Are You Putting These 18 Toxic Chemicals On Your Body Every Day?
DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine)
These
three hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing agents —
research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. They are
commonly found in shampoos, soaps, bubble baths and facial cleansers.
Phthalates and Parabens
Banned
by the European Union in 2003, phthalates and parabens are a group of
chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals. They keep hairsprays sticky and bacteria and keep
fungus out of things like nail polish and perfume. Both have been shown
to be carcinogenic and particularly linked to breast cancer.
FD&C Color Pigments
Most
FD&C color pigments are made from coal tar and studies show that
almost all of them are carcinogenic.These are found in products such as
foundation or eyeshadow. Many of these pigments cause skin sensitivity
and irritation, or even oxygen depletion in the blood. FD&C Red #4
is no longer available for use in foods because of a known threat to the
adrenal glands and urinary bladder.
Fragrance
“Fragrance”
is a euphemism for nearly 4,000 different ingredients. Most
“fragrances” are synthetic and are either cancer-causing or otherwise
toxic. Exposure to fragrances has been shown to affect the central
nervous system. “Fragrances” are found in most shampoos, deodorants,
sunscreens, skincare and body care products.
Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin
These
are formaldehyde donors, which means that they are derivatives of the
formaldehyde, which is what scientists and morticians use to preserve
corpses and body parts. (Remember dissecting frogs in school?) These
chemicals are linked to allergies, chest pain, chronic fatigue,
depression, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, loss of
sleep, and can trigger asthma. They can weaken the immune system, and,
surprise surprise, cause cancer. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin
are used in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants and nail
polish.
Quaternium-15
Quarternium-15
commonly causes allergic reactions and dermatitis, and breaks down into
formaldehyde. Quarternium-15 is used as a preservative in many skin and
hair care products.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl
Alcohol is used in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotion and
aftershave lotions as well as in your car’s antifreeze and shellac!
Scientists believe that it has the ability to destroy intestinal flora,
leaving the body’s major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers.
Beyond attacking the intestinal flora, isopropyl alcohol can cause
headaches, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, and coma.
Mineral Oil
Mineral
oil is a petroleum derivative that coats the skin like saran wrap,
which prevents the skin from breathing, absorbing and excreting. It also
slows the skin’s natural cell development, causing the skin to age
prematurely. Note that baby oil is 100% mineral oil – and 100% bad for
your baby’s sensitive skin.
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)
PEG’s
are most commonly used in spray-on oven cleaners and in many hair and
skin products. PEG’s main fuctions are to dissolve oil and grease. Thus,
on the body, they take the protective oils off the skin and hair,
making them more vulnerable to other toxins.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene
Glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is also used in
makeup, toothpaste and deodorant. Stick deodorants have a higher
concentration of PG than is allowed for most industrial use! Direct
contact can cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. The EPA
requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when
working with it. And yet, the FDA says we can put it in our mouths!!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are the most toxic
ingredients on this list. When used in combination with other chemicals,
they can form nitrosamines, a deadly class of carcinogen. They are used
to clean engines, garage floors and at car washes. AND still the most
popular ingredients for makeup, shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste.
Exposure causes eye damage, depression, diarrhea and many other ailments.
Triclosan
This
is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient that has been compared to
nothing less than Agent Orange. The Environmental Protection Agency
registers it as a pesticide, highly toxic to any living organism. It is
also classified as a chlorophenol. In other words, it is in a cancer
causing chemical class. Triclosan disrupts hormones, can affect sexual
function and fertility and may foster birth defects. Triclosan has been
linked to paralysis, suppression of the immune system, brain
hemorrhages, and heart problems. It's widely used in antibacterial
cleansers, toothpaste, and household products.
Talc
Talc has been linked to ovarian and testicular cancer. It can be found in makeup, baby and adult powders and foundation.
Petrolatum
