Too Toxic

Too Toxic To Sustain Life :  Ingredients to Avoid. More than 38,000 cosmetic injuries requiring medical attention are reported annually in the United States according to Dr. Samuel S. Epstein (Safe Shopper's Bible PagThesees 182 & 183). Ingredients in shampoos, toothpastes, skin creams, and other personal care products, fabric softeners, make-up, hair care products, colognes, perfumes and other scented products can be dangerous to your health. In 1989, the United States National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recognized 884 poisonous substances (many synthetically derived from petrochemicals) from a list of 2,983 chemicals used in the fragrance industry that are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, allergic respiratory reactions, skin and eye irritations. Many chemicals found in cosmetics don’t cause obvious immediate signs of toxicity, but slowly poison us through repeated use. In America, a 1993 survey found levels of the highly toxic and carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane in 27 out of 30 children’s shampoo and bath products tested. In the same study, of 54 cosmetic raw ingredients tested, all contained 1,4 dioxane. A study conducted by the University of California on 58,000 beauty therapists, hairdressers and manicurists, revealed that they developed cancer at four times the rate of the general population. Many drugs on the market today are administered through transdermal skin patches, which have been shown to be up to 95% more effective than oral medication. This proves that the skin, the largest organ of the body and our first line of immunity, is permeable to all chemicals. START CHECKING All PRODUCT LABELS: AVOID THESE HARMFUL,INGREDIENTS, High Fructose Corn Syrup ·         Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative and is found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial hand washes as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a “carrier” accelerating the penetration of other harmful chemicals into your skin.  May promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.     A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients says it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma.  Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less ·         DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine): hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines.  Already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects, but Americans may be exposed 10-20 times per day! Used to create “foam” in products like shampoo, shaving creams, and bubble bath. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that  repeated skin applications… of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.  The FDA’s John Bailey says this is especially important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children.” ·         DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, and aggravate coughs and colds. Other possible side effects include weakening the immune system and cancer. ·         FD&C Color Pigments:  synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.  Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. ·         Fragrances: mostly synthetic ingredients, often containing animal urine or feces!  Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and  skin irritation.  Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.   ·        Mineral Oil: petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores.  Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.  Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!)   ·        Polyethylene glycol (PEG): potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin’s  natural moisture factor.  This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. ·         Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol:  petroleum plastics which act as “surfactants” (wetting agents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying in the ground.  Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn’t even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.    ·        Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats.   Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers—and in 90% of personal-care products that foam.  Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and even death.  Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved.  SLS may also damage the skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame.  When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens.  Your body may retain the SLS for up to five days, during which time it may enter and maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs, and the brain. ·         Triclosan: a synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient—with a chemical structure similar  to Agent Orange! The EPA registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment. It is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans.  Its manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion; that is only one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Hormone disruptors pose enormous long-term chronic health risks by interfering with the way hormones perform, such as changing genetic material, decreasing fertility and sexual function, and fostering birth defects. It can temporarily deactivate sensory nerve endings, so contact with it often causes little or no pain.  Internally, it can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse, and convulsions. Stored in body fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the liver, kidneys and lungs, and can causing paralysis, suppression of immune function, brain hemorrhages, and heart problems.  Tufts University School of Medicine says that triclosan is capable of forcing the emergence of 'super bugs' that it cannot kill. Its widespread use in popular antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and household products may have nightmare implications for our future. Some disposable nappies contain a chemical called Organotins, which are suspected of disrupting hormones in the human body. Flavourants or flavour enhancers have been linked to asthma attacks, gout, hyperactivity, and allergies.  The most well known flavourant is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).  MSG is found in chips, soups, cold meats, Bovril, Soya products, pasta-and-sauces, stock powders and many other savoury foods. MSG has been linked to hyperactivity.  It can kill nerve cells, resulting in diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Pregnant women, children and those with heart disease must be especially careful of MSG.  MSG can sometimes be hidden under the name hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP).   Wherever possible buy foods that have natural flavours. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, Ethyl Parabens - Commonly used preservative that causes dermatitis and cancers. Mineral Oil - Comes from crude oil (petroleum) used in industry as metal cutting fluid and can suffocate the skin by forming a heavy oil film. Diazolydinyl, Imidazolydinyl Urea - Preservative that is commonly associated with adverse skin reactions. Causes severe dermatitis. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth - Detergent that can have a drying effect on the skin that can cause skin irritation, hair loss, scalp conditions, and harsh skin rashes. Potentially the most harmful skin care ingredient in the industry. Tetrasodium EDTA - Pesticide widely found in disinfectant bathroom cleaners. Dimethicone - Silicone derived emollient which coats the skin trapping moisture beneath it and a widely known tumor promoter. Non-biodegradable causing a negative impact on the environment. Triethanolamine (TEA) - Causes allergic reactions such as dryness of hair and skin, eye problems and is toxic when absorbed through the skin. PEG-100 Stearate - Contains significant impurities linked to breast cancer. Formaldehyde - Preservative found in nail polish, nail hardeners and other cosmetics commonly associated with adverse skin reactions. Propylene Glycol - Moisture carrying agent used in cosmetics. Usually derived from petroleum, although it is possible to derive it from vegetable glycerin. Isopropyl Alcohol - Anti-bacterial agent obtained from petroleum (sometimes used in anti-freeze). Lanolin - Any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with chlorinated pesticides like DDT. DMDM Hydantoin - Formaldehyde that is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapor is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes). Fragrance Oil - Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability. Carboxymethylcellulose is a stabilizer, used in ice cream, salad dressing, cheese spreads and chocolate milk. It has produced cancer in 80% of rats in an experiment on laboratory animals Read labels! Buy products that are labelled “Preservative free”, “MSG free”, “Tartrazine free”, “Pesticide free”, “Organic’ etc. (And while you are at it, why not also buy products which are “GMO free”, “cruelty free”, “hormone free” as well as “free range” animal products too?) Wherever possible, buy organically grown food. Besides being free of chemicals, these foods have been shown to have a higher nutritional value. Try to use the alternatives to plastic products whenever possible. For example, buy food in glass, paper or cardboard containers. At home, avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap and avoid all PVC and styrene products. Be especially vigilant when buying products for pregnant woman, children and people with already weakened immune systems (especially those who are HIV positive). The first 20 years of life are believed to be the most crucial in terms of preventing on contracting serious illnesses associated with chemical exposure. Wherever possible avoid buying the following products: pesticides, foods which primarily contain flavourants, colourants and preservatives (such as some fruit squashes, fizzy drinks, polony, most sweets & chips) air fresheners (unless they are free of propellants, formaldehyde and artificial fragrances) benzene leaded paint hair spray    firelighters jeyes fluid spot removers Aerosol products (deodorants, hair sprays, furniture polish, Spray ‘n Cook etc), unless they are pump action and do not contain propellant PVC toys, teethers, dummies or teat Perfumed products (for example, perfumed bleach or detergents, scented furniture polish, perfumed lotions and face creams etc). PARABEN PRESERVED PRODUCTS On January 8, 2004 new evidence published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology indicates that parabens (propylparaben, methylparaben, etc.), the preservatives found in cosmetics and other products, can be detected in human breast tumors. Although the connection has yet to be proven, this research represents an important link that will be crucial to further investigations. Here Is Our beginner list of Bad Ingredients to Avoid: We want to thank Living Nature and others for giving us the information we are posting here now. All our brands at this site agree that there is something we can do to make a difference! They're doing their part, now it's our turn. Buy your products from Eco-Wise companies. Now enjoy the information below. More than 38,000 cosmetic injuries requiring medical attention are reported annually in the United States according to Dr. Samuel S. Epstein (Safe Shopper's Bible Pages 182 & 183). Ingredients in shampoos, toothpastes, skin creams, and other personal care products, fabric softeners, make-up, hair care products, colognes, perfumes and other scented products can be dangerous to your health. In 1989, the United States National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recognized 884 poisonous substances (many synthetically derived from petrochemicals) from a list of 2,983 chemicals used in the fragrance industry that are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, allergic respiratory reactions, skin and eye irritations. Many chemicals found in cosmetics don’t cause obvious immediate signs of toxicity, but slowly poison us through repeated use. In America, a 1993 survey found levels of the highly toxic and carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane in 27 out of 30 children’s shampoo and bath products tested. In the same study, of 54 cosmetic raw ingredients tested, all contained 1,4 dioxane. A study conducted by the University of California on 58,000 beauty therapists, hairdressers and manicurists, revealed that they developed cancer at four times the rate of the general population. Many drugs on the market today are administered through transdermal skin patches, which have been shown to be up to 95% more effective than oral medication. This proves that the skin, the largest organ of the body and our first line of immunity, is permeable to all chemicals. *synthetic binders, fillers, emulsifiers, thickeners * cortisone, tar, anti-biotics, steroids, phosphates * dyes, colorings, fragrances * mineral oil, paraffin, lanolin (unless its certified to be clean), petrolatum, PVP/VA copolymer, DEA, TEA, MEA * alcohols, formaldehyde, acetone * synthetic alpha and beta hydroxy acids * preservatives, parabens, ureas, propylene glycol * sodium laurel or laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel or laureth sulfate Dibutyl Phthalate - Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.  Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.  Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).  Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients Ladies, if you are using these chemicals on your hair or skin you are ingesting them as if you were eating them at dinner on a regular basis. These chemicals become even more dangerous when used together and used repeatedly. Is it any wonder at all that most women are experiencing some form of hormone imbalance? http://www.watoxics.org/files/antimicrobials.pdf Good books on this subject include : Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Our Stolen Future: Are we Threatening Our Fertility , Intelligence and Survival? by Theo Colburn The Anti Estogenic Diet by Ori Hofmekler