Updated August 24, 2006
The Health Risks from Dangerous Chemicals in Your Home
How using many everyday products can seriously damage your health
Adapted from Grade-A-Notes.
Used by permission.
Every day, you try to protect your children from the dangers we face in the world. There are countless problems that threaten them outside the walls of your home. What you may not realize is that the dangers in your home are just as likely to harm them as anything "out there".
Products that your children use every day contain ingredients that studies have linked to cancer, blindness and death.
What you don't know can hurt you
The solution is as simple as reading the labels on your personal care products, and replacing them with safe ones. But, what are the things we should be on the look-out for?
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — one of the worst
One of the worst and most widespread of these dangerous ingredients is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
- SLS is absorbed through the skin and retained in the brain, heart and liver.
- Studies show that SLS also affects other areas in the body, such as your child's still-developing eyes.
SLS has been shown to retard the proper development of eye tissues, cause cataracts, slow the healing of other eye problems and even cause blindness. SLS doesn't even have to get in the eyes to cause eye damage. It does as much harm when it's absorbed through the skin.
SLS found even in "100% natural" products
Many so-called "natural" products contain SLS. They may even have a label that says, "100% natural ingredients". But, just because it says natural, doesn't mean it's good for you. Poison ivy is natural, too; but I sure don't want that on my skin.
The Material Safety Data Sheet for SLS and medical science
The intended use of SLS is in car wash soaps, engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner.
According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for SLS, exposure can lead to a burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. It also specifically warns that SLS may be harmful if absorbed through the skin and that prolonged or repeated exposure should be avoided. (The federal government requires a Material Safety Data Sheet for any hazardous chemical.)
The dangers of SLS are no secret to the medical community. In fact, SLS is used as a skin irritant in medical labs. Scientists use it to purposely harm the skin in order to test healing agents.
Where you're likely to find SLS
Sodium lauryl sulfate is used in most shampoos and toothpaste. Go to the grocery store and try to find shampoo or toothpaste that does not have sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate in it. Does your toothpaste have this FDA required poison warning label?
Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately.
You may have to search to find the warning because the companies try to hide it under the ingredients list. The warning may be on the box, which you throw away without even noticing it. But you really should take the time to notice.
Special dangers of SLS in toothpastes
Did you know that the fastest way to get something into your bloodstream is under your tongue? Nutrients, as well as poisons, can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the dense network of blood vessels lining the mucous membrane of the mouth.
According to the PHYSICIANS DESK REFERENCE MANUAL, oral delivery is 10 times more efficient than anything that is swallowed, because ingredients enter the blood stream directly, and are not filtered and broken down by the liver and digestive organs. (See chart below.)
| Method | Percent absorption |
|---|---|
| Pill | 10% |
| Gel-Cap | 16% |
| Sublingual | 50% |
| Intra-Muscular Injection | 80% |
| Oral Mucous Absorption | 90% |
Do you really want poisons in the products you and your family use?
• Other hidden danger: Fluoride, alcohol and easy access
Besides the dangers of sodium lauryl sulfate, with most brands of toothpaste, there is enough fluoride in a 4 oz tube to kill a small child. What's worse is that scientists are now linking fluoride to dental deformity, arthritis and allergic reactions.
Another ingredient to watch out for is alcohol, which is commonly used in mouthwash. One ounce of mouthwash can cause seizures and brain damage in toddlers, and as little as five ounces can be fatal.
Mouthwash is artificially sweetened, and usually is not in a child proof container. Most brands are sold in quantities that can kill a two year old child.
• Propylene glycol
Another ingredient to avoid — propylene glycol. It's found in most moisturizers, and is commonly used as a humectant (additive to keep products moist) and a preservative. It sounds innocent enough; but did you know it's also a main ingredient in antifreeze, brake fluid, deicers, latex paint and laundry detergent?
It's used so frequently because it's supposed to make the skin feel smooth. While it may appear to moisturize the skin's surface, it actually steals moisture from the under layers of the skin.
Propylene glycol is not only ineffective, it's dangerous. It's derived from petroleum products.
The Material Safety Data Sheets on propylene glycol warns against contact with eyes, skin and clothing. It also says inhalation can cause irritation of nasal passages. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Over-exposure to propylene glycol can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
Research also shows that it alters cell membranes and causes cardiac arrest.
Did You Know?
Over 800 of the chemicals available for use in cosmetics have been reported to the government as toxic substances.
— The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
There are safe products out there, personal care products without the poisons, and with the added benefit of essential oils. You don't need to continue risking your health.
