Earth Day, Every Day - Tip # 19 - Scented OR Unscented?

More and more products are available scented, and not just that perfume your co-worker is wearing, or that candle on the counter... think trash bags... makeup... hair care... pens... cleaning products... fabric softeners... Somewhere along the line we've been lead to believe that scented is better, but is it?

To begin with, fragrances can be made from natural or synthetic compounds and the US government doesn't require safety testing either way, nor does it require that the ingredients used in fragrances be identified on product labels... it's privileged info.

Secondly, a "fragrance" can contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and/or phthalates (no, they're not just in plastics).

As for avoiding fragrance, for some things it's easy. If it reeks or states that it's scented, choose one that's not. But unfortunately, it's not that simple for all products. Your favorite facial cleanser or toner may not mention fragrance, yet contain it, so choose your companies carefully and check out the EWG or National Institutes of Health Consumer Products Database websites for help finding products.

The Chemical Soup We Live In

Unless you've been avoiding the news for years, you know that plastics used for water bottles, beverages and canned goods often contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that may effect our health, and not in a good way.

In a recent study, more than 90% of Americans were found to have BPA in their urine, and those with the highest levels of BPA in their urine were two times more likely to suffer from heart disease and diabetes as those with the lowest level of BPA in their urine. As a result of this study and others, many experts are now recommending that we use only glass or stainless steel bottles for drinking water.

But it's not just BPA that we should be concerned with. Triclosan in deodorants, toothpastes and antibacterial products; Teflon to create non-stick cooking surfaces; phthalates in personal care products, the list goes on and on.

I recently heard this audio and thought I'd share it with you. The speakers, authors of the book Slow Death by Rubber Duck, have used themselves as guinea pigs to show just how quickly some chemicals get into our bloodstreams.

Should we be concerned? Probably, since everyday we're exposed to chemicals... in the air we breathe, the food and beverages we eat, and even in the fabrics that we wear or touch. Obviously we can't avoid all chemicals, but some may be of greater concern than others, and may be within our control if we just make a few changes.

Best of Health,
Susan

Toxic Chemicals video from Healthy Stuff.org

Bisphenol-A in baby bottles, water bottles, and food cans.
Formaldehyde in furniture.
Phthalates in air fresheners, soft plastics, and fragrances.

According to research by the Environmental Working Group Body Burden study, these chemicals and many others can be found in babies (and adults alike). It's time industry put public health first!



And to avoid these toxins, chose truly green cleaners that are safe for you, your home AND especially your family!