Why This Exists

The complexity is the extraction. Clarity is the antidote.

A parent's dog chews a garden hose. They want to know: is this safe?

To answer this question today, they would need to identify the hose material (PVC? polyurethane? rubber?), identify the plasticizers (DEHP? DINP? phthalate-free?), identify any surface treatments (antimicrobial? UV stabilizer?), cross-reference each compound against multiple regulatory systems, understand what those classifications actually mean, and account for the fact that agencies often disagree.

This is not possible for a normal person. It is barely possible for experts.

The complexity is not an accident. It is the extraction.

The Fragmentation Problem

Consider glyphosate — one molecule, extensively studied. Here are its carcinogenicity classifications from major agencies:

Agency Classification Plain meaning
IARC (WHO) Group 2A "Probably carcinogenic to humans"
US EPA "Not likely to be carcinogenic" Safe at typical exposures
EFSA (EU) "Unlikely to pose carcinogenic hazard" Safe
California Prop 65 Listed Known carcinogen (legally)
WHO/FAO JMPR "Unlikely to pose carcinogenic risk" Safe

Same chemical. Same studies. Opposite conclusions.

This is not a bug in the system. This is how the system protects itself:

1

Forum Shopping

Industry can seek favorable classifications from sympathetic agencies, then cite those classifications as authoritative. "The EPA says it's safe."

2

Liability Diffusion

When everyone is responsible, no one is accountable. Agencies defer to each other. "We're awaiting international harmonization." Decades pass.

3

Expertise Gatekeeping

Understanding requires a toxicologist AND a regulatory lawyer AND domain-specific knowledge AND access to paywalled studies. The barrier is the feature.

4

Manufactured Uncertainty

Conflicting classifications create "controversy." Controversy justifies delay. See: tobacco (50 years), lead paint (60 years), asbestos (100 years), PFAS (ongoing).

What We Build Instead

Translation, Not Authority

We don't create new ratings. We translate existing classifications into plain language, show where they conflict, and explain why.

Show the Work

Every claim traces to a source. Every source is accessible. No black boxes.

Acknowledge Uncertainty

When agencies disagree, we say so. When data is limited, we say so. Uncertainty is not failure. Hidden uncertainty is fraud.

Context Matters

A compound's hazard is intrinsic. Its risk depends on who is exposed, how they're exposed, how much, how often, and in what form. We structure tools to answer real questions.

Open by Default

No paywall. No registration required. No pay-to-play ratings. For the people, always.

What This Is Not

✕ Not a rating service. We don't tell you what's "safe" or assign scores. We give you the information to decide.
✕ Not a regulatory authority. We have no enforcement power and make no legal claims.
✕ Not medical or veterinary advice. For health decisions, consult professionals. We provide context, not prescriptions.
✕ Not anti-science or anti-regulation. Regulatory agencies do important work. We're addressing the gap between their technical outputs and public understanding.

"The complexity is the extraction.
Clarity is the antidote."

— GeodesicNexus