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HealthyStuff.org's mission is to research toxic chemicals found in everyday products. This site is based on research conducted by environmental health organizations and other researchers around the country. The Ecology Center created HealthyStuff.org and leads its research and development.
In 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Ecology Center tested over 200 garden hoses from national retailers. The hoses were tested for hazardous metals and bromine, an indicator of brominated flame retardants, and a subset were tested for phthalates. A small number of vinyl (PVC) hoses were also subjected to a water leaching test.
In 2016, we tested 32 hoses from Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Meijer, Target, and Walmart, of which 24 were PVC. The other eight were various types of polyurethane, synthetic rubber, and other polymers.
Selected earlier reports
Concerned about a product hazard?
A number of US regulatory agencies are charged with addressing dangerous consumer products. In general, chemical hazards in consumer products are poorly regulated and outside a few examples (toys & some children's products) consumers are largely left unprotected. HealthyStuff still encourages consumers to report products related chemical hazards to the appropriate agency.
General Consumer Products: US Consumer Product Safety Commission Unsafe Product Report
Vehicles and Car Seats: SaferCar.gov is the NHTSA site where you can identify and report problems you might be having with your vehicle, tires, equipment or car seats.