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Next week I am off to the Melbourne screening of The Human Experiment. Narrated and Executive Produced by Sean Penn, a man uses his fame and fortune to give a lot back in this world, this movie shows how we are exposed to thousands of untested chemicals in our everyday products and our homes.
I have written about toxins here before but I often find people really only 'get it' when I talk about particular types of products and what they generally contain, so read on to find out what you may be exposing yourself too every day.
And, if you live in Melbourne join me at the screening of The Human Experiment on Wednesday 23 July at 7:00pm at The Palace Dendy Brighton. You can watch the trailer and purchase tickets here. Ecochick readers can use the discount code the-conscious when you book your tickets to get $5 off the ticket price.
All purpose cleaners
Some all-purpose cleaners contain the sudsing agents diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). When these substances come into contact with nitrites they react to form nitrosamines – carcinogens that readily penetrate the skin. Many cleaners also contain "fragrance," which can contain as many as 200 undisclosed chemicals.
Baby bath products
A report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of children's bath products contain formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, which are linked to cancer and skin allergies. Avoid using products that list ingredients that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane such as sodium myreth sulfate and PEG compounds and products that contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives such as quaternium-15.
Shampoo & Conditioners
Many shampoos & conditioners contain sodium laureth sulfate, a strong chemical detergent that causes foaming. While this chemical is not cancer causing itself, it is associated with possible carcinogens in some products. Other chemicals to avoid in conditioner are phthalates and parabens, which have estrogenic effects that have been linked to breast cancer. Other chemicals to avoid in shampoos are isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. Look for shampoos that are plant oil based and petroleum free.
Deodorant
A main ingredient to stop the sweating in deodorants is aluminum, which is a metal used to block sweat from escaping the pores. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer in women and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Other chemicals to avoid in deodorant include parabens and phthalates, triclosan and propylene glycol.
Hand Soap
Many antibacterial hand soaps contain triclosan (or the related triclocarbon). Triclosan is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and even low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function. What's more, a US FDA advisory committee found that use of antibacterial soaps provides no benefits over plain soap and water.
Laundry Detergent
A common chemical found in laundry detergent are petroleum distillates, or napthas, which have been linked to cancer, lung damage and mucous membrane damage. Many detergents also contain "fragrance," which can contain as many as 200 undisclosed chemicals.
Moisturisers & Lotions
The chemicals BHA and BHT are used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Both are suspected endocrine disruptors and BHA has been linked to cancer. Many lotions also contain parabens, parabens, which have estrogenic effects that have been linked to breast cancer.
Toothpaste
Triclosan and sodium laureth sulfate are two chemicals commonly found in toothpaste that should be avoided. Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial chemical designed to kill germs that has been linked to hormone disruption and an increased risk of breast cancer. Sodium laureth sulfate is not cancer causing itself, but it has been associated with possible carcinogens in some products.
The good news is this site is full of wonderful products that are toxic free, so if you haven't made the switch already have a ready through by category to find some great natural alternatives that work amazingly well.