- The United States of America Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products if used for personal, family or household care.
- FDA’s Federal Code of Regulations, Section 1910.1200 c, Title 29, Exemption 3 states that “hazardous chemical” exempts the following substances: “Any substance to the extent it is used for personal, family or household purpose, or is present in the same form and concentration as a product packaged for distribution and use by the public.”
Simply stated, anyone can develop and market a product containing any chemical they want to put in it, and they are subject to no restrictions if it is intended for use in the home.
- Section 1500.82a states: “Any person who believes a particular hazardous substance intended or packaged in a form suitable for use in the household or by children should be exempt from full label compliance otherwise applicable under the act, because of the size of the package or because of the minor hazard presented by the substance, or for other good and sufficient reason, may submit to the Commission a request for exemption under section 3c of the act presenting facts in support of the view that full compliance is impracticable or is not necessary for the protection of public health.”
Translation? If a manufacturer does not wish to have an accurate list of ingredients on the container of a product, he may complete form 3c and be exempt from full compliance.
The regulation goes on to state: “Any person who believes that a particular article should be exempt from classification as a “banned hazardous substance”… because its functional purpose requires inclusion of a hazardous substance, it bears labeling giving adequate directions and warning for safe use, and is intended for children who have attained sufficient maturity, and may reasonably be expected to read and heed such directions and warnings, may submit to the Commission a request for exemption.”
Translation? If it must be toxic to work, go ahead and make it and we will exempt you from label-compliance.
- No conscientious chemist would handle pesticides and oven cleaners without ventilation, goggles and chemical gloves. Yet, homemakers are only advised by manufacturers “to use caution”. The home has become a complex chemical environment that contains many of the same chemicals that are known by law, but the only protection that consumers have is their own knowledge.
- Warning labels on containers refer only to toxic hazards from ingestion, however, only 10% of health problems from chemicals are caused by ingestion. 90% are caused by the inhalation of vapors and absorption of particles.
- Sadly, the container does not have to even be opened – “outgassing” is just as harmful and these products “outgas” into the air 24 hours a day.
- Government regulations require that only the most EXTREMELY toxic substances must contain a warning label. Labels that say the following should be removed from your house immediately:
- "Do not induce vomiting”
- “Corrosive – rinse from skin immediately”
- “Harmful or fatal if swallowed”
- “Call physician immediately”
- “Warning!” (may mean that as little as 1 teaspoon of product can harm or kill adult)
- “Danger!” (means that as little as 5 drops can harm or kill an adult)
There are no government agencies that control products in our home. EPA is responsible for outdoor control, OSHA is only involved in commercial accounts. It is up to the individual consumer to do his or her own homework.
Please contact me if you would like to find out about a SAFER ALTERNATIVE…
