Below is an incomplete list of research and resources that have helped form the basis of our understanding and approach to The Clean List. All interpretations, conclusions, and any errors are our own. This list will be periodically updated as we continue to research & learn. Two books we highly recommend are Prescriptions for a Health House, by Paula Baker-Laporte and John Banta, and To Dye For, by Alden Wicker.
Our Research
Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, M., & Harrad, S. (2022). Dermal uptake of chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants via contact with furniture fabrics; implications for human exposure. Environmental Research, 209, 112847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.112847
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2014, October 21). Formaldehyde | Medical Management Guidelines | Toxic Substance Portal | ATSDR. Wwwn.cdc.gov. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=216&toxid=39
American Lung Association (n.d.). Clean Air Indoors. www.lung.org. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air
Arnold, W. A., Blum, A., Branyan, J., Bruton, T. A., Carignan, C. C., Cortopassi, G., Datta, S., DeWitt, J., Doherty, A.-C., Halden, R. U., Harari, H., Hartmann, E. M., Hrubec, T. C., Iyer, S., Kwiatkowski, C. F., LaPier, J., Li, D., Li, L., Muñiz Ortiz, J. G., & Salamova, A. (2023). Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(20). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c08244
Azo compound (Azo dye) | Chemistry | Research Starters | EBSCO Research. (2022). EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/chemistry/azo-compound-azo-dye#full-article
Baker-Laporte, P., Banta, J. (2022). Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners (4th Ed.). Self-Published/MCWriting.com
Beard, M. (2025, April 3). Dramatic images show the hideous toll microplastics exposure could take on your face. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/04/03/health/dramatic-images-show-impact-of-microplastics-on-the-body/
Beeton, J. (2025). EPA reverses course on safe formaldehyde exposure threshold. Chemical & Engineering News. https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-288347-News
Bisphenols & Phthalates - Green Science Policy Institute. (n.d.). Greensciencepolicy.org. https://greensciencepolicy.org/harmful-chemicals/bisphenols-phthalates/
bluesign System Substances List (BSSL) bluesign System Substances List (BSSL). (2026). https://www.bluesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BSSL-v17.0-2026.pdf
bluesign System Black Limits (BSBL) Threshold limit values for chemical substances in chemical products. (2026). https://www.bluesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BSBL-v8.0-2026.pdf
Blum, A., Behl, M., Birnbaum, L. S., Diamond, M. L., Phillips, A., Singla, V., Sipes, N. S., Stapleton, H. M., & Venier, M. (2019). Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants: Are They a Regrettable Substitution for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers? Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 6(11), 638–649. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.9b00582
Brady, R. (n.d.). Functional finishes Contemporary wool dyeing and finishing. https://www.woolwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/07.1-Functional-Finishes-Presentation.pdf
Brüschweiler, B. J., Küng, S., Bürgi, D., Muralt, L., & Nyfeler, E. (2014). Identification of non-regulated aromatic amines of toxicological concern which can be cleaved from azo dyes used in clothing textiles. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 69(2), 263–272. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24793261/
Brüschweiler, B. J., & Merlot, C. (2017). Azo dyes in clothing textiles can be cleaved into a series of mutagenic aromatic amines which are not regulated yet. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 88, 214–226. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230017301812
CertiPUR-US Technical Guidelines for Slabstack Foam: Physical Property and Environmental Criteria for Certification of Slabstack Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding. (2025). CertiPUR-US. https://certipur.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CertiPUR-US_Slabstock-Technical-Guidelines-2025-v1-3.24.25_final.pdf
Chen, Y., Chen, Q., Zhang, Q., Zuo, C., & Shi, H. (2022). An Overview of Chemical Additives on (Micro)Plastic Fibers: Occurrence, Release, and Health Risks. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 260(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44169-022-00023-9
Cone, M., & News, E. H. (2012, March 15). Low Doses of Hormonelike Chemicals May Have Big Effects. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/low-doses-hormone-like-chemicals-may-have-big-effects/
Cooper, E. M., Kroeger, G., Davis, K., Clark, C. R., Ferguson, P. L., & Stapleton, H. M. (2016). Results from Screening Polyurethane Foam Based Consumer Products for Flame Retardant Chemicals: Assessing Impacts on the Change in the Furniture Flammability Standards. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(19), 10653–10660. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b01602
Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. (2024). Cradle to Cradle Certified® - Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. C2ccertified.Org. https://c2ccertified.org/the-standard
Dietary and inhalation exposure to nano- and microplastic particles and potential implications for human health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BYNC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Dong, L., Wang, S., Qu, J., You, H., & Liu, D. (2021). New understanding of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs): Neuro(endocrine) toxicity. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 208, 111570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111570
Dosunmu, O., Whiting, R., Matharu, A., Watson, N., & Sweetman, A. J. (2025). The unintentional role of chemical regulation in regrettable substitution: The case of PFAS. Environmental Science & Policy, 174, 104275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104275
Ecotextiles: Chemical-Free Fabrics. (2023). Two Sisters Ecotextiles. https://www.twosistersecotextiles.com/pages/how-can-we-make-sure-a-fabric-is-free-of-chemicals-of-concern#what-does-it-mean-oeko
EcoWatch. (2015, July 6). 84,000 Chemicals on the Market, Only 1% Have Been Tested for Safety. https://www.ecowatch.com/84-000-chemicals-on-the-market-only-1-have-been-tested-for-safety-1882062458.html
Flame Retardants. (2023). Ca.gov. https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/flame-retardants
Flame Retardants - Green Science Policy Institute. (n.d.). Greensciencepolicy.org. https://greensciencepolicy.org/harmful-chemicals/flame-retardants/
Furbank, L. (2023, March 27). Breathing Plastic: The Health Impacts of Invisible Plastics in the Air. Center for International Environmental Law. https://www.ciel.org/breathing-plastic-the-health-impacts-of-invisible-plastics-in-the-air/
Guo, Z., Cheng, Y., Ji, X., Sun, Y., Li, F., Li, Q., Zhu, L., & Wang, L. (2025). From Clothing to Laundry Water: Assessing Human Exposure and Chemical Footprint of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates. AATCC Journal of Research, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/24723444241288273
Guo, X., Wang, C., Leng, X., Li, L., Cheng, Y., Zhang, B., Ran, M., Wang, X., Sun, W., Lin, S., Zhang, X., Lv, Z., & Zheng, G. (2026). Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) in Textiles and Laundry Wastewater: Occurrence and Environmental Risk Assessment. Environmental Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c15617
Ha, E. K., Kim, J. H., Park, D., Lee, E., Lee, S. W., Jee, H. M., Shin, Y. H., & Han, M. Y. (2022). Personal Exposure to Total VOC Is Associated With Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Schoolchildren. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 37(8). https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e63
LBC Red List Summary Statements - Declare Manufacturer’s Guide - April 2026. (2026). International Living Future Institute. https://www.manula.com/manuals/living-future/declare-manufacturers-guide/1/en/topic/red-list-summary
Li, R., Zheng, B., Zhang, Y., He, L., Ren, C., Guan, L., Yang, H., Tian, J., Chen, X., Shi, D., Zhao, L., & Zhang, Z. (2025). The impact of phthalates on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comprehensive analysis based on network toxicology and molecular docking. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1566965
Lin, L., Jiang, T., Xiao, L., Pervez, Md. N., Cai, X., Naddeo, V., & Cai, Y. (2022). Sustainable fashion: eco-friendly dyeing of wool fiber with novel mixtures of biodegradable natural dyes. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-25495-6
MADEWORKS Index. (2026). MADEWORKS Index. https://index.madeworks.com/pages/certification-process
Manual for the implementation of GOTS Version 8.1 Based on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) V8.1. (2026). https://global-standards.org/images/downloads/standard-manual/global_organic_textile_standard_manual_v8.1_2026.pdf
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2024, February 8). Flame retardants. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants
(n.d.). https://api.c2ccertified.org/assets/std_c2c-certified-material-health-standard_v5.0_final_021026.pdf
Nimkar, U. (2018). Sustainable chemistry: A solution to the textile industry in a developing world. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 9, 13–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.11.002
Nontoxic Certified, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. (2026). Nontoxic Certified, a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit. https://nontoxiccertified.org/pages/prohibited-substances
OEHHA. (2020). About Proposition 65. Ca.Gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65
OEKO-TEX® New regulations 2025. (2025, January 14). Oeko-Tex.com. https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/news/infocenter/oeko-tex-new-regulations-2025
Oomen, A. G., Janssen, P. J. C. M., Dusseldorp, A., & Noorlander, C. W. (2008). Exposure to house dust. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568959/
Overdahl, K. E., Gooden, D., Bobay, B., Getzinger, G. J., Stapleton, H. M., & Ferguson, P. L. (2021). Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes in commercial mixtures and children’s polyester clothing. Environmental Pollution, 287, 117299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117299
Overdahl, K. E., Kassotis, C. D., Hoffman, K., Getzinger, G. J., Phillips, A., Hammel, S., Stapleton, H. M., & Ferguson, P. L. (2023). Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust and their correlations with other organic contaminant classes. Environmental Pollution, 337, 122491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122491
Oz, K., Merav, B., Sara, S., & Yael, D. (2019). Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Polyurethane Mattresses under Variable Environmental Conditions. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(15), 9171–9180. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b01557
PFAS - Green Science Policy Institute. (n.d.). Greensciencepolicy.org. https://greensciencepolicy.org/harmful-chemicals/pfas/
Program Rules. (2025, October 10). CertiPUR-US. https://certipur.us/for-manufacturers-retailers/program-rules/
RL-004b Proprietary Ingredients - Declare Manufacturer’s Guide - April 2026. (2026). International Living Future Institute. https://www.manula.com/manuals/living-future/declare-manufacturers-guide/1/en/topic/proprietary-ingredients
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Survey and Risk Assessment of VOCs in PU Foam Products. (2020, September). Survey of Chemical Substances in Consumer Products No. 182. Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark: Environmental Protection Agency. https://www2.mst.dk/Udgiv/publications/2020/09/978-87-7038-230-4.pdf
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The Textile Guide: How to replace hazardous chemicals. (2025). ChemSec. https://chemsec.org/reports/the-textile-guide-how-to-replace-hazardous-chemicals/
The Watch List - Declare Manufacturer’s Guide - April 2026. (2026). International Living Future Institute. https://www.manula.com/manuals/living-future/declare-manufacturers-guide/1/en/topic/lbc-watch-list
Turpin, B., Weisel, C., Morandi, M., Colome, S., Stock, T., Eisenreich, S., Buckley, B. (2007, August 22). Relationship of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air (RIOPA): Part II. Analyses of Concentrations of Particulate Matter Species. Health Effects Institute, No. 130 Part II. https://www.csu.edu/cerc/documents/RelationshipsofIndoorOutdoorPersonalAir.pdf
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Vaezafshar, S., Wolk, S., Simpson, K., Razegheh Akhbarizadeh, Blum, A., Jantunen, L. M., & Diamond, M. L. (2025). Are Sleeping Children Exposed to Plasticizers, Flame Retardants, and UV-Filters from Their Mattresses? Environmental Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c03560
Vandenberg, L. N., Colborn, T., Hayes, T. B., Heindel, J. J., Jacobs, D. R., Lee, D.-H., Shioda, T., Soto, A. M., vom Saal, F. S., Welshons, W. V., Zoeller, R. T., & Myers, J. P. (2012). Hormones and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Low-Dose Effects and Nonmonotonic Dose Responses. Endocrine Reviews, 33(3), 378–455. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2011-1050
Wicker, A. (2023). To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick, and How We Can Fight Back. G.P. Putnam & Sons.
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