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Protecting your health and safe-guarding your environment needs to start in the products and furnishings you use. There is a long list of products you come in contact with  during the day inside of your home, such as personal care products (shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, etc.), cleaners, carpeting, furniture, cabinetry,  and many more. Therefore, the chemicals and toxins that are in those products end up on and in you through skin contact and inhalation.

Choose safer products without toxins by looking for bio-based, chlorine-free, organic, phosphate-free, BPA-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, natural fragrance, and/or biodegradable alternatives.

AVOID:

  • Parabens
    • Mimic estrogen hormone and have been linked to breast tumors and/or cancer; adverse effects on testosterone and male reproductive system
    • In shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste.
    • Also, used as food additives.
  • Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DMP, DEP) – “plasticizers”
    • Disrupt the endocrine system; studies show reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and links to liver cancer. Also, water and air pollutants.
    • In toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo.
  • DMDM Hydantoin
    • An antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative.
    • May create a contact allergy.
  • Fragrance – artifical/synthetic
    • Made from petrochemicals, which give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
    • Produce allergic reactions: eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; dizziness; nausea; rash; and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
  • Triclosan
    • Alters hormone regulation
    • In antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics.
    • Also in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys.
  • Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate
    • Foaming agents in soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes and other products.
    • Can cause mild to severe irritation to skin and scalp; skin corrosion; swelling of the hands, face and arms; and split, fuzzy hair.
  • DEA (diethanolamine)
    • In cutting oils, soaps, shampoos, cleaners, polishers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Can cause skin irritation; irritation to nose and throat; skin burns; and possible impaired vision.
  • TEA (triethanolamine)
    • Can cause toxicity to skin, the immune and respiratory system .
    • In cosmetic and personal care products, such as eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blushers, make-up bases and foundations, as well as in fragrances, hair care products, hair dyes, wave sets, shaving products, sunscreens, and skin care and skin cleansing products.
  • Formaldehyde – embalming fluid
    • Known as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer; used in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate; used in foam insulations, as adhesives in the production of particle board and plywood, and in the treating of textiles.
    • Can cause respiratory difficulty, eczema, and sensitization, and has been identifies as an carcinogen.
  • PEGs (polyethylene glycol)
    • Used in industrial manufacturing and medicine; in surfactants, in foods, in cosmetics, in pharmaceutics, in biomedicine, as dispersing agents, as solvents, in ointments, in suppository bases, as tablet excipients, and as laxatives.
  • Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
    • Moderately bioaccumulative, and extremely toxic to aquatic environment.
    • Used in industrial applications and consumer products.
    • Also have been detected in human breast milk, blood, and urine and have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects in fish.
  • Ammonia
    • Used in manufacturing of synthetic fibers, plastics, explosives, and cleaning products.
    • Cause an immediate hazard to the lungs and skin.
  • Chlorine bleach
    • A pesticide, a disinfectant or an antimicorbial pesticide, and a fungicide.
    • Used in household cleaners, drinking water and swimming pool water.
    • Can cause respiratory risk from VOCs exposure.
  • Hydrochloric acid
    • Used in chlorides, fertilizers, and dyes, in electroplating, and in the photographic, textile, and rubber industries.
    • Can be corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
  • Sodium hydroxide (lye)
    • Used in manufacturing of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents, as a drain cleaner, and as food additives.
    • Can cause chemical skin burns and may induce blindness if contacts eyes.

20131020-210059.jpgIn order to avoid these toxic chemicals in your everyday products, there are viable choices for safe and healthy alternatives:

  • Make your own cleaners and skin care products.
    • Cleaners: Use a solution of apple cider vinegar, combined with water.
    • Skin care: Olive, almond, or coconut oils for moisturizers; baking soda for a simple toothpaste.
  • Go old-fashioned with gentle castile soap and water.
    • Castile soap is as effective as antibacterial soaps, which increases the chance for development of resistant bacteria.
  • Look for the fewest ingredients and for certified organic ingredients.
    • Especially necessary for any product that you will put in or on your body.
  • Choose products made with and stored in natural materials.
    • Look for glass, bamboo, textiles, solid wood, and stainless steel. Avoid plastic storage.
  • Consider exposure to off-gassing from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air.
    • Proper ventilation is key!

Have additional questions? Contact below in comments, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Website, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

If you do not already have a local chiropractor, call Dr. Tijana at 706.254.4579 to schedule your first appointment for YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY!