Chemical glossary

There are a number of chemicals used in household products which are under investigation for adverse impacts on people or wildlife. The UK Government has signed up to the Precautionary Principle. [1] This Principle is about avoiding things which could cause a problem, even if the evidence is not yet conclusive. Simply put, it is about playing safe.

Chemicals of concern fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Bioaccumulative – these chemicals are not easily eliminated by the body but tend to build up and can be passed on along the food chain. Humans are often at the top of that food chain.
• Endocrine disrupting chemicals – (EDCs) they can be mistaken by the body for its natural hormones and can therefore interfere with the bodies’ natural functions.
• Persistent – they are not easily destroyed in the environment so they can stay around for a long time.
• Toxic – chemicals known to be harmful, poisonous or deadly.

Listed to the left are a number of chemicals, which, under the Precautionary Principle, are best avoided. This is not difficult as alternative products or techniques exist in each case. As these chemical names can be very confusing, we’ve put together a glossary to give you the basics on the chemicals mentioned on this website. Some are of particular concern and have a page each; others are listed alphabetically in the A-Z.

Some of the chemicals are listed on product labels, but sometimes you can’t tell what is included. Be suspicious of terms such as "natural" and “organic” when used on body-care packaging - many manufacturers are exploiting the lax marketing rules. As the rules stand, only 1% of a product has to be naturally derived for that term to be used. If you are concerned about a product, write and ask the manufacturer what it contains.

Some of the websites listed in the Links section will give you further information. Greenpeace has a site that you can search for particular products or chemical ingredients. Go to: http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/chemicalhouse.cfm and use the search box to enter the brand name or chemical you want to know about.

Notes:
[1] “When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.” – Wingspread statement on the precautionary principle, January 1998

For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD