Micro Detox
Glossary
Chemicals, materials, and label claims explained in simple language.
Core Chemicals
- PhthalatesPlasticizers and fragrance fixatives.
- Fragrance CompoundsSynthetic fragrance, parfum, scent mixtures.
- BPA / BPS / BisphenolsBisphenol A and its chemical cousins.
- PFAS / Fluorinated ChemicalsPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ('forever chemicals').
- ParabensPreservatives in personal care.
- Formaldehyde ReleasersPreservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.
- Triclosan / TriclocarbanAntibacterial agents in soaps and personal care.
- VOCsVolatile organic compounds (indoor air).
- QuatsQuaternary ammonium compounds (disinfectants).
- Flame RetardantsChemicals added to slow ignition.
- Isothiazolinone PreservativesMI, MCI, and related preservatives.
- Chemical UV FiltersOxybenzone, octinoxate, and related sunscreen ingredients.
- SLS / SLESSodium lauryl sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate.
- Synthetic DyesArtificial food and product colourings.
- MicroplasticsTiny plastic particles in food, water, and air.
- FormaldehydeThe gas that off-gasses from new wood and easy-care fabrics.
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic)Legacy contaminants in old paint, glazes, water, and food.
- Chlorine Bleach CompoundsA strong tool — the rules are dilute, ventilate, never mix.
- Ammonia / Ammonium HydroxideThe sharp-smelling cleaner that must never meet bleach.
- Pesticides / InsecticidesHome and garden pest sprays, baits, and foggers.
- Glycol EthersSolvents in cleaners, paints, and inks.
- Solvent VOCs (Toluene, Xylene)Strong solvents in nail polish, paints, and glues.
- Acrylates / MethacrylatesThe plastics behind gel and acrylic nails.
- Hair Dye Chemicals (PPD, Resorcinol)Permanent colour chemistry and practical timing.
- Everyday Preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate)The calmer preservatives that replaced parabens.
- Optical BrightenersWhitening agents that stay on laundered fabric.
- Antimicrobial Finishes / Silver AgentsAnti-odour biocides built into textiles and gear.
- Talc & ContaminantsMineral powder with an asbestos-contamination history.
- Nonylphenols / Alkylphenol EthoxylatesIndustrial detergent chemicals restricted in the EU.
- AntimonyA catalyst residue in PET plastic and polyester.
- Mineral Oil Residues (MOSH / MOAH)Oil traces that migrate from packaging into food.
- PEG CompoundsPolyethylene glycols — workhorse helpers, mostly low concern.
- Titanium DioxideTrusted mineral sunscreen filter, debated food whitener.
- Alcohols in Mouthwash / Personal CareDrying question, not a harm question — mostly.
- Surfactants Beyond SLS / SLESBetaines, glucosides, and the gentler cleaning crowd.
- Bisphenols on Thermal ReceiptsThe receipt-handling route.
- 1,4-DioxaneA trace contaminant in sudsing products.
- Cyclosiloxanes (D4 / D5 / D6)Cyclic silicones in hair and skin products.
- BenzeneA contaminant in some aerosol sprays.
- Mothballs (Naphthalene & Paradichlorobenzene)Pesticide blocks that turn into vapour you breathe.
- UV-328 & Benzotriazole UV StabilisersLight-protectors added to plastics and coatings.
Materials
- PlasticA broad family of synthetic polymers.
- PVC / VinylA chlorinated plastic — flexible or rigid.
- PolyesterThe most common synthetic fabric.
- NylonSynthetic polyamide — clothing and gear.
- Acrylic FabricSynthetic wool substitute.
- SpandexThe stretch fibre in activewear and underwear.
- SiliconeFlexible rubber-like material — often plastic-alternative.
- Stainless SteelDurable food-contact metal alloy.
- GlassThe lowest-leaching everyday material.
- Cast IronHeavy traditional cookware metal.
- Non-Stick CoatingPTFE (Teflon), ceramic, and modern alternatives.
- Polypropylene (PP)Often called the safer everyday plastic.
- PET / PETEThe clear plastic of bottles and food jars.
- Polycarbonate (PC)The hard clear plastic made from BPA.
- Polystyrene / PS / FoamFoam cups and takeaway boxes — code 6.
- MelamineHard, shatterproof dinnerware plastic — fine cold, not hot.
- ABS PlasticThe tough plastic in building bricks and gadget casings.
- TPE / TPUThe soft-touch plastics — promising but formulation-dependent.
- EVA FoamSoft play-mat foam — let it air before baby use.
- Black Recycled PlasticDark plastic utensils with a murky supply chain.
- Recycled Polyester (rPET)Better for the planet, same fabric on your skin.
- CottonThe everyday natural-fibre default.
- WoolNaturally flame-resistant natural fibre.
- LinenDurable, low-finish flax fibre.
- HempHardy, low-input natural fibre.
- Wood & BambooCalm natural materials with one composite trap.
- Ceramic & EnamelReassuring kitchen staples with a vintage-glaze caveat.
- Rubber / LatexTree sap, synthetic cousins, and one allergy note.
- AluminiumEveryday metal with a largely reassuring evidence base.
- Paper & Cardboard Food PackagingLooks simple, but chemistry rides along.
- Polyurethane FoamThe soft foam inside mattresses and sofas.
- Pressed Wood / MDF / ParticleboardWood fibres glued together — the glue is the story.
- Vinyl FlooringPVC at floor level, where babies crawl and play.
- Carpet & Carpet BackingSoft underfoot — and the home's biggest dust reservoir.
- Paint & CoatingsLow-VOC choices and well-timed decorating.
- Adhesives & SealantsStrong bonds, short fumes — ventilation and cure time.
- Waterproof Coated TextilesRainwear and protectors — it's the coating that counts.
- Synthetic FleeceWarm, fluffy, and the top microfibre shedder.
Common Labels
- Fragrance Free UsefulThe strongest scent claim — but not legally defined.
- Unscented Weak / MisleadingThe scent label to actively distrust.
- BPA Free MisleadingMeans "no BPA" — not "no bisphenols".
- Microwave Safe MisleadingMeans "won't melt" — not "no chemicals leach".
- Dishwasher Safe Practical, Not A Health ClaimPractical claim — not a health claim.
- Waterproof Watch For PfasA common check-next flag for PFAS.
- Stain Resistant Strong Pfas FlagAmong the strongest PFAS flags.
- Flame Resistant NuancedImportant safety claim — but check the chemistry.
- Antibacterial Usually UnnecessaryUsually unnecessary at home.
- Scented An Honest FlagThe honest label everyone reads straight past.
- Free & Clear / Sensitive Usually Good — VerifyUsually fragrance- and dye-free — but nobody defines it.
- Hypoallergenic UnregulatedA reassuring word with no legal definition.
- Dermatologist Tested VagueConfirms a test happened — not what it found.
- Dye Free Genuinely UsefulA small honest claim that actually delivers.
- Alcohol Free Depends On The ProductOne claim, very different meanings by product.
- Natural / Naturally Derived Unregulated Marketing TermNot regulated — and natural fragrance is still fragrance.
- Clean / Clean Beauty Retail Framework, Not A StandardA retail marketing framework, not a standard.
- Non-Toxic No Legal DefinitionNo legal definition — the word to stop shopping by.
- Eco Friendly / Green Vague — And Not About YouAn environmental claim, not an exposure claim.
- Phthalate Free Genuinely UsefulOne of the few free-from claims aimed at the right family.
- Paraben Free Fine — Check The ReplacementFine as a claim — check what replaced the parabens.
- PFAS Free Useful But UnregulatedThe right claim to look for — with no referee behind it.
- PFOA Free Outdated ReassuranceTrue of nearly every new pan — and nearly meaningless.
- PVC Free Genuine UpgradeA quiet label that does real work.
- SLS Free / Sulfate Free Useful For Sensitive SkinA comfort claim more than a safety claim.
- Talc Free Reasonable For PowdersBorn from asbestos contamination — sensible for powders.
- Fluoride Free Be Careful — Fluoride Is Recommended By Dental ProfessionalsThe one free-from claim worth pausing on.
- No Added Formaldehyde Genuinely UsefulA rare label that targets a real indoor-air source.
- PTFE / Teflon / Non-Stick Know The Trade-OffsHonest about the coating — manage heat and wear.
- Food Grade A Floor, Not A CeilingA legal floor for food contact, not zero migration.
- Long Wear / Waterproof / Smudge Proof Pfas Check-Next FlagStaying power comes from chemistry worth a quick check.
- Mineral Sunscreen Genuinely Useful — Keep Using SunscreenThe lower-concern filter option — never stop using sunscreen.
- Wrinkle Free / Easy Care / Non-Iron Formaldehyde-Resin FlagA convenience finish with a formaldehyde question.
- Organic Cotton / GOTS Meaningful — When CertifiedA textile claim with a real standard behind it.
- OEKO-TEX Certified Useful — Tested, Not OrganicTested for residual chemicals — not the same as organic.
- Low VOC / GREENGUARD One Of The More Meaningful ClaimsOne of the few claims backed by real certification.
- Biodegradable / Compostable Environmental Claim — Not An Exposure ClaimEnd-of-life claims — not what's in the product.
- Recyclable Says Nothing About ExposureAn end-of-life claim — the resin number says more.
Go deeper in the app
Every term links to a full plain-language guide — what it is, where it is found, and practical lower exposure choices.