Analysis of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Seventh Generation Dish Soap

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in many cleaning and personal care products, including Seventh Generation Dish Soap. Its primary function is a surfactant that allows cleaning agents to mix with water and remove dirt or grease. However, it isn't generally considered a dietary substance or a source of nutrition. Therefore, it does not have a nutritional value that can be scored from 1-10. On the health implications side, SLS is generally considered safe when used in concentrations below 1%. However, it can be irritating to eyes and skin with more extended exposure or higher concentrations, which is why it's always advisable to rinse thoroughly after use or use gloves if you have a sensitivity. In terms of ingestion, while dish soap isn't meant to be eaten or swallowed, small amounts that may remain on dishes or utensils after washing are typically not harmful. Still, large amounts of SLS can potentially cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is crucial to note that proper usage, as indicated by the product's guidelines, should prevent such occurrences. As per the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), SLS is safe as a food additive in very small amounts. Nonetheless, its primary usage remains as a cleaning agent, and hence the ingestion should be minimized or ideally avoided. It is also significant to note that Seventh Generation, the product you mentioned, prioritizes creating household and personal care products that are environmentally friendly and less harmful than traditional cleaners. As far as the environment is concerned, SLS is biodegradable and generally believed to have a low level of toxicity to aquatic life. In conclusion, since SLS isn't meant to be consumed, it doesn't have a nutritional value, so a nutritional score doesn't apply. Instead, its usage concentration in products like dish soap, its biodegradability, and low toxic effect on the environment can be seen as positive aspects. Yet, its potential to cause skin irritation and digestive upset if ingested in large amounts should be kept in mind.