Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Does Your Bathroom Pass the Harmful Ingredients Test?
This article is scary. To think we all have been using these products for years and years under the assumption that they are safe, because why would they be in the store, available for everyday use, if they were not. It clearly is an answer to the increase in so many health problems that are on the rise. no question.
You could be using one or more of these cancer causing ingredients below that could be damaging your hair, skin and teeth making you age faster (with health risks). One or more of the following toxic ingredients (below) are commonly used in mouthwashes, toothpastes, cosmetics, bar soap, bubble bath, shower gel, spritz, hair spray, shampoo, sun screens, lotions, colognes, perfumes, etc.
Alcohol
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Alcohol is used frequently as a solvent and is also found in beverages and medicine. As an ingredient in ingestible products, alcohol causes body tissues to be more vulnerable to cancers. Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or more have been implicated in mouth, tongue, and throat cancers.
AHA's- Alpha Hydroxy Acids, ie. Glycolic, Lactic Acid. *Exfoliates the outer layer of skin exposing fresh, young, immature cells that can easily be damaged by UV rays and other factors that can age the skin or cause wrinkles.
*Exfoliates: The scaling off of dead tissue. (Tabor's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary)
Aluminum
A metallic element used extensively in the manufacture of aircraft components, prosthetic devices, and as an ingredient in antiperspirants, antacids, and antiseptics. Scientific fact: Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer's Disease. (goes right to the brain!)
Animal Fat
(Tallow) A type of of animal tissue made up of oily solids or semisolids that are water-insoluble esters of glycerol with fatty acids. Animal fats and lye are the chief ingredients in bar soap, a cleaning and emulsifying product that acts as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Collagen
An insoluble fibrous protein that is too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care products is derived from animal fat and ground up chicken feet. This ingredient forms a layer of film that mat suffocate the skin.
DEA
(diethanolamine) Do your shampoos, toothpaste, and bubble baths contain DEA (diethanolamine)? DEA, which is readily absorbed through the skin, is a potentially cancer-causing ingredient found in many mainstream cosmetics and toiletries. Reacts with nitrates in cosmetics to form another potential carcinogen/DEA.
Dioxins
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin-treated treated containers transfer dioxins to the product itself. Elastin of High-molecular Weight A protein similar to collagen that is the main component of elastic fibers. Elastin is also derived from animal sources. It's effect on the skin is similar to collagen.
Fluorocarbons
A colorless, non-flammable gas or liquid that can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. Fluorocarbons are commonly used as a propellant in hairsprays. Formaldehyde A toxic, colorless gas that is a irritant and a carcinogenic. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative, or preservative (Funeral Homes). Formaldehyde is found in many cosmetic products and conventional nail care systems.
Fluoride
Found in toothpastes. Is not safe-- as noted by the scientific community as a carcinogen. Kills approximately 10,000 people a year (not presented to us by the media).
Glycerin
A syrupy liquid that is chemically produced by combining water and fat. Glycerin is used as a solvent and plasticizer. Unless the humidity of the air is over 65%, glycerin draws out moisture from the lower layers of the skin and holds it on the surface, which dries the skin inside out.
Kaolin
A fine white clay used in making porcelain. Like bentonite, kaolin smothers and weakens the skin. Also used in putting out forest fires!
Lanolin
A fatty substance extracted from wool, which is frequently found in cosmetics and lotions. Lanolin is a common skin sensitizer that can causes allergic reactions, such as skin rashes.
Lye
A highly concentrated watery solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Lye is combined with animal fats to make bar soaps, which corrode and dry out the skin.
Mineral Oil
A derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Mineral oil forms an oily film over the skin to lock moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.
Petrolatum
A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same harmful properties as mineral oil.
Petrolatum
A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same harmful properties as mineral oil.
Propylene Glycol
Called a humectant in cosmetics it is really "industrial antifreeze" and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Tests show it can be a strong skin irritant. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Harsh detergents and wetting agents used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and auto cleaning products. SLS is well-known in the scientific community as a common skin irritant. It is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes, brain, heart, and liver, which results in harmful long-term effects. SLS retards healing , cause cataracts in adults, and keep children's eyes from developing properly.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly les irritating than SLS, but may cause more drying. Both SLS and SLES cause carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates enter the blood system from just one shampooing.
If ingredients like Propylene Glycol & Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are so safe, why do chemical manufacturers warn users to take these precautions?
(Below taken from OSHA Material Safety Data Sheet) Exposure controls/personal protection:
1) Wear appropriate niosh/MSHA-approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, other protective clothing.
2) Use only in a chemical fume hood.
3) Safety shower and eye bath.
4) Avoid inhalation.
5) Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing.
6) Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.
7) Wash thoroughly after handling.
8) Irritant.
9) Strong sensitizer.
10) Keep tightly closed, store in a cool dry place.
If you are going to continue to use what you are currently using (above), OSHA says wear this (above in the shower, etc.):
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