Detergents bearing the Nordic Ecolabel are good choices for the environment. They are also safe for their users and are good for indoor air.
The ingredients of detergents bearing the Nordic Ecolabel are biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic organisms. They have been tested to be effective with the recommended dosage. In addition, the amount of packaging material has been limited.
The Nordic Ecolabel’s criteria for detergents also include requirements that have a positive impact on indoor air:
Detergents bearing the Nordic Ecolabel cannot contain any components that cause any sensation, with some exceptions allowed for fragrances and preservatives. Components that cause airborne skin sensitivity can cause symptoms of allergies or asthma, or even breathing problems.
The use of fragrances has been limited and their use in professional spray products is completely prohibited. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, and even more people try to avoid them. By restricting the use of fragrances that cause sensitivity, the quality of indoor air improves for those who are not sensitive to fragrances as well. Spray products have the most impact on the quality of indoor air. Professionals use these products every day, which is why it is important to restrict the use of substances that cause sensitivity, particularly in spray products designed for professional use.
New criteria have an even greater impact on indoor air
The Nordic Ecolabel changes its criteria regularly, and new permissions must be obtained to meet these changed criteria. New criteria were released in November 2018, paying closer attention to the impact of detergents on indoor air:
The use of methylisothiazolinone, a highly debated preservative, is now completely prohibited in detergents bearing the Nordic Ecolabel. It can even cause sensitivity in small concentrations through skin contact and respiration.
Furthermore, volatile organic compounds (VOC), apart from ethanol and isopropanol, are completely prohibited. For example, VOCs cause irritation in the eyes and the respiratory tract, headaches and nausea.
Spray products bearing the Nordic Ecolabel must be equipped with a foam nozzle. Spray products affect indoor air by increasing the amount of inhaled aerosols. The amount of aerosols decreases when the detergent is foamed, and the quality of indoor air improves.