Is Zoflora eco friendly or toxic and bad for the environment
With an increase in demand we are going to investigate Is Zoflora eco friendly or bad for the environment and toxic? Zoflora was founded in 1922 by Linthwaite based pharmaceutical company Thornton & Ross. It was developed to kill germs and eliminate odours in public places such as theatres, factories, dance halls and cinemas. In 2018 Sales rocketed and the factory which produces Zoflora had to double its production to keep up with the demand.
The main reason for this increasing demand was the endorsement of Mrs Hinch a cleaning Instagram star with over 2 million followers, who declared Zoflora was on her ‘must have’ list. This surge in interest has led people to ask about the safety of this product. Is Zoflora eco-friendly or toxic and bad for the environment? We attempt to answer these questions below:
Is Zoflora bad for the environment?
Before any disinfectant can be determined good or bad for the environment the ingredients it contains needs to be considered. In the case of Zoflora, it contains some chemical ingredients which potentially are not only harmful to the environment but also to humans and pets.
One of the chemicals in Zoflora which causes us some concern is Linalool. This chemical in pure form is known to have an antiproliferative effects This means that it can suppress cell growth in cancerous cells. However, when used as a fragrance in cleaning, personal care and household products it is oxidized. When linalool is oxidized it can become a skin irritant. Furthermore, it can be absorbed directly through your skin. When it is inhaled it can cause dizziness and drowsiness. It is highly toxic and dangerous to several freshwater amphipods which if released into the environment can cause a problem for delicate eco systems. Approximately 60% of Zoflora’s fragrances contain this chemical including:
• Bluebell Woods
• Country garden
• Green Valley
• Honeysuckle and Jasmine
• Lavender
• Lemon Zing
• Linen Fresh
• Mandarin and Lime
• Midnight blooms
• Paradise Peach
• Pink Grapefruit
• Secret Garden
• Springtime
• Springtime Fresh
• Summer Berries
• Summer Bouquet
• Summer Breeze
• Sweetpea
• Tropical Twist
• Twilight Garden
• Winter Morning
• Winter Spice
Another chemical found in approximately 40% of Zoflora’s fragrances is Limonene.
According to the Safety Data Sheet for limonene the Hazards are:
- Flammable liquid and vapor
- Causes skin irritation
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
- May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
Under the Environmental hazards Limonene is considered a category 1 hazard in both acute aquatic toxicity and chronic aquatic toxicity. Category 1 is always the greatest level of hazard. The Zoflora fragrances which contain limonene are:
- Apple Orchard
- Bluebell Woods
- Citrus Fresh
- Country Garden
- Cranberry and Orange
- Honeysuckle and Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lavender Escape
- Paradise Peach
- Pink Grapefruit
- Very Berry
- Winter Spice
Another dangerous chemical found in some Zoflora fragrances is Butylbenzyl Propionaldehyde also known as Lilial. Lilial is considered an irritant and is also banned as an ingredient in Europe because of its toxic properties. According to EWG The concerns for Lilial are:
• Persistent or bioaccumulative and moderate to high toxicity concern in humans
• Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
• demonstrated estrogenic activity by increasing the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro
Zoflora fragrances which contain Butylbenzyl Propionaldehyde are:
- Bluebell Woods
- Hello Spring
- Honeysuckle and Jasmine
- Springtime
- Summer Bouquet
- Summer Breeze
- Sweetpea
- Twilight Garden
For a detailed report on ingredients in different fragrances please see here.
Is Zoflora toxic?
Zoflora is toxic. Most Zoflora products are classified as hazardous. The hazard categories which apply to Zoflora are Flammable Liquid, Eye Irritant, Skin Irritant and Hazardous to Aquatic Environment. Zoflora’s product hazard ratings taken from Zoflora’s safety date sheet are as follows:
• Flammable Liquid Category 2, Moderately Hazardous
• Skin Irritant Category 2, Moderately Hazardous
• Eye Irritant Category 2, Moderately Hazardous
• Hazardous to Aquatic Environment Category 3, Severe Hazard
Is Zoflora safe to be used around animals?
Is Zoflora safe to be used around children?
When correctly diluted, Zoflora products can be used around children. However, undiluted Zoflora is harmful if in contact with the skin and if swallowed, so it is very important to always keep the container out of the sight and reach of children.
What Eco alternatives are there to Zoflora?
There are plenty of eco alternatives made from natural ingredients you can use instead of Zoflora. Some of our favorites are:
• Method Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner
– Wild Rhubarb
– Pink Grapefruit
– Ginger Twist
– Lavender
• Wilton London Eco Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray – Grapefruit
• Bio D range – Home & Garden Sanitiser- Eucalyptus