Do you read labels on shampoos, toothpaste, cosmetics, etc? Why is it that many household cleaning products do not have ingredients listed on labels?

If you are like we used to be, you probably do not read the labels considering that if you buy a product from a well-known company that it is OK. WRONG! That used to be OK about ten years aago, but since then many products are become "poluted" or "had their ingredients changed for one reason or another - usually the profit motive. Following are several basic ingredients we think one should be aware of as most of these (as well as many others) can be deadly to the Human body:

Petro-chemicals are derived from petroleum which produce what are called xeno-oestrogens. While we all have natural estrogens it is the bad estrogens that are produced from ingredients such as petrochemicals that affect our reproductive genes.

Xeno-Oestrogens are synthetic esstrogens which stimulate hormonal imbalances, those ingredients ending in line, lene and others include propyl. BHA is as a preservative and anti-oxodant in personal care products.

Chlorine most commonly known as bleach destroys living organisms required to bio-degrade - break down cleaners in our soil and water. Harmful to the respirtory system many household cleaners contain high concentrations of chlorine. The World Health Organization has called for a phase-out and ban on chlorine in domestic products world-wide.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are ingredients common in facial cleaners, shampoos, bubble bath, bady wassh, and toothpaste. Health hazards regarding these and others have been known since 1983 as stated in the American College of Toxicology. these hazards include tissue damage that could result in brain, liver, heart and lung damage in the long term, eye damage (especially children), degradation of the immune system, severe skin irritation, hair loss and ezcema. These (and others) when absorbed through the skin maintain residual body levels in the heart, liver and lungs and brain.

DEA (Diethanolamine is used as a lathering agent in shampoos, body cleansers, etc. and is readily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the brain and is s skin and eye irritant.

Diazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde releasing agent often used in personal and baby care products.

Coal Tar often used in psoriasis treatments, shampoos, dyes and cosmetics. Exposure can lead to increased risks of lung, scrotum and skin cancer.

Glycol is used in many cosmetic preparations as an antifreeze and brake fluid in motor vehicles. A petrochemical and lubricant. No value to the skin but it used as a gliding agent to ensure the cream or lotin glides onto the skin easily. also used in rinse products in dishwashing machines. Vinigar is a better substitute.

DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing agent.

Formaldehyde Chemical name formalin is used as a preservative in shampoos, baby washes, mascara, creams, bubble baths and anti-dandruff shampoos and some deodorants. Also a common ingredient in fabric softners, glue preparations used in building (especially panel boards such as those used in caravans and melamine). It is known to cause eye, nose and throat irriation, coughing, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, nose bleeds, headaches, dizziness and is a suspected human carcinogen. It is known to cause serious weakening of the immune system.

Propylene Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent, a solvent and a humectant. It is readily absorbed through the skin and scalp and affects the levir and kidneys, where it is suspected of causing abnormalities.

Caustics irritates skin and are still used in most soaps to break down tallow (animal fats).

Phosphates are used in many different foods and are an important ingredient in fertilizers. When phosphates are used in excess and leach into waterwaays the nutrients feed alge growth causing eutrophication (algal bloom).

Fluoride an ingredient often found in toothpaster, it is poison to humans when ingested over long periods as it accumulates in body tissues. "Fluoride is a known carcinogen and teratogen, decreases fertility in women and is not approved by the FDA in the United States". Fluoride has beeen removed from various animal feeds because it was causing birth defects in the offspring. The growing scientific concensus is that fluoride provides no benefit to teeth but does cause damage to the bones and organs of the body." (Source: P. dingle. Cosmetics and Personal Care. Dangerious Beauty 1999, Page 17.) See Fluoride in Karinya.

"Why are these toxic ingredients used in common household, personal and family care products? In the U.S. and several European countries many of these products, which are used daily, must carry a warning label, as they are considered dangerous to ones health. Many of these ingredients are banned completely for use in household products.Brand names and tags are not an indication of quality ingredients.