What’s In Your Bathroom?

There are some products we all use every day and we all assume are safe. After all, if they weren’t safe the government (a.k.a. the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)) wouldn’t let them be sold, right? Maybe not.

The fact is that manufacturers don’t have to get FDA approval to introduce a new product. Nor does the FDA regulate what is in that product (beyond a list of ingredients that are prohibited).

What kind of ingredients should you avoid? How do you know if the products you are using everyday contain any of those ingredients? The most obvious is to read the label. Of course, you may need your magnifying glass and don’t throw away the box before you have a chance to look at the ingredients since that is probably where they are listed.

If you want a quick way to decide if a product is safe, you can check on the manufacturer. There is a website that lists all the companies that have signed something called the Compact for Safe Cosmetics (and that includes soap and shampoo guys!).

Companies that sign this pack state that their products meet or exceed standards to be free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects. They also agree to implement a plan to replace any hazardous materials that are currently within their products within three years.

So what ingredients should you be avoiding if at all possible?

Antibacterials, including Triclosan. This is an antibacterial agent that may interfere with the metabolism of thyroid hormone and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Want clean hands? Wash with regular soap and warm water.

Formaldehyde. Yes, the same stuff they use to preserve bodies (remember that frog in biology class?). It’s harmful to the immune system, can cause respiratory irritation, and is a known human carcinogen.

Parabens. These are also used as preservatives. They can affect your body like the hormone estrogen and they have been linked to breast and prostate cancer.

Placenta. Often touted as the miracle ingredient, placenta can cause estrogen-like effects and may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Read carefully. Parabens, for example, can come in many forms (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, etc.).

What is your skin wearing in your shower today? Is your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash safe and non-toxic ?

With all the varieties of products available, why take a chance? Find the products that not only work great, but won’t destroy your system in the process. Check on the companies that make the products you use on a regular basis.

GREEN ORGANIC and SAFE