HealthyStuff.org includes test results for over 5,000 products. In cases where products had many different components, 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 some additional lab testing for lead. Based on these results, each product tested was given an overall rating, as well as an individual chemical rating. A detailed description of the rating system is provided in the product rating section.
HealthyStuff.org developed two methods for consumers to use in evaluating products. These methods share a 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 comparisons to be made across different product categories.
Comparative Method Rating
For product types that have a standard set of components we developed a "comparative method". Vehicles are one example of a product type that will have a similar set of components. Every vehicle has seats, a steering wheel, an instrument panel, etc. For these types of products, we normalize overall test results and provide comparative ranking of all products of a particular type. Vehicles and children's car seats are rated using the comparative method.
Level of Detection Method Rating
For product types that have widely varying sizes, shapes and number of components we developed a "level of detection method". Toys are an example of a product type in which each product could have a wide range of different components. A wooden block is one type of material, while a plastic doll house may have several different plastics and dozens of different individual pieces. For product categories of this type we report the highest level detected for each chemical of concern in the product as a whole (regardless of how many components the product has). Toys, pet beds, pet chew toys and purses are rated using this method.
For all products we also provide the raw test results. HealthyStuff.org is committed to transparency.
Other features of the HealthyStuff.org site:
- A universal product search feature is available in the upper right hand corner of all pages.
- From each individual product section or department (cars or toys, for example), products can be found using the search function, either by the product name, 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.
- 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!