GS-8
CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE
Standard Revision in Progress:
Green Seal is revising the requirements for microbial-based cleaning products, located in Annex D of this standard. Details on the proposed revision to this standard can be found on the Standard Revisions page.
WHAT GREEN SEAL CERTIFIES
Green Seal’s GS-8 leadership standard means a general-purpose household cleaning product is safer for human health and the environment compared to conventional alternatives while providing uncompromising cleaning performance. It covers all-purpose, glass, bathroom, carpet, and biologically-active (enzymatic and microbial) products intended for routine cleaning of residential settings. Download the full GS-8 standard.
PERFORMANCE OF GREEN
Our standard ensures the product performs for its intended use. All Green Seal-certified products must demonstrate an effective level of cleaning performance via an objective, scientifically validated method conducted under controlled and reproducible laboratory conditions. Certain product types must meet performance thresholds following approved ASTM, Household and Commercial Products Association, or American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists methods. Products can also demonstrate that they perform equivalent to or better than a nationally recognized or market-leading product.
SCIENCE OF GREEN
Our Green Seal Compass guides every certification. Our science-based standards define sustainability leadership in the marketplace and reward industry innovations. Only the healthiest, most responsible, and most effective products achieve the Green Seal. The Green Seal Compass focuses our standards on key impacts that occur throughout the product life cycle, from raw materials extraction and manufacturing to packaging, use and disposal.
| RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS | |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg |
| Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) | LC50 > 20 mg/L at 1 hour |
| Skin and Eye Damage | pH of > 2.0 but less than 11.5; Must not be corrosive to skin or eyes |
| Skin Sensitization | Must not be a skin sensitizer |
| Ozone Depleting Compounds | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Restricted to 0.5% (all-purpose cleaners); Restricted to 1% or limit set in CARB (glass cleaners), Restricted to 1% (bathroom and ready-to-use carpet cleaners), Restricted to 0.1% (dilutable carpet cleaners) |
| Carcinogens | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Mutagens | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Reproductive Toxins | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Alkylphenol Ethoxylates | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| 2-butoxyethanol | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Phthalates | Prohibited above 100ppm and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Selenium | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Prohibited above 100ppm and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Lead | Prohibited above 100ppm and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Mercury | Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Cadmium | Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Bisphenol A | Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Chlorinated Materials | Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging |
| Enzymes | Products containing enzymes must meet additional criteria |
| Microorganisms | Products containing microorganisms must meet additional criteria |
| REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT WASTE | |
|---|---|
| Primary Packaging | Must be either source-reduced, recyclable, contain at least 25% post-consumer material, or be a refillable package with an effective take-back program |
| Aerosol Packaging | Cans must be recyclable and recycling programs are available for packaging where product is sold |
| Use Labelling | Must have detailed instructions for proper use to minimize waste |
| Recycling Labelling | Plastic packages must be marked with appropriate Resin Identification Code and have clear instructions for disposal |
| RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS | |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Life | LC50 > or = 100mg/L for algae, daphnia, or fish |
| Aquatic Biodegradability | Each organic ingredient must readily biodegrade |
| Eutrophication | Sum of total phosphorus restricted to < 0.5% |
| Optical Brighteners | Prohibited above 100ppm |
| CRITERIA THAT HELP PRESERVE THE CLIMATE |
|---|
|
Many of the standards for human health, minimizing waste, and ensuring clean water also help preserve the climate:
|
A GREEN YOU CAN TRUST
All Green Seal-certified products must meet industry best practices for Quality and Safety.
Combustibility
Fragrances
Animal Testing
Labelling
Safety Data Sheets
Our standards are referenced by the leading green building certification programs.
Latest Version: Edition 5.5, July 31, 2020
Recent Changes: GS-8 underwent corrections and/or clarifications and was re-published on July 30, 2021. For details on the non-substantive changes made to this standard, please see the Standard Documents Library.