bikeseattle.org

I heard that the popular Simple Green “non-toxic” cleaner in fact contained a toxic ingredient.

Since I use this when cleaning the bike, I was curious if this was true. So I emailed Envirostars (EnviroStars Co-op works with public agencies, environmental groups, trade associations, and small businesses to encourage the prevention of pollution and the reduction of hazardous wastes) to find out more.

Here is their response:

Butoxy Ethanol Cleaners

One of the ingredients in Simple Green is butoxy ethanol — also known as butyl cellosolve or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether — a toxic aqueous solvent. Butoxy ethanol, due to its oral and skin toxicity, is considered a hazardous waste at concentrations above one percent in water. It is rarely diluted below this concentration when used.

Butoxy ethanol is readily absorbed through exposed skin. The OSHA permissible exposure limit is 25 parts per million (ppm). It is important that users wear personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles, rubber boots) to prevent exposure.

Residents using this product would not be required to get permission from the local sewer utility to dispose of, however it is best to use up or take to a household hazardous waste facility (facility listing).

The recommendation is that this cleaner be replaced by one that poses fewer risks to you. Less toxic, substitute cleaners are typically available from manufacturers that produce butoxy ethanol. Look for the words “Non-butyl” or “Butyl-free” on the label.

Substitute cleaners often contain sodium metasilicate as a primary constituent, which is much less toxic and is not readily absorbed through the skin.

A big thanks to Laurel Tomchick of Envirostars for this information.