Image: iStockphoto.com/Andrew Howe
About This Quiz
Natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products are starting to become popular with green-minded consumers. Are cleaning products labeled green really safer for you and your family? Find out all you need to know about the latest in green cleaning by taking our quiz.
As of April 2008, sales of natural cleaning products skyrocketed _____ percent over 2007.
3
13
23
As of April 2008, sales of so-called natural cleaning products skyrocketed 23 percent over the previous year. According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, environmentally friendly household cleaners have taken their rightful place on your supermarket shelves.
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Manufacturers _____ list ingredients on household cleaner package labels.
always
never
sometimes
According to LiveScience staff writer, Andrea Thompson, manufacturers have no legal obligation to list the ingredients on product packaging, since doing so might reveal trade secrets. Therefore, it is left to the manufacturer's discretion and full product transparency is rare.
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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires manufacturers of household cleaners only to warn about product:
toxicity
The EPA requires manufacturers of household cleaners to warn consumers only about toxicity. They are not obligated to list any of the more than 80,000 chemical compounds cleared for commercial use in the United States.
compatibility
recyclability
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Which of the following are stamps of approval issued by eco-labeling organizations?
Design for Environment
Green Seal
both of the above
There is no government regulatory agency that defines which ingredients or products meet green standards. Manufacturers can voluntary offer their products for review by the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for Environment, Green Seal or other eco-labeling organizations for a stamp of approval.
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Phthalates are chemical compounds also known as plasticizers that were recently banned as a component in baby _____ in Canada.
bottles
Phthalates are chemical compounds also known as plasticizers that among other things, hold in fragrances in air fresheners. Canada recently banned them as a component in baby bottle plastics.
diapers
bibs
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Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are chemicals that can pollute water supplies. In which country are they regulated?
China
Canada
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)are chemicals that can pollute water supplies and may cause liver and kidney damage in humans. NPEs are already regulated in laundry detergents in the European Union and Canada.
Chile
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Green cleaners use plant derivatives from:
oranges
Green cleaners often use plant derivatives from oranges and coconuts to replace potentially toxic chemicals.
potatoes
tomatoes
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Which of the following compounds can cause respiratory problems in children?
petrochemicals
chlorine bleach
both of the above
Both petrochemicals and chlorine bleach can cause respiratory problems in children; in the case of petrochemicals, particles can get into the lungs if ingested.
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Products made from organic materials _____ contain potentially harmful chemicals.
always
never
sometimes
Products made from organic materials can sometimes contain potentially harmful chemicals. For example, a carbon compound called d-limonene is derived from orange peels, but also reacts with ozone to create formaldehyde.
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Non-carcinogenic means that a substance does not cause _____ in animals or so far in humans.
cancer
Non-carcinogenic means that a substance does not cause cancer in animals or so far in humans. Non-mutagenic products do not contain any compounds known to interrupt hormone production and function in the body.
heart disease
diabetes
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You Got:
/10
iStockphoto.com/Andrew Howe