Are We Killing Ourselves?

What is in children's shampoo, toothbrush, or lotions?
Mom's and dad's worry what's in the ingredient list.  There are a mix of fragrances, preservatives, and colors.  Some ingredients that cause skin and eye irritations, allergic reactions or other serious health problems are parabens, quatemium 15, phthalates, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane.  Many chemicals are derived from petroleum and may pollute during production.  Even synthetic chemicals derived form plants can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production.

What's in a name "fragrance"?
They are not only inhaled but absorbed into the skin.  Babies' skin is 31% more absorbent than adults.  Hundreds of different chemicals can make up a fragrance and have not been tested for safety.  The law allows the manufacturers to not list everything that makes up a fragrance.  If a fragrance smells like a strawberry, would a child think that it is ok to eat?
Bubble baths are associated with higher rates of urinary tract infections. 
Some toothpastes contain saccharin and research shows that it causes cancer in laboratory animals.  If too much fluoride is ingested, it can cause fluorosis.  If it is flavored like bubble gum then a child may want to eat it. 

Don't be fooled by the word "organic." 
If it is truely organic, it will be "Certified Organic."  Some companes were using an ingredient called organic hydrosol, which is water "flavored" with an organic substance.

Are lathering agents good for us?

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a lathering agent and is linked to cancers of the liver, kidneys, stomach and esophagus.  It has been found to block the absorption of choline, a nutrient necessary for normal human brain development and is a potential danger to fetuses.

Propylene Glycol is the primary ingredient in antifreeze as well as many personal care products.  It is a humectant, a substance that retains moisture.  It's not only in our personal care products but in soft pet foods and baby wipes.  It is a skin irritant, eye irritant, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and central nervous system depression.  Newborns, infants, and the elderly are listed as a speical risk for propylene glycol toxicity. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a surfactant to break down the surface tension of water and is a great degreaser.  It is in products that have the words "natural", "gentle", or "pure."  It is found in most personal care products.  It can act as a mutagen, which can change genetic information found in cells and induce mutations in bacteria.  It also can cause skin irritations, impairs hair growth, the residue can be left in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain from skin contact, denatures protein, impairs proper structural formation of young eyes, damage the immune system, and carcinogenic nitrates can form when it interacts with other nitrogen-bearing ingredients. 

Talc can be used as a dry lubricant to make the skin feel slippery and smooth.  It is found in many body and baby powders, cosmetics, and a condom lubricant.  Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. 

Alcohol is mainly used in mouthwashes and has a higher alcohol content than beer or wine.  If the alcohol content is more than 25%, it could lead to mouth, tongue, and throat cancers.  It acts as a solvent in the mouth making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens. 

Aluminum is a toxic metal mostly found in processed foods, antiperspirants, antacids, cosmetics, paper products, beverage cans, cooking foil and cookware.  There may be a link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminum toxicity. 

Mercury is found in sunscreens, body lotions, lip gloss, mascara, baby shampoo.  It is known to cause cancer and is linked to developmental and reproductive issues.

Ethanol can be found in moisturizers, body mists, hairsprays, anti-aging treatments, perfumes, and self tanners.  It is known to cause cancer, developmental and reproductive damage.  Note: denatured ethanol is safe.

Lead (acetic acid) is found in shampoos, conditioners, hair color products, styling gels, body lotions, dandruff and scalp treatments.  It is known to cause cancer and organ and system failure. 

What should we do?
Look for plant-based ingredients, companies that are environmentally responsible, and companies that adhere to the labeling guidelines. 

Young Living sells personal care products that are safe for the environment and safe for you.  See the websites below:
http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/essential-living
http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/personalcare.html


Source:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_safe-shampoos-and-more-for-kids_3651141.bc?page=1
Various brochures

Related blog posts:
http://oilsforhealthyliving-heidi.blogspot.com/2012/04/carcinogens-in-personal-care-products.html



For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net