Using the Product Search

HealthyStuff.org includes test results for over 5,000 products. In cases where toys had many different components (building blocks of different colors, for example, or dolls with fabric and plastic), researchers attempted to collect a useful number of samples from each product. For this reason, the data reflects over 15,000 individual samples of different product components. The testing methodology includes an X-ray technology that identifies elements on or near the surface of a product, called an XRF analyzer (see methodology for more details) and lab testing for lead. Based on these results, each product tested was given an overall rating, as well as an individual chemical rating for cadmium, chlorine, lead, arsenic, bromine and mercury.. A detailed description of the rating system is provided in the product rating section.

HealthyStuff.org developed two methods for consumer to use in evaluating products.  These methods share common overall rating scheme, which classifies products as LOW (GREEN), MEDIUM (YELLOW) OR HIGH (RED) concern.  Wherever you are on HealthyStuff.org, you can use this color scheme as your guide to the products we test.  Our method DOES NOT allow comparison to be made across different product categories.

A detailed description of the rating system is provided in the product rating section.

An summary of overall trends in the 2009 product tests is provided in the findings section.

Other features of the HealthyStuff.org site:

  • A universal product search feature is available in the upper right hand corner of all pages.
  • Fom each individual product department (cars or toys, for example), products can found using the search function, by the products name, or generate a list of products tested by brand or by type.
  • You can keep and share a shopping list of products using the website's list function.
  • You can post our HealthyStuff.org Search Widget to your blog or website.
  • If your product isn't on the database, and you'd like us to test it for you, just view our list and cast your vote or nominate an item. We will regularly test the most requested products.
  • In other areas of the HealthyStuff.org site you can Take Action, learn more about the details of our testing, or get additional information about chemicals. Explore the site and let us know what you think - we'd love to hear from you!

HealthyStuff.org ratings do not provide a measure of health risk or chemical exposure associated with any individual product, or any individual element or related chemical. HealthyStuff.org ratings provide only a relative measure of high, medium, and low concentrations of several hazardous chemicals or chemical elements in an individual product in comparison to criteria established in the site methodology.

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