If you see a product labeled as "non-toxic" you'd be forgiven for thinking it was guaranteed not to contain anything that could damage your health or the environment.
But you'd be wrong.
So what does non-toxic mean exactly, and why can't you rely on it as an indication or product safety?
Today I'll be lifting the lid on how many brands use misleading terms to try to fool you into believing a product is safe when in reality it could be anything but...
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The simple (and not especially helpful) dictionary definition is:
adjective
1. not of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or poison: safe, nontoxic paint
Dictionary.com
So at face value, "non-toxic" should indicate that a product is guaranteed to not be in any way harmful or poisonous. That's certainly the way we use it at TheRoundup, including (as per the dictionary definition) the way we classify non-toxic paint.
But I say should here because, in reality, that frequently isn't the case.
The problem is that the term is unregulated, leading to a wide range of interpretations and a giant wave of greenwashing.
Some companies may use the term to indicate the absence of specific chemicals, while others may use it more liberally or - if we're being blunt - dishonestly.
In essence, as long as the product has not been proven to kill you or seriously damage your health, then it's not considered toxic. So a company can describe it as non-toxic and get away with it.
The problem is that these things are very difficult to conclusively prove, and take no account of ingredients that can damage your health as a result of chronic exposure (over the long term). The result is that unscrupulous brands can and do use this label despite the fact that they actually do contain toxic ingredients.
The lack of standardization makes it far more challenging for us as consumers to understand what we're actually getting when we opt for a "non-toxic" product.
In the United States, the term "non-toxic" is not defined in law, and its use is not regulated by either the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or the FDA (Food & Drug Administration),
All we have is the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, which oversees around 86,000 industrial chemicals but does not provide a legal definition for "non-toxic."
The TCSA also does not cover any chemicals found in food, drugs, cosmetics, or pesticides.
To clarify, this means that, for example, any makeup or personal care products being sold in the US do not have to undergo safety tests before they hit the shelves. There are currently only 11 banned ingredients, and if a product doesn't contain those then they're legal.
There are many other ingredients that have been linked to a variety of health problems - including some that are known to cause cancer - yet are still permitted in a product that can still, by law, be labeled as "non-toxic."
Clearly, with such paucity of official protection on offer, it is vital that we do our own research into what's really in the products we buy - especially those that are going into our bodies, or that will be exposed to our skin.
When we talk about a product being "non-toxic," it's essential to understand the context.
We've spoken so far about health implications - but what about environmental impact? A product might be safe for human use but detrimental to the environment, or vice versa.
Some products may be made in a way that is safe for the environment but can pose risks to humans. This is often seen in products that biodegrade or are made from natural sources but can still be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with skin.
Example: Certain essential oils are environmentally friendly, derived from plants, and biodegrade easily. However, when ingested in large amounts or applied undiluted to the skin, they can be toxic to humans.
Mechanisms:
Conversely, there are products safe for human consumption or use but have a detrimental impact on the environment. This can be due to the way they are produced, their disposal, or their long-term effects on ecosystems.
Example: Microbeads in personal care products. These tiny plastic particles were deemed safe for humans but are non-biodegradable and, when washed down the drain, accumulate in water systems, posing a threat to aquatic life.
Mechanisms:
Understanding the distinction between these categories is crucial. It reminds us that "non-toxic" is a multifaceted term, and a holistic approach is necessary when evaluating the safety and impact of products.
We've established that you can't take a brand's claims at face value. So what can you do to make sure the product you're buying is safe to use?
Given the lack of standardization, it's crucial to do your own research. One of the best ways to do this is to look for independent reviews from recognized experts.
You should also be on the lookout for transparent ingredient lists and trusted third-party certifications.
This certification focuses on products that meet the Environmental Working Group's strict health standards, particularly in the beauty and personal care sectors.
Check their Verified Database to see exactly what popular products contain, and which ingredients to avoid. The list covers beauty products, nontoxic makeup & cosmetics, and general personal items.
Products with the Toxic Free Foundation label label contain only natural ingredients and are guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals. It also ensures that the product is eco-friendly and sustainably produced.
This EU-based certification ensures that products comply with regulations by identifying and managing risks linked to manufactured substances. The REACH process involves rigorous testing and compliance with European Union standards.
Made Safe is a strict and highly regarded eco-label that ensures a product includes only ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health.
The certification process involves a comprehensive review of each ingredient for a wide range of potential health risks. It tests for known and suspected carcinogens, and substances that cause asthma, birth defects, neurological disorders, nervous system damage, and many more.
OEKO-TEX is a globally recognized eco-label that focuses on textile products.
It offers various accreditation levels, such as Standard 100, which tests for harmful substances like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and various toxic chemicals. They also offer MADE IN GREEN, which goes beyond just testing for harmful substances and also looks into sustainable production processes.
OEKO-TEX labels are often found on clothing, home textiles, and even some types of furniture. The certification is rigorous and involves multiple stages of testing, making it a reliable indicator for consumers concerned about both health and environmental impact.
Managed by the not-for-profit Brussels-based COSMOS-standard AISBL, this certification targets organic and natural cosmetics. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of each ingredient for potential health risks, as well as an evaluation of the product's environmental impact.
Specific to foam-based products like memory foam mattresses and eco-friendly furniture, the CertiPUR-US certification ensures that the foam is made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, or harmful flame retardants. It also tests for VOC emissions to ensure indoor air quality.
This label focuses on products that meet strict chemical emissions limits, contributing to healthier indoor environments. GREENGUARD GOLD is commonly seen on furniture, cleaning supplies, and even some electronics.
While eco-certifications can provide some level of assurance, they are not foolproof. Critics argue that some certifications are easier to obtain than others, leading to potential greenwashing.
There are also limitations. Some bodies test for certain things but not others, so it is important to understand exactly what each certificate means before relying on it entirely.
Some experts, such as those affiliated with the Environmental Working Group, have criticized the lack of stringent regulations, arguing that it allows companies to make misleading claims.
However, if you first research what each particular certification incorporates, you can use them in combination to gain reassurance that a product is safe.
With what we now know, we can attempt to define non toxic in terms of what we would expect it to mean in various everyday household products. When I review and test products, these are the criteria I would personally look for.
In the beauty industry, look for sustainable beauty products that are free from poisonous ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals are known to disrupt hormones and can even be potentially carcinogenic.
Look for the EWG Verified, COSMOS, Made Safe, or TOXICFREE Certified labels to provide additional assurance of a product's safety.
In the food sector, "non-toxic" is even more ambiguous. You'd expect your food to be free of known poisons after all - but that doesn't mean it can't be harmful.
Therefore, it's crucial to look for certifications like USDA Organic, which ensures that the food is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
When choosing non-toxic cleaning supplies, you should pay special attention to harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and phthalates, which can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. They also pollute the waterways and can end up back in your drinking water - so avoid these at all costs.
Look for Made Safe, REACH or EPA Safer Choice labels, and consult the CPID database to find out exactly what household cleaners contain.
Non-toxic children's toys must be certified free from harmful substances like lead, phthalates, and bisphenols. It should be manufactured so that chemicals do not leach out of plastics when they contact with saliva. These substances can disrupt hormonal balance and pose long-term health risks.
Certifications like REACH or CertiPUR-US, which focuses on foam-based products, can provide additional assurance.
In furniture and home goods, look for the absence of synthetic dyes, flame retardants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can off-gas and pollute indoor air. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.
This is especially relevant in items such as nontoxic sleep products which you spend a significant portion of your time in contact with.
Look for OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US, or GREENGUARD-certified furniture brands to help prevent VOCs in your home.
When searching for nontoxic pet products, consider that they need to be free from harmful chemicals that could be ingested by your pet.
But also, in the case of fabric items such as dog beds and cat beds, they should be treated in the same way as furniture, meaning you should also check for VOCs and fire retardant chemicals.
Look for GREENGUARD or Made Safe certified products to help make sure they're safe for you and your animals.
No, "non-toxic" does not mean a product is free of chemicals. Everything, including water and air, is made up of chemicals. "Non-toxic" typically means that the chemicals present are not harmful in the amounts or manner they are used.
Not necessarily. While "non-toxic" indicates that a product is not harmful under typical use, it doesn't mean it's safe to eat or drink. Always follow product guidelines and avoid ingesting items not meant for consumption.
The term "non-toxic" generally doesn't mean anything since it is not regulated, which means brands can use the term to describe their product without fear of recrimination.
But if a product is labeled "certified toxic-free" it means it has been accredited by the ToxicFree foundation, and was found to be completely free of harmful chemicals.
No, "natural" does not automatically mean "non-toxic." Many natural substances can be harmful or toxic - and in any case, neither term is legally regulated. It's crucial to evaluate each product individually and not assume safety based solely on the "natural" label.
The term "non-toxic" is something we'd all like to be able to count on in the products we buy. Unfortunately, a lack of regulation by any governing body means some companies can and do misuse this term, and therefore their claims should never be taken at face value.
You and your family deserve to know that the everyday products you buy won't cause injury or illness. But to be certain of this, it is essential to conduct your own research and/or take recommendations about genuinely non-toxic products from reliable sources.
There are well regarded third-party certificates that you can trust, but each one has its limitations and it is important to understand exactly what each label actually checks for before you rely on them.
They are, however, much better than nothing. And when used in combination, they can give you a fairly good indication of which products and companies you can trust not to harm your health, or the environment.
