EPA database aims to help consumers choose safer chemicals

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency recently added 50 chemicals to a database that allows consumers to check the safety of ingredients in household cleaning products.

The Safer Chemicals Ingredients List features nearly 650 chemicals that meet safety criteria in the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) Program.

The database breaks down chemicals into various groups – such as solvents, fragrances and colorants – and labels each one with an icon indicating whether the chemical is of low concern, meets DfE criteria but still has some hazard issues, or does not meet the standards for the DfE label.