I also updated the site and made a few changes.  Feel free to sign up for my mailing list (on the home page) for updates on the launch and promotions.

A recent article in commondreams.org lists recent studies about the toxicity of the active ingredient, Triclosan which is used in antibacterial soaps.  

“Antibacterial Agent no Better Than Soap & Water and its Toxic” 

“Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in many everyday products including liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, mattresses, shower curtains, bathtubs, and cutting boards.  Federal agencies continue to allow its use despite the fact it may be toxic to the developing fetus and child, and pollutes mothers breast milk.”

“Triclosan has been linked to cancer in lab animals, has been targeted for removal from some stores in Europe for its health and environmental risks and the American Medical Association recommends against its use in the home…”

 Read more about it here:

So what should you use when you wash your hands?  Plain soap and water is best. 

Pesticides Found in Soap, Toothpaste and Toys

As always, read labels!

DEAs are used to create, increase, and stabilize foam (for soaps, shampoos, etc) and its also used as an emulsifier in other products. 

One of the concerns with DEA is that they can be mild to moderate skin and eye irritants.  Though its not classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Production Agency (EPA), it has been reported by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) an increase liver and kidney tumors in mice from dermal exposure to DEA.

This common ingredient is banned in Europe.

More info on DEA:

Chemical Exposures: Will DEA Findings Wash?
Cynthia Washam
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1665417 Mentions potential fetal neural abnormalities in humans and also controversy on the matter on whether DEA is indeed harmful or safe.

Food and Chemical Toxicology – Abstract
ScienceDiet.com

Cosmetics firms heed calls for organics

Consumers who are vigilant about what they put into their bodies have proved they also care about what they put on them, making naturals and organics the fastest-growing segment of the cosmetics industry.

Players like Target and Wal-mart launching their own natural and organic lines, but even small local companies are reaping the rewards.

According to Organic Monitor, a London consulting company, sales of natural and organic cosmetics are soaring, with revenues projected to approach $7 billion this year in the United States, up $1 billion from last year.

For the full paper:
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/05/26/cosmetics_firms_heed_calls_for_organics/

Still, even products labeled “natural” can still have some of the same harmful chemicals that it’s best to avoid.  Always read labels before purchasing. 

One of my biggest pet peeves with personal care products, especially ones that claim to be “natural” is the use of artificial fragrances and perfumes. 

Besides the fact that they do not smell very good, they can cause and contribute to chemical sensitivities in many individuals. Migraines, asthma attacks and skin reactions (breakouts, rashes, itching, etc) are on the rise due to the fact the many products contains more synthetic chemicals than they have previously.

 At Harvard Medical School, experts such as Dr. Michael Segal, an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, state “Perfumes can be very potent in triggering asthma.  A typical perfume contains tens to hundreds of volatile organic compounds.  Such compounds were originally discovered in natural products such as flowers or fruits, but now most perfumes are manufactured from synthetic chemicals.  Both naturally-produced and synthetically-produced perfumes release many volatile organic compounds, some of which can trigger asthma.”

Fortunately there are many alternatives currently available.  Unscented products (great for the workplace) and products scented with essential oils are a wonderful alternative to artificial fragrances.  I will offer alternatives for adults and children at greenandchic.com.  In the meantime, let me know if you need product recommendations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change? points out that in several tests, chemicals in the paraben family displayed estrogenic activity. Since most products from shampoos to toothpaste are used on a daily basis, the level and amount of exposure can add up.  Exposure to chemicals through the skin can be especially powerful since they do not have to go through the digestive track.  Theses chemicals can remain in the tissue, especially breast tissue particularly from the use of anti-perspirants.

Chemical’s that are or mimic hormones are also bad for the environment. The EPA’s study on personal care products also states that many of chemicals used in our personal care product and pharmaceuticals are eventually leaked into sewage treatment systems and have a negative effective on marine animals.

There are a number of alternative out that will be available on my website and from other retailers both online and brick and mortar.  I will feature some alternatives in the coming weeks.

References:

http://www.epa.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/

http://www.terressentials.com/truthaboutparabens.html

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ppcps.cfm

http://www.naturalnews.com/022113.html

Parabens are esters or a derivative of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. When you look at a container of the average personal care products, the common names are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. These are what you are most likely to find in common household and personal care products. Less common names include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben.

Thats a “paraben” in a nutshell!

Later, I will point out why its a good idea to avoid them.