CHEMICAL FREE TOILETRIES As part of modern life, we are all being exposed to significantly higher levels of artificial chemicals than at any point in history. Over 300 man-made chemicals are found in the average person. According to international environmental group Friends of the Earth, there is some evidence that the use of chemicals in foods, household cleaning products, paint, baby toiletries and detergents can aggravate conditions such as asthma and dermatitis.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
Some of the most worrying chemicals are those which interfere with the natural balance of hormones in our bodies. A Royal Society Report in 2000 on hormone disrupters said;
"Humans are exposed daily to chemicals that have been shown, or suggested, to have hormone-disrupting properties. Despite the uncertainty, it is prudent to minimise the exposure to humans, especially pregnant women, to endocrine [hormone] disrupting chemicals"
Other chemicals cannot be broken down by the body and start to accumulate in the tissues. The potential long-term effects of bio-accumulation are currently unknown.
BABIES
We are all exposed to these chemicals, but the levels of chemicals within the home are of greatest concern to families. Human skin absorbs approximately 60% of everything it comes into contact with, and a baby’s skin is about six times thinner and five times more sensitive than that of an adult.
For this reason, midwives recommend that all babies are bathed in nothing but water after birth. Olive oil is a fantastic natural moisturiser, and cotton wool or flannel makes a perfect baby wipe. Plus, cutting down on your use of branded baby products will help save a few dollars.
As concern has mounted over the mystifying ingredients list of many baby toiletries, the green bandwagon has started rolling. There are now a large number of companies making alternatives from natural and organic ingredients, and many supermarkets will stock at least one environmentally friendly range of products. UK based company Weleda is one of the best-known, and makes a point of listing and explaining all the ingredients on its website. Belgian company Ecover makes green cleaning products and is also fairly widely available.
CLEANING
Household cleaning products are some of the worst chemical offenders, containing very harsh ingredients, many of which can aggravate skin conditions and breathing problems.
However, this area is one of the easiest to make a huge change in the quality of your personal environment. White vinegar is your saviour. A 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water will clean practically anything – kitchen worktops, stove tops, floors, bathroom tiles, toilets, and even glass. This website is just one of a huge number devoted to the joys of cleaning with vinegar. As a bonus, it also keeps the weeds from re-growing in your patio and acts as a highly effective fabric softener.
Don’t worry, the smell dissipates very quickly – so your house won’t smell like a fast food joint!
INGREDIENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Parabens: These are the most commonly used cosmetic preservatives in the USA. In a survey of 215 cosmetic products, 99% contained parabens.
Phthalates: Chemicals used as solvents and plasticisers. Often found in mattress covers, plastic toys and feeding vessels. They have been associated with birth defects and reproductive problems in boys. The European Union has outlawed their use in children’s toys.
Urea: Used as a preservative in many cosmetic products
Petrochemicals: Commonly found in moisturising creams.
The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition has established their Heal the House website which is a comprehensive information resource of all the common household chemicals.
This website is a little terrifying as the lists of potentially harmful chemicals seem to be never-ending. However, the important thing to remember is that the majority of them have not been subjected to detailed scientific research, and the risks are not known. Just reducing your exposure as far as you can without locking yourself in a hay barn will make a big difference.
Editor's Note: Contribution from Green Options. Green Options focuses on providing knowledge and resources needed in greening up your life.
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