Behind the dialogue
Unforgettable Cinderella
Beware of certain cocktails!
• Oxybenzone
is used as an ingredient in sunscreens and other cosmetics because it absorbs UV-A ultraviolet rays. A recent study by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that 97% of Americans are contaminated with oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone). UV filters have been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and human cell damage.
• Reference
Concentrations of the Sunscreen Agent, Benzophenone-3, in Residents of the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004
Antonia M. Calafat, Lee-Yang Wong, Xiaoyun Ye, John A. Reidy, and Larry L. Needham, U.S Center for Disease Control.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/11269/abstract.html
Environmental Working Group:
CDC: Americans Carry Body Burden of Toxic Sunscreen Chemical
Caving to Industry, FDA Delays Safety Standards for Decades
http://www.ewg.org/node/26212
• What can you do yourself?
• Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring and wall covering, toys, glues and inks and as additives in cosmetics and toiletries. Studies show that some phthalates damage the developing sexual organs in male animals, such as rats. Certain phthalates, including DEHP, are therefore suspected of being hormone disruptors in humans.
• Reference
National report on human exposure to chemicals, section phthalates. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, April 3, 2008.
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/results_06.htm
Gray, LE, C Wolf, C Lambright, P Mann, M Price, RL Cooper and J Ostby. 1999. Administration of potentially antiandrogenic pesticides (procymidone, linuron, iprodione, chlozolinate, p,p'-DDE, and ketoconazole) and toxic substances (dibutyl- and diethylhexyl phthalate, PCB 169, and ethane dimethane sulphonate) during sexual differentiation produces diverse profiles of reproductive malformations in the male rat. Toxicology and Industrial Health. 15:94-118.
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscience/reproduction/1999greyantiandrogenic.htm
Lottrup G, Andersson AM, Leffers H, Mortensen GK, Toppari J, Skakkebaek NE, Main KM, 2006. Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health. International Journal of Andrology. Feb;29(1):172-80; discussion 181-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16466537?ordinalpos=25&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
“Good” evidence exists linking phthalates to hormonal changes, such as levels of hormones circulating in the body. CHE toxicant and disease database: http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm
• What can you do yourself?
• Triclosan
is an anti-bacterial chemical used in soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, shaving creams, mouth washes and cleaning supplies and infused in an increasing number of consumer products, such as kitchen utensils and even socks. It is very a toxic chemical that accumulates in our body. Studies have raised concerns about their capacity to cause cancer, alter our hormonal system and create development problems in children. In the US, it is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen.
• Reference
Allmyr M, Harden F, Toms LM, Mueller JF, McLachlan MS, Adolfsson-Erici M, Sandborgh-Englund G. (2008) The influence of age and gender on triclosan concentrations in Australian human blood serum, Sci Total Environ. 2008 Apr 1;393(1):162-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18207219?dopt=AbstractPlus
Veldhoen N, et al (2006) The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development, Aquatic Toxicology, Volume 80, Issue 3, 1 December 2006, Pages 217-227
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18300639
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0166445X
Triclosan is on the SIN (Substitute It Now!) List of hazardous chemicals developed by a large group of public interest and non-governmental organisation, including the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL). See the data base at
http://www.chemsec.org/list/database/database.php
• What can you do yourself?
• Toluene
Toluene is used in making paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, and rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes. It can affect the nervous and immune system and cause developmental delays in children.
• Reference
Grandjean, P, Landrigan PJ, Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals, The Lancet, 8 November 2006. (Available at http://www.env-health.org/a/2369?var_recherche=Lancet)
Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics data base
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706577
“Strong” evidence exists linking toluene to brain and facial malformations in babies. CHE toxicant and disease database: http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm
• What can you do yourself?
• Fragrances
fragrance enhancers are added to many products, such as perfumes, cosmetics and laundry detergents. The commonly used polycyclic musks are persistent chemicals, which accumulate in the food chain. They may cause skin allergies and some research suggests they may be capable of interfering with hormonal systems in fish and mammals. The EU chemicals legislation known as REACH has put musk xylene on a list of “substances of very high concern”, which may eventually be banned from the EU market.
• Reference
Luckenbach T, Epel D, (2005) Nitromusk and Polycyclic Musk Compounds as Long-Term Inhibitors of Cellular Xenobiotic Defense Systems Mediated by Multidrug Transporters Environ Health Perspect. 2005 January; 113(1): 17–24. Published online 2004 September 30. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7301.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2004/7301/7301.html
“Strong” evidence exists linking fragrances to contact dermatitis (skin allergy). CHE toxicant and disease database: http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm
See the “Candidate List” at http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/candidate_list_table_en.asp
• What can you do yourself?
• My face feels a little tingly
A cocktail of different chemical substances in personal care products and cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can cause skin allergies and irritation. Allergy can lead to a skin rash or eczema where the product is applied. The application of a cocktail of products containing hazardous chemicals could also lead to cancer, respiratory disorders, diseases of the nervous system and other conditions. This is known as the “cocktail effect”.
• Reference
Kortenkamp, A (2006). Breast cancer, oestrogens and environmental pollutants: a re-evaluation from a mixture perspective. Int. J Androl, 29, pp193-198.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16466540
Silva, E Rajapakse N, Kortenkamp A. (2002). Something from “nothing” … eight weak estrongenic chemicals combined at concentrations below NOECs produce significant mixture effects. Environ Sci Technol., 36(8), pp1751-1756.
• What can you do yourself?
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