Ask the Eco Geek: Is Dettol safe?

Dettol has three main compounds: chloroxylenol, pine oil and castor oil. Pine oil and castor oil are not considered toxic. But chloroxylenol is poisonous and should not be ingested.

Hello there ,
It's very important to know about the chemicals unsafe products. Is the Dettol family of cleaners safe?
Nisrine

Hi Nisrine,
Dettol has three main compounds: chloroxylenol, pine oil and castor oil.

Pine oil and castor oil are not considered toxic. But chloroxylenol is poisonous and should not be ingested.

While not considered that toxic to humans (unless swallowed), chloroxylenol does kill fish. Cleaning or washing with it can result in the some of it getting into our rivers and lakes.

It's become popular because it does kill a wide variety of microbes including bacteria, fungi and some superbugs. Natural equivalents would be tea tree oil or neem oil.

The Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database ranks chloroxylenol as a mid-range toxic chemical that can cause burning, itching, rash, redness, or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms you should stop using it immediately.