Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Personal Care Products

Awh, the drugstore, full of tempting concoctions of toxic chemicals. Little do we know that most of the ingredients in personal care items today are linked to reproductive trouble, hormonal imbalance, even cancer. Why, then, are they allowed? It's a complicated system between our government and big business. There is money in the production and sale of these chemicals. There is also money in the health care costs associated with their long term use. From cancer to fertility, medical treatments are big bussiness in this country. So are prescription drugs. Anyway, let's get back to the subject at hand.

Every day items, like, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and deodorant contain ingredients that have not been proven safe, or are already on the carcinogen list. Most people are ignorant of this, not knowing the aluminum in their antipersperant triggers alzheimer's when absorbed into their bodies over time. Women unknowingly poison themselves daily with the toxic ingredients in hairspray, fingernail polish, and makeup.

What can we do about this? Well, for one we need to take control of our government and make stricter standards for the industries that are poisoning us. The European Union sets a good example of this by requiring labeling for GE food, and outlawing carcinogenic ingredients in personal care products. It will take time for change. In the meantime, we can boycott products containing those ingredients that are harmful to us.

This is easier said then done. Even products found in the health food store can have questionable ingredients. You really have to know your stuff. So here's an easy way to do it. Make a list of the most damaging chemicals and put it to memory. Then you can scan for them in the ingredients of the products you buy. Some of the chemicals to avoid are as follows.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - But, why? It's in my shampoo, body wash, toothpaste... It has been found to cause skin cancer in lab rats. Funny the increase in skin cancer over the last 100 years that we've been using it. SLS is also known to cause contact dermititis, itchy scalp, rashes, etc... Best to avoid it. (Burt's Bees makes wonderful SLS free all natural shampoo)

FD&C - colors used in makeup are proven to cause cancer. Talc - causes acne.

Pthalates - found in nail polish, hairspray, synthetic fragrances, and used in plastics, are endocrine disruptors. That means they upset the natural balance of hormones causing fertility issues, birth defects, and lower sperm count. Perhaps the pharmacuetical industry doesn't mind the effects of pthalates because, there's a pill for that! The trick to avoiding products that contain these nasty chemicals? Pthalates hide under other name Fragrance, and PVC. Look for phalate-free nail polish (Sally Hanson has recently made that promise).

Propoline Glycol - Synthetic chemical used as the main ingredient in anti-freeze and a humectant in skin care lotions. It causes allergic skin reactions, such as hives and eczema.

Petrolatum - This comes from petroleum, the same thing we put in our cars. It is commonly found in lip products, makeup, and lotions. Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are other names, and it clogs pores. Why do all the oil blotting papers at the drugstore contain mineral oil? Perhaps, so we'll buy some acne products, too.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben - are synthetic preservatives linked to hormonal imbalance. Parabens have an estrogenic effect on the body when absorbed by the skin, and are known to cause skin irritation. Why, then, are they in almost every product on drugstore shelves?

Stearalkonium Chloride - is an ammonia derivitive developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, which is also in hair conditioner. Another chemical I don't want running down my back.

DEA & TEA - Diethanolamine & Triethanolamine are ammonia compounds and toxic ingredients as foaming agents. They cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, skin and hair dryness. DEA & TEA can become carcinogenic if they come into contact with nitrates.

PVP/VA Copolymer - is a petroleum derived chemical found in hairsprays that is dangerous to inhale.

Formaldahyde - a known carcinogen, is hidden under other names in personal care items. Watch out for: Quaternium-15, Bronopol, Imidazolidinyl or Diazolidinyl Urea, Germall II or 115, DMDM Hydantoin.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER - USE IT!

1 comment:

  1. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a great, brief, synopsis of a complicated issue.

    You're a treasure!

    Alex Albert

    ReplyDelete