Eco Cleaning Products

Material Safety Data Sheets

So what can we look for and how can we get past the confusing overload of eco info? One way is to get to know and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). By law MSDS should be made available when requested. Very often they can be found on a brand’s website but sometimes you may need to request them. The MSDS will tell you the potentially hazardous raw materials within a product as well as any precautions that need to be taken when using them.

One of the key things to look at on the MSDS is the pH level of the product. You should be looking for a neutral pH (pH 7) or as close to. The average pH of seawater is about 8.

Raw materials

Look out for red flag raw materials. Some of these raw materials can be found in a number of well known brands often found on superyachts. These will show you what the basic makeup of a product is and ‘eco’ won't be at the forefront if they contain some of the following examples: 
 

• Sodium hydroxy methyl glycinate
• Phosphonates
• Palm oil and derivatives
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
• Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite)
• Formaldehyde
• Methylene chloride

• Benzene
• Benzidine-based dyes
• Ethylbenzene
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Optical brighteners
• Parabens
• Silicones
• Heavy metals**, including antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb) mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn)

Many of these raw materials have been shown to be detrimental to human health too. Quaternary Ammonium is commonly found in Sanitisers otherwise known as ‘Quats’. Which can cause anything from mild skin and respiratory irritation up to severe caustic burns on skin and, as wikipedia explains, in severe cases death. 

Plastics

Commit

Finally, consistency is something to consider. It’s no use picking up a more sustainable product if the next time you revert back to your old habits when you can’t find it. Choose a brand or brands that are widely available. If you think you’re going to be traveling somewhere where it might be hard to find your usual product or an equally sustainable alternative, stock up via your supply agent before you leave.