Harmful Toxins
Why not grab a selection of products from your bathroom or kitchen now and see what they contain?
Beware of the following ingredients and their effects:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), – a harsh detergent used in industry as a degreaser and garage floor cleaner, it is a key ingredient in most shampoos, cleansers, body wash, bubble baths, toothpastes, hand wash and detergents. When applied to skin SLS strips away the oil layer, causing it to separate, leaving it irritated and rough. SLS is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes, brain, heart and liver which may cause harmful long term effects. Studies have shown regular use can cause improper eye development in children, cataracts in adults, hair corrosion and dysfunction of the biological processes of the skin.
When SLS is ethoxylated (a chemical process that enables fatty acids to become more water soluble) it becomes SLES, which is less abrasive and has enhanced foaming properties however a harmful compound called 1,4-dioxane ( also known as para-dioxane) is created in the ethoxylation process. 1,4-dioxane is a hormone disruptor thought to increase the chances of breast cancer, endometrial cancer and lower sperm counts.
1,4-dioxane is listed by the National Toxicology Program, (under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) under the label ‘Reasonably Anticipated to be Human Carcinogens’ since tests on animals have shown it to cause gallbladder cancer in guinea pigs, skin tumours and lung cancer in mice. Their report also notes that consumers are open to exposure to 1,4-dioxane via detergents and shampoos.
You can read the full report here: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s080diox.pdf
1,4-dioxane has been banned in Europe where there was a recall of contaminated products, yet in the US, and most probably in Australia, The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) estimates that a quarter of all personal care products sold contain this cancer causing ingredient. Simple manufacturing changes could eliminate 1,4-dioxane from our products.
Phthalates – are commonly used in household cleaners, skin creams, hairspray, perfumes, nail polish, deodorisers and insect repellents. Phthalates are regulated as toxic substances under environmental laws that limit their discharge into the air, land and water but there are no limitations on the amount of phthalates used in consumer products. Health effects from phthalates include birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, early puberty onset in girls, damage to the liver and kidneys, and other reproductive disorders. Read more about the effects of phthalates at: http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/phthalates.htm
Parabens (eg. Butyl, propyl and ethyl parabens) are found in many products such as deodorant, face creams, shampoos and toothpaste. Originally thought to be non-toxic, recent research has found that the length of time parabens are on the skin increases the absorption through the skin directly into the blood stream. The greatest concern regarding parabens is their link to breast cancer – studies have found parabens in breast cancer tumours – however this research is not yet conclusive.
Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) – are emulsifiers (enable water soluble ingredients and oils to blend) and foaming agents used in bubble baths, shampoos, bodywash, soap and facial cleansers. Ethanolamines irritate the eyes and skin causing dermatitis. “Animal tests show it causes damage to the liver, kidney, brain, spinal cord, bone marrow and skin. Contact with the eyes can cause impaired vision.” These chemicals interact with nitrites ( often preservatives in the product) to form nitrosamines – carcinogens that penetrate the skin.
– is a toxin and carcinogen that continues to be available in our supermarkets as Talcum Powder. Talc should never be used on babies both because of its carcinogenicity and its link with acute respiratory distress from inhalation that can result in death. Routine application of talc in the genital area has been associated with a 3 to 4 fold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.
Aluminium – linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer. Aluminium is used in antiperspirants to block pores in the underarm thus reducing the natural release of toxins from the body. Our body is supposed to release toxins, not keep them in our body. Some deodorants may be OK (check the label) but antiperspirants are not.
Propylene Glycol (PG), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) – a humectant (retains moisture) in skin and hair care products so that they don’t dry out, PG and PEG are petroleum derivatives that can easily penetrate the skin causing liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
Mineral Oils – are derived from petroleum and coats the skin so that it can’t breathe. Our skin needs to breathe in order to eliminate toxins. When our skin cannot function as it is intended we develop skin irritations, blemishes, reduced skin cell development and premature aging of the skin. Check your moisturisers and cosmetics for mineral oil – and be aware, Baby Oil is mineral oil ! All of the products offered at The Pure Shop are based on natural botanical oils or ‘essential oils’.
