What You Don’t Know About Products You Use Everyday

You strive to lead a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps you exercise regularly, are on the lookout for healthy recipes and read product labels before you buy? It’s time-consuming to stay well-informed and do all of this legwork. But – you’re not done yet. If you want to keep your family safe and healthy, you’re going to need a Ph.D. and find a way to gain access to trade secrets. Think you can fit that into your already hectic schedule?

Here’s why: Many common products – your sofa, food containers, household building materials, electronics and more – are made using chemicals that you’re not likely to find by reading labels, technical manuals, or anything else. Scientists have linked some of these chemicals to serious diseases like cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, reproductive disorders and more.

For example, certain phthalate chemicals are linked to breast cancer and improper development of the male reproductive system. A host of chemicals are thought to damage the nervous system, including some potential contributors to autism, which many researchers think results from both genetic and environmental factors. Another group of chemicals, called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, among other diseases. And PCBs, once used in TV sets, were banned from commercial production in the United States in the 1970s, but are still detected in our bodies and the environment today.

Wait, doesn’t the law protect us from toxic chemicals?

Intuition would tell you that it doesn’t make sense for potentially toxic chemicals to be allowed unchecked into the marketplace, where they end up on store shelves. But the record speaks for itself.

The vast majority of more than 80,000 chemicals available for use in the United States have never been adequately tested for safety. You’d need a mobile chemistry lab, a couple of Ph.D.s and a lifetime to sort out this chemical mess on your own.

Why are we in this situation? The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), passed 35 years ago, was meant to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to obtain information on chemicals from their manufacturers. The EPA was to then use this information to evaluate the safety of each new chemical and  regulate those chemicals found to be dangerous.

Unfortunately, roughly 62,000 chemicals were “grandfathered in” when TSCA was passed allowing manufacturers to keep producing these chemicals without any evaluation of their safety. Today, most chemicals on the market are among these original 62,000, and information on their safety remains incomplete and inadequate.

Keeping secrets: Under TSCA, chemical companies can claim virtually any information submitted to the EPA about a chemical is “confidential business information.” As a result, the information is kept secret from the public and even our government.

Tell me the good news – there is good news, right?

While there isn’t an instant solution, there are some things we can do. Sites like Healthy Stuff, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Household Products Database and resources found on this list can help you prepare for your next trip to the store.

However, being a savvy shopper is only a part of the solution. Such an enormous amount of chemicals has made it into the marketplace and the environment, that we need a large-scale solution in order to truly protect our health and the health of future generations. The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, recently introduced in Congress, would be a big step forward. It would require that chemical manufacturers prove their chemicals are safe before being allowed into your home.

Some in the chemical industry are lobbying against this new law, so we need concerned citizens to help it pass. Please speak up! Urge your senator to strengthen our toxic chemicals law. Click here to email your senator.

Test your knowledge

What chemical carcinogens (chemicals that cause cancer), endocrine disruptors (chemicals that disrupt the function of the hormone system and impair normal development), and obesogens (chemicals that disrupt normal metabolism functioning and are linked to obesity), can be found in products we come into contact with everyday?

Here’s a quick brainteaser to get you prepped for your next trip to the store. Match the synthetic chemical to the product you can find it in:

Sofa                           Nonylphenols

Electronics             PBDE’s (flame retardants)

Shoes                       Formaldehyde

Photocopiers         Styrene

Carpet                     Hexavalent chromium

Nicole Shore is the Communications Director of the Not A Guinea Pig campaign, an Environmental Defense Fund initiative. The Campaign works to raise awareness for the unchecked chemicals in our society and to foster a system that ensures chemicals are demonstrably safe before entering the marketplace.

Photo credit: gonzales2010

Answer Key:
Sofa – PBDE’s
Electronics – Hexavalent Chromium
Shoes – Nonylphenols
Photocopiers – Styrene
Carpet – formaldehyde

What’s in that Pink Ribbon Product?

It’s that time of year again, when we can’t walk five steps without finding some new opportunity to spend money for breast cancer. We can “Kiss for the Cause” with Revlon lipstick, dust our cheeks with Estee Lauder’s Pink Ribbon Shimmer Compact, or hydrate our feet with Foot Works for the “Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.”

Before I rush out for a pink-ribbon makeover, I have some questions for these companies: How much money are they actually contributing to breast cancer charities, and what is the money being used for? And most importantly, are they willing to stop using chemicals linked to cancer?

The big beauty companies don’t want such questions raining on their pink parade. Revlon, Avon and Estee Lauder generate lots of goodwill and positive press with their signature pink-ribbon products and events. Yet ironically – outrageously – many of their products contain chemicals linked to cancer.

Revlon, for example, makes more than 20 hair dyes that score a 10 (for most toxic) in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Just one hair-dye product, Revlon Colorist Expert Color & Glaze System, contains more than one dozen chemicals linked to cancer!

Avon and Estee Lauder make various products containing PEG compounds and other chemicals that undergo a nasty chemical process called “ethoxylation,” which uses ethylene oxide (a known breast carcinogen) during processing and often leaves products contaminated with 1,4 dioxane (a carcinogen and serious groundwater contaminant).

Do We Really Need to Detox?

Can you remember all the junk food you have eaten in your life? From childhood, high school and through college? All the environmental and chemical toxins we have come in contact with? Now, imagine a magical potion taking them all away, washing us squeaky clean and making us new as a baby. Sadly, there is no magical potion, but there is hope. We can revitalize our body and our cells, reduce our toxic load and bring new life to our bodies. “How?” you may ask. By detoxification.

Detoxification, or cleansing of the body, can be achieved in many ways: fasting (abstaining from food for a few hours or days), drinking juices for days, taking herbal formulation and colon cleaning by colonics. These detoxification methods allow the body to divert its energy from digesting food to detoxifying poisons stored in many areas of the body.

Why the need to detoxify?

The food we eat, beverages we drink and the air we breathe all contain some form of contaminant. The body is designed to handle some toxins, but not the onslaught that it has been given due to our “civilized” society. The intake of processed food, chemicals and environmental toxin in the millions, food additives, stimulants and genetically engineered and radiated food are all part of our “civilized” society.

The body has many organs of detoxification: lungs, kidneys, liver, colon, skin and lymphatic system. The effectiveness of these organs to eliminate waste matter of all sorts depends on how well they are functioning. If the channels of elimination are clogged, then toxins build up and back up into the system.

Along with physical toxins, we are also holding on to emotional toxins.

Intermittent or continuous negative thinking or emotions such as fear, sadness, worry, anxiety and anger can cause havoc on our spiritual well-being. Detoxing negative emotions is as vital to our health as bodily detoxification. There are mapping on the large intestine outlining negative emotions for instance. The sigmoid and cecum areas hold fear, the descending and ascending colon holds sadness, the splenic flexure holds worry, the transverse colon holds anxiety and the hepatic flexure holds anger. The negative emotions combined with physical issues will tamper with the healing of the body.

When given the chance the body totally regenerates itself with proper dietary choices and detoxification. The entire body can regenerate in two years. Ninety-eight percent of the body will regenerate in less than a year. Red blood cells rebuild in four months, the liver in six weeks, the stomach in one month and the intestinal lining in five days. In order for this magnificent machine to work at optimal function it has to be given the right fuel. This fuel will allow the body to build healthy tissues and organs. The body must be cleared of toxic matter!

Changing our diet and increasing our exercise is only part of the equation for detoxification. The foundation has to be strong and durable and it cannot be if it is laden with toxins. An overload of toxic material makes the body unable to absorb and assimilate nutrients coming in from the food eaten. With all this is mind it is important to begin any health regimen with a good detoxification program and continue periodic detoxification seasonally. Regular detoxification is effective in preventing many diseases from occurring or re-occurring.

What are sources of toxicity?

There are many sources of toxicity such as normal metabolic processes, poor elimination of undigested food, poor digestion of food, food preservatives and dyes, household cleaners, water softeners, cosmetic chemicals, various types of chemical toxins, second-hand smoking and lingering pathogenic toxins from previous illnesses.

When should we detoxify?

Every change of season is a good time to rid the body of built-up toxins, but “spring cleaning” is ideal because it is the time that nature goes through rebirth and growth. But one can cleanse anytime.

What are the signs that one needs to detoxify?

Signs that a cleansing is in order are constipation, acne, fatigue, constant bloating and excess gas, mucus buildup, PMS, depression, mood swings, nausea, halitosis and a low immune system.

So start detoxing when you have any of the symptoms mentioned or after eating poorly like during the holidays or on vacation or when your intuition tells you.

How to start?

A detoxification program can last three days to weeks depending on your health goals. If you are going to embark on months of detoxification, please consult a health care practitioner or doctor. Get regular blood work so your doctor can keep track of your progress.

A mild way of detoxing is to eat wholesome foods, raw fruits and vegetables, sprouted grains and drink lots of alkaline water. Other ways could be a three-seven day juice fast, taking herbal cleansers, doing an elimination diet like in the book “Clean” by Dr. Alejandro Junger or a colon-cleansing regime of colonics in conjunction with either one of the above detoxing methods.

Photo credit: rvaphotodude

Supervise Your Sunscreen

By Monique Reavis

Can you imagine a time when women painted blue veins onto their skin to evoke translucence? Pale skin was lauded as posh and tanned skin represented the toiling working class. Quite the contrary to where we are now! In fact, it was two influential women in the 1920s that sparked the pop culture tan trend: Coco Chanel and Josephine Baker. Coco returned one day from a French Riviera holiday and instantly won women over with her accidentally bronzed skin. Josephine Baker seduced on stage with her dark caramel skin. Ta-da, the sunbathing culture was born!

Fast forward to the present and there are tanning beds, tan accelerators, airbrush tans, spray tan booths, orange stained skin and I’m going say it … GTL, baby.

You might not lay a hand on any of the tanorexic products I just listed above. You might not aspire for that George Hamilton “glow.” You probably are diligent with your SPF applications, own a wide-brimmed hat and curl up to the shade of a beach umbrella.

You’ve got it handled … so you think.

Keep the hat, the umbrella and the hot swimsuit. Reach into your bag and pull out that sunscreen. Chances are it may do you harm.

Last year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 500 sunscreens for their efficiency and contents. The EWG’s 2010 Sunscreen Report revealed weak SPF levels, potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and skin irritants that all can be readily absorbed into the skin and carried elsewhere through the body. Out of the 500 sunscreens, only 39 passed. Yikes.

While we absorb necessary vitamin D and potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, we absorb our sunscreen and all the stuff in it. Time to spin that bottle around, throw on our reading glasses and scan the ingredients. Here is your cheat sheet for scouting healthy sun protection factor (SPF).

Look for Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as an Active Ingredient

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals and provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. They deflect rays before reaching the body. Bonus.

Avoid Nano Particles

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should be non-nano. stay away from “nano,” “nano zinc oxide” and “nano titanium dioxide.” Nano particles are small enough to penetrate skin. You want these minerals on the surface of your skin, not in your bloodstream.

Look for Water Resistance

If a sunscreen states it is water resistant that means its water resistance was tested by a third party, and that’s good news. Don’t forget to re-apply after getting out of the water and after sweating.

Don’t Be Fooled by “All Natural” and Look for Certifications

Look for third-party certifications such as the Natural Product Association’s Certified Natural Seal to be assured that it is natural. Since the United States has no regulation for UVA claims, some trusted U.S. brands are seeking international UVA certifications. Look for Europe’s Boots Star Rating and Japan’s PA Rating. The higher the number with these two international rating systems, the better. The Boots Star Rating is on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, 5 stars being the highest UVA protection. Japan’s PA Rating is 1 plus to 3 pluses, 3 pluses being the best UVA protection rating (+++).

Avoid the Ingredient Oxybenzone

There is mounting evidence that oxybenzone is a possible photocarcinogen, meaning it mutates into a carcinogen when exposed to light. This is definitely not an ingredient you want in your skin-cancer prevention tool kit. Oxybenzone also imitates estrogen.

Avoid the Ingredient Retinyl Palmitate

Another ingredient ironically becoming prevalent in sunscreen is retinyl palmitate. It is a vitamin A compound that makes skin more prone to sunburn and sun damage. Like oxybenzone, it is a possible photocarcinogen. No bueno.

Avoid Sprays and Powder

You should only be inhaling the euphoric summer air, not your sunscreen. These ingredients do not need to take residence in your lungs.

Keep SPF in the 15 and 50+ Range

Most 50+ SPF lotions perform at a lower level, which misguides users to think that they are heavily protected and do not need reapplications. Anything less than SPF 15 does not properly protect from sun damage. Wear SPF 15 on days that you are less exposed to the sun.

Everyday Tip: Incorporate Argan Oil as Your Daily Moisturizer

Argan is some pretty magical stuff. It actually boosts your skin’s internal SPF. Just do not rely on argan oil as your sole protection.

I share this information with love and prevention devotion. I lost my father to malignant melanoma three years ago. Having the awareness that our personal care and beauty products can be loaded with harmful ingredients that can directly affect our health and our longevity is our ammo for prevention. It doesn’t just end with healthy diet and exercise.

The act of tanning results in a short-term vanity high with possible long-term implications. Choose the long-term high: healthy skin-cancer prevention and fewer wrinkles! That’s the best vanity investment, if you ask me.

Check out a list of the EWG 2010 sunscreen winners and losers.

Monique Reavis is a menswear designer by day, a beauty blogger by night and an information aficionada 24-7. She is the founder of goddesshuntress.com, where she promotes toxin-free beauty for all its longevity and disease-prevention benefits. When she is not fighting cancer-causing villains, you can find her at a karaoke bar.

Photo credit: WTL Photos

Hidden Dangers of Conventional Fabrics

Over the past several decades, Hippocrates Health Institute has been researching things that endanger human health. There is danger lurking in something that people touch every day, but give little thought to — their clothing.

An estimated 8,000 chemicals are employed to transform raw materials into clothes, according to The Ecologist magazine. This process involves bleaching, dyeing, scouring, sizing and finishing the fabrics.

Synthetic clothing now commonly contains such toxins as formaldehyde, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals like Teflon fibers to give trousers, skirts and other apparel “non-iron” and “non-wrinkle” durability. Perfluorinated compounds, it should be pointed out, are classified as cancer-causing agents under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Important things to know about clothing:

Bras
There are strong correlations between the use of bras and breast lumps or cysts, which are thought to be precursors to breast cancer. Evidence showing a link between bras and breast cancer emerged in 1991 from a study of breast size and breast cancer risk by researchers in the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. Published in the European Journal of Cancer, this survey of thousands of women found that, “Premenopausal women who do not wear bras had half the risk of breast cancer compared to bra users.”

Synthetic Clothing
Studies show that synthetic undergarments can warp male sexuality and diminish fertility. Synthetic clothing also poses dangers regarding fire safety, so much so that the commanding general of the Marines in Iraq ordered his troops in 2006 to stop wearing synthetic fabrics any time they went off-base. Medical studies also show that synthetic fibers, conventionally used for athletic clothing, actually inhibit athletic performance. This is because the electrostatic field emission from the clothing affects muscle fibers in the body. Synthetic materials also “off-gas” from the day they’re made until the day they’re thrown away. They release minute amounts of chemicals that are absorbed through the skin and lungs. These toxic fumes can cause cancer and neurological disorders.

Cotton (nonorganic)
Twenty-five percent of all the pesticides used on our planet are sprayed onto cotton crops. For this reason, people should always choose organic cotton or other organic natural fibers.

“Easy Care” Clothing
No-iron or stain-resistant shirts and pants are often sprayed with formaldehyde. While many countries enforce strict regulations regarding formaldehyde, the United States only enforces “voluntary” standards, with no levels or limits stated.

Laundry’s Dirty Secret
An analysis of laundry wastewater, both industrial and from public laundromats, performed a few years ago by the Environmental Working Group, detected a range of hormone-disrupting contaminants being released. Phthalates, used to stabilize fragrances, are hormone-disruptive chemicals commonly added to detergents and other cleaning products.

Fire Retardant
Many nations require infant’s clothing to be sprayed with flame-retardant chemicals. This is among the deadliest clothing treatments and is directly linked with tumor growth and mental illness. Of course, babies are the most sensitive to these kind of toxic materials.

The best immediate changes one can make:

• Buy only natural fiber clothing as you buy new clothes, especially for your children and babies. Good options are cotton, flax, hemp, silk, wool and linen. Less common natural fiber options include alpaca, angora, camel, cashmere, mohair, ramie and saluyot.

• Buy only organic clothing when possible, certainly organic undergarments, since the reproductive organs are among the areas most sensitive to toxins.

• Steer clear of “Easy Care” and flame-retardant clothing.

• Start getting rid of synthetic clothing you’ve accumulated.

“Killer Clothes! How Seemingly Innocent Clothing Choices Endanger Your Health and How to Protect Yourself” reveals in unprecedented detail the surprising number of harmful effects on health caused by garments once considered safe. From toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates to insecticides, flame retardants, and nanoparticles, synthetic clothing today contains a toxic stew of dozens of substances that pose a threat to both human and environmental health.

Co-authors Dr. Brian Clement and Dr. Anna Maria Clement are co-directors of the internationally-renowned Hippocrates Health Institute (HHI) in West Palm Beach, Florida. These two physicians created wellness and disease prevention programs followed by more than 300,000 people who have attended HHI, as well as millions more world-wide who employ the institute’s teachings. “Killer Clothes” is available in the Hippocrates store.

Photo credit: lamentables