FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gretchen Schaefer - 202-833-7311 or Brian Sansoni - 202-662-2517

EWG Report Could Discourage Beneficial Cleaning

WASHINGTON, DC (November 6, 2009) – The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) and The Soap and Detergent Association are reviewing a new report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that suggests adverse health effects from the use of cleaning and maintenance products in schools.

CSPA and SDA companies named in the report are responsible companies and practice sound science in the development and design of their products that help create clean and healthy school environments. Safety is a vital ingredient in product development and performance.

We are concerned about the report’s claims that the ability to measure the presence of chemicals associated with these products equates with safety.  It does not.  More importantly, the report ignores the health benefits from the use of these products. 

Everyday use of these products and their ingredients is not leading to adverse health effects or disease in our schools.  Claiming adverse effects without considering real-world exposures to these products is irresponsible.

The proper use of these products in educational settings helps contribute to clean, healthy and safe schools.  At a time when parents are concerned about health issues, cleaning should be encouraged because it prevents the spread of infectious diseases. It also reduces allergens in the school environment that can reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.

We will continue to analyze this report and review its findings, test methods used and conclusions drawn.

About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of some 240 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of $80 billion annually in the U.S. of hundreds of familiar consumer products that help household, institutional and industrial customers create cleaner and healthier environments. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, garden and pets; cleaning products for use throughout the home; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; and a host of other products used every day. Through its product stewardship program Product Care®, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety, sustainability and environmental impacts of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.

About SDA
The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com), the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry®, represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. SDA members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. SDA and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices. SDA’s mission is to support the sustainability of the cleaning products industry through research, education, outreach and science-based advocacy.