Consumer Reports GreenerChoices Consumer Reports GreenerChoices
GreenerChoices.org -- Join our FREE e-mail newsletter
HOME LABELS & CLAIMS - ECO-LABELS SUPPORT US

Greener Choices Home > Eco-labels center > Label index > Label information

Label search results
  100% Biocompatible
Print this page
 
LABEL REPORT CARD
How meaningful is the label? Is the label verified? Is the meaning of the label consistent? Are the label standards publicly available? Is information about the organization publicly available? Is the organization free from conflict of interest? Was the label developed with broad public and industry input?
Not Meaningful No No No1 No2 No3 No
1. There are no government or official standards for this term.
2. There is no independent organization behind this label.
3. The producer or manufacturer decides whether to use the claim and is not free from its own self-interest.
 
LABEL CATEGORY:
General Claims
 
WHERE YOU'LL FIND THIS GENERAL CLAIM:

 CLEANING PRODUCTS
  • KITCHEN & BATHROOM CLEANERS
  • LAUNDRY CLEANERS

     PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
  • ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
  • SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
    •  
     
    WHAT THIS GENERAL CLAIM MEANS:
    There is no official or government definition of “100% biocompatible.” In fact, the word "biocompatible" is not found in standard dictionaries. It appears to be a coined term meant by some manufacturers to suggest "tolerated by living organisms."
     
    WHO VERIFIES THIS GENERAL CLAIM?
    There is no organization that verifies the use of this claim other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product.
     
    CONSUMERS UNION EVALUATION:
    How meaningful is the label?
    “100% biocompatible” is not meaningful.

    Biocompatability is generally understood to mean not having toxic or injurious effects on biological systems. The term is most often used in the context of medical implants, dental restoration materials, or other foreign materials placed in contact with tissues of the body. In that context, its meaning is straightforward. However, when the term is applied to cleaning products and personal hygiene products, it is far less obvious what, if anything, it may mean. There is no definition or standard used for judging whether a consumer product or its ingredients are “100% biocompatible,” and no assurance that such a claim has been independently verified.

    “100% biocompatible” also implies that the product will not cause harm to either human or non-human life but many substances have not been tested sufficiently to know whether they are injurious to humans, other organisms, or the environment on which all life depends.

    Foods, drugs, and cosmetics are required to list their ingredients (with a few exceptions, such as fragrances in cosmetics), but household cleaning products are not required to disclose their ingredients (except for disinfectants or other ingredients considered to be antimicrobial pesticides).

    Does an organization verify that the label standards are met?
    No.

    Is the meaning of the label consistent?
    No, it can be interpreted in different ways.

    Are the label standards publicly available?
    No, there are no government or official standards for this term.

    Is information about the standard organization publicly available?
    No, there is no independent organization behind this label.

    Is the organization behind the label free from conflict of interest?
    No, there is no organization independently certifying this claim. The producer or manufacturer decides whether to use the claim and is not free from its own self-interest.

    Was the label developed with broad public and industry input?
    No, there are no standards behind this general claim.
     
    LINKS FOR MORE INFO:
    The Consumer Product Safety Commission explains the requirements under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act for labeling hazardous substances.
     
    About GreenerChoices.org   |   Newsroom   |   Your privacy rights   |   Security   |   Contact us
    Copyright © 2003-2009 by Consumers Union of United States., Inc., 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703, a nonprofit organization. No downloading, transmission, photocopying, or commercial use permitted. Visit www.GreenerChoices.org.