Manufacturers of household cleaners often don’t label products so consumers know what’s in them.
But an overlooked law that authorizes the commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to require household cleaning product manufacturers to disclose their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks they pose was uncovered Keri Powell, an attorney for the public interest law firm Earthjustice.
Earlier this month, Keri argued a case before the New York State Supreme Court requesting that manufacturers follow the law.
Earthjustice filed the case last year on behalf of a coalition of state and national groups. They include Women's Voices for the Earth, Environmental Advocates of New York, New York Public Interest Research Group, Clean New York, Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, and American Lung Association in New York.
Some disclosures have already been made as a result of the case. Earthjustice sent letters the manufacturers of cleaners in September 2008 requested that they begin following the law within 30 days or risk possible legal action. The letters prompted some companies, including the manufacturer of Simple Green products, to file disclosure reports for the first time.
In March 2009, SC Johnson announced that it would disclose the chemical ingredients in its products. At the same time, the company launched a What’s Inside Web site that offers a detailed look at the ingredients in SC Johnson's products so consumers “can make the right decisions for your home."
But four companies – Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Church and Dwight, and Reckitt-Benckise – wouldn’t disclose cleaner information. They’re fighting Earthjustice in court to continue to keep the ingredients in their products secret.
But an overlooked law that authorizes the commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to require household cleaning product manufacturers to disclose their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks they pose was uncovered Keri Powell, an attorney for the public interest law firm Earthjustice.
Earthjustice filed the case last year on behalf of a coalition of state and national groups. They include Women's Voices for the Earth, Environmental Advocates of New York, New York Public Interest Research Group, Clean New York, Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, and American Lung Association in New York.
Some disclosures have already been made as a result of the case. Earthjustice sent letters the manufacturers of cleaners in September 2008 requested that they begin following the law within 30 days or risk possible legal action. The letters prompted some companies, including the manufacturer of Simple Green products, to file disclosure reports for the first time.
In March 2009, SC Johnson announced that it would disclose the chemical ingredients in its products. At the same time, the company launched a What’s Inside Web site that offers a detailed look at the ingredients in SC Johnson's products so consumers “can make the right decisions for your home."
But four companies – Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Church and Dwight, and Reckitt-Benckise – wouldn’t disclose cleaner information. They’re fighting Earthjustice in court to continue to keep the ingredients in their products secret.
The case could have national implications because if companies disclose their chemical ingredients in New York state, they’ll also disclose them in other states.
Earthjustice also is working to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, the major U.S. law concerned with keeping the public safe from toxic chemicals in commercial products. New federal legislation is needed strengthen the act so that it adequately protects consumers.
Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist
Hi! Thank you for this fascinating essay! I had no idea that household cleaners may affect my health this way! I'll make sure to check more about it and be extra caution. thanks!
Posted by: medical records management | May 28, 2011 at 04:11 AM
It's something that many people don't realize. Consumers need to take action to eliminate these cleaners from their homes. Cleaning with vinegar and soda does a fine job.
Rita
Posted by: Rita | June 04, 2011 at 03:51 PM