Tag Archive for: purification

Who knows what some of the toxins are that we are regularly exposed to through our cleaning and personal care products?

• Triclosan is classified as a pesticide and probable carcinogen by the EPA. In fact, the EPA gives Triclosan high scores both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk. It is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient that contributes to the creation of resistant forms of bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). It is used as a preservative and not always labeled. It is a cheap way for companies to make their products last longer without collecting bacteria. 
• Parabens: A study done by the Journal of Applied Toxicology detected high amounts of parabens in breast cancer cell growth. Parabens are able to bind to estrogen receptors, where they encourage breast cancer cell growth. It mimics natural estrogen that leads to cancer. It may contribute to sterility in males, hormone imbalance in females, and early puberty.
• Phthalates make nail polish chip resistant and fragrances last longer. “Fragrance” is basically a secret mixture of chemicals. Companies are not required to list these chemicals on product labels. Toluene, which is in fragrances, is a known neurotoxin that causes loss of muscle control, brain damage, headaches, memory loss, and speech, hearing, and vision problems.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS One of THE most dangerous ingredients used in cleaners and personal care products. Laboratories use it to purposely irritate the skin on animals and humans so that they can then test the effectiveness of healing agents on irritated skin. It is a mouth irritant that is in almost every toothpaste and can cause canker sores. It prevents deodorant from drying out. It is the main ingredient in antifreeze.
• The EPA considers Propylene Glycol so toxic that they require gloves and goggles when disposing of and burying it. 
• Mouthwash products with an Alcohol content of over 25% are linked to cancer of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
• Metals: Women with breast cancer have higher levels of these metals. Aluminum prevents our skin from sweating. 
• It is amazing that all these toxins and chemicals, and many more that were not listed, are present in products that are designed to protect us.  

The European government has banned 1,222 times more chemicals than the U.S. Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, household cleaners are the only household products for which manufacturers are NOT required to list all ingredients. Certain ingredients, like fragrances for example, are considered trade secrets, and government regulations are designed to protect proprietary information. The power of large companies’ well-funded government lobbying efforts have allowed them to avoid legislation, often hiding behind the principle of “trade secrets.”

Most people assume the government oversees the multibillion-dollar household cleaning products industry, but the reality is that it is largely unregulated. According to the EPA, of the nearly three thousand top selling chemicals in the U.S., only 7 percent have a full set of basic toxicity information. For the most part, the EPA simply relies on voluntary testing agreements with major manufacturers.

Without full disclosure, consumers can unknowingly expose themselves and their families to unhealthy chemicals. The Natural Resources Defense Council recently tested 14 air fresheners and found that 12 contained phthalates, and none of the products listed this on the label. Until the government enacts laws to force companies to fully disclose their ingredients, or better yet test the safety of their ingredients, it is important for consumers to educate themselves.

Many of us have grown tired of putting our health in jeopardy just to clean our bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. It’s very obvious why green cleaners have such an appeal and why people want to use them. The household cleaning industry has caught on to this and responded in full force with product lines that claim they are green and natural. These products are labeled “green” and “natural” for marketing reasons and to charge 20-30% more. They usually contain the same amount of chemicals! This is a practice is called “green washing”—misleading marketing to make products appear green and healthy.

For example, arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring and poisonous. “All natural” and “green” isn’t necessarily nontoxic. It is hard to tell what exactly is in our cleaning products under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act. We live in a chemical world; every day we are exposed to toxins, chemicals, and pollutants. It can be overwhelming to even think if we can avoid all of this exposure. Even some of the so-called “green” products are damaging to our health.

It may not be possible to avoid ALL of the toxins in our lives, but there are plenty of ways to significantly reduce our family’s exposure through simple lifestyle changes and behaviors.  We can decrease our family’s exposure to toxins by using essential oils for cleaning. It’s really not as hard as it might seem.

• Use a damp rag when dusting. Chemicals often settle on surfaces, and dusting with a dry rag releases them into the air to be inhaled. Using a damp rag captures them on the rag instead.
• Allow fresh air into your home frequently, this allows chemical-filled air to escape. The EPA estimates indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, due in part to household cleaners and air fresheners.
• Wash nonorganic produce in a vegetable and fruit wash or buy organic produce to reduce pesticide and herbicide exposure.
• Making our own household cleaners is super easy using essential oils. It’s as easy as going to the cabinet and grabbing that toxic store-bought cleaner! PLUS it is a safe and very effective alternative! Who knows what essential oils are best for cleaning?
• One of the great things about oils is their antimicrobial effect, and they are safe. Chemical antiseptics can cause just as much damage to our cells as the actual germ.