it can lead to somnolence and dyspnea when inhaled in high concentrations by rats. While certain sources note it may cause transient eye irritation without any skin irritation or sensitization, it is confirmed that a 29-31% aqueous solution of the same is indeed an eye irritant.

DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.

Laureth-7, a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil, is commonly used in personal care and household products, especially laundry detergents. In detergents, it functions by reducing surface tension between water and soil, aiding in the removal of dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics. This ingredient belongs to the Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) family, which is found in various consumer goods. Despite past contamination concerns, modern manufacturing processes have addressed and eliminated these issues. Although PEGs are not used in certain personal care products, their inclusion in machine detergents is deemed acceptable since they don't directly touch the skin.

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Sodium hypochlorite is a clear liquid with a strong chlorine odor, predominantly used as bleaching agents or disinfectants in commercial cleaning solutions and water purification systems. Sodium hypochlorite is often used in a dissolved state. It is corrosive to skin and can cause pulmonary edema from high inhalation exposure. Its ingestion can lead to methemoglobinemia, and a 3% to 5% solution causes burnings of the mouth and throat. The anhydrous form of this compound is highly explosive.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

Sodium metasilicate is a type of compound that includes varying amounts of sodium oxide (Na2-O) and silica (Si2-O), and its aqueous solutions are heavily alkaline and corrosive, typically containing weight ratios of silica to sodium oxide between 1.6 to 3.8. It is a strong irritant for skin and eyes and can be toxic if ingested in high doses. In its aerosol form, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The compound, tested at specific molar ratios, has shown corrosive effects on rabbit skin but hasn't shown any sensitizing effects in a local lymph node assay study on mice. Both hydrous and anhydrous forms, including Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Sodium silicate, and Potassium silicate, share similar uses and adverse effects, mainly due to their corrosive effects on metal and tissue resulting from their alkalinity.

Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.