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Ingredients to Avoid  An unknowing public and even an unaware population of medical professionals are being exposed to toxic chemicals in products we use every single day. These are in our personal care products, oral care and household cleaning products- even baby products! No one can escape the onslaught. No one is immune to the damaging effects. Constant exposure to the toxic chemicals present in these products slowly weakens the immune system, causing all kinds of symptoms and long-term trouble to our health and well- being. They may cause a long recovery from surgery, increased stress, or many types of illness we haven't known what to attribute to. These chemicals are, however, now being directly linked as contributors to allergies, respiratory ailments, hormone disruption, memory lapse, nervous system stress, birth defects, infertility and sterility, cancer, and many other diseases. - US News and World Report 
Looking into SkinSkin absorption is the main form of chemical absorption and contamination. As the largest organ of the body, it is NOT an impenetrable shield, but rather an open door to our bodies. As the largest elimination organ, the skin cannot keep up with the body's attempt to rid itself of these harmful toxins when constantly assaulted with them. Just think about what you put on your skin from the moment you wake up in the morning! Shampoo?conditioner?.shower gel?.deodorant?.hand wash?.body lotion?.facial cleanser? moisturizers? makeup? lipstick?. perfume?. mouthwash?. toothpaste?. and we haven't even gotten out of the bathroom. This bombardment is evident with skin irritations, dry skin, itching and inflammation, acne, rosacea, brown spots, sagging, wrinkles and fine lines to name only a few. The cosmetics industry declares the toxic chemicals are in products in such trace amounts that it never matters to our bodies or our health. Think again. Medical research, including Brunnell University (England), Tufts University, The Center for Disease Control have found these chemicals DO absorb through the skin and remain in fat tissue for an indefinite time. Parabens (preservatives in virtually everything we use) have been found in breast tumors. The Deadly Dozen The Toxic Free Foundation, committed to providing healing solutions for a Toxic Free World, has chosen the worst offenders of a very long list of ingredients that have caused adverse or toxic effects as documented by researchers, scientists, and physicians around the world. Stay away from these. Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) A drying, irritating solvent that strips your skin's moisture and natural immune barrier. It may cause headaches, dizziness, depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma. Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less. DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA(monoethanomlamine), TEA (triethoanolamine) Skin and eye irritants, causing contact dermatitis. Easily absorbed through skin and accumulates in body organs, even brain. Used to create foam in shampoos, shaving creams, and bubble bath. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Prof. of Environmental health at Univ. of Illinois) says that repeated skin irritations resulted in major increases in liver and kidney cancer. Dioxin This is a name given to a class of super-toxic chemicals. You won't see this named in any ingredients list, but it is often contained in antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGS, and ethoxylated cleansers such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Dioxin literally modifies the functioning and genetic mechanism of a cell, causing many effects -- cancer, reduced immunity to nervous system disorders, miscarriages, birth deformity. Our bodies have no defense against dioxins. DMDM Hydantoin and Urea (Imidazolidinyl) Just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde, which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue dizziness, and lost of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations, or asthma, and aggravate colds and coughs. FD & C Color Pigments Synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto skin, causing 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. Fluoride Check out your toothpaste tube and AVOID fluoride! The FDA lists fluoride as an unapproved drug and the EPA lists fluoride as a contaminant. It has been linked to fluorosis in children, acne, alzheimer's, kidney damage, gastrointestinal problems, cancer, genetic damage, neurological impairment, bone and tooth decay, etc. Fragrances Mostly synthetic ingredients, fragrances may be made up of over 4,000 ingredients each, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to FDA include headaches, nausea, rashes, skin discoloration, coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Phthalates These are xenoestrogens, or hormone disruptors, commonly found in many products though not often listed, especially in nail polish, perfume, hair spray, and skin care lotions, as well as personal care and household products. Health effects include damage to liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, early puberty onset in girls and early breast development in boys and girls. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Dangerous levels of dioxin have been found as a manufacturing by product of the ethoxylation process. PEG based ingredients are in a wide variety of personal care, baby care, and sunscreen. Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol Petroleum plastics which act as surfactants (wetting agents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken the cellular structure. 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, which are in higher concentration than most industrial applications. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats and are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and 90% of personal care products that foam. SLS may damage the skin's immune system. When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. 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, suspected to cause cancer in humans. Its manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone disrupting chemical. 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. You can find triclosan in antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes, and household products. Download a free wallet card to print and carry with you when you shop for personal care products. Avoid these chemicals and take the first step towards a healthier family and a healthy home! Send to friends. |
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