To Your Health
April, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 04) |
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Parabens are no longer used in Japan and the U.K., so some manufacturers are reformulating to have them removed from products. However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR) Expert Panel issued an amended final report on parabens in 2006, concluding that "methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben are safe as used in cosmetics." The CIR provides information on the safety of chemical ingredients and issues safe recommended percentages of each chemical it tests.
Some chemicals will be banned altogether while others must be used only within certain levels. Formulating chemists use these guidelines when they make products.
Kevin Tipps is a chemist who has been proactive in "going green" and replacing questionable ingredients with safer ones. He speaks on green cosmetic issues at symposiums and conventions for formulating chemists. "We use third-party testing labs to get our safety information," said Kevin. The CIR is only one of several he uses. He has been approached by several companies wanting to make all-organic, all-green products. The problem is they still want specific, targeted results for such things as wrinkles. Natural products are great, but it's chemistry that defines the specificity and use. The goal is to be able to create the functional product but do so with ingredients that are natural and eco-friendly. He is helping many companies make voluntary changes, but unfortunately, some companies will wait until they are regulated and forced to change.
Some factors in daily living can complicate the exposure issue. For instance, people exposed to "toluene" (a harmful chemical found in nail polishes) are at higher risk of toluene toxicity if they drink large amounts of alcohol or take over-the-counter pain-relieving salisylates like aspirin or acetaminophen. The reason is that toluene is processed in the liver, as are these other chemicals, which then overworks the liver. It can no longer do a good job and toxicity occurs or the chance of toxicity is increased. Healthy people with healthy lifestyles are better equipped to deal with the onslaught of chemicals to which we are exposed. Unfortunately, others, like people with certain diseases, are at greater risk of having adverse reactions.
Mary Gentry started formulating natural body-care products several years ago. Mary is a registered environmental health specialist and spent 15 years creating and developing public health policies in the U.S. and abroad. After acquiring Lyme disease, she developed sensitivities to synthetic compounds and began formulating her own products with natural and hypoallergenic ingredients. Her first product was called "veggie body butter." Seeing others with similar problems, she turned her attention to developing a business with these products. Her company now has a full line of massage and spa products geared toward people with sensitivities.
Mary encourages all of us to look at everything in our environment, not just what we put on our skin. She pointed to radon as one example. Radon is a dangerous byproduct of the natural breakdown of uranium. It's just part of our Earth's processes, yet it's extremely harmful to humans. It's easy to test for and easy to fix. In fact, 20,000 people die each year of radon-related lung cancer. Radon is a known carcinogen to humans, yet few people take it seriously or know about it.
So, what's a body to do? Here are some tips to help minimize your exposure to chemicals in the products you and your family use.
