We asked a toxicologist for an independent assessment, this is what he said...

We asked a toxicologist for an independent assessment, this is what he said...

Basis of Assessment

This statement is based on the ingredient declaration and hazard classification of the Product

“Space Powder” (Bergamot, Lemongrass & Lemon) all-purpose cleaning tablet, supplied as a 3.2

g concentrated tablet intended for dilution at one tablet per 500 ml of water, as documented in the

manufacturer's Toxicology Data Summary. My assessment considers the ingredient composition,

EC hazard classifications of the concentrate, and the resulting concentrations of each constituent

once dissolved in the recommended volume of water.

Effect of Dilution on Hazard Profile

The concentrated tablet itself carries a mixture classification reflecting eye and skin irritation,

respiratory irritation on inhalation of dust, and skin sensitisation potential, driven principally by

citric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium coco sulfate, and the essential oil blend. These

classifications are assigned to the solid, undiluted form and are calculated in accordance with CLP

mixture rules at the concentrate's declared percentages.

Once a single tablet is dissolved in 500 ml of water, as recommended for normal use, the

concentration of every constituent falls by roughly two orders of magnitude. Citric acid, the

highest-concentration ingredient in solution, is present at approximately 0.22% w/v; sodium

carbonate at approximately 0.15% w/v. Both fall well below the concentration thresholds at which

eye, skin, and respiratory irritant classifications would apply under CLP generic concentration

limits. On this basis, the working solution as prepared and used according to label instructions

does not meet the criteria for classification as an eye or skin irritant, nor as a specific target organ

toxicant, based on its acid and alkali content.

Surfactant and Fragrance Constituents

Sodium coco sulfate and the essential oil blend are present in the diluted solution at approximately

0.076% w/v and below 0.006% w/v respectively. At these concentrations, the likelihood of

eliciting irritation or an allergic skin reaction in the general user population is low. I would note,

for completeness and in the interest of a scientifically balanced statement, that both constituents

carry a skin sensitisation classification on the concentrate. Sensitisation, once established in a

susceptible individual, is not governed by the same concentration thresholds as irritation, and

trace-level fragrance allergens and coco-derived surfactants are recognised, if uncommon, triggers

in already-sensitised users. This does not undermine the favourable profile of the diluted product

for the general population, but it is good practice to retain standard fragrance-allergen labelling

Page 1Dr. AMINE KERDOUN, PharmD, PhD

Associate Professor of Toxicology


and a general skin-sensitivity advisory on the pack, consistent with normal industry practice for

fragranced cleaning products.

Overall Opinion

On the basis of the declared composition and the concentrations resulting from dilution at the

recommended one tablet per 500 ml, the “Space Powder” working solution presents a favorable

acute toxicological profile for its intended use as a household all-purpose cleaner. The irritant and

respiratory hazard classifications that apply to the concentrated tablet do not extend to the diluted,

in-use solution. No constituent is present in the diluted solution at a concentration associated with

systemic toxicity, corrosivity, or CMR concern under normal, foreseeable use. This assessment is

limited to the ingredients and concentrations declared in the manufacturer's data and does not

extend to the handling of the concentrated tablet itself, which should continue to carry appropriate

precautionary labelling.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amine Kerdoun

Toxicologist — Cosmetic & Consumer Product Safety Consultant


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