Monday, September 1, 2014

September-Ban Unsafe Personal Care Products

 It probably has never crossed your mind what might actually be in the beauty care products that you put on your body every day such as deodorant, make-up, and even soap and shampoo. If you have thought of this you most probably pushed it away immediately, because who wants to think about safety when that new blush or perfume is calling your name? The dangers of personal care products is an issue not many people want to talk about, let alone listen too, but it is of such importance that everyone is informed about it. The sad truth  is that we pay so little attention to what's actually in these products that the companies that make them could put almost anything in them, and they do! No one wants cancer or any other horrible sickness, so how come more people aren't angry about the chemicals added to these products? Now is the time to face your fears and look this problem in the eye instead of ignoring it!


 Here are some common products most people use every day, and the hidden dangers they contain.

Deodorant 
  • Some chemicals of concern- Aluminum: linked to breast cancer in women and it has also been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Parabens: Disrupts hormonal balance causing early puberty in children and an increased risk of hormonal cancers it has also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity. Propylene Glycol: Petroleum based material some people say that it's safe but large quantities have been shown to cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart. Triclosan: Classified as a pesticide by the FDA and is also classified as a probable carcinogen  by the EPA, it causes hormonal disruption and reproductive issues and according to Wikipedia Triclosan penetrates the skin on contact and enters the bloodstream.   
Cologne and Perfume 
  • Some chemicals of concern- Fragrance: This could really be almost anything, no one lists what's actually in their fragrance ingredient. For more on cologne and perfume dangers here is an excellent article by EWG.  
Baby Products 
  • Some chemicals of concern- 1,4 dioxin: Found in some bath products that did not list it as an ingredient, is a carcinogen. Formaldehyde: Also found in some bath products that did not list it as an ingredient,and is a carcinogen. Phthalates: Linked to infertility and birth defects. 

Acne Treatment 
  • Some chemicals of concern- There are honestly too many chemicals to list, to find out what's in your acne treatment and the health effects of those chemicals click here. 
 Here are your assignments for the month, follow the suggestions under the level that best describes you. 

Level One- You've never really considered the health effects of the stuff you put on your skin, and never really wanted to consider it. Here are some ideas for you: 
  1. Watch the story of cosmetics. 
  2. Face your fears and read some of the labels on the products you have. 
  3. Try some DIY recipes from the campaign for safe cosmetics. 
Level Two- You've heard about this, but that new shade of lip gloss always interested you more. Here are some ideas for you: 
  1. Watch the story of cosmetics. 
  2. Check the safety of your products at EWG's skin deep database.
  3. Try some DIY recipes from the campaign for safe cosmetics. 
  4. Try to replace some of your more harmful products with safer alternatives. 
Level Three- You definitely know about this but find yourself buying the bad products every once in a while. Here are some ideas for you: 

    1. Watch the story of cosmetics. 
    2. Check the safety of your products at EWG's skin deep database.
    3. Try some DIY recipes from the campaign for safe cosmetics. 
    4. Educate yourself by reading materials at campaign for safe cosmetics.
    5. Before you buy anything at the store, read the label. 
    Level Four- You know a lot about this issue and have changed your life style because of this knowledge. Here are some ideas for you: 
    1. Try some DIY recipes from the campaign for safe cosmetics, or if you know other recipes share them!
    2. Hand out at least 10 flyers of your choice from campaign for safe cosmetics, or any other site you might know about. 
    Resources 
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