Glossary of Eco-Friendly Odor Removal Terms

Following is a summary of eco-benefits terms and their meaning in the context of odor removal ingredients.

A. Chemical-Free Composition Terms

Alcohol Free

Alcohol-Free means that the odor remover does not contain any form of alcohol and is non-flammable.

BPA Free

BPA-Free means that the smell remover ingredients do not contain bisphenol-A which exhibits hormone-like properties that raise concern about its suitability in consumer products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found BPA to be present in 93% of those tested!

Scientists have linked BPA to a higher incidence of heart disease, endocrine system disruption, cancer diabetes and liver abnormalities in adults as well as brain and hormone development problems in fetuses and young children.

CFC Free

CFC-Free indicates that the odor eliminator ingredients do not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). Although they have been banned for use in aerosol sprays, they are still used in other applications.

Chlorofluorocarbons are known to cause ozone depletion and considered to be a greenhouse gas, with a much higher potential to enhance the greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide.

Chlorine Free

Chlorine-Free implies that the odor neutralizer ingredients do not contain chlorine or chlorine-based chemicals like sodium hypochlorite.

A recent study indicated that sodium hypochlorite and organic chemicals (e.g. fragrances, surfactants) contained in several household deodorizing products can react to generate chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be toxic.

Dye Free

Dye-Free denotes that the odor absorber ingredients do not contain synthetic dyes, or other artificial colorants. Any color present is naturally derived.

Some dyes can trigger allergies and cause adverse health effects in some individuals.

Fragrance Free

Fragrance-Free signifies that the odor killer ingredients do not contain added natural or synthetic fragrances or scents which can contain hazardous ingredients like phthalates.

Fragrances are considered to be among the top five known allergens and are known to both cause and trigger asthma attacks.

According to the EU's Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-food Products, 1 in every 50 people may suffer immune system damage from fragrances and become sensitized. Unfortunately, once a person becomes sensitized to an ingredient, this condition can last for a lifetime, with subsequent exposures causing allergic reactions.

Hazardous Air Pollutant Free

Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Free represents that the odor treatment ingredients do not emit any toxic air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene, and methanol regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

NPE Free

NPE-Free connotes that the smell neutralizer ingredients do not contain nonylphenol ethoxylates which has cleaning properties and are commonly used in detergents.

These cleaning agents have been linked to hormone disruption, found in rivers, and considered toxic to aquatic life. Consequently, NPE's have been effectively restricted for commercial "down-the-drain" applications in Europe, and they are no longer used by U.S. laundry manufacturers.

Nitrate Free

Nitrate (NO₃^-) Free suggests that the smell absorber ingredients do not contain any form of nitrates which can result in pollution. In freshwater or estuarine systems close to land, high levels of nitrate can potentially cause the death of fish. While it is much less toxic than ammonia, levels over 30 ppm of nitrate can inhibit growth, impair the immune system, and cause stress in some aquatic species.

Paraben Free

Paraben-Free purports that the odor repellent ingredients do not contain any type of parabens like methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben which are widely used as preservatives by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Parabens are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, makeup, and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives.

Parabens are controversial because they have been found in breast cancer tumors. They have also displayed the ability to slightly mimic estrogen (a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer). However, no effective direct links between parabens and cancer have been established. Another concern is that it may be a factor in the increasing prevalence of early puberty in girls.

Pesticide Free

Pesticide-Free means that the smell treatment ingredients do not contain synthetic pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or rodenticides.

A pesticide is a chemical or biological agent that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms), and microbes that destroy property, cause nuisance, spread disease, or are disease vectors.

Although pesticides have benefits, some also have drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans, other desired species, and the environment. According to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, 9 of the 12 most dangerous and persistent organic chemicals are pesticides.

Petroleum Free

Petroleum-Free denotes that none of the odor absorbing ingredients are derived from petroleum or petrochemicals.

The use of petroleum in beauty products is more widespread than you might think. It goes by names such as mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum, and propylene glycol. Many fragrances are also petroleum-derived.

Here are a few reasons to avoid them.

• It disrupts the way the body naturally detoxifies by not allowing the skin to breathe.
• It slows the rate at which cells are renewed, thereby damaging collagen, connective tissue, and elastin - all of which contribute to the way skin looks and feels.
• It results in skin that ages prematurely.

Phosphate Free

Phosphate-Free signifies that the smell killer ingredients do not contain chemicals derived from phosphorous. Phosphates are used in cleaners and a wide variety of other products.

Phosphates are a major source of pollution in lakes and streams. Large amounts of it can enhance algae growth and reduce the oxygen available for fish and plants in streams and lakes.

Phthalate Free

Phthalate-Free indicates that the odor shield ingredients do not contain any type of phthalate related chemicals. They are commonly found in fragrances, hair sprays, deodorants, and nail polishes. They are also used as plastic softeners in many products such as toys, shower curtains, and medical devices.

Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found phthalates in virtually every person they tested. Scientists agree they could cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in people and are worth avoiding.

PVC Free

PVC-Free represents that the odor removing ingredients do not contain poly vinyl chloride, the third-most widely produced polymer. PVC is made softer and more flexible by adding plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates. In this form, it is used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, inflatable products, and many applications.

Vinyl products are pervasive including toys, car interiors, shower curtains, and flooring — and initially release chemical gases such as phthalates into the air. Some studies indicate that this outgassing of toxic additives may contribute to health complications. The burning of PVC also produces dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known to mankind.

SLS Free

SLS-Free means that the odor remediation ingredients used do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a synthetic foaming and cleaning agent.

SLS is primarily used in detergents for laundry with many cleaning applications. It is a very effective surfactant that is used for the removal of oily stains and residues. It is used at higher concentrations in industrial products like engine degreasers and floor cleaners.

It has been shown to irritate the skin with prolonged and constant exposure or in high concentrations. It can also irritate fish and other aquatic life.

VOC Free

VOC - Free means that the odor reduction ingredients do not contain Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The latter easily evaporate or sublimate from the liquid or solid form and can be significant sources of indoor air pollution. For example, formaldehyde evaporates from paint and naphthalene or para-dichlorobenzene sublimes from urinal deodorizers.

B. Eco-Smart & Safe

Biodegradable

By biodegradable, we mean that the plant based odor sprays ingredients can be completely broken down by microorganisms into the simplest possible molecules and returned to nature in a reasonable amount of time.

Compostable

By compostable, we mean that the plant based smell remover spray ingredients can be broken down in a compost pile to provide valuable nutrients to the soil. Note that this is different than biodegradable which simply means to be consumed by microorganisms and returned to compounds found in nature.

Cruelty Free

By Cruelty Free, we mean that we have never conducted any type of animal testing on the odor neutralization ingredients nor do we intend to do so in the future.

FDA Approved Ingredients

By this we mean that all the plant based odor spray ingredients used are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) under 21 CFR-172.510 and FEMA 3121.

Hypoallergenic

By hypoallergenic, we imply that our odor protection ingredients do not contain any known allergens and are not likely to cause adverse reactions compared to non-hypoallergenic products containing fragrances, scents, or chemicals.

Fair Trade

By Fair Trade, we purport that the workers who produced this smell eliminator and its ingredients have been paid fairly i.e. above the US minimum wage.

Generally Recognized as Safe

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements.

No Genetically Modified Ingredients

The odor absorbent ingredients do not use genetically modified organisms or ingredients derived from them. A genetically modified organism (GMO) is one who’s whose genetic material has been altered. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.

Made in the USA

This means that the smell removing ingredients have been proudly produced or manufactured in the United States. This creates jobs in the USA and helps grow the economy.

Natural

By natural we indicate that our odor neutralizing ingredients are produced from natural sources without added artificial ingredients. This results in products that are safer for people, pets, and the planet.

Non Corrosive

Smell Elimination ingredients that are non-corrosive means that it won’t cause chemical burns on contact and is safer to use.

Care should be exercised when using household cleaners such as drain openers which can contain harmful corrosive chemicals.

Non Flammable

This implies that the odor eraser ingredients are incapable of burning or not easily set on fire. This makes the product safer to use and reduces the risk of fire.

Non-Toxic

By Non-Toxic, we denote that the odor fighter ingredients are not likely to cause adverse human or environmental health effects, either immediately or over the long-term.

Since 15-30% of people react to the ingredients found in common consumer products, it is especially beneficial for chemically sensitive individuals to choose non-toxic deodorizers to avoid problems.

No Animal Testing

By this, we mean that we have never conducted any type of animal testing on the odor treatment ingredients used nor will we do so in the future and they are cruelty-free.

No Genetically Modified Organisms

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is one who's whose genetic material has been altered. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.

Odorless

By this we imply that the odor zapper ingredients are odorless and do not contain any masking agents, fragrances or scents.

Power Not Required

It does not require electrical power to operate this product.

Recyclable

The odor filter media can be recycled. You may remove this material from the pouch or take any unused granules or powder and apply to gardens, flower beds, yards, fields, potting soil and plant beds with thorough watering. It will act as a slow release fertilizer and help retain soil moisture.

However, please note that if products are exposed to hazardous or toxic odors or pollutants, they will be considered as such and should be disposed according to all relevant local, state and federal regulations and not recycled as described above.

Reusable

A reusable odor removing product is one that can be used over and over again after rejuvenating it monthly. To refresh, simply place in direct sunlight for a day or more and reuse. The longer the sunlight exposure, the better! To treat severe odor problems, rejuvenate weekly.

Renewable Resources

We consider the plant based odor removing spray ingredients a renewable resource because it is a natural resource that can replenished with the passage of time through biological reproduction. Renewable resources are a part of planets natural environment and the largest components of its ecosphere.

Super Concentrate

We consider this odor eliminator spray to be a super concentrate because this is an undiluted formula that is made up entirely of its plant based ingredients. This significantly reduces packaging waste which makes a positive impact on landfills. This also reduces the energy, carbon footprint, and cost to transport ready to use liquid deodorizers which can be over 95% water.

Sustainable

The odor eliminating ingredients are sustainable and benefits people, pets, and the planet.