• RBGH
  • PBDEs
  • Bisphenol A
  • Phthalates
  • RBGH - Growth Hormone in Milk - An organic label is the only 100% guarantee that a dairy item is not produced with milk from cows injected with rBGH or treated with antibiotics. List of organig Milk and RBGH Free here: http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=4&sec=3
  • ANTIBACTERIALS - Triclosan - Found in cleansers, deodorants and other cosmetic products
  • COAL-TAR COLORS-colors used in makeup and hair dye-FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3, D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6
  • DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)-triethanolamine - Widely used in shampoos
  • FORMALDEHYDE - Found in eye shadows, mascaras and other cosmetics -

In its liquid state, formaldehyde, present in the ingredients DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15; Bronopol, often listed as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol GLYCOL ETHERS - industrial solvents found in nail polish, deodorant, perfumes and other cosmetics - listed on labels as EGPE, EGME,EGEE, DEGBE, PGME, DPGME and those with "methyl" in their names. HEAVY METALS: LEAD AND MERCURY - lead acetate in hair dyes and makeup - Mercury: is allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics PARABENS-Used in underarm deodorants- including methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl- PETROLATUM (vaseline, petroleum jelly)-Commonly used in cold creams, lipsticks, lip protection, baby creams, eye shadows. Petrolatum can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, since it is a petroleum product, its use depletes a non-renewable resource. PHENYLENEDIAMINE (PPD) - Found in many hairdyes,has been banned in Europe. Also called oxidation dyes, amino dyes para dyes, or peroxide dyes. PHTHALATES - Universal Recycling Symbol "3" - The best way to tell if a product is packaged in or made of PVC is to look inside the universal recycling symbol on the bottom of the product. If the number inside the symbol is the number "3," the product is made of PVC. - - Used widely in fragrances, deodorants, nail polishes, hair products and lotions, the oily texture of phthalates acts like a moisturizer and helps lotions penetrate skin. - phthalates often "hide" behind the term "fragrance;" choose products labeled "fragrance-free" or that are scented exclusively with pure botanical or essential oils. Polycarbonate, Universal Recycling Symbol "7" - Although not made of PVC, Nalgene bottles and other sport bottles may not be the healthful choice that we all assume they are when we drink water from them. So, if you're in the habit of toting Nalgene bottles with you on your day hikes or on your hikes to the office, you may want to note the following: Plastic bottles marked with the universal recycling symbol "7" are made of polycarbonate. Although polycarbonate does not contain phthalates, according to the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, bottles made of polycarbonate can leach the chemical bisphenol A when heated, washed, or exposed to acidic foods. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) - Cosmetics TOLUENE - nail products Bisphenol A - Use glass, stainless steel, or polyethylene bottles instead of polycarbonate (hard, shiny, clear plastic) bottles. Avoid heating foods in polycarbonate containers, as bisphenol-A tends to leach faster with higher temperatures. Use glass or ceramic containers instead. Cut back on consumption of canned foods and beverages to reduce exposure to bisphenol A contamination from the interior coating of the container. Before getting dental sealants, check with your dentist about the ingredients in the products they use, as some formulations may leach bisphenol A.18 Phthalates - Avoid products containing PVC plastic. Avoid the use of PVC/vinyl in building and home remodeling. Use safe alternatives such as those recommended by the Healthy Building Network. Educate yourself as to whether the adhesives, caulk, grout, and sealants you use contain phthalates. In the National Institutes of Health’s Household Products Database, you can search for phthalate as an ingredient. Purchase natural fibers, polyester, or nylon shower curtains instead of vinyl. Avoid plastics marked with the #3 symbol; these are likely to contain PVC. Check with your children’s toy manufactures to see if they have pledged to stop using PVC. Toymakers Brio, Chicco, Early Start, Evenflo, Gerber, Lego, Prime Time, Sassy, and Tiny Love have already made the commitment. Use plastic wrap and food storage bags made from polyethylene, such as GLAD. Use glass or ceramic containers to store food. Phthalate-free Personal Care Products Look at ingredient lists and avoid products listing “fragrance” or phthalates. Choose products from companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. For a listing, check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website. Research the ingredients of your personal care products, beyond what is on the ingredient label. Check out the Skin Deep Database for a more complete listing. Know What Is In Your Food Grow and harvest your own food without using pesticides, or purchase organic foods if possible. Reducing Our Exposure to PBDEs You can minimize your exposure to PBDEs by taking the following steps: Choose furniture that does not contain PBDEs in its foam and upholstery. Before purchasing furniture, find out which companies offer PBDE-free products. The following websites can help: Safer Products Project Smart Shopper’s PBDE Card Contact the company directly if you cannot find whether the manufacturer uses PBDEs. PBDE-free electronics: Many companies are beginning to make electronics with alternatives to PBDEs. Certain PBDE-free products are available from Canon, Dell, HP, Intel, Erickson, Apple, and Sony. Reduce your fat intake Choose lean meat and poultry cuts. Cut off visible fat before you cook meat. Choose cooking methods that remove excess fat such as broiling, grilling, and roasting Avoid farmed fish:PBDE levels have been found to be higher in farmed fish because they are given a diet of fat-rich pellets. Choose wild caught salmon if possible.

nov 8 2007 ∞
nov 8 2007 +