Heavy metals are widely used in industrial, agricultural, and technological applications, as well as in consumer products. In cleaning and personal care products, heavy metals may be used to improve product longevity, enhance colorfastness, act as antimicrobial agents, or function as preservatives, binders, or stabilizers.  

Despite their utility, many heavy metals raise significant health and environmental concerns. This group of ingredients are among the many harmful chemicals we prohibit in Green Seal-certified products and their packaging to ensure they meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet. 

Here, we’ll dive into what heavy metals are, where and why they’re used in consumer products, and how to limit your interactions with this group of elements. 

What are Heavy Metals? 

Heavy metals are metallic elements with a high atomic weight and a density at least five times greater than water. Elements in this category can be beneficial or toxic to humans — or sometimes both depending on exposure level. 

The list of heavy metals of concern includes arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and thallium. 

Unlike organic pollutants, heavy metals do not degrade over time and can remain in the environment indefinitely. This persistence and ability to accumulate in biological tissues make them particularly hazardous. 

In Green Seal-certified products, we prohibit any ingredients that bioaccumulate. Eliminating these chemicals from the supply chain ultimately reduces their persistence in our environment and bodies. 

Where Heavy Metals are Used in Consumer Products 

Heavy metals and their compounds are used in consumer products as aggregates, colorants, conductors, disinfectants, and preservatives, to name a few functions.  

Certain heavy metals are intentionally added in a variety of consumer products: 

• Lead can be found in batteries, paints, and some cosmetics such as lipstick, eyeliner, and nail polish 
• Mercury is used in thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs 
• Cadmium is prevalent in rechargeable batteries, pigments, and coatings 
• Arsenic is used in wood preservatives and pesticides 
• Silver and zinc compounds are sometimes used in deodorants, wound care products, and surface cleaners 
• Aluminum compounds can be found in antiperspirants 

Heavy metals also manifest as contaminants from raw materials, manufacturing equipment, or packaging processes in a host of products including cleaning, floor care, and personal care products, cosmetics, and paints.  

The Health Risks of Heavy Metals 

Many heavy metals and heavy metal compounds are associated with significant adverse health effects. While not all heavy metals are toxic in small amounts, and some — such as zinc, iron, and copper — are essential for biological functions, excessive or prolonged exposure often are hazardous. 

The adverse health impacts of heavy metal exposure include neurological damage, kidney disease, bone disorders, and increased risk of cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of heavy metals, which can impair development and cause lasting cognitive and behavioral issues. Regulatory agencies worldwide have established guidelines to limit exposure to these known neurotoxins, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. 

Limiting Exposure  

Being aware of the products you use and the places you spend time can help reduce your exposure to the most toxic heavy metals. Since heavy metal toxicity depends on the chemical form, and level and duration of exposure, limiting your interactions with them is often enough to avoid harm. Steer clear of the most toxic heavy metals by being cautious with old or imported products that may not meet current local safety standards, and check ingredient labels on:  

• Packaging materials 
• Cleaning products 
• Paints 
• Floor finishes 
• Cosmetics 
• Personal care items 

To be confident your cleaning, personal care, and other household products don’t contain hazardous heavy metals, look for reputable ecolabels like Green Seal. We prohibit these and other harmful ingredients to ensure certified products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet. 

Mercury is a naturally occurring element with a long history of industrial, scientific, and medicinal use. Despite its utility, mercury is a highly toxic substance associated with serious health and environmental risks. As a known neurotoxin, its presence in consumer products — even in trace amounts — can be hazardous. 

Mercury is among the many harmful ingredients we prohibit in Green Seal-certified products to ensure products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.

Here, we’ll explore what mercury is, how it’s commonly used, and steps consumers can take to limit exposure. 

What is Mercury? 

Mercury is a unique heavy metal, in that it is a liquid at room temperature. In addition to elemental mercury, this metal exists in the environment as both inorganic mercury compounds and organic mercury compounds such as methylmercury. Each form varies in toxicity, environmental persistence, and exposure risk. 

Historically, mercury has been used in a wide range of applications — from early medical treatments and thermometers to modern electronics and lighting. Its high density, electrical conductivity, and ability to form amalgams with other metals make it particularly valuable in technical fields. However, the same properties that make mercury useful also contribute to its potential for harm. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and its bioaccumulative nature allows it to persist in ecosystems and enter the food chain. 

Mercury in Consumer Products 

Although regulatory restrictions have significantly reduced mercury’s use, it still appears in several everyday items. Elemental mercury is commonly found in older batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, thermostats, and certain medical devices such as thermometers and blood pressure monitors. Mercury compounds may also be present in dental amalgams and antiseptics. This heavy metal also lurks in less obvious places, both as a functional ingredient and as a contaminant. For instance, you may find mercury in consumer products such as cleaning agents, skin lightening creams, toothpaste, bar soaps, gel dishwashing detergents, and even bleached paper and packaging products. 

The Health Risks of Mercury 

Exposure to mercury, even in small amounts, can have serious health consequences. Mercury targets the central nervous system and kidneys, and is especially harmful to developing fetuses and young children. Neurological symptoms of mercury exposure may include tremors, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction. Prolonged exposure can also affect cardiovascular and immune health. 

Mercury can enter the body through inhalation of vapors, ingestion of contaminated food or products, or through skin absorption. Once absorbed, mercury can accumulate in tissues and remain in the body for extended periods, increasing long-term health risks. In addition to direct consumer exposure, mercury is released from industrial emissions, improper disposal of mercury-containing products, and natural events such as volcanic eruptions. 

Reducing Your Exposure 

While global and national regulations have reduced the prevalence of mercury in manufacturing, you can further reduce your exposure to this heavy metal by: 

• Choosing cleaning and personal care products certified by trusted third parties, such as Green Seal, which screen formulations for heavy metals and other hazardous ingredients. 
• Avoiding uncertified personal care and household products that lack full ingredient transparency or originate from unregulated markets. 
• Properly disposing of products containing mercury by following local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

Benzene is a widely used chemical in industrial applications and consumer products. It is one of a group of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into indoor air as gases that cause adverse health effects.  

Benzene is a high-hazard chemical linked to cancer and other health issues. This ingredient is among the many harmful chemicals we prohibit in Green Seal-certified products to ensure products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet. 

Here, we’ll delve into what benzene is, how and where it’s used, and how to reduce your exposure to this harmful chemical. 

What is Benzene? 

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor, known chemically as C₆H₆. It is a natural component of crude oil and gasoline and serves as a building block for several chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of products like plastics, pesticides, and detergents.  

Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is a notable chemical derivative of benzene that primarily is used in the production of surfactants for detergents. Linear alkyl benzene is a safer chemical and is prevalent in consumer products.  

Benzene in Consumer Products 

Benzene is used as a solvent in the production of rubber, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. It is also part of the manufacturing process for plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. 

Benzene can be found as an ingredient in household products including some adhesives, cleaning agents, paints, and paint strippers.  

Although it is not used as an ingredient in personal care and beauty products, benzene was the cause of recent high-profile recalls of popular sunscreens, deodorants, and dry shampoos. The products were contaminated with benzene, which was believed to be related to the butane-powered propellants in the products’ aerosol cans.  

The Health Risks of Benzene 

Despite its widespread use, benzene is associated with well-documented health risks. Benzene is a carcinogen as designated by governmental bodies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Long-term exposure to benzene is linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other blood disorders. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause dizziness, headaches, tremors, and unconsciousness. 

Most benzene exposure occurs indoors, because this is where people spend most of their time. The primary indoor sources of benzene are car exhaust from attached garages, cigarette smoke, stored fuels, and paint supplies. VOCs from outside also enter the indoor air in commercial buildings through the outdoor air intakes in HVAC systems. 

Regulatory agencies have established strict guidelines to limit benzene exposure in the workplace and the environment. However, benzene still contaminates ambient air, particularly in urban areas with high levels of vehicle emissions and industrial activity.  

Minimizing Your Exposure 

Being aware of the products you use and the places you spend time can help reduce your exposure to benzene: 

• Avoid spending extended periods of time near gas stations or industrial facilities 

• Eliminate cigarette smoke in your home 

• Don’t use gas-powered equipment or leave cars idling in your attached garage 

• Ventilate your home when painting 

To be confident your paints and other household products don’t contain benzene, look for reputable ecolabels like Green Seal. We prohibit harmful chemicals and screen VOC levels to ensure certified products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet. 

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of approximately 14,000 synthetic chemicals that have attracted significant attention due to their persistence in the environment and their impacts on human health. These chemicals are commonly used for their water and grease resistance, making them prevalent in a wide range of consumer products. 

While only a handful of PFAS are formally classified as hazardous, a growing body of evidence indicates that all PFAS are likely to have harmful health and environmental effects. Since so many chemicals are included in this class and their uses are so widespread, tracking down all the products containing PFAS proves challenging for consumers and manufacturers alike. For example, PFAS are often used in raw materials – and those proprietary ingredient formulas are often not fully disclosed to the final product manufacturer.

At Green Seal, we are committed to eliminating PFAS from the supply chain for consumer products. We are among the first eco-certifiers to enact an aggressive ingredient prohibition that addresses PFAS as an entire chemical class. This means that both manufacturers and consumers can be confident that Green Seal-certified products are formulated without PFAS.

Here, we’ll dive into the uses and impacts of PFAS, as well as tips for avoiding PFAS in household products. 

Defining PFAS 

PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making PFAS extremely resistant to breakdown in the environment and the human body. This persistence is why they are termed “forever chemicals.”

These substances have been in use since the 1940s, primarily in industrial applications. Over time, their unique properties have led to their incorporation into a wide variety of consumer products. However, the stability and resistance to degradation that make PFAS useful also contribute to their potential for long-term environmental and health effects. 

How PFAS Are Used in Consumer Products 

PFAS are used in myriad consumer products because of their ability to repel water, oil, and grease. In the kitchen, they are notoriously found in non-stick cookware, where they provide a smooth, non-stick surface that simplifies cooking and cleaning. 

Beyond the kitchen, PFAS are used in waterproof clothing and outdoor gear to enhance their resistance to moisture. They’re also integral to producing stain-resistant treatments for carpets and upholstery, providing a protective barrier that prevents stains from penetrating fabric fibers. Their common applications don’t stop there: Today, PFAS are found in everything from food packaging such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, to paints, coatings, cosmetics, and even some cleaning products. 

Examples of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 

There are thousands of different PFAS, but some of the most notable examples include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOA was widely used in non-stick cookware production, while PFOS was a key ingredient in fabric protectors. Both PFOA and PFOS have largely been phased out of manufacturing in the U.S. due to their known health and environmental effects, but in many cases, manufacturers have replaced these chemicals with other, lesser-studied PFAS.

Another significant example is GenX, which was developed as a replacement for PFOA in the production of non-stick coatings. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative, a chemical toxicity assessment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found GenX is even more toxic than PFOA.

Other examples of PFAS include perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), which are used in various industrial applications and consumer products.

The Problem with PFAS 

PFAS are persistent in the environment, with evidence that some chemicals are so resistant to degradation that they could persist for hundreds of years. They are now found in drinking water and bioaccumulate in both soil and humans, with some chemicals taking more than eight years to reach their half-life — or reduce their concentration by 50 percent in the human body. 

Exposure to PFAS is linked with numerous adverse health effects, including impacts on the endocrine system; liver damage; thyroid disease; decreased fertility; an increased risk of certain cancers such as prostate, testicular, and kidney; and decreased immune responses — including our body’s ability to develop beneficial antibodies in response to vaccines. 

Regulatory agencies, including the EPA, have established advisory levels for some individual PFAS in drinking water and are working toward more stringent regulations. In addition, several states have begun enacting legislation to prohibit the use of PFAS in certain consumer products. Despite these efforts, PFAS chemicals continue to be widespread in the environment and in many consumer products. Their persistence in the environment further complicates efforts to mitigate the impact of PFAS. 

Avoiding PFAS 

Reducing your exposure to PFAS involves making informed choices about the products you use, but avoiding it entirely is unlikely. To lower your risk for exposure:

• Opt for alternatives to non-stick cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron. 
• Choose water-resistant clothing and outdoor gear that do not use intentionally added PFAS or chose brands and retailers that have committed to banning PFAS as a company policy.
• Choose carpets, furniture, and rugs without stain-resistant treatments. 
• Be cautious with food packaging, including fast food packaging and microwave popcorn. 
• Consider using a drinking water filter that is certified to reduce PFAS levels. 
• Buy Green Seal-certified products when possible (you can shop for household products here). 

Staying informed and making conscious decisions can help you reduce your exposure to PFAS, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and environment. Supporting companies that prioritize safer alternatives and advocating for stronger regulations that eliminate all PFAS from the supply chain can also help drive broader changes and lead to a healthier future for you and your family.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a versatile and widely used compound found in everything from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. This petroleum-derived chemical acts as a solvent and is often used to enhance product performance.

PEG is generally considered a safer ingredient, but it can be contaminated with toxic impurities.

Here, we’ll discuss what polyethylene glycol is, where it’s commonly found, and whether you should be concerned when you see this ingredient on product labels.

Polyethylene Glycol in Consumer Products

PEG is a polyether compound derived from petroleum. PEG can be a liquid, semi-solid, or solid depending on its molecular weight — making it highly adaptable and useful for formulators. PEG also is known for its water-solubility, low toxicity, and minimal reactivity, and widely used to enhance product stability, texture, and efficacy.

You might find PEG-400 on product labels for personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food items, or PEG-8000 on cosmetics and cleaning products. The numbers following PEG indicate the ingredient’s average molecular weight — PEG-400 is a liquid, while PEG-8000 is a solid.

In personal care, you may find polyethylene glycol in shampoo, creams, lotions, or toothpaste, where it serves as a humectant, emollient, and thickening agent. In these applications, PEG helps retain moisture, improve texture, and stabilize formulations.

Polyethylene Glycol: Is It Safe?

Polyethylene glycol itself is not typically associated with significant health risks. However, because of the manufacturing process used to produce it, PEG can contain carcinogenic contaminants such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. These contaminants also may cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions for people with sensitivities or allergies.

To be confident that a product containing PEG is free from harmful levels of contaminants, look for reputable ecolabels like Green Seal. We screen all chemicals in a product, including contaminants, to ensure certified products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.

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“Fragrance” is a common ingredient on consumer product labels that indicates the product is scented. Although it’s often noted as a single ingredient, “fragrance” is actually an umbrella term for a combination of chemicals that produces a desired aroma.

Understanding the nature of the chemicals in fragrances, their uses, and potential safety concerns can help you make informed choices about the products you bring into your home.

Here, we’ll explore the composition of fragrances, their applications, safety considerations, and ways to minimize your exposure.

Fragrance Ingredients and Safety

The term “fragrance” on ingredient labels is a catch-all for a mixture of chemicals designed to give products a specific scent. These mixtures can contain anywhere from a few to several hundred individual chemicals. Because the formulas can be considered trade secrets, companies often are not required to publicly disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrances.

Green Seal reviews every chemical used in a product’s formula, including the chemicals used in fragrances, to ensure certified products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.

Fragrance ingredients commonly include synthetic chemicals that provide a distinctive aroma and that stabilize and prolong scents. Here are some common chemicals used in fragrances, and their associated health impacts. None of these are permitted in Green Seal Certified products:

• Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), are often used to help scents last longer. They are associated with endocrine disruption and other health issues
• Synthetic musks, like galaxolide and tonalide, provide products with a long-lasting scent. They are endocrine disruptors, which can affect human development, growth and metabolism
• Aldehydes are commonly used to produce fruity scents, but some, like Acetaldehyde, are known carcinogens
• Styrene is used to make fragrances last longer. It is a carcinogen, reproductive toxin, neurotoxin, and asthmagen

Fragrance blends may contain natural ingredients like essential oils, though these are often mixed with synthetic chemicals to enhance or stabilize the scent. Even on their own, many essential oils can be skin sensitizers that cause uncomfortable allergic reactions.

Overall, the complexity and lack of transparency around fragrance ingredients can pose a risk to consumers with chemical sensitivities by triggering symptoms such as headaches, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.

Where You’re Likely to Find Fragrance in Products

Fragrances are used across a wide range of consumer products. In personal care items, you can find fragrances in perfumes, colognes, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and deodorants, to name a few. These scents are designed to provide a pleasant sensory experience and are a significant factor in the appeal of these products.

Fragrances also are prevalent in household products including cleaners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and air fresheners. Even products like trash bags and diapers can contain added fragrances to mask odors.

The pervasive use of fragrances in everyday items means that exposure to these chemicals is almost unavoidable.

How to Avoid Harmful Fragrance Chemicals

It is difficult to avoid fragrance altogether, but you can minimize your exposure to harmful fragrance chemicals by taking the following steps:

• Buy products from brands that prioritize transparency and disclose their fragrance ingredients.
• Look for Green Seal Certified products, which are formulated with safer ingredients.
• Look closely at “fragrance-free” marketing claims, as these claims are not regulated. Some of these products may contain essential oils or other fragrance ingredients.
• Be wary of items labeled as “unscented,” as they may still contain masking agents that neutralize odors without imparting a noticeable scent.

Formaldehyde is a chemical with widespread applications that exposes humans to significant health risks. Known for its preservative and disinfecting properties, formaldehyde (also known as HCHO) can be found in a variety of product types including paints, cleaners, personal care products, and cosmetics.

Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen, skin sensitizer, and mutagen. This common ingredient is among the many harmful chemicals we prohibit in Green Seal-certified products to ensure products meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet.

Here, we’ll explore how formaldehyde is used today, why you might find formaldehyde in shampoo and other everyday products, how to choose safer and more sustainable products, and other tips for reducing your exposure.

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a compound with the chemical formula CH₂O. It’s a colorless, strong-smelling gas at room temperature that is naturally occurring in small amounts in the human body and environment. The chemical compound is low cost and highly reactive, making it useful in various household and industrial applications.

Formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) and can offgas from products that contain it as an ingredient, exposing humans to its known health effects. It also can be absorbed into the body when products containing formaldehyde are applied to or come into contact with skin. As a chemical, formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature, but formulators may incorporate it into products in various states of matter. For example, it can be mixed with water to form an aqueous solution, formalin. Similarly, paraformaldehyde (PFA) is a powder that consists of polymers of formaldehyde. Both formalin and PFA have notable disinfecting and preservative properties.

Common Uses for Formaldehyde Around the House 

Formaldehyde is used extensively in the textile industry, in building materials, and in household products. It is a key component in resins and is used in pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard. These materials can be found in furniture, cabinetry, flooring, adhesives, coatings, and insulation materials.

Formaldehyde commonly is included in personal care products in the form of formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. These preservatives are chemical compounds specifically designed to release formaldehyde into the product over time to help prevent microbial growth and extend a product’s shelf life. This is why you may find shampoos, conditioners, nail polishes, lotions, or cosmetics with formaldehyde. 

Formaldehyde can also be found in multi-purpose cleaners, sanitizing products, and restroom cleaners due to its known disinfecting properties and ability to act as an antimicrobial agent, germicide, and fungicide.

How Formaldehyde Affects Your Health 

Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause several acute health effects, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde is also linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. 

Formaldehyde’s designation as a human carcinogen has prompted stricter regulations and guidelines for consumer products and occupational exposure. Despite these measures, low-level exposure remains common, putting the responsibility on consumers to understand potential sources. 

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Formaldehyde

Being mindful of the products you bring into your home and use on and around your body can help protect you. As a consumer, it can be challenging to avoid products containing formaldehyde because its use is often contained within formaldehyde-releasing ingredients such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. Choosing products with third-party certifications that prohibit the intentional addition of formaldehyde can provide assurance that the products are safer for human health and the environment.

By making informed choices and seeking safer alternatives, you can significantly reduce your exposure to formaldehyde. This proactive approach contributes to a healthier living environment and minimizes potential health risks associated with this pervasive chemical.