Part 2 following "22 Ways to Cancer-Proof Your Life Today"
By Ty Bollinger of The Truth About Cancer
Italic by Debbie Dennison
Everyone uses them. They're the very things that we've all been told will help us stay fresh and
clean. But personal care products -- meaning things such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap -- are a minefield of unsuspected, cancer-causing toxins. A study conducted at Harvard University found that the average person is exposed to more than 100 chemicals from soaps, cosmetics, and various other personal care products before they even get to work in the morning. This represents just a small fraction of the more than 80,000 chemicals currently in use in personal care products that have never been adequately safety tested by federal regulators. Even worse is the fact that a great number of these chemicals have been shown in independent testing to cause cancer and other serious health problems.
Harvard School of Public Health. Harmful, untested chemicals rife in personal care products. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ews/features/harmful-chemicals-in-personal-care-produicts/
Natural Resources Defense Council. More than 80,000 Chemicals Available in the United States Have Never Been Fully Tested for Their Toxic Effects on Our Health and Environment. http://www.nrdc.org/healthtoxics/asp
I highly recommend a book, that debunks the marketing myths and claims of skincare products on the market. In simple language explaining why these product claims can not work, and what actually does work. Available on Amazon. "Simple Skincare, Beautiful Skin"
1. Toothpaste
Each of these toothpaste products contains cleansing and protective herb extracts such as neem, wintergreen, mint, and cinnamon -- the real stuff derived from the essential oils of actual plants and herbs, not chemicals synthesized in the lab!
Neem, you should know, as shown in a 2011 study published in the Journal of Indian Society and Periodontology to safely and effectively treat plaque-induced gingivitis due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Chatterjee, Anirban et al 2011. "To Evaluate the Antigingivitis and Antiplaque Effect of an Azadirachta indica (neem) Mouthrince on Plaque Induced Gingivitis: A double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial." Journal of Indian Society and Periodontology. http://www.nhs.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283940/
2. Mouthwash
Free & Clear is a shampoo & cream rinse and hair products, usually found in a Drug Store, or online (much less online).
causing parabens (a type of preservative linked to breast cancer), synthetic "fragrance" chemicals, sulfates (a detergent and surfactant), and other chemicals linked to various forms of cancer.
provide moisturizing benefits for skin health. But a class of emulsifying ingredients (emulsifiers basically thicken lotion and give it a consistent texture) known as alkyloamides used in many of them can convert into cancer-causing agents known as nitrosamines.
The simplest, safest and most effective way to moisturize your skin is to use pure moisturizing oils, either from or with coconut and jojoba oils. Shea butter is also great. By Ty Bollinger of The Truth About Cancer
Italic by Debbie Dennison
Everyone uses them. They're the very things that we've all been told will help us stay fresh and
Harvard School of Public Health. Harmful, untested chemicals rife in personal care products. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ews/features/harmful-chemicals-in-personal-care-produicts/
Natural Resources Defense Council. More than 80,000 Chemicals Available in the United States Have Never Been Fully Tested for Their Toxic Effects on Our Health and Environment. http://www.nrdc.org/healthtoxics/asp
1. Toothpaste
In commercial toothpaste, surprisingly you'll often find a whole host of toxic additives:
Fluoride, an industrial waste product linked to lowered IQ in children and dental fluorosis, or mottling of teeth. You probably grew up thinking fluoride is good for your teeth because that's what the public has been told for over 50 years, but the collective of science says otherwise. If Fluoride is safe, why must all fluoride toothpaste sold in the US carry a warning?
Propylene glycol, a synthetic moisture absorbent linked to organ toxicity. Also used in garbage bags.
Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that disrupts hormone production and promotes multiple forms of cancer, including breast, ovarian, testicular, and prostate cancers. Also used as a surgical scrub.
And even plastics in the form of polyethylene, which also interfere with the endocrine system and promote cancer.
Harvard School of Public Health. Impact of fluoride on neurological development in children. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/fluoride-childrens-health-grandjean-choi/
Flouoride Action Network. New Study Challenges Old Belief on Dental Flurosis/Tooth Decay. http://fluoridealert.org/articles/science-watch14/
Fluoride Action Network. Health Effects. http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
Environmental Working Group. Propylene Glycol. http://www.ewg.orgskindeep/ingredient/705315/PROPYLENE_GLYCOL/
These ingredients are clearly problematic, which is why it's crucial to stick with natural toothpaste products such as:
- Dr Bronner's All-One Toothpaste
- Auromere Ayuvedic Toothpaste
- Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste
- Spry Dental Defense Toothpaste
- Jason Toothpaste
- Nature's Answer PerioBrite Natural Toothpaste
Neem, you should know, as shown in a 2011 study published in the Journal of Indian Society and Periodontology to safely and effectively treat plaque-induced gingivitis due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Chatterjee, Anirban et al 2011. "To Evaluate the Antigingivitis and Antiplaque Effect of an Azadirachta indica (neem) Mouthrince on Plaque Induced Gingivitis: A double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial." Journal of Indian Society and Periodontology. http://www.nhs.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283940/
2. Mouthwash
You may not have known this, but your body contains a special kind of good bacteria that helps promote digestion and blood vessel health. But a study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that many popular mouthwash products contain an ingredient known as chlorhexidine that destroys this bacteria, weakening the immune system (which is critical to cancer prevention).
Some studies have also linked added alcohol in some mouthwashes to oral cancer, which is why brands such as Tom's of Maine, Jason, and many of these same brands mentioned in the toothpaste category offer mouthwashes that are made from simple, safe ingredients such as water, glycerin (from vegetables), aloe vera, and natural essential oils derived from mint and wintergreen.
Medical Daily. Antiseptic Mouthwash Rinses Heart Attack Rsisk, Blood Pressure: Chlorhexidine Kills Off 'Good' Bacteria That Helps Blood Vessels Relax. http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/04April.Pages/Is-frequent-mouthwash-use-linked-to-oral-cancer.aspx
NPR, Mouthwash and Poor Dental Hygiene May Up the Risk of Oral Cancer. http://wwwnpr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/08/300257396/mouthwash-and-poor-dental-hygiene-may-up-the-risk-of-oral-cancer
Tom's of Maine Mouthwash. http://www.tomsofmaine.com/oral-care/mouthwash
Jason Mouthwash. http://www.jason-personalcare.com/body-loving-products/oral/mouthwash
3. Dental Floss
Believe it or not, even some dental floss comes with its own set of cancer risks. This is due to the use of a chemical known as perfluorinated polymer, or PFC. This cheap replacement for natural wax interferes with hormone and immune function, and may increase the risk of some forms of cancer.
Some great alternatives are:
- Radius Floss
- Eco-Den T Premium Dental Floss
- Desert Essence Dental Floss
- Pulling (in graphic) is another option for flossing
4. Hair Care
Another area of concern are shampoos and conditioners for your hair, many of which contain cancer-
In 2013 the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) discovered through independent testing that a large number of brands sold in grocery, drug, and department stores contained a chemical known as cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), a foaming agent and thickener, which is a known carcinogen.
Marchese, Marianne, N.D. "Parabens and Breast Cancer." Natural Medicine Journal. http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2010-10/parabens-and-breast-cancer
Environmental Working Group. Not So Sexy: Hidden Chemicals in Perfume and Cologne. http://www.ewg.org/research/not-so-sexy
Center for Environmental Health. Lawsuite Launched as Testing Finds Cancer-Causing Chemical in Nearly 100 Hair Care and Personal Products. http://www.ceh.org/news-events/press-releases/content/lawsuit-launched-testing-finds-cancer-causing-chemical-in-100-shampoos-haircare-products/
5. Hand and Body Lotions
Particularly during dry and cold seasons, many people resort to hand and body lotions that claim to
Some prominent examples of nitrosamine-causing alkyloamides that you need to watch out for include:
- Diethanolamide (DEA)
- Monoethanolamides (MEA)
- Triethanolamides (TEA)
- Monoisopropanolamides (MIPA)
- Ethoxylated alkyloamides (PEG)
Bartsh, Helmut, et al 1984. "Relevance of nitrosamines to human cancer." Carcinogenesis.
Note: this blog has a post about carrier oils you should take note of. I also highly recommend a
http://my.treskinrx.com/AmazingAloe
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TreSkinRXNorthDakota/
6. Body Soap and Washes
Even the soaps you use to wash your body are a source of carcinogens if they contain ingredients such as benzyl acetate, a perfume chemical linked to liver adenomas, carcinomas, stomach tumors, and pancreatic cancer.
Sodium laureth sulfate, or SLS, is duly mutagenic, meaning it damages cellular genetics. It also ingibits the skin's ability to retain moisture, which is the opposite of what you want when it comes to products for cleansing your skin and personal hygiene.
A few recommended brands are:
- Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap and bar soaps
- Nubian Heritage
- One with Nature
7. Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Did you know that many deodorant and antiperspirant products on the market today contain toxic aluminum, a metal compound that blocks the pores in your armpits, inhibiting detoxification through sweat? Aluminum is also nerotoxin that a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found deposits itself into breast tissue after being absorbed through the skin.
Recommended Products:
- Primal Pit Paste
- DIY Deodorant
8. Hand Sanitizer
Like the hand soaps and many of the other products mentioned here, hand sanitizers aren't all they're cracked up to be. For the most part, they don't even work because they're designed to kill bacteria (including good bacteria that you need to support immunity), not remove the dirt and other particles that help spread bacteria.
Hand sanitizers are also typically loaded with triclosan (just like hand soap), its cousin triclocarbon, and synthetic fragrance chemicals. What makes these products worse
If you must sanitize your hands this way (rather than just wash your hands with pure soap and water), try using vinegar instead. A 5% solution in a small spray bottle -- most white vinegar products sold at grocery stores work just fine -- is 99% effective against bacteria, and is completely non-toxic.
Ameo also sells a hand sanitizer that is natural, safe and effective. http://ClinicalGradeEssentialOils.myameo.com
With oils like Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano and Peppermint, Améo Hand
Purifier quickly and effectively cleanses skin while nourishing it
naturally. The essential oils in the purifier also contain innate
components that allow skin to stay moisturized
9. Sunscreen
Most commercial sunblock products contain one or more of the following harmful additives: oxybenzone, avobenzone, actisalate, octocrylene, homosalata, and otinoxate, with oxybenzone being the most problematic (since it's the most common additive used commercially). Other problems with sunscreen include some manufacturers' use retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that actually increases users' rrisk of skin cancer when exposed to sun's ultraviolet rays.
Many commercial sunscreen manufacturers synthesize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two most
Your best bet is to choose only natural, sunscreen products containing mineral based, non-nanoparticle versions of either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (zinc oxide is preferable), both of which provide physical protection against the sun's rays without leaching dangerous chemicals into your body and skin.
Reminder: Citrus essential oils such as Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, and Grapefruit will cause sunburns. Do not apply to exposed skin, or stay out of the sun for 12-24 hours, this includes tanning beds.
A few favorable brands include:
- Dr Mercola's Natural Sunscreen Lotion
- Badger Natural & Organic Sunscreens
- Aubrey Organics
- TreSkinRX also has medical grade organic aloe vera base (which heals skin) sunscreen
http://my.treskinrx.com/AmazingAloe
Environmental Working Group. The Trouble with Sunscreen Chemicals. http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
Environmental Working Group. The Problem with Vitamin A. http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/report/the-problem-with-vitamin-a/
Cyanotech BioAstin. Clinical Trial Indicates Sun Protection from BioAstin Supplement. http://www/cyanotech.com/pdfs/bioastin/batl33.pdf
10. Feminine Hygiene Products
Believe it or not, even feminine hygiene products are often saturated in harmful chemicals. Tampons and pads can contain chlorine (a bleaching agent), dioxins, plastics (bisphenol-A and phthalates), synthetic fibers, and various petrochemical addititves, not to mention synthetic fragrances and chemical-based odor neutralizers.
Because federal regulators classify them as "medical devices", tampons and sanifary pads are typically sold without full disclosure of the ingredients they contain, giving manufacturers full reign to add practically whatever they want.
Some major areas of concern with regards to conventional feminine products, as outlined by Women's Voices for the Earth, include:
Tampons: Since most major brands of tampons are bleached, they contain toxic byproducts such as dioxins and furans that can cause reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
Pads: These come in many of the same risks associated with bleached tampons, as well as added risks from adhesive chemicals such as methyldibromo glutaronitrile.
Feminine Wipes: It's difficult to know where to start with this category, as many brands of feminine wipes contain a multitude of hazardous chemicals. These include endocrine-disrupting parabens, triclosan, synthtic fragrances, and a novel's length list of toxic chemicals that you'd be hard-pressed to pronounce correctly.
To avoid all this, it's important to choose feminine hygiene brands that use non-toxic or natural components such as organic cotton (conventional cotton is loaded with pesticides), minimal or no plastics, and minimal absorbency colume for your flow (csince high-absorbency materials tend to be synthetic).
Some quality tampon and sanitary pad brands include:
- Seventh Generation
- Natracare
- Glad Rags - they contain no plastics and are also reusable, which is a significant money-saver over time.
Women's Voices for the Earth. Chem Fatale. http://www.womensvoices.org/issues/reports/chem-fatale/
Glad Rags. http://gladrags.com
11. Baby Wipes and Diapers
If you're a parent of a small child, chances are you're deeply familiar with the joys of disposable baby
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in a 2003 report that a chemical byproduct commonly found in both baby wipes and diapers is a"persistent environmental pollutant," meaning it doesn't break down very easily. It also causes all sorts of health problems, including developmental delays and cancer.
The chemical is dioxin, and it's typically accompanied by other poisonous compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sodium polyacralate (SAP), two other cancer-causing additives found in disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers are a lot like feminine care products in that they often contain super absorbent polymers (SAP), plastics, and other unlabeled chemicals. I typically recommend that parents opt for reusable cloth diapers, as these can be made from simple, less toxic materials such as organic cotton.
If disposable is your preference, there are chlorine-free, fragrance-free, and mostly chemical-free options such as BAMBO Nature "eco-friendly" diapers, but even these still contain SAP.
As for baby wipes, The Honest Company sells chlorine-free, hypoallergenic, biodegradable wipes produced without alcohol, phthalates (a family of plastics chemicals often used in personal care products), parabens, phenols, SLS, and other harmful additives.
To stay up to date on safe, non-toxic personal care products, my personal recommendation is that you check out the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database. There, yo'll be able to see where your favorite soaps, shampoos, conditioner, etc. brands land on the toxicity scale, as assessed using a comprehensive data cohort gathered from 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.
EWG even has a Skin Deep mobile app that you can download on your smartphone for instant access to this important information while you're shopping.
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