Green washing and deceptive labeling is an issue that has consumers confused and skeptical. The article “Study: 'Green' products emit hazardous chemicals” is just more evidence of this problem. It addresses the problem with scented consumer products that claim to be “natural”, “green”, or “organic”. The study showed that all of the 25 products analyzed emitted at least one toxic or hazardous chemical, and half of the products claimed to be “green”. So how can a company put a green label on their product if it contains harmful chemicals? Well in this case, if you pick up a product that is fragranced, you can bet that it contains toxic chemicals. Even if it claims to be “natural”, you can’t be sure what chemicals make up the fragrance. Have you ever looked at the ingredients of those products? You might notice that when it comes to explaining the scent it just states FRAGRANCE. Turns out manufactures are not required to disclose the ingredients in their fragrances. And this does not just apply to cosmetic products, other products like cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and laundry products have fragrances that are a mystery.
This just seems wrong. Manufacturers should disclose all ingredients. Now I can see why they wouldn’t. They want to protect their special scent. I know when I buy cleaning products or cosmetic products, the unique and appealing scent takes part in my decision process. However, I still think I should now what types of chemical I am exposing my self to, especially if they are classified as hazardous. The article mentioned that the U.S Senate is reviewing The Household Product Labeling Act, which would require manufacturers to list ingredients in air fresheners, soaps, laundry supplies and other consumer products. I’m glad someone is taking action. I just hope they pass it. On the other hand, it’s discomforting that actual laws have to be set in place for manufactures to make a change. What else aren’t they telling us?
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