David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products please visit my website at www.switchingstores.com/KatF
What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola
Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.
We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.
Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.
These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.
The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.
Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).
Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.
In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?
Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.
The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.
You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.
11/29/2010
11/17/2010
Great Article!!
26 WAYS TO ENJOY WELL-ROUNDED WELLNESS
What jumps to mind when you think about being healthy? For most people, something about their physical health comes to mind, like eating nutritious foods or getting regular exercise. A close second might be financial health—having enough money to meet your needs.
There’s no question that both physical and financial wellness are important. However, life is about more than just your body weight or your checkbook balance! Have you taken a look at the fitness of your family life, your social life, or your own inner self lately? These areas deserve your attention too. For example, if you’re so consumed with your job that you miss out on the simple joys of spending time with your family, you’re not completely well. Or if you’re consistently skipping time out with your friends to slave away at the gym, you’re not totally well either.
With this in mind, take some time to look over these ideas to help you focus a bit more on your family, social, and inner wellness.
FAMILY WELLNESS
Your relationship with family members is crucial. Spending quality time with your spouse, children, brothers, sisters, and parents goes a long way toward strengthening family closeness. Closer families enjoy more peace and love in the home. And they form unbreakable bonds that will pass from this generation to the next.
1. Make family time a priority. Give each family member the opportunity to decide on a weekly family activity— it will keep everyone involved and help build togetherness.
2. Cook together. Decide on a “Treat of the Week” and let each family member help prepare it.
3. Play cards or board games. Have a regular family “Game Night.”
4. Garden together. Plant and nurture a family garden and grow everyone’s favorite fruit or vegetable.
5. Help others. Spend some family time doing charity work through your community service organization or church.
6. Get involved in school. Join the parent-teacher organization at your child’s school or volunteer to help out at your local school.
7. Read together. Read to your young children every night before they go to bed.
8. Limit television, video game, and computer time and get outside. Turn off, log off, and go wash the car or play in the yard.
9. Keep in touch. Make a home movie and send it to family members who are away from home.
10. Adopt a pet. Bring home a new family friend.
SOCIAL WELLNESS
You are socially well when you have friends, when your name is spoken with trust, when your home is a welcome stop, and when you are respected for your willingness to help others. Improving your social well-being often means placing others’ needs above your own. As you increase your respect for people—including coworkers and family members—others will naturally become more concerned about you in return.
1. Reconnect. Locate an old friend from high school or someone you’ve lost contact with and catch up.
2. Volunteer. Make time for community service or church committees to expand your social circle.
3. Reach beyond your current contacts. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends and meet the spouses of your coworkers.
4. Switch roles. Organize a revolving monthly dinner with your friends where you take turns playing host and guest.
5. Take to the streets. Have an old-fashioned block party with your neighbors.
6. Introduce people. Host a party where each guest brings a person no one else knows.
7. Take classes. Enroll in classes to meet others who share the same interests as you.
8. Do your civic duty. Get involved in local politics— perhaps even run for an office.
9. Be a team player. If you can’t join a team, sign up as a substitute player for community sports teams.
10. Keep an eye out for others. Organize a neighborhood Community Watch committee through your local police station.
INNER WELLNESS
You are most at peace with others and yourself when you live your life with integrity. Inner wellness—or living a life consistent with your values—brings you peace, helps keep you centered, and enables you to accomplish what you want most out of life.
1. Spend time alone. Devote some time every day to breathe deeply and focus on yourself.
2. Believe in yourself. Stay true to your values and beliefs—especially when they’re challenged.
3. Keep a clear conscience. Be honest and ethical in all your dealings.
4. Stay positive. Try to maintain a good attitude and outlook on life—especially during stressful times.
5. Expand your viewpoint. Have an open mind and listen to other points of view.
6. Own up. Take responsibility for your actions.
TOTAL WELLNESS IS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL
Living a healthy, happy life is a day-to-day balancing act. And no one of us are perfect at it! However, these tips and ideas show that you can do small things every day that can have a big impact in the quality of your overall health. Try some of them and come up with a few of your own— you’ll enjoy your life more and be on the road to “well-rounded” wellness.
What jumps to mind when you think about being healthy? For most people, something about their physical health comes to mind, like eating nutritious foods or getting regular exercise. A close second might be financial health—having enough money to meet your needs.
There’s no question that both physical and financial wellness are important. However, life is about more than just your body weight or your checkbook balance! Have you taken a look at the fitness of your family life, your social life, or your own inner self lately? These areas deserve your attention too. For example, if you’re so consumed with your job that you miss out on the simple joys of spending time with your family, you’re not completely well. Or if you’re consistently skipping time out with your friends to slave away at the gym, you’re not totally well either.
With this in mind, take some time to look over these ideas to help you focus a bit more on your family, social, and inner wellness.
FAMILY WELLNESS
Your relationship with family members is crucial. Spending quality time with your spouse, children, brothers, sisters, and parents goes a long way toward strengthening family closeness. Closer families enjoy more peace and love in the home. And they form unbreakable bonds that will pass from this generation to the next.
1. Make family time a priority. Give each family member the opportunity to decide on a weekly family activity— it will keep everyone involved and help build togetherness.
2. Cook together. Decide on a “Treat of the Week” and let each family member help prepare it.
3. Play cards or board games. Have a regular family “Game Night.”
4. Garden together. Plant and nurture a family garden and grow everyone’s favorite fruit or vegetable.
5. Help others. Spend some family time doing charity work through your community service organization or church.
6. Get involved in school. Join the parent-teacher organization at your child’s school or volunteer to help out at your local school.
7. Read together. Read to your young children every night before they go to bed.
8. Limit television, video game, and computer time and get outside. Turn off, log off, and go wash the car or play in the yard.
9. Keep in touch. Make a home movie and send it to family members who are away from home.
10. Adopt a pet. Bring home a new family friend.
SOCIAL WELLNESS
You are socially well when you have friends, when your name is spoken with trust, when your home is a welcome stop, and when you are respected for your willingness to help others. Improving your social well-being often means placing others’ needs above your own. As you increase your respect for people—including coworkers and family members—others will naturally become more concerned about you in return.
1. Reconnect. Locate an old friend from high school or someone you’ve lost contact with and catch up.
2. Volunteer. Make time for community service or church committees to expand your social circle.
3. Reach beyond your current contacts. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends and meet the spouses of your coworkers.
4. Switch roles. Organize a revolving monthly dinner with your friends where you take turns playing host and guest.
5. Take to the streets. Have an old-fashioned block party with your neighbors.
6. Introduce people. Host a party where each guest brings a person no one else knows.
7. Take classes. Enroll in classes to meet others who share the same interests as you.
8. Do your civic duty. Get involved in local politics— perhaps even run for an office.
9. Be a team player. If you can’t join a team, sign up as a substitute player for community sports teams.
10. Keep an eye out for others. Organize a neighborhood Community Watch committee through your local police station.
INNER WELLNESS
You are most at peace with others and yourself when you live your life with integrity. Inner wellness—or living a life consistent with your values—brings you peace, helps keep you centered, and enables you to accomplish what you want most out of life.
1. Spend time alone. Devote some time every day to breathe deeply and focus on yourself.
2. Believe in yourself. Stay true to your values and beliefs—especially when they’re challenged.
3. Keep a clear conscience. Be honest and ethical in all your dealings.
4. Stay positive. Try to maintain a good attitude and outlook on life—especially during stressful times.
5. Expand your viewpoint. Have an open mind and listen to other points of view.
6. Own up. Take responsibility for your actions.
TOTAL WELLNESS IS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL
Living a healthy, happy life is a day-to-day balancing act. And no one of us are perfect at it! However, these tips and ideas show that you can do small things every day that can have a big impact in the quality of your overall health. Try some of them and come up with a few of your own— you’ll enjoy your life more and be on the road to “well-rounded” wellness.
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