Protect Yourself From Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetics and Household Products

by Laura Costa, Ph.D. Vice President of Membership, RI NOW

Every day, women are exposed to chemicals in cosmetics, household cleaners, plastics, food, water and many other sources. Common household chemicals have been linked to more than 200 health problems including asthma, depression, anxiety, various cancers (including breast, ovarian and brain), birth defects and developmental disabilities, as well as reproductive, cardiovascular and immune system disorders. Many of these chemicals are stored in our bodies and accumulate over time to cause health problems after years of gradual exposure.

Women are exposed to a far greater number of harmful chemicals than men. In general, women use more personal care products (such as makeup, perfume, nail care and hair care products), do most of the household cleaning , eat more foods with artificial sweeteners, handle more indoor pesticides (e.g., bug sprays), sprinkle more carpet freshener, and burn more scented candles than men. For these reasons, women are at higher risk for health problems due to long-term, low-level exposure to harmful household chemicals. Although women are at higher risk than men, the group with the highest risk of all is young children. The liver is the main organ that removes toxins from the body and until two years of age, babies' livers are underdeveloped and not fully capable of removing harmful chemicals from their bodies.

Reducing exposure is not as difficult as you may think. Once you learn about the safe, natural alternatives for the chemical-containing products in your home, it's simply a matter of learning which products and ingredients to choose and which to avoid. For personal care, cleaning products and pesticides, it means learning about the ingredients listed on the product labels.

For more information on potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients follow these links:

Cancer Prevention Coalition -- "Cosmetics and Personal Care Products"
Cancer Prevention Coalition -- "Endocrine (Hormonal) Disruptors in Cosmetics and Toiletries"
Cancer Prevention Coalition -- "Hazardous Contaminants of Mass-Produced Cosmetics "