CLEAN LIVING: AVOID HORMONE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN YOUR COSMETICS

Excerpt from PERFECT HORMONE BALANCE FOR PREGNANCY: http://amzn.to/bQuDJM

Among the biggest sources of BioMutagens (hormone disrupting chemicals) are cosmetics and personal care products. There are an estimated 5,000 chemical ingredients used in cosmetics alone, and some of these are known carcinogens or hormone disrupters. The most serious offenders are mercury, thimerosal, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens. One of the problems facing consumers, even the most environmentally aware, is that many of these BioMutagens are not listed on the labels. In 2005, California passed the Safe Cosmetics Act[G1] , providing the first regulation of cosmetics in the United States. The California Department of Health Services now monitors the ingredients of that have been shown to contribute to birth defects or cancer risks. There’s really no excuse to have these potentially toxic ingredients in beauty products, as these chemicals can easily be replaced by nontoxic alternatives.

Since most women don’t want to become an expert on all the potential ingredients, here are a few guidelines to help you choose products more carefully.

• Choose organic products. They are generally safer and contain fewer BioMutagens, but still read the label for inconsistencies.
• Keep it simple. Reduce the number of products you use to reduce your chance of being exposed to BioMutagens.
• Go fragrance free. Many of the fragrances contain volatile chemicals that are more easily able to enter into your bloodstream.
• Minimize use of nail polishes.  These are the most consistently linked to birth defects. If you apply color to your nails, do so in a well ventilated area or seek out one of the new nontoxic brands.
• Create a custom shopping list. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group has a very helpful database. This will allow you to check your products as well as seek out safer alternatives (see link on blog).