Toxic Tuesday: 2-butoxyethanol

Get to know the ingredients in your household cleaners.

By Stacy Peltier

What is it?

2-butoxyethanol has a plethora of unpronounceable names, and so is commonly abbreviated as simply BE or EGBE (for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, if you must know). This organic compound can be found in the air, water, or soil, but most important is its solubility property. When 2-butoxyethanol is mixed with water or other organic solvents, it form a single layer – unlike a mixture of oil and water where the oil sits separately on top. It is usually found as a solvent in general surface cleaners, window cleaners, floor strippers, and spot and rust removers.

Why is it used in household cleaners?

EGBE is an inexpensive solvent that doesn’t evaporate easily. This, combined with its modest surfactant properties, makes it an easy ingredient for companies to use in basic household cleaners and degreasers.

How can it be toxic?

Mehhh, the severity of 2-butoxyethanol is still pretty questionable. Acute exposure can certainly cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, but most studies conclude that the general public has minimal health risks associated with EGBE. Most of the toxicity scare is based on the fact that it is in a chemical group called the “glycol ethers,” of which other members can cause reduced sperm counts in men and reproductive or birth defects in women. However, these effects due specifically to EGBE can only be found in tests conducted on animals – each of which shows a markedly harsher result than the same tests conducted on humans.

Environmental risk is also low since 2-butoxyethanol is biodegradable, has a low toxicity to aquatic organisms, does not bioaccumulate, and can decompose in the presence of air within a few days of exposure. The danger here may lie in landfills, where the ingredient could leach into groundwater. But once again, the known risks are minimal.

So, what can I do about it?

Although the health risks of this toxin are relatively low, it’s probably better to play it safe. Most harmful effects are caused by inhaling or ingesting the chemical, so always wear a mask and spray your cleaners in a well-ventilated room. Want to cut it out altogether? Clean mirrors and windows with newspaper and diluted vinegar and stick to simple, green cleaning products. Google search how to make your own formulas using natural household items like baking soda and essential oils.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1999). 
• United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization (1998). http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad_10_revised.pdf
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2000). http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/glycolet.html

Toxic Tuesday: Phosphates

Get to know the ingredients in your household cleaners.

By Stacy Peltier

What is it?
A phosphate is a compound containing the element phosphorous, along with various salts and other minerals. It’s important to note straightaway that they are naturally-occurring and contribute many benefits to life and its various ecosystems. For example, phosphates make up the main minerals in our bones and teeth, play a key role in how the human body metabolizes, and are vital to photosynthesis in plants. In fact, there’s even a phosphorous nutrient cycle! But as with anything, too much can be a bad thing.

Why is it used in household cleaners?
Phosphates perform three critical functions in many household cleaners. First, the presence of phosphates can control the alkalinity of a cleaner by keeping its acidity level stable. Next, their presence softens water by "holding" or removing metal ions, which allows other components in the cleaning solution to work more effectively. Finally, phosphates trap and hold any dirts and oils found on surfaces - once they are suspended in the cleaning solution instead of attached to, say, a tabletop, the particles can be easily rinsed away. They are used most often in laundry and dishwasher detergents, although some states have successfully placed laws restricting the permissible amount.

How can it be toxic?

One word: eutrophication. And that's a pretty big word, so let's break it down. In ancient Greece, 'eu' means "well", 'trope' means "nourish," and '-ication' is roughly "the process of." So how can the instigation of a well-nourished environment be bad? Well, disposed phosphates work their way into the aquatic environment via sewage systems and overstimulate the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This not only depletes normal oxygen levels but matures the lake ecosystem at an alarming rate... fish eventually die off and are replaced with scavenging critters. Although some may argue this is a natural process, what human pollution has done in tens of years would normally take our planet thousands of years to achieve.

So, what can I do about it?

Phosphate-free detergents (for both clothes and dishes) are finally starting to retain the helpful cleaning characteristics of phosphates without the harmful environmental side-effects. Before you make a purchase, check the label for zeolites, polycarboxylic acid, surfactants, or sodium carbonate  - any of these are greener alternatives to this potentially toxic ingredient. Many new detergents actually advertise the fact that they are "Phosphate-Free!" on the outer packaging of the product. Want to go big? Check out state legislation laws on these cleaners. Although many consumer detergents already have major restrictions in place, there is currently little to no laws addressing the use of phosphates in fertilizers and industrial-use detergents.

References

• Image: Pearson Education (2009).
• Phosphate Forum of the Americas. http://www.phosphatesfacts.org/index.asp
• Consumers Union of the U.S. (2010). http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/search.htm?query=phosphates
• Milacron Marketing LLC (2008). "The Role of Phosphates in Cleaners." Cimcool Technical Reports.
• Rodhe, W. (1969). "Crystallization of eutrophication concepts in North Europe." Eutrophication, Causes, Consequences, Correctives.