All everyday items contain chemical compounds, whether it's a bread box, laundry detergent, or day cream. Some of these are useful to us, while others can be harmful. It would be nice if we could easily, directly, and clearly identify which substances are contained in which products. However, it's not quite that simple. Nevertheless, you can find out about most of the ingredients in your everyday items.

The European Chemicals Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulates which chemicals may be contained in everyday items. If you would like to know which chemicals of particular concern are contained in your new sneakers, for example, you can exercise your right to information. To do this, you can send an email directly to the manufacturer via an app or the relevant website. The app is called ScanChem and is available for both Android and iOS. You can find the link to the relevant website in the links below. It is best to find out about questionable ingredients before making a purchase. Quality seals and consumer magazines can be used for this purpose.

Chemicals or chemical mixtures are not covered by the REACH Regulation. However, they are still found in our everyday lives, for example citric acid for descaling or rust removers. In this case, the "European Regulation on the Classification, Labeling, and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures" (CLP Regulation) applies. If such products have properties that lead to their classification as "hazardous," they must be labeled with appropriate small images (pictograms) and information on safe handling. A pictogram is always a symbol surrounded by a red diamond, e.g., the skull and crossbones for acute toxicity or the flame for flammable substances. The meaning of the individual pictograms in the CLP Regulation can be found in the link below.

Mixtures of substances intended for washing and cleaning processes are called detergents. To ensure that users know whether and which substances contained in these products are cause for concern or dangerous, there is also a uniform labeling system for detergents. This is based on the CLP Regulation mentioned above and on a separate Detergents Regulation. According to the latter regulation, detergents that we as consumers can purchase in stores must have labeling on the packaging. For example, it must be clearly recognizable whether a washing and cleaning agent contains enzymes, disinfectants, optical brighteners, or fragrances, regardless of the amount used. For those who want to know exactly what is in a product, the manufacturer must list all the ingredients used in a detergent on a website in descending order of weight. The corresponding link can usually be found on the product.

In principle, the ingredients used in cosmetics are regulated by the European Cosmetics Regulation. However, this primarily stipulates that cosmetic products must be safe for human health when used properly. Annex II of the Cosmetics Regulation lists more than 1,600 substances that may not be used in cosmetic products due to their potential effects on human health. The REACH Regulation takes into account whether the ingredients used are also safe for the environment.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the use of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR substances) in cosmetic products is permitted in exceptional cases after an assessment by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) (reassessment every five years). If you want to know exactly which ingredients are contained in the cosmetics you use, you can read this on the packaging. If there is not enough space here, a separate label (e.g., a package insert) must usually be included.

There are also corresponding regulations and rules for plant protection products and biocidal products. Biocidal products are sold, for example, in the form of disinfectants or preservatives in or on goods. They can pose a risk to the environment and human health even when used properly. Pesticides are popular with amateur gardeners for repelling pests or combating fungal diseases on plants. However, even when used properly, they can still be harmful to human health and the surrounding environment. When using these products, it is essential to do so responsibly and sparingly. Where possible, the use of plant protection products or biocidal products should be avoided. Detailed information on the regulations governing these products and what alternatives are available can be found via the link below.