This week, we were asked to research the potential risks
that are correlated with the chemicals found in common household and personal
care products. There are too many chemicals and not enough time to talk about
all of them, so I’m going to focus on two: 1) 1,4-dioxane and 2) phthalates.
1,4-dioxane
EPA Classification: B2-probable carcinogen
EPA Classification: B2-probable carcinogen
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| (http://www.safecosmetics.org/wp-content/ uploads/2015/02/CFSC_14-Dioxane_1-1-copy.jpg) |
1,4- dioxane is a waste product of the chemical ethylene
oxide, and it is used as an industrial solvent in the manufacturing of other
chemicals. 1,4-dioxane is not intentionally added but is often an unintentional
byproduct of added ingredients, including PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol,
polyoxyethylene, and ingredients with the suffix -eth (e.g. laureth) (epa.gov).
What are some of the health risks?
First, the chemical has to get in. There are several ways that 1,4-dioxide makes its way into
our bodies; It is absorbed through our digestive tract (via contaminated water,
food, etc…), across our skin (via shampoo, soap, face wash, toothpaste, etc.), or
inhaled (occupational workers).1,4-dioxane is linked to neurotoxicity,
endocrine disruption, and organ damage. Although, it is thought to have adverse
effects on the reproductive system, no information is available on the effects
in humans (atsdr.cdc.gov). Studies have shown that 1,4-dioxane can cause liver
and kidney damage with chronic exposure. If high levels of the chemical are
inhaled in a short amount of time, 1,4-dioxane can cause dizziness, headache,
and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract (epa.gov)
Phthalates
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| (http://saferchemicals.org/chemicals/phthalates/) |
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to make
plastic soft and flexible yet hard to break. They are found almost everywhere, from IV tubing and
hairspray to children’s toys and insecticides. (cdc.gov)
What are some of the health risks?
We are exposed to phthalates many different ways. Phthalates
leech from plastics, contaminating food. So, one of the most common ways we are
exposed is simply by eating and drinking foods that have been in contact with
them. Phthalates are also absorbed across the skin. According to the CDC,
children have a higher risk of exposure because of their “hand-to-mouth
behavior”. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors. “Endocrine disruptors are
chemicals that may interfere with the production or activity of hormones in the
endocrine system” (toxtown.nlm.nih.gov). Recently, research has shown that
phthalates are linked to asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes,
low IQ, behavioral issues, and male fertility issues (cdc.gov)
This is a SHORT list of products that contain
phthalates:
- PVC
- Children's toys
- Food packaging
- Shower curtains
- Vinyl flooring
- Wallpaper
- Household cleaners
- Nail polish
- Hair spray
- Lipstick
- Nail polish remover
- Shampoo
- Perfume
- Garden hoses
- Lubricants: oil
- Adhesives: glue
- Laundry detergent
- Foods packaged with plastic
- Tap water
- Medical equipment
- Insecticides
On more than one occasion, I have found myself reading the
ingredients on the back of my shampoo bottle and not having the slightest idea
what most of it is. But there is one
ingredient that I have noticed on almost every bottle that I can remember. Sodium
laureth sulfate. Most shampoo, including what you will find in my bathroom,
contains it. Products containing sodium laureth sulfate can up to 270 parts per
million of 1,4-dioxane (atsdr.cdc.gov)
Are there Alternatives?
Yes!
- One of my favorites is Dr. Bronner’s natural, organic soap. The best part about this product is that it is affordable and readily available, so I don’t have hunt it down. I’ve found it at Target for around $12.00. I know that seems like a lot, but it is a big bottle, and a little goes a long way. The best part? No 1,4-dioxane.
- I haven't tried this personally, but my Aunt is paranoid about chemicals, so she tries to be as natural as she can. For shampoo, she mixed Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap with coconut milk.
- Homemade Shampoo using two (or three) simple ingredients (http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-shampoo/)
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 cup water
- a couple drops of essential oil
These chemicals are everywhere and are hard avoid, but with time and patience, our exposure to these hazardous chemicals can be reduced.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis
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