We are born out of love with innocence and purity. So; should a newborn be faced with a toxic world before even getting started? Is nothing safe or sacred anymore?

As consumers driven by media hype, fads and trends in our everyday lives, we’ve taken for granted that manufactures and businesses are looking after our best interest right? Then why is J&J making changes to formulations of products that we all assumed safe for the last 40 years or so?

While many of us strive to eat better foods and attempt to choose products wisely; how is one to know what really is inside a product or how to read labels that need 5X magnification to decipher?  We’re all faced with toxic chemicals everyday of our lives that governments and manufactures state safe for use. Question is - Who gave the rights to these people to deem any toxin safe at any level?

Guess what, we did because we accepted it without question!

Toxin infused foods, personal care products, clothes, furniture, toys and the air we breathe all contribute towards a shortened lifespan and/or troubled health. Pesticides, heavy metals, petro chemicals and some of the very same chemicals found in prescription drugs are around every corner we turn. So what is one to do?

Here are some guidelines and tips to follow;

• READ LABELS: If a product contains more ingredients then you can read, chances are it contains ingredients of concern. If you can’t pronounce or understand it, then chances are it’s not good for you at any level.
• Ask Questions: It’s your right to know what you are putting in and on your body.
• Pregnant mothers - Mothers to be
  • Avoid perfumes, artificial nails/polishes and hair coloring/perms/straighteners. (Everything you breathe, eat and touch is shared with your unborn/newborn)
  • Wear natural fiber clothing – use laundry soaps which are phosphate and bleach free – Borax, Arm & Hammer are good choices or make your own. Simply Google it for cost saving non-toxic recipes.
  • Eat well, shop local markets or grow your own. Fresh is Better! Most imported veggies and fruits are treated with pesticides, anti-fungus waxes and gmo’s.
  • Avoid fast food, junk foods and processed sugars, processed meats (sandwich meats, hotdogs, sausages, bacon, etc.) and non-organic meats containing chemical preservatives (nitrates), coloring (makes red meat look fresher), gmos and growth hormones.

Hazardous Ingredients - Did you know a woman can absorb up to 30 pounds of chemical toxins in her lifespan?
With more than 10,000 ingredients allowed for use in personal care products - the average woman can wear up to 515 of them every day. Very little is known about the health effects of these chemicals and more than 90% have never been tested for their effects on human health.  Complete toxicity data is available for only 7% of them even though government agencies are aware of the health hazards of some ingredients, such as hydroquinone or phthalates yet they are still allowed in personal care products. Note though that some chemicals about which there are serious concerns such as fragrance ingredients or contaminants found in certain chemicals, will not show up on labels so reading labels won’t tell you everything you need to know. Always remember this; it’s your right to know what is in those products going on and into your body!

Here’s a short list of the worst found in everyday personal care products.

HC=High Concern, HR=High Risk, HEC=High Environmental Concern

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids ~ HC

Products with these ingredients are marketed as a way to remove wrinkles, blemishes, blotches and acne scars. UV skin damage and higher risk of skin cancer are the main concerns.

Aluminum ~ HC

A 2005 British study, published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, found that aluminum-based compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer. More studies needed.

Benzyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol ~ HC/HR

Used as fragrance ingredients, preservatives, solvents and anti-foaming agents for hand sanitizers, sunscreens, lotions and baby wipes. Evidence shows them as neurotoxic. Children younger than 3 years old are particularly at risk for toxic effects if exposed to benzyl alcohol.

Boric Acid and Sodium Borate ~ HC

Is considered by the cosmetic industry to be unsafe for infants or for damaged skin.

Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-2,3-Diol) ~ HC

Known lung, immune system and skin toxicant. Studies have shown them to disrupt the endocrine system in animal studies. Bronopol can break down into formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and into nitrosamines, which are suspected carcinogens.

Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA) & Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) ~ HR

Both BHA and BHT are known skin allergens. BHA is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by the US National Toxicology Program. These ingredients are also used in fragrances. Banned for use within the European Union - causes skin depigmentation. BHT has shown evidence that it promotes tumors and disruption of the hormonal system.

Ceteareth ~ HR

See Polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Coal Tar Dyes ~ HC

Shown as FD&C, D&C or C.I. which is followed by the color name or number. Coal tar is a petroleum product. Can cause; allergic reactions, skin irritations and contact dermatitis. Evidence suggests that certain coal tar colors cause cancer - D&C Blue 1, D&C Green 3, D&C Red 4, and D&C Yellow 5. Coal tar is a recognized human carcinogen and is banned from use in cosmetics. However, each coal tar dye has different properties and different potential health concerns. On US products, coal tar dyes are listed as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number (F indicates that the color is also approved for food use). In Canada, they may be identified as C.I. (Color Index) followed by a 5 digit number or as p-phenylenediamine. (Natural and inorganic pigments are numbered in the 75000 and 77000 series respectively.)

1,4-Dioxane ~ HR

Probable carcinogen, 1,4-dioxane is a particular concern in children's and baby products. Because 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant and not an ingredient, it doesn't appear on ingredient labels. Product tests done in 2009 for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found 1,4-dioxane in baby shampoos and other bath products marketed for young children. 1,4-dioxane can form during a manufacturing process called ethoxylation. Ethoxylation uses ethylene oxide (known mammary carcinogen in animals).

DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea & Imidazolidinyl Urea ~ HC/HR

See formaldehyde. DMDM hydantoin can cause allergic reactions. Imidazolidinyl urea may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

FD&C Colors ~ HC/HR

See Coal Tar Colors.

Formaldehyde ~ HR

Proven skin sensitizer and carcinogen. Can cause; joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Found in many nail products, specifically as a nail hardening agent, and is one of the "toxic trio" targeted for elimination from nail polish and removers by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Formaldehyde may also be released when preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea and imidiazolidinyl urea.

Fragrance ~ HC/HR

Synthetic fragrance is the most common ingredient found in personal care products. The generic terms, "fragrance" or "parfum" or “perfume”, can indicate the presence of up to 3,000 separate ingredients. Fragrance is a sensitizer and known trigger of asthma. Can cause; headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting and allergic skin irritations. A test of fragrance products by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "Not So Sexy", found that perfumes contained an average of 10 known sensitizing chemicals, which can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing, headaches, and contact dermatitis. Clinical observations by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes." (Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd). Many fragrance compounds are also suspected and/or proven carcinogens. In a 1991 study, the US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of the perfumes they tested contained toluene (can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus). Certain fragrance ingredients (phthalates) have hormone disrupting properties. Diethyl phthalate (DEP - solvent used in fragrances) has been linked to adverse reproductive effects, including DNA damage to human sperm. For more information on hazardous fragrance ingredients, see also phthalates and musks.

Hydroquinone ~ HC/HR/HEC

Considered one of the most toxic ingredients found in personal care products. Known impurity in ingredients such as tocopherol acetate.  Increases exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Classified cancer causing agent by Health Canada. Can cause kidney damage and ochronosis (skin becomes dark and thick). Assessed under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan as a chemical of high concern. Listed on Health Canada's Cosmetic Hotlist and is restricted for use in hair dye and nail products only.

Iodoproponyl Butylcarbamate ~ HC/HR

Known registered pesticide for use as a fungicide and wood preservative. Can cause skin allergies and may have toxic properties that have not been assessed. Toxic when inhaled.

Lead ~ HC/HR

Carcinogen and neurotoxin. Can attribute to learning/behavior problems and reduced fertility. Readily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the bones. Can result in; leg cramps, muscle weakness, numbness and depression. Lead is a contaminant found in many different kinds of products including sunscreens, foundations, nail colors, whitening toothpaste, and lipstick. A 2008 study by Health Canada found lead in 21 of 26 lipsticks tested.

Mercury HC/HR/HEC

See Thimerosol.

Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone ~ HC

Immune system toxin. Can possibly damage the developing nervous system in children.

Methyl methacrylate HC/HR/HEC

Known to cause shortness of breath and irritate the eyes and skin. Found in almost all gel nail products. Secondary HC/HR with gel nails or artificial nails is the use of UV curing lamps and acetone polish remover. Probable HR  towards expectant mothers and unborn/newborn children.

Musks ~ HC/HR

Galaxolide, Tonalide, Musk Xylene and Musk Ketone. Data on toxicity is scarce; some musks appear to have effects on reproduction. Restricted use in Canada use of musk ambrette and musk tibetene, but has no restrictions on the more commonly used musks. The European Union has identified musk xylene as a substance of very high concern.

Nanoparticles ~ HC

Nanoparticles are developed from chemicals that are manipulated to extremely small dimensions. In Canada there is no requirement to indicate whether ingredients are present in nano form. Animal studies suggest that nano-materials in the body can cause inflammation, damaged brain cells and pre-cancerous lesions.

Nitrosamines ~ HC

See DEA, TEA and MEA.

Nonylphenol ~ HR/HEC

Is a known estrogen mimicking chemical. Found in plastics, shaving creams, shampoos and hair colors. Can be created when certain chemicals commonly found in personal care products break down. Nonylphenols can be a component in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a compound often found in acrylic and gel nails.

Oxybenzone ~ HC/HR

Known as benzophenone-3, 4-MBC and homosalate.  Can cause photo-allergic sun reactions. Scientific evidence suggests that oxybenzone is also a hormone disruptor and may be toxic to the nervous system. A 2008 study from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that oxybenzone exposure to pregnant women was associated with low birth weight baby girls.

Parabens ~ HC/HR

Methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl-. Parabens mimic estrogen, a hormone that is associated with breast cancer. Can cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. Parabens have been found in biopsied tissue from breast cancer tumors.

PEG ~ HC/HR

See Polyethylene Glycol.

Phenylenediamine ~ HC

PPD is a coal tar dye. Found in most hair dyes, even products marketed as "natural" or "herbal". PPD is a carcinogen which can also cause severe skin irritation and reaction with other chemicals causing increased photo-sensitivity.

Phthalates ~ HC/HR/HEC

Research shows that phthalates disrupt the hormonal system and interfere with reproduction. Pregnant women exposed to high phthalate levels are more likely to give birth to baby boys with a shortened distance between the anus and the genitals. The shortened ano-genital distance is associated with genital problems and feminization. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) damages the DNA of sperm in adult men. DEP is a popular fragrance ingredient and the phthalate that is found in the highest levels in humans. Another phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a favourite ingredient in nail polishes has been linked in animal studies to an increased risk of breast cancer. The European Union has banned DBP, BBP and DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) from use in cosmetics, but in Canada and the US there are no restrictions on any phthalates in cosmetics at this time.

Polyethylene Glycol ~ HC/HR/HEC

(PEG) and Ceteareth are petrochemical compounds. Both PEG and ceteareth may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen, and ethylene dioxide, a known human carcinogen. 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the skin, and is considered unsafe for injured or damaged skin.

Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80 ~ HC/HR/HEC

These chemicals may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen, which readily penetrates the skin. Ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, may also be a contaminant of these ingredients.

Propylene Glycol ~ HC/HR/HEC

Related to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and is known to cause contact dermatitis. A known neurotoxin that could possibly cause kidney damage. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol warns workers handling this chemical to avoid skin contact.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) ~ HC/HR/HEC

Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide and quaternium-15. Caustic and can irritate the eyes. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related contact dermatitis. Quats can cause asthma-like symptoms, including respiratory arrest.

Selenium Sulfide ~ HC/HR/HEC

Believed to be a neurotoxin and is classified as a possible human carcinogen by both Environment Canada and the US National Toxicology Program.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate ~ HC/HR/HEC

SLS’s are known skin and eye irritants that enhance allergic responses to other toxins and allergens. When sls is combined with ethylene oxide (ethoxylized) it can become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is the same as sodium lauryl sulfate except the sodium group has been replaced with an ammonium atom.

Talc ~ HC/HR/HEC

Talc is carcinogenic when inhaled. Women who use talc in the genital area have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Can cause lung irritation, coughing, vomiting and even pneumonia. Many pediatricians tell parents to avoid using talc as it can cause respiratory distress. Talc is known to irritate sensitive mucous membranes.

TEA, DEA and MEA ~ HC/HR/HEC

Triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine (DEA) & monoethanolamine (MEA) are found in many cosmetics. Other DEA compounds, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA are also found in many of the same products. DEA and TEA are known to combine with nitrates to form nitrosamines ( possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer). There is no way to know which products contain nitrosamines as the US & Canadian governments do not require companies to disclose this information on labels. Repeated skin application of DEA was found to cause liver and kidney damage in animals. DEA accumulates in organs. TEA is known to be toxic to the skin, respiratory and immune systems.

Thimerosol ~ HC/HR/HEC

Know mercury-containing preservative. May cause; allergic reactions, skin irritations and adverse effects on both the nervous and reproduction systems. Mercury is readily absorbed through the skin. Thimerosol is on Health Canada's Cosmetic Hotlist as a prohibited substance.

Titanium Dioxide ~ HC/HR/HEC

Classified as a "possible carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In recent years almost every sunscreen manufacturer has chosen to use nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. The health effects of nano-sized titanium dioxide or other nanoparticles are unknown because of the lack of testing at this time.

Toluene ~ HC/HR/HEC

Solvent used in nail polish and nail treatment products. May be listed as methylbenzene or toluol. Can irritate eyes, throat, lungs, cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue and nausea. Known reproductive toxin and may put pregnant women at risk (possible birth defects or delayed development). Benzene is a known human carcinogen and can be a contaminant of toluene. High Carcinogenic Potential.

Triclosan & Triclocarban ~ HC/HR/HEC

Antibacterial chemicals added to soaps, toothpastes, mouthwash, deodorants, shaving creams and other personal care products. Detected in human breast milk and 75% of human tissue samples. Studies show both may have endocrine disrupting effects. Animal studies have shown triclosan reduces thyroid hormones, which are critical for normal development.

This is but a small list, but a list of the most toxic, suspected toxic chemicals known. With over 30 years of experience within the wellness industry, we’ve seen what we well knew long before news of chemical toxicities in products and foods being reported today. There are many topics on toxicity buildup that can be spoken of, but simply stating, it is through awareness and education that we hope to give you the tools to make healthy choices today and for the future of your children.

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Websites:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Skin Deep Database, Environmental Working Group: 
Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance (2010): 
Pretty Nails, Toxic Body
Not Too Pretty
The Beast of Beauty: Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics
Femme Toxic
What's Inside? That Counts, David Suzuki Foundation: www.davidsuzuki.org
Prevent Cancer Now (Canada)
Health Canada Cosmetic Hotlist