24 Oct 2005 - How toxic is your bathroom?
Published: 24 October 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article321838.ece
Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did something
amazing. It issued an unprecedented warning to the cosmetics industry that
it was time to inform consumers that most personal care products have not
been safety tested.
Where the US goes, the UK inevitably follows. If the FDA starts the ball
rolling by flexing its muscles, it is possible that in the not too distant
future 99 per cent of personal care products could be required to carry a
caution on the label: "Warning: The safety of this product has not been
determined."
What concerns scientists at the FDA and at environmental health
organisations throughout the world is the "cocktail effect" - the daily
mixing of many different types of toxins in and on the body - and how this
might damage health over the longer term.
On average, we each use nine personal care products a day containing 126
different ingredients. Such "safety" testing as exists looks for
reactions, such as skin redness, rashes or stinging, but does not
investigate potential long-term problems for either humans or the
environment. Yet the chemicals that go into products such as shampoos and
hand creams are not trace contaminants. They are the basic ingredients.
Absorbed into the body, they can be stored in fatty tissue or organs such
as the liver, kidney, reproductive organs and brain. Cosmetics companies
complain of unfounded hysteria, but scientists are finding industrial
plasticisers such as phthalates in urine, preservatives known as parabens
in breast-tumour tissue, and antibacterials such as Triclosan and
fragrance chemicals like the hormone-disrupting musk xylene in human
breast milk. Medical research is proving that fragrances can trigger
asthma; that the detergents in shampoos can damage eye tissue; and that
hair-dye chemicals can cause bladder cancer and lymphoma. An even greater
number of substances in personal care products are suspected to present
potential risks to human health from this known effect on animals.
If these problems had been linked to pharmaceutical drugs, the products
would have been taken off the market. At the very least, money would have
been spent on safety studies. But because the cosmetics industry is
largely self-governing, and because we all want to believe in the often
hollow promises of better skin and whiter teeth, products containing
potentially harmful substances remain in use and on sale. Think it can't
be that bad? Consider what goes into some of the UK's most popular
toiletries.
OLAY REGENERIST
What they claim: Instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles.
But watch out: To work, the product needs to be well absorbed, so
Regenerist contains penetration enhancers like disodium EDTA. But these
also drive toxins deeper into the skin. Watch out for hormone disrupters
such as ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben and potential
carcinogens such as polyacrylamide, triethanolamine (which can form
cancer-causing nitrosamines), and the artificial colours CI 16035, CI
19140 and PTFE (Teflon). Regenerist contains the sunscreens butyl
methoxydibenzoylmethane (B-MDM) and ethylhexyl salicylate; not enough for
an SPF rating, but potentially enough to irritate skin.
CLAIROL HERBAL ESSENCES SHAMPOO DRY/DAMAGED HAIR
What they claim: A totally organic experience.
But watch out: It looks and smells appealing because it is coloured using
four potentially cancer-causing dyes (CI 17200, CI 15510, CI 42053, CI
60730) and perfumed with synthetic fragrances that are known neurotoxins
and skin irritants. Among its detergents, sodium lauryl sulphate can
irritate skin and permanently damage eye tissue, and sodium laureth
sulphate and cocamide MEA can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a hormone
disrupter associated with breast cancer. Cocamidopropyl betaine, another
detergent, is a penetration enhancer, as is the solvent propyelel glycol
and the preservative tetrasodium EDTA; all allow other chemicals to pene-
trate more deeply into skin and bloodstream.
JOHNSON'S BABY SOFTWASH
What they claim: Best for baby, best for you.
But watch out: Children's skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults',
so is a less effective barrier to chemical toxins. The rates of eczema and
allergies among children are on the rise and the early introduction of
toiletries on to sensitive skin may be a factor. When soap does the job,
why expose your child to skin and eye irritants such as sorbitan laurate,
cocamidopropyl betaine and acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer,
or PEG-150 distearate, PEG-80, PEG-14M and sodium laureth sulphate that
can be contaminated with the carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide,
or hormone disrupters such as parabens? In addition, there's nothing here
that naturally moisturises the skin - only synthetic polymers
(plastic-like substances) like polyquaternium-7 and polypropylene
terephthalate that coat it, merely giving the impression of smoothness.
CALVIN KLEIN'S ETERNITY
What they claim: What the world needs now is love.
But watch out: Perfumes are made from the same neurotoxic solvents found
in glues and adhesives and volatile chemicals common in garages and
factories, albeit in much smaller concentrations. Eternity contains a
staggering 41 ingredients, about 80 per cent of which have never been
tested for safety in humans. The rest are known neurotoxins, allergens,
irritants and/or hormone disrupters. Still think perfume is sexy?
LYNX DRY
What they claim: Spray more, get more.
But watch out: Lynx Dry contains three types of neurotoxins: solvents such
as PPG-14 butyl ether; the propellants butane, isobutane and propane; and
synthetic fragrance chemicals. It contains a preservative BHT (butylated
hydroxytoluene), which has been linked with cancer, and PEG-8 distearate,
which can be contaminated with the hormone-disrupting carcinogens ethylene
oxide and 1,4-dioxane as well as polycyclic aromatic compounds such as
benzene and benz(a)pyrene. Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY and
aluminium chlorohydrate work by clogging pores, but long exposure to
aluminium-containing deodorants raises the risk of diseases such as
Alzheimer's.
COLGATE TOTAL
What they claim: 12-hour fresh breath and antibacterial protection.
But watch out: Conventional toothpastes often contain irritating
detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate, which can cause sore gums and
mouth ulcers, and abrasives like hydrated silica, which can erode tooth
enamel. Total contains a glue-like substance, PVM/MA copolymer, that
sticks the active ingredients to teeth. Saccharin, a known carcinogen in
animals, is also found. The colouring CI 42090 (banned in Austria,
Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden) causes cancer in
animals. Total contains Triclosan, an antibacterial agent that can in
certain circumstances combine with chlorine in tap water to produce
chloroform gas, which is easily absorbed into the skin or inhaled and can
cause depression, liver problems and cancer.
GILLETTE MACH 3 SHAVING GEL
What they claim: The best a man can get.
But watch out: Helped by a global advertising campaign featuring David
Beckham, Gillette shaving products have carved their way into the male
psyche. If he thought about the ingredients, would the "epitome of the
well groomed man" be so keen to promote the product? Mach 3 gel contains
skin irritants such as triethanolamine, palmitic acid glyceryl oleate,
three potential carcinogens (polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), BHT, CI
42090) and three central nervous system toxins or pollutants (isopentane,
parfum and isobutane).
CLAIROL NICE 'N EASY
What they claim: Natural-looking colour with complete grey coverage.
But watch out: All hair dye sold in the EU containing phenylenediamines,
resorcinol and/or 1-naphthol must carry a warning: "Can cause an allergic
reaction. Do not use to colour eyelashes or eyebrows." Other hair dye
ingredients - including coal tar dyes, 4-chloro-m-phenylenediamine,
2,4-toluenediamine, 2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine and 4-amino-2-nitrophenol -
have proven carcinogenic in at least one animal species. In humans,
intensive longer-term use of permanent hair dye is associated with breast,
ovarian and bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple meyeloma and
rheumatoid arthritis.
RADOX BUBBLE BATH
What they claim: Soothes emotions, cleanses the body.
But watch out: Soaking in hot water increases skin permeability and helps
vaporise chemicals in products, making them more easily inhaled. Radox
Relax contains potential skin irritants (sodium laureth sulphate,
cocamidopropyl betaine) potential carcinogens such as the preservative
combo methylchloro-isothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone and synthetic
dyes, and hormone-disrupting ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It contains
perfume ingredients that are capable of irritating (coumarin, benzyl
salicylate, limonene) and disrupting the central nervous system
(butylphenyl methylpropional, alpha-isomethyl ionone, linalool).
NIVEA BODY
What they claim: Feel the essential care.
But watch out: Along with semi-synthetic fatty acids and waxes, Nivea Body
contains denatured alcohol and glycerine, which can dry skin with repeated
use. It also contains several estrogenic preservatives (methylparaben,
butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben), contact
allergens (phenoxy-ethanol, linalool, citronellol, hydroxyisohexyl
3-cyclohexene carcoxaldehyde) and a potential carcinogen (limonene).
Film-formers like dimethicone keep undesirable ingredients next to the
skin longer. About one-third of the listed ingredients are fragrances that
are known irritants and sensitisers of human skin; chemicals that, with
repeated exposure, can trigger allergic reactions.
CLEARASIL 3-IN-1 DEEP CLEANING WASH
What they claim: Clinically proven to help fight spots.
But watch out: A mix of strong detergents and surfactants (sodium lauryl
sulfate, cetyl betaine, distearyl-dimonium chloride and steareth-21),
chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid) and solvents (glycerin, alcohol,
menthol) that are capable of removing the skin's natural oils, and
synthetic skin conditioners for repairing some of the damage inflicted by
the other ingredients. It contains two potential carcinogens (BHT and
disodium EDTA) and fragrance ingredients among the most commonly reported
contact allergens in the EU (behenyl alcohol, limonene benzyl salicylate,
linalool and hexyl cinnamal). These so consistently lead to skin problems
that they must now be listed separately on labels within the EU.
LISTERINE TEETH AND GUM DEFENCE
What they claim: Kills the germs that cause plaque and bad breath.
But watch out: This mouthwash is 21.6 per cent alcohol. Alcohol dries and
changes the pH of the mouth and throat and long-term use of
alcohol-containing mouthwashes increases the risk of mouth and throat
cancers. Listerine also contains a mild detergent, poloxamer 407, that is
soluble in liquids at low temperatures but turns to a gel at higher
temperatures (ie, body temperature). That makes it a film-former,
"glueing" other ingredients on to the surfaces of the mouth for longer.
Fluoride in quantity is poisonous if swallowed, and the sweetener
saccharin causes bladder cancer in animals. Finally, synthetic colours,
aromas and flavours are made from volatile solvents that can alter the
basic flora of the mouth and may cause dermatitis.
Pat Thomas is health editor of The Ecologist. Her series 'Behind the
Label' appears in the magazine every month (www.theecologist.org)
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article321838.ece
Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did something
amazing. It issued an unprecedented warning to the cosmetics industry that
it was time to inform consumers that most personal care products have not
been safety tested.
Where the US goes, the UK inevitably follows. If the FDA starts the ball
rolling by flexing its muscles, it is possible that in the not too distant
future 99 per cent of personal care products could be required to carry a
caution on the label: "Warning: The safety of this product has not been
determined."
What concerns scientists at the FDA and at environmental health
organisations throughout the world is the "cocktail effect" - the daily
mixing of many different types of toxins in and on the body - and how this
might damage health over the longer term.
On average, we each use nine personal care products a day containing 126
different ingredients. Such "safety" testing as exists looks for
reactions, such as skin redness, rashes or stinging, but does not
investigate potential long-term problems for either humans or the
environment. Yet the chemicals that go into products such as shampoos and
hand creams are not trace contaminants. They are the basic ingredients.
Absorbed into the body, they can be stored in fatty tissue or organs such
as the liver, kidney, reproductive organs and brain. Cosmetics companies
complain of unfounded hysteria, but scientists are finding industrial
plasticisers such as phthalates in urine, preservatives known as parabens
in breast-tumour tissue, and antibacterials such as Triclosan and
fragrance chemicals like the hormone-disrupting musk xylene in human
breast milk. Medical research is proving that fragrances can trigger
asthma; that the detergents in shampoos can damage eye tissue; and that
hair-dye chemicals can cause bladder cancer and lymphoma. An even greater
number of substances in personal care products are suspected to present
potential risks to human health from this known effect on animals.
If these problems had been linked to pharmaceutical drugs, the products
would have been taken off the market. At the very least, money would have
been spent on safety studies. But because the cosmetics industry is
largely self-governing, and because we all want to believe in the often
hollow promises of better skin and whiter teeth, products containing
potentially harmful substances remain in use and on sale. Think it can't
be that bad? Consider what goes into some of the UK's most popular
toiletries.
OLAY REGENERIST
What they claim: Instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles.
But watch out: To work, the product needs to be well absorbed, so
Regenerist contains penetration enhancers like disodium EDTA. But these
also drive toxins deeper into the skin. Watch out for hormone disrupters
such as ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben and potential
carcinogens such as polyacrylamide, triethanolamine (which can form
cancer-causing nitrosamines), and the artificial colours CI 16035, CI
19140 and PTFE (Teflon). Regenerist contains the sunscreens butyl
methoxydibenzoylmethane (B-MDM) and ethylhexyl salicylate; not enough for
an SPF rating, but potentially enough to irritate skin.
CLAIROL HERBAL ESSENCES SHAMPOO DRY/DAMAGED HAIR
What they claim: A totally organic experience.
But watch out: It looks and smells appealing because it is coloured using
four potentially cancer-causing dyes (CI 17200, CI 15510, CI 42053, CI
60730) and perfumed with synthetic fragrances that are known neurotoxins
and skin irritants. Among its detergents, sodium lauryl sulphate can
irritate skin and permanently damage eye tissue, and sodium laureth
sulphate and cocamide MEA can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a hormone
disrupter associated with breast cancer. Cocamidopropyl betaine, another
detergent, is a penetration enhancer, as is the solvent propyelel glycol
and the preservative tetrasodium EDTA; all allow other chemicals to pene-
trate more deeply into skin and bloodstream.
JOHNSON'S BABY SOFTWASH
What they claim: Best for baby, best for you.
But watch out: Children's skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults',
so is a less effective barrier to chemical toxins. The rates of eczema and
allergies among children are on the rise and the early introduction of
toiletries on to sensitive skin may be a factor. When soap does the job,
why expose your child to skin and eye irritants such as sorbitan laurate,
cocamidopropyl betaine and acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer,
or PEG-150 distearate, PEG-80, PEG-14M and sodium laureth sulphate that
can be contaminated with the carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide,
or hormone disrupters such as parabens? In addition, there's nothing here
that naturally moisturises the skin - only synthetic polymers
(plastic-like substances) like polyquaternium-7 and polypropylene
terephthalate that coat it, merely giving the impression of smoothness.
CALVIN KLEIN'S ETERNITY
What they claim: What the world needs now is love.
But watch out: Perfumes are made from the same neurotoxic solvents found
in glues and adhesives and volatile chemicals common in garages and
factories, albeit in much smaller concentrations. Eternity contains a
staggering 41 ingredients, about 80 per cent of which have never been
tested for safety in humans. The rest are known neurotoxins, allergens,
irritants and/or hormone disrupters. Still think perfume is sexy?
LYNX DRY
What they claim: Spray more, get more.
But watch out: Lynx Dry contains three types of neurotoxins: solvents such
as PPG-14 butyl ether; the propellants butane, isobutane and propane; and
synthetic fragrance chemicals. It contains a preservative BHT (butylated
hydroxytoluene), which has been linked with cancer, and PEG-8 distearate,
which can be contaminated with the hormone-disrupting carcinogens ethylene
oxide and 1,4-dioxane as well as polycyclic aromatic compounds such as
benzene and benz(a)pyrene. Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY and
aluminium chlorohydrate work by clogging pores, but long exposure to
aluminium-containing deodorants raises the risk of diseases such as
Alzheimer's.
COLGATE TOTAL
What they claim: 12-hour fresh breath and antibacterial protection.
But watch out: Conventional toothpastes often contain irritating
detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate, which can cause sore gums and
mouth ulcers, and abrasives like hydrated silica, which can erode tooth
enamel. Total contains a glue-like substance, PVM/MA copolymer, that
sticks the active ingredients to teeth. Saccharin, a known carcinogen in
animals, is also found. The colouring CI 42090 (banned in Austria,
Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden) causes cancer in
animals. Total contains Triclosan, an antibacterial agent that can in
certain circumstances combine with chlorine in tap water to produce
chloroform gas, which is easily absorbed into the skin or inhaled and can
cause depression, liver problems and cancer.
GILLETTE MACH 3 SHAVING GEL
What they claim: The best a man can get.
But watch out: Helped by a global advertising campaign featuring David
Beckham, Gillette shaving products have carved their way into the male
psyche. If he thought about the ingredients, would the "epitome of the
well groomed man" be so keen to promote the product? Mach 3 gel contains
skin irritants such as triethanolamine, palmitic acid glyceryl oleate,
three potential carcinogens (polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), BHT, CI
42090) and three central nervous system toxins or pollutants (isopentane,
parfum and isobutane).
CLAIROL NICE 'N EASY
What they claim: Natural-looking colour with complete grey coverage.
But watch out: All hair dye sold in the EU containing phenylenediamines,
resorcinol and/or 1-naphthol must carry a warning: "Can cause an allergic
reaction. Do not use to colour eyelashes or eyebrows." Other hair dye
ingredients - including coal tar dyes, 4-chloro-m-phenylenediamine,
2,4-toluenediamine, 2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine and 4-amino-2-nitrophenol -
have proven carcinogenic in at least one animal species. In humans,
intensive longer-term use of permanent hair dye is associated with breast,
ovarian and bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple meyeloma and
rheumatoid arthritis.
RADOX BUBBLE BATH
What they claim: Soothes emotions, cleanses the body.
But watch out: Soaking in hot water increases skin permeability and helps
vaporise chemicals in products, making them more easily inhaled. Radox
Relax contains potential skin irritants (sodium laureth sulphate,
cocamidopropyl betaine) potential carcinogens such as the preservative
combo methylchloro-isothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone and synthetic
dyes, and hormone-disrupting ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It contains
perfume ingredients that are capable of irritating (coumarin, benzyl
salicylate, limonene) and disrupting the central nervous system
(butylphenyl methylpropional, alpha-isomethyl ionone, linalool).
NIVEA BODY
What they claim: Feel the essential care.
But watch out: Along with semi-synthetic fatty acids and waxes, Nivea Body
contains denatured alcohol and glycerine, which can dry skin with repeated
use. It also contains several estrogenic preservatives (methylparaben,
butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben), contact
allergens (phenoxy-ethanol, linalool, citronellol, hydroxyisohexyl
3-cyclohexene carcoxaldehyde) and a potential carcinogen (limonene).
Film-formers like dimethicone keep undesirable ingredients next to the
skin longer. About one-third of the listed ingredients are fragrances that
are known irritants and sensitisers of human skin; chemicals that, with
repeated exposure, can trigger allergic reactions.
CLEARASIL 3-IN-1 DEEP CLEANING WASH
What they claim: Clinically proven to help fight spots.
But watch out: A mix of strong detergents and surfactants (sodium lauryl
sulfate, cetyl betaine, distearyl-dimonium chloride and steareth-21),
chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid) and solvents (glycerin, alcohol,
menthol) that are capable of removing the skin's natural oils, and
synthetic skin conditioners for repairing some of the damage inflicted by
the other ingredients. It contains two potential carcinogens (BHT and
disodium EDTA) and fragrance ingredients among the most commonly reported
contact allergens in the EU (behenyl alcohol, limonene benzyl salicylate,
linalool and hexyl cinnamal). These so consistently lead to skin problems
that they must now be listed separately on labels within the EU.
LISTERINE TEETH AND GUM DEFENCE
What they claim: Kills the germs that cause plaque and bad breath.
But watch out: This mouthwash is 21.6 per cent alcohol. Alcohol dries and
changes the pH of the mouth and throat and long-term use of
alcohol-containing mouthwashes increases the risk of mouth and throat
cancers. Listerine also contains a mild detergent, poloxamer 407, that is
soluble in liquids at low temperatures but turns to a gel at higher
temperatures (ie, body temperature). That makes it a film-former,
"glueing" other ingredients on to the surfaces of the mouth for longer.
Fluoride in quantity is poisonous if swallowed, and the sweetener
saccharin causes bladder cancer in animals. Finally, synthetic colours,
aromas and flavours are made from volatile solvents that can alter the
basic flora of the mouth and may cause dermatitis.
Pat Thomas is health editor of The Ecologist. Her series 'Behind the
Label' appears in the magazine every month (www.theecologist.org)