In Europe, more than 1,300 chemicals are banned from use in lotions, soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, and other personal care products. Contrast that to in the US, where just 11 are banned.1
Adding insult to injury, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
tasks the companies that manufacture and market cosmetics and other
personal care products with ensuring their safety.
Not only does
this pose an obvious conflict of interest, but "neither the law nor FDA
regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of
individual products or ingredients."2
The average US women uses 12 personal care products and/or cosmetics a
day, containing 168 different chemicals, according to the Environmental
Working Group (EWG). There are other chemicals risks as well, like
those lurking in your household cleaning products, food packaging,
furniture, and carpeting.
Dr. Julia Brody, executive director of the Silent Spring Institute,
is among those speaking out against environmental chemicals and the risk
they pose to human health, and in particular to women's health.
About 80 percent of the women who develop breast cancer, for
instance, have no family history of the disease. Environmental
chemicals, including those that disrupt your body's hormone systems
(endocrine-disrupting chemicals) are thought to play a significant role.3
Silent Spring has identified multiple chemicals groups that you're
better off avoiding to protect your health. This includes chemicals
common in household items you may currently be using everyday:
1. Fragrances in Cleaning and Personal Care Products
Fragranced products are almost always loaded with synthetic chemicals
that have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and
more. Some common offenders lurking in "fragrance" include:
- Parabens: Synthetic preservatives known to interfere with hormone production and release.
- Phthalates: Another synthetic preservative that's
carcinogenic and linked to adverse reproductive effects (decreased sperm
counts, early breast development, and birth defects) and liver and
kidney damage.
- Synthetic musks: These are linked to hormone
disruption and are thought to persist and accumulate in breast milk,
body fat, umbilical cord blood, and the environment.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):4
"An analysis of the chemical contents of products reveals that the
innocuous-looking 'fragrance' often contains chemicals linked to
negative health effects.
Phthalates, used to make fragrances
last longer, are associated [with] damage to the male reproductive
system, and artificial musks accumulate in our bodies and can be found
in breast milk. Some artificial musks are even linked to cancer.
And if you've got asthma, watch out – fragrance formulas are
considered to be among the top 5 known allergens, and can trigger asthma
attacks.
The same kinds of chemicals are often used for fragrances in
cleaning products, scented candles, and air fresheners. To avoid those
unpleasant side effects, choose fragrance-free products, but beware
labels that say 'unscented.' It may only mean that the manufacturer has
added yet another fragrance to mask the original odor."
2. Vinyl Products
You know the smell that seeps out when you take a brand new plastic
or vinyl shower curtain out of its package? That's due to the polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) it's made out of.
This is a significant source of exposure to chemicals known as
phthalates, which are used as plasticizers in everything from vinyl
flooring to detergents, hoses, raincoats, adhesives, air fresheners, and
toys — and even in some soaps,
shampoos, lotions, and nail polish.
Phthalates are one of the groups of "gender-bending" chemicals causing
males of all species to become more female.
These chemicals have disrupted the endocrine systems of wildlife,
causing testicular cancer, genital deformations, low sperm counts, and
infertility in a number of species, including polar bears, deer, whales,
and otters, just to name a few. Scientists believe phthalates are
responsible for a similar pattern in humans as well, and they have been
linked to:
| Impaired ovulatory cycles and polycystic ovary disease (PCOS) | "Decreased
dysgenesis syndrome": A syndrome involving cryptorchidism (undescended
testicles), hypospadias (birth defect in which opening of urethra is on
the underside of the penis instead of at the end), and oligospermia (low
sperm count), and testicular cancer |
| Interference with sexual differentiation in utero | Enlarged prostate glands |
| Disturbed lactation | Numerous hormonal disruptions |
| Early or delayed puberty | Breast cancer and uterine fibroids |
Research conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered high levels of phthalates in
all 289 adult Americans tested,
and the levels of some phthalates in women of childbearing age exceeded
the government's safe levels set to protect against birth defects,
leading scientists to conclude phthalate exposures are "much higher and
more common than previously suspected.
5
This is why it makes sense to choose a fabric shower curtain (or
install glass doors) in lieu of a vinyl one, as well as avoid other
common vinyl products in your home.
3. Antimicrobials (Triclosan)
Antibacterial soap and certain toothpastes contain an antibacterial
chemical called triclosan, which has been linked to concerns over
antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.
Some animal studies showed that
triclosan
caused fetal bone malformations in mice and rats, which may hint at
hormonal effects. Triclosan has also been found to cause estrogenic
activities in human breast cancer cells, which may stimulate the growth
and development of cancer cells.
6
Further, as noted by Professor Caren Helbing Ph.D. at the University of
Victoria in Canada, the chemical structure of triclosan is similar to
thyroid hormones and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
This similarity allows it to attach to hormone receptors. Helbing's
research shows that tadpoles exposed to triclosan suffered stunted
development and leg deformations. The metamorphic process these frogs
undergo is mediated by thyroid hormones.
Her findings were published in the
Journal of Aquatic Toxicology in 2006, which concluded,
"Exposure
to low levels of triclosan disrupts thyroid hormone-associated gene
expression and can alter the rate of thyroid hormone-mediated
postembryonic anuran development."7
4. Stain-Resistant Furniture Sprays and Clothing
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) include PFOA, which was widely used to
make non-stick cookware, and PFOS, which was a key ingredient in
stain-resistant fabrics. These chemicals have been linked to so many
health problems – cancer, miscarriages, thyroid problems, and more –
that they've been phased out in the US and essentially banned in Europe.
The problem is that PFCs, which are scientifically known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), are a
family
of chemicals, and PFOA and PFOS make up only two of them. The products
being used in their place are structurally similar and likely pose many
of the same health and environmental risks. EWG's report on these
global contaminants revealed numerous health risks, including:
| Cancer | Hypothyroidism |
| Reproductive problems | Birth defects |
| Immune system problems | Organ damage |
5. Parabens
Parabens are chemicals found in deodorants and other cosmetics that
have been shown to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen,
which can drive the growth of human breast tumors. A study published in
2012 suggested that parabens from antiperspirants and other cosmetics
indeed appear to increase your risk of
breast cancer.
8
The research looked at where breast tumors were appearing and determined
that higher concentrations of parabens were found in the upper
quadrants of the breast and axillary area, where antiperspirants are
usually applied. Parabens inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and
molds, and are used as preservatives in countless consumer products,
including:
| Deodorants and antiperspirants |
Shampoos and conditioners |
Shaving gel |
Toothpaste |
| Lotions and sunscreens |
Make-up / cosmetics |
Pharmaceutical drugs |
Food additives |
BPA, widely used in plastics, cash register receipts, and canned goods,
has been linked to a number of health concerns, particularly in pregnant
women, fetuses, and young children, but also in adults, including:
| Structural damage to your brain |
Changes in gender-specific behavior and abnormal sexual behavior |
| Hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, and impaired learning |
Early puberty, stimulation of mammary gland development, disrupted reproductive cycles, ovarian dysfunction, and infertility |
| Increased fat formation and risk of obesity |
Stimulation of prostate cancer cells |
| Altered immune function |
Increased prostate size and decreased sperm production |
BPA coats about 75 percent of cans in North America, which means if you eat canned foods, it's likely a major source of
BPA exposure
for you. Even BPA-free cans and plastics may not be safe, as they often
contain a similar chemical known as BPS. However, aside from being a
known endocrine disrupter, BPA also appears to play a role in prostate
cancer. Research involving an "organoid" grown from embryonic stem
cells, which has all the same biomarkers as an adult organ, found
low-dose exposure to BPA lead to a proliferation of prostate stem cells.
9
An abnormally high number of stem cells is a known risk factor for
cancer development. Study author Professor Gail Prins, from the
University of Illinois in Chicago, told Yahoo:
10
"The higher number of stem cells we saw in developing organoids
given very low doses of BPA may be the underlying mechanism by which BPA
increases the risk for prostate cancer… This is as definitive as it
gets, when it comes to the effect of BPA on the developing prostate. It
produces an abnormally high number of prostate stem cells in the tissue,
and these nests are a strong candidate for why exposure to BPA during
development has been linked to prostate cancer later in life."
When your home is filled with goods that contain potentially toxic
chemicals, where do you think those chemicals end up when they come out
of carpeting,
couch cushions,
and the like? Many of them end up in household dust, which is why those
dust bunnies accumulating in the corners can be among the most toxic
concoctions of all. Young children, in particular, may ingest about 50
milligrams of household dust a day, making it an important pathway by
which people are exposed to environmental contaminants.
11
New research published in
Environmental Science & Technology
even revealed that 28 of 30 semi-volatile compounds commonly found in
indoor dust were PPARgamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear
receptor gamma) antagonists. This means they could bind to and activate
PPARgamma, which is involved in regulating fat metabolism, cell
proliferation, and cell death.
12 The researchers believe such chemical exposures may play a key role in the development of obesity. As reported by Futurity:
13
"The researchers found signs of significant PPARgamma
activation in more than half of the 25 dust samples collected from
homes, offices, and gyms, at a level of exposure that would be similar
to a child's daily dose."
Even back-to-school items geared toward children are not free from
environmental chemicals, and such items may even be among the worst
offenders. Shiny plastic backpacks are often made from PVC, for
instance, and phthalates are widespread in backpacks and 3-ring binders.
14
BPA is commonly used in lunchboxes and plastic water bottles for
students, and even BPA-free models may contain similar endocrine
disruptors.
Even some crayons imported from China may be contaminated with
asbestos (best to stick with US-made crayons to avoid this). Finally,
resist the urge to send your child to school with hand sanitizer, as
many contain antimicrobial chemicals that may harm
thyroid function
and encourage antibiotic resistance. Teach your child that washing with
soap and water is best. When selecting school supplies for your
children, EWG recommends the following safer options:
15
| Natural fabric backpacks | Stainless-steel lunchboxes | Glass water bottles |
| Notebooks and binders made from recycled cardboard or other natural fibers (look for "no PVC" on the label) | Recycled paper products | Water-based glues, glue sticks or "school glue" in lieu of stronger adhesives |
| Plain wooden pencils made from sustainable wood or recycled newspaper | Crayons made from soy or beeswax |
|
Additionally, implementing the following measures will help you avoid
the worst endocrine-disrupting culprits as well as other chemicals from a
wide variety of sources. To sum it up, try to stick with whole foods
and natural products around your home. The fewer ingredients a product
contains, the better, and try to make sure anything you put on or in
your body – or use around your home – contains only substances you're
familiar with. If you can't pronounce it, you probably don't want it
anywhere near your family.
- As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range,
organic meats to reduce your exposure to added hormones, pesticides, and
fertilizers. Also avoid milk and other dairy products that contain the
genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST).
- Rather than eating conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often
heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury, supplement with a
high-quality purified krill oil, or eat smaller fish or fish that is
wild-caught and lab tested for purity. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is
about the only fish I eat for these reasons.
- Buy products that come in glass bottles or jars rather than plastic
or canned, since chemicals can leach out of plastics and into the
contents.
- Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, and avoid using plastic wrap.
- Use glass baby bottles and avoid plastic sippy cups for your little ones.
- Eat mostly raw, fresh foods. Processed, prepackaged foods (of all kinds) are a common source of chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
- Replace your non-stick pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware.
- Filter your tap water — both for drinking and bathing. If you can
only afford to do one, filtering your bathing water may be more
important, as your skin absorbs contaminants. To remove the
endocrine-disrupting herbicide Atrazine, make sure the filter is
certified to remove it. According to the Environmental Working Group
(EWG), perchlorate can be filtered out using a reverse osmosis filter.
- Look for products that are made by companies that are
earth-friendly, animal-friendly, green, non-toxic, and/or 100% organic.
This applies to everything from food and personal care products to
building materials, carpeting, paint, baby items, upholstery, and more.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove house dust, which is often contaminated with traces of chemicals.
- When buying new products such as furniture, mattresses, or carpet
padding, ask what type of fire retardant it contains. Be mindful of
and/or avoid items containing PBDEs, antimony, formaldehyde, boric acid,
and other brominated chemicals. As you replace these toxic items around
your home, select those that contain naturally less flammable
materials, such as leather, wool, and cotton.
- Avoid stain- and water-resistant clothing, furniture, and carpets to avoid perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).
- Minimize your use of plastic baby and child toys, opting for those made of natural wood or fabric instead.
- Only use natural cleaning products in your home or make your own.
Avoid products that contain 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol
(DEGME) — two toxic glycol ethers that can damage fertility and cause
fetal harm.16
- Switch over to organic brands of toiletries such as shampoo,
toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics. You can replace many
different products with coconut oil and baking soda, for example. EWG
has a great database17
to help you find personal care products that are free of phthalates and
other potentially dangerous chemicals. I also offer one of the highest
quality organic skin care lines, shampoo, and conditioner, and body
butter that are completely natural and safe.
- Replace feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary pads with safer alternatives.
- Avoid artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, or other synthetic fragrances.
- Look for products that are fragrance-free. One artificial fragrance
can contain hundreds – even thousands – of potentially toxic chemicals.
- Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.
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