CHANDLER - A typical day in the Hoach household involves lots of spraying and wiping. "When you have kids, you have to clean (the house) every night," said Angela Hoach, a mother of three children under age six. "They're small and they put things in their mouth, and they're not the most hygienic of creatures." But a new report on commonly used cleaning products says we're on "disinfectant overkill," raising questions about the way we clean our homes and how that could be adversely affecting our health. "We think there hasn't been enough attention to the potential downsides of some of the harsh chemicals in disinfectant cleaners," said Alexandra Scranton director of science and research for Women's Voices for the Earth. Her report points to several common antimicrobial chemicals found in everything from cleansers and wipes to toilet cleansers and disinfectant sprays. Some of the active ingredients you'll see on labels include chlorine bleach, ammonia, triclosan, triclocarban, ammonium chloride, ammonium quaternary compounds, and nano-silver. The report claims a link between exposure to these chemicals and a number of potential health problems including asthma, immune system impacts, hormone imbalance, and potential reduced fertility. "We're really encouraging folks to use disinfectants sparingly and use them where you think you most need them, and otherwise use non-disinfectant cleaners," Scranton said.
Makers of the antibacterials and disinfectants stand behind their products. "While we respect Women's Voice for the Earth's concern for family safety, we believe their recent report on disinfectants is misleading and confusing," said Mary O'Connell in Brand Media Relations for the Clorox Company. "Antimicrobial and/or disinfecting products play an important role in keeping homes clean and safe," said Christopher Beard, Director of Reputation Management for SC Johnson. Brian Sansoni, Vice President of Communications for the Soap and Detergent Association, said, "Discouraging the use of these products at a time when they are more critical than ever is irresponsible." Back in Chandler, Hoach said, "You have to be clean, so where's the balance?" Because she has a daughter with sensitive skin, she opts where she can for products that are more natural. "Everyone has to use their own best judgment as far as keeping themselves and their children clean and doing what's best for them," Hoach said.
Statement from the Soap and Detergent Association
A new report attacking household cleaners and disinfectants completely distorts their long track record of safe and effective use in homes, workplaces and daycare centers, according to The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA). SDA expressed disappointment that Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) would discourage the use of beneficial cleaning and disinfecting products, especially during the middle of the H1N1 pandemic and at the start of cold and flu season. The concerns WVE cites in its attack are not supported by science but the benefits of the products are. Discouraging the use of these products at a time when they are more critical than ever is irresponsible.Scientific and medical experts understand that proper surface cleaning and disinfecting are important factors in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. When it comes to everyday cleaning products and disinfectants, the most important advice for consumers is: use as directed. Use the right product for the right job.The product label provides information on proper use and storage and appropriate warnings that the consumer needs to use them safely. EPA-registered disinfectant products provide details on what bacteria or viruses the product is effective against. Regrettably, the WVE report rehashes a group of unrelated studies that simply that have little or no connection to everyday use of these products and adverse health effects. The report ignores the fact that products undergo research and safety assessments before they hit the store shelves.For factual, science-based information on the safety and effectiveness of cleaning and disinfecting products, visit CleaningProductFacts.com. SDA also offers an online fact sheet on the benefits and proper use of sanitizing and disinfecting product at www.cleaning101.com/Hard_Surface_Hygiene.pdf.
Statement from the Clorox Company
Clorox shares the commitment of Women's Voices for the Earth to provide safe cleaning products to protect the health of families. While we respect Women's Voice for the Earth's concerns for family safety, we believe their recent report on disinfectants is misleading and confusing, wrongly categorizing all disinfectants as the same, despite clear differences between and among them. (It's equivalent to putting the Prius in the same class as the Hummer simply because they're cars.)
Furthermore, the report completely ignores the critical role disinfecting has played in protecting public health. For years, bleach has helped purify water -- particularly during times of disaster. Disinfectants also help kill germs that can make people sick, including MRSA, Staff, Norovirus and C-diff. Right now, families are looking for ways to protect themselves from the flu virus. In addition to hand washing, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is essential.
We have been making effective, safe cleaning products for almost 100 years, ensuring that all our products undergo extensive safety testing before going to market. We stand by our products and their important role in safeguarding public health.
Statement from SC Johnson
SC Johnson takes very seriously the responsibility of providing products that families can use with confidence, and our products are safe and effective when used as directed.
We are aware of the recent report released by Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) and while we are supportive of the mission of WVE, we strongly disagree with them on this report. Antimicrobial and/or disinfecting products, play an important role in keeping homes clean and safe, particularly during a time like this when the world is facing a major health crisis in the form of the H1N1 Pandemic. It is also important to note that antimicrobial products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Before registering an antimicrobial product, EPA must first ensure that the antimicrobial, when used according to label directions, does not pose a risk to human health and the environment. To make such determinations, EPA requires extensive scientific studies and tests from applicants. When EPA registers an antimicrobial product, it approves the product’s label, which includes (among other things) directions for use, hazard warnings, and precautions.
All SC Johnson products meet or exceed the high standards and regulations set by government regulatory agencies in the United States, European Union or other global markets in which they are sold. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, SC Johnson also utilizes our innovative Greenlist™ process to evaluate the raw materials in every SC Johnson product. This enables our scientists to evaluate and select the best available ingredients based on their impact on human health and the environment. As a result of this process we have reformulated various products to reduce VOCs and have eliminated PVC and chlorine-bleached paperboard packaging from all our products worldwide. These were not legal requirements but rather voluntary actions as part of our commitment to being a responsible company.
As a family company, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the families who use SC Johnson products. That’s why it is so important for us to make clear, that when used according to label directions, consumers can continue to use Fantastik® and all other SC Johnson products with confidence.
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