Household and Personal Items

It seems that whenever we turn on the television or open a magazine what we see are advertisements about how important it is to keep your home smelling fresh and completely germ free. In order to provide such a high level of bacteria and germ free results, the manufacturers of typical household cleaners have to use some really nasty chemicals. It is not a huge leap of faith to see that if these chemicals are so harmful to bacteria, germs, and contaminants in the home they must also be harmful to humans.

In reality all homes, no matter how clean they may be, have some germs and bacteria present that are not harmful us in any way. While we are sold the idea that germs and bacteria should be got rid of at all costs, there is no mention from the cleaning product manufacturers about the dangers that are contained within their brightly labeled bottles, jars and boxes. The truth of the matter is that many of these products are just as dangerous to humans and pets in the home as the very germs they are designed to eliminate. In addition to omitting to let consumers know the potential harm lurking in the cleaning products, they also tend to avoid mentioning that some of the ingredients used are known carcinogenic compounds.

Synthetic chemicals mimic the metabolic functions of the body which poses a greater risk as the body then thinks that certain processes are happening, when they are not. Many combinations of the toxins interfere with the immune system and the body's ability to heal, resulting in higher frequencies of unexplained ill -health. In addition, these chemicals do not break down in the environment and linger in the soil and food chain for years.[1]

The safest course of action a consumer can take is to inform him or herself. Here are some suggestions[2]:

Personal Items

Latest additions to the melting pot of chemicals and pollutants in skin care products are above and beyond the usual parabens. Consumers are warned by experts to put on the watch list any makeup which contains synthetic coloring ingredients, emulsifiers, leads, copolymer, triclosan, and "urea as a preservative." Also contributing to the chemical compounds are phthalates, formaldehyde, and petroleum.

Without proper regulations, especially regarding testing how chemicals react to one another in combinations, it is scary how quickly the industry has become a problem for women and men alike.

Pl. read the labels on your Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Moisturizer, Facial Cleanser, Shaving cream, Bubble-bath & other personal care products. You will most likely find some of the following Harmful-Carcinogenic Ingredients in the products that you are now using!"

Propylene Glycol(MSDS)

Called a humectants in cosmetics, it is really "industrial anti-freeze" 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.

Parabens (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl): are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They have been linked to possible carcinogenicity, as well as an estrogenic effect from being exposed to the continued use of parabens as preservatives.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) (MSDS)

SLS acts as a surfactant, degreaser, and emulsifier and is used in numerous foaming personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, body wash products, face cleansers, shaving cream, etc. Potentially, SLS is perhaps the most harmful ingredient in personal-care products. Industrial uses of SLS include: garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps. This detergent affects the eyes and delays their healing time. It can be absorbed by the skin surface and gets accumulated in your body organs. When used in products containing nitrogen-based raw materials, it forms carcinogenic nitrates.Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing.

Glycerin (synthetic)(MSDS)

Draws moisture from inside the skin, and holds it on the surface for a better "feel". Dries skin from the inside out. Listed on MSDS as hazardous

MIT

Researchers are now finding that the active ingredient in antimicrobial soaps and personal care products causes nerve damage. The ingredient is called MIT (methylisothiazolinone), and it is found in antimicrobial soaps, hand soaps, dish soaps and a surprising number of personal care products.

Fragrance: Artificial fragrance can cause numerous health problems including headaches, lung problems, skin irritation and dizziness.

Mineral Oil: Mineral oils are obtained from petroleum products and can cause skin irritations. They block skin pores, which restricts movement of nutrients and waste matter from the cells.

Urea (Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl): These are also used as preservative and are known for causing contact dermatitis.

Synthetic Colors: Synthetic colors should be avoided as they are allergic to the skin.

Triethanolamine (TEA): TEA is used to adjust the pH of the cosmetics. It causes various allergic reactions including eye problems, and dryness of hair and skin.

Triclosan:

Triclosan is a typical component of antibacterial liquid hand soap, and found in a wide variety of consumer products labeled antibacterial, including detergents and cleaning products, toothpaste and hair products, pesticides, and plastic and foam products like cutting boards and shoe insoles. Antibacterial agent triclosan can cause skin irritation and may disrupt the thyroid hormone system