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Toxin List

It’s surprising that the very products we use on our bodies to keep ourselves clean could actually be causing damage to our selves, the environment and the aquatic systems. When we bathe, most of us use a regular soap bought from the store. Unfortunately, most commercial soaps contain harsh chemical additives to make them lather properly. Soaps hold their nice bar-like shape because of ingredients like animal tallow, paraffin wax and other crude oil derivatives. They contain perfumes and fragrances that are known to cause skin irritation in some people. These fragrances are extracted unnaturally and are produced chemically using cancer-causing chemicals. The following list of ingredients are in body care products or are suspected or known carcinogens, others are toxic, will not biodegrade or simply have a strong potential to cause irritation and allergic reactions. We coat our skins with these toxic chemical compounds and then let those same chemicals run down our drains and into our water systems.

Alkylphenol Ethoxylates

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Alkylphenol Ethoxylates

May reduce sperm count. Found in shampoo and bubble bath. During the 1980s and 1990s, several European nations banned the use of alkylphenol ethoxylates in domestic detergents. The alkylphenols can bioaccumulate in some fish, and some of their degradation products are toxic to aquatic life.

 

 

4-tert-Octyphenol, an alkylphenol, which is used to manufacture alkylphenol ethoxylates was detected in 43.5% of 139 U.S. streams in 30 states. Urinary levels of 4-tert-octyphenol were detectable in 90th to 95th percentiles in the U.S. population, based on the representative subsamples of NHANES 2005-2010. Reference: (CDC) CAS No. 140-66-9

 

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Products containing AHAs have been marketed for uses such as treating acne, removing scars, lightening discolorations, smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles, improving skin texture and tone, unblocking and cleansing pores, and improving skin condition in general. Among these are some products marketed as "skin peelers," which may contain relatively high concentrations of AHAs or other acids and are designed to remove the outer layer of the skin.

 

FDA received a total of 114 adverse dermatologic experience reports for AHA-containing skin care products between 1992 and February 2004, with the maximum number in 1994. The reported adverse experiences included burning (45), dermatitis or rash (35), swelling (29), pigmentary changes (15), blisters or welts (14), skin peeling (13), itching (12), irritation or tenderness (8), chemical burns (6), and increased sunburn (3).

 

In 2003 the FDA conducted research on the safety of AHAs. These studies confirmed previous industry studies indicating that applying AHAs to the skin results in increased UV sensitivity. After four weeks of AHA application, volunteers' sensitivity to skin reddening produced by UV increased by 18 percent.

 

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. Reference: (FDA) U.S. Food and Drug Administration

 

Benzene

Benzene is derived from coal tar, and exposure routes of benzene are inhalation and ingestion. Benzene is commonly found In: adhesives, asphalts, calibrating fluid, charcoal lighter fluid, cigarette lighter fluid, contact cements, gasoline, glues, kerosene, hydraulic fluids, inks and ink markers, lacquer thinner, pesticides, processing film, rubber cement, solvents, vinyl thinner, detergents and occasionally in hair conditioner and styling lotion. Reference: Material Safety Data Sheet

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies benzene as a known human respiratory toxicant and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a known human carcinogen. Prop 65 identifies benzene as a concern for both cancer and developmental toxicity. Occupational exposure to benzene can be absorbed through intact skin and affect the liver, blood and metabolism and is linked to leukemia. It May also cause adverse reproductive effects in female fertility and cause birth defects. It can pass through the placental barrier and has been detected in maternal milk and the in urinary system. Reference: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

 

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric synthetic detergent that has been increasingly used in cosmetics and personal hygiene products like (shampoos, contact lens solutions, toothpaste detergents, makeup removers, bath gels, skin care products, cleansers, liquid soaps, antiseptics, and gynecologic)

 

Because (CAPB) originates from coconut oil, even some personal care products labeled as natural still contain it. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products. The name reflects that the major part of the molecule, the lauric acid group, is derived from coconut oil. Cocamidopropyl betaine to a significant degree has replaced cocamide DEA. Although the government regards the ingredient as safe, some people do have negative reactions after exposure to it.

 

Delayed T-cell-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions to (CAPB) have been reported, and contact sensitization prevalence is estimated at between 3.0 and 7.2%. The increasing rates of sensitization led to (CAPB)'s being named Allergen of the Year in 2004. Related impurities rendered during the manufacturing process (such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine) are thought to play a role in sensitization. To sum it up (CAPB) will not give you cancer but if your using a product with this ingredient and you are suffering from skin dermatitis there is a good chance you are allergic to the ingredient cocamidopropyl betaine. Reference: Department of Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 2008 (NCBI)

 

 

1,4-Dioxane

In 2008, testing sponsored by the U.S. Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found dioxane in almost half of tested organic personal-care products. Since 1979 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have conducted tests on cosmetic raw materials and finished products for the levels of 1,4-dioxane. While the FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, it is not required by federal law. 1,4-Dioxane is found in small amounts in hygiene products used in both China and the U.S. Reference: Organic Consumers Association (OCA)

 

Ethoxylation, a chemical reaction and cheap short-cut companies use to provide mildness to harsh ingredients, requires the use of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide, which generates 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product. To avoid synthetic ethoxylated ingredients be aware of products including those with myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol in their names of ingredients.

 

The carcinogenicity of dioxane in rodents was first reported in 1965 and subsequently confirmed in other studies including by the National Cancer Institute in 1978; the predominant sites of cancer were nasal passages in rats and liver in mice. On the basis of such evidence, the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that "the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is a cause of concern." Dioxane is removed from surfactants during their manufacturing by a process known as vacuum stripping and yet is still found in personal care products. Reference: Organic Consumers Association (OCA) Fact Sheet

 

1,4-Dioxane is considered a cancer causing chemical under proposition 65, and has no place in "natural" or "organic" branded personal care products. 1,4-dioxane is also suspected as a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, among others, according to the California EPA, and is a leading groundwater contaminant. Reference: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

 

DEA Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine or otherwise known as DEA, is a chemical used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. DEA blocks absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development in fetus development. But the FDA argues that consumers will not come in enough contact with DEA to cause concern. Reference: (NCBI articles PMC2430108)

 

During the manufacturing process and while sitting on stores shelves a chemical reaction happens between nitrites and DEA causing the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called NDELA or nitrosodiethanolamine. In 1979, the FDA ordered the cosmetic industry to eliminate NDELA from formulas, but when cosmetic products were tested in 1980, 42% came up positive. Even though NDELA was not allowed as an ingredient in products; a study in 1981 proved that a chemical reaction was causing NDELA to form in products containing DEA while they sat on store shelves. Reference: Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Research Laboratories, 307 E. McCarty St., Indianapolis, IN 4628 (1981)

 

NDELA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver and bladder cancers. Even the smallest amounts of this potent carcinogen can increase the risk of cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), "There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of NDELA." IARC recommends that NDELA should be treated as if it were a carcinogen in humans. N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA): Proposition 65 list Reference: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

 

Di-n-butyl Phthalate (phthalates)

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a manufactured chemical that is added to plastics, paint, glue, hair spray, nail polish and other household products. It is commonly found in the environment, and most people are exposed to low levels in the air, water, and food. (DBP)  is one of many types of phthalate compounds and their growing presence in the environment is very concerning. Clinical and experimental studies have indicated that several phthalates are associated with adverse effects on development and function of human and animal systems especially the reproductive system and exposures during pregnancy and early childhood are at the most risk. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a plasma carrier protein that binds androgens and estrogens and represents a potential target for phthalate endocrine disruptor function in the body. (DBP) has been found in at least 471 of the 1,585 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Global plasticizer consumption was about 14 billion pounds in 2011 and phthalate contribution to this was 87%. Reference: PLOS ONE Research Article (2016)

 

A study on 163 children of 2–36 months age revealed that all children had detectable levels of one or more phthalates, with 80% of children having mixture of seven or more phthalate compounds in their body. A recent study on 72 commonly used food samples from the market in Albany, New York revealed that every food sample had detectable levels of one or more phthalate compounds. (DBP) can be released in to the air as a vapor. It can react with other chemicals in the air and is usually broken down within a few days. (DBP) can also attach to particles in the air and eventually settle to the land and water. People who use products which contain (DBP), such as nail polish, may be exposed by breathing it in the air or getting it on their skin. The general population may also be exposed by eating food containing (DBP), such as fish and shellfish, or food which is packaged or stored in materials containing (DBP). Reference: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ATSDR (2001)

 

The use of (DBP) in cosmetics, including nail polishes, is banned in the European Union under Directive 76/768/EEC in 1976. The use of (DBP) has been restricted in the European Union for use in children's toys since 1999. (DBP)  was added to the California Proposition 65 list of suspected teratogens in 2007. In the U.S., (DBP) was permanently banned in children's toys, in concentrations of 1000 ppm or greater, under section 108 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Reference: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
phthalates
Benzenz
1, 4 Dioxane
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