Danger symbols on cleaning products: how to read the label

We have become accustomed to buying cleaning products with highly chemical formulations, relying on the paradigm that the more a substance appears aggressive on microbes, the more "effective" it seems to us.

We often use a multitude of cleaning products in combination without realizing or ignoring the symbols shown on the label and the instructions for their safe use. In fact, episodes and accidents involving detergents and disinfectants are sadly common.

Sanitizing gels, disinfectant sprays, detergents, degreasers, etc. how dangerous are they in reality?

In light of the new awareness of the toxicity of some substances and the environmental impact that each of our choices has, today it is possible to have alternatives and to choose being conscious of the risks.

When a product contains potentially dangerous substances, it is mandatory- according to EU directives- that all the hazard symbols relating to the product and all the necessary measures are shown on the label so that it can be handled with the greatest possible safety.

Since cleaning products are available in many formats (e.g. liquids, solids, sprays) and have different applications (toilet cleaning liquid, surface polishing spray, washing powder, etc.), the instructions for use and storage vary and are specific to each item.

In Europe, there is a regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) which establishes which information on hazards must be displayed on the label.

The hazard symbols that we find on the products are called pictograms, there are different ones based on the category and formulation of the substance to which they refer.

Let's see together what are the main pictograms used in cleaning and disinfectant products.

CORROSIVE (eyes, skin, materials)

This pictogram indicates that the substance can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. It can also dissolve certain materials (for example textiles), therefore it is harmful to humans, animals, plants and any other organic material.

This symbol is often present on the label of: oven cleaners, cleaners for caustic drains, acid cleaners for toilets, descaler, concentrated cleaning products.

To ensure safety it is necessary to keep out of reach of children, store in original container, avoid contact with skin / eyes, rinse immediately with water in case of contact, consult a doctor in case of contact with skin or eyes.

IRRITATING

This symbol identifies a substance that can cause an allergic skin reaction, eczema, irritation and poisoning after contact. It can also damage the ozone state.

It is applied to bleach, laundry detergents, liquid hand dish detergents, universal cleaners, dishwasher detergents.

DANGEROUS FOR THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

The pictogram indicates that these substances are toxic and can cause damage to aquatic organisms (fish, aquatic insects, aquatic plants, microorganisms) even at low concentrations.

We often find it in anti-mold products, insecticide sprays, chemicals for swimming pools, biocidal products, products for engines.

These products must never be spilled or released into the environment and must be disposed of as special waste.

FLAMMABLE

Indicates that the substance can ignite on contact with flames, sparks, air or water, or if subjected to shock or overheating. Potentially flammable even without external stresses during storage.

It is reported on all aerosol spray products (air fresheners, insecticides, polishes, oven cleaners). You can find it also on hand sanitizers, windshield cleaning products, window cleaners, some universal cleaners.

To ensure safety it is necessary to keep out of reach of children, keep away from heat, keep the container tightly closed, respect the storage temperature

What to do to avoid taking risks?

To reduce the potential risk, the advice is to always read the label carefully and respect the instructions for use.

Today, however, it is possible to quite completely eliminate this risk. How is it possible?

By choosing products that do not have any danger symbols on the packaging. There are several solutions for hygiene and cleaning that are formulated to be used in total peace of mind. Attention, we are not talking about simply choosing a product classified as "ecological", which could still contain harmful substances.

To be sure you are purchasing a product without risk, it must be non-toxic (i.e. free from toxic, volatile or irritating chemicals), biocompatible and environmentally friendly (i.e. totally harmless to organic, inorganic materials, organisms and ecosystems).

If today it is quite simple to find non-harmful alternatives for detergents and cleansers, it is not so obvious to find these characteristics of non-toxicity in disinfectants, since they have been created with the aim of eliminating dangerous pathogens in a decisive way.

Currently, BioAkt® disinfectants are the only ones on the market without danger symbols and indications on the label and on the safety data sheet. The disinfectant antimicrobial molecule contained in BioAkt® effectively eliminates bacteria making the environment naturally hostile to their proliferation for over 18 hours; at the same time, however, thanks to the process by which it is obtained and stabilized, it does not involve any risk for humans and the environment, either by spillage or by contact or inhalation.