9 Conclusion and recommendations

Survey of chemical substances in cleaning products for ovens, cookers and ceramic cooktops

9.1 Main conclusions from the survey

The estimated sale of products for cleaning of ovens and ceramic cooktops (400,000 - 600,000 products per year) indicates that this is a considerable consumption (approx. 100,000 - 150,000 litres/year), which calls for an improved knowledge of the health and environmental properties of these products. The result of the survey gave an overview of the chemical substances that typically form part of the products.

Cleaners for oven, cooker and ceramic cooktops typically contain substances as surfactants (non-ionic and anionic surfactants, fatty acid soaps), solvents, acidity regulating agents (acids, bases), abrasives/polishers, preservatives, silicone compounds, thickening agents and fragrance. The compositions vary according to the application area and form. The knowledge of the specific composition of the products is still rather limited; in several cases it has not been possible to obtain detailed information on the chemistry of the products.

The result of the accomplished survey showed that a few of the examined products contained hazardous substances at high concentrations. The most essential conclusions regarding the health and environmental properties of the products are as follows:

· Oven spray cleaners generally contain high concentrations of organic solvents. Solvents may be harmful if inhaled.

· Two of four stainless steel care products are assessed to contain organic solvents (white spirit) in concentrations that may be harmful to health and the environment.

Exposure calculations have indicated that the application of products containing high concentrations of white spirit may involve a health risk, if there is not adequate ventilation. For the products containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, petroleum distillates and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPGME), respectively, their application is assessed to involve only a low health risk. It seems, however, unnecessary to expose oneself to products with high concentrations of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and petroleum distillates as a consequence of their inherent health properties. A simulation of the concentration of white spirit in the aquatic environment showed that there may be a risk of adverse effects in a limited immediate zone around waste-water discharges in areas characterised by a limited water exchange.

The other substances identified in the products were not considered to differ markedly from those in other types of cleaning agents. It was not possible to collect information revealing the nature of the preservatives or fragrances that form part of the products. Several preservatives and fragrances are known allergenics, and many preservatives are very toxic to aquatic organisms.

9.2 Recommendations to consumers on cleaning of ovens, cookers and ceramic cooktops

Generally, it is recommended to reduce the quantity as well as the consumption of cleaning agents and other chemical products in the household and to choose ecolabelled cleaning products when possible. However, no ecolabelled products for cleaning of ovens, cookers and ceramic cooktops exist, as criteria for ecolabelling have not yet been developed for these product types. By limiting the total consumption of cleaning agents, the exposure of consumers and the environment to chemicals is reduced.

Some of the products contain substances that may have an impact on health or the environment. The products are generally more expensive than common cleaning products, and so there will be savings to gain by selecting common cleaning products as e.g. hand dishwashing agent or soft soap. It will often be sufficient to wipe up spillage immediately.

If special products are used for cleaning of the oven, avoid products labelled as harmful to health or the environment, and use gloves to avoid skin contact with possibly corrosive/irritating substances. Furthermore, the room should be ventilated well to avoid inhalation of vapours from products containing potentially harmful solvents.