Did you know that the FDA does not have the authority to require pre-market testing for personal care products? Only 11% of care-product chemicals in use in the US have actually been tested and evaluated for negative health effects! Many of the chemicals in cosmetics, lotions and hair care have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other health problems AND they can also cause negative effects to the environment. Once they go down your drain, many of them can persist in the environment and end up in our streams and rivers. Then these chemicals can get into the aquatic plants and fish, and eventually end up back on your plate. Yuck.
Did you know that lead is commonly found in lipstick? Phthalates (which are endocrine disrupters, cause liver, kidney and lung damage, and potentially can lead to many other problems) are commonly found in lotions and shampoos targeted for infants. While Europe has banned over 1,100 personal care products due to safety concern, the US has only banned 100. So, choose care products for you and your family with caution. Children are most susceptible to the harmful effects of chemicals because they are still developing, so be especially cautious when choosing shampoos, lotions and diaper cream for your little ones. Labels can be tricky and deceiving (something that is "natural" does not mean it is chemical free), so ask your local health food store for guidance if you are unsure. Or check out this website to check on the care products you already use:
http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php
While you are there, sign the petition to get the government to start testing these chemicals before they go on the market!!
Thanks to the Oregon Center for Environmental Health for much of the above information!
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