If you are confused when reading store labels - you are not alone! Here we list many common harmful chemicals so you can recognize them and find safer alternatives. Learn about the effects and how to protect yourself and family from these dangers.
Here are 12 ingredients to avoid, courtesy of The National Geographic's Green Guide:
1. Antibacterials: Overuse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.
2. Coal TarCoal: Tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA): DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. 1,4-Dioxane: 1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms PEG, -xynol,ceteareth,oleth and most other ethoxylated eth ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most childrens bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. Fragrance: The catchall term fragrance may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and mercury: Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of mens hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.
8. Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. Youll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-): Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum Distillates: Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms petroleumor liquid paraffin. 11. P-Phenylenediamine: Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. Its also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine, p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. Hydroquinone: Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and theres limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.
Also - Sodium Lauryl (Laurenth) Sulfate
Used in most
personal care products - foaming agent and oil stipper.
It isn't hard to find safe and natural alternatives and Natural e GREEN has over 530 Organic, Natural and Chemical Free Products available online for you right now! We carry a wide range of Organic & Natural Baby Products, Chemical free Children's Products, Bath and Body, Natural Cosmetics, Safe Herbal Remedies, Chemical Free Pet Care, Eco-friendly Cleaning products, Vegan approved soft booties for babies, Safe outdoor protection and so much more! Our speciality categories include products just for men, fragrance free products as well as items for people with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema & psoriasis. So shop online, read our articles and learn all you can about chemicals and how you can avoid them and make a safer tomorrow - today!
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