RE: [CH] Test [& soaps]
Mary & Riley (uGuys@ChileGarden.com)
Sat, 05 Aug 2000 11:24:31 -0700
> Folks...I think the distinction between products ok to use as
> "insecticidal
> soap" is that "soaps" are ok and "detergents" are not. In the midst of a
> long work-day, I don't think I could prod my brain into providing true
> definitions of each, but I instinctively know that Ivory Snow &
> Castille are
> "soaps," and that most dish liquids & laundry products are "detergents."
> Maybe if I get one free moment this pm, I'll be able to be more specific.
>
> Joan
Joan,
I'm now positive that many soaps are ok and many detergents aren't. On the
other hand, there are harsh soaps which might cause damage. I was looking
for a simple definition of detergent and found none. Here's a site with
info on soaps:
http://wherethetruthlies.org/16.html
A soap is normally a sodium or potassium salt of a fatty acid, hence one
makes soap from lye (either soda or potash) and oil or fats--tallow in a lot
of commercial soaps. Soaps are usually called soaps, too. The above link
says that pure soaps don't come under the FDA labeling requirements.
Detergents do. So a product labeled as pure soap doesn't need to list the
ingredients. So Ivory Soap or Castile Soap are soaps. However, a product
that makes cosmetic claims, like "This soap will make your skin wrinkle
free" comes under FDA regulations and must list ingredients. Most shampoos
have ingredients listed since they make cosmetic claims.
Similarly, a product labeled as insecticidal soap does since it claims to be
an insecticide--all insecticides are required to list the ingredients--EPA
requirements iirc.
After being burnt, and I should have been more careful, I'm sticking to
soaps labeled as insecticides. You then know what kind of soap, the
concentration, and have a recommended safe application rate.
Riley