Common Everyday Toxins To Avoid
When you’re cleaning your family home or bathing your child, the last thing you are probably thinking about is exposing your family to toxic chemicals. However, that’s the reality if you have not researched the products you are using and chosen ones without toxins. While many companies are responding to the nationwide push to "clean up" their products, most are not quite there yet and still contain numerous everyday toxins. If you’re ready to reduce the toxin load in your home and want to protect the ones you love and yourself, check your products and do your best to avoid these five everyday toxins that are in many household cleaning and hygiene products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A filler ingredient that is often added to personal hygiene products to make them foam, sodium lauryl sulfate is one of the big offenders. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database rates SLS as a "moderate hazard" based on the fact that research proves it is linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption. Furthermore, studies show that undiluted sodium lauryl sulfate can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested as well as it has adverse effects on the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.
Although it is derived from coconuts, SLS is contaminated with a toxic byproduct as a result of the manufacturing product. It is present in most mainstream body washes, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and laundry detergents. The toxin may also be listed as sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, sodium salt sulfuric acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate, aquarex me, or aquarex methyl. To avoid the product, look for products that are marked as "SLS free" as well as shampoos and other products that are made with essential oils.
Bisphenol-A
Bisphenol-A or BPAis an industrial chemical that has been a component of plastics and resins for decades. The biggest concern with this chemical is its ability to seep into food and beverages from containers made with BPA. Some research has indicated that the toxin may have possible side effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate glands, particularly in fetuses, infants, and children. Further studies show that the chemical may also be linked to an increase in blood pressure.
BPA is most commonly found in polycarbonate plastics that are used to create food and beverage containers. However, it may also be found in other consumer products. Some epoxy resins containing the toxin are also used to coat the insides of metal products, including food cans, bottle tops, and water supply lines. To avoid this toxin, look for products that are marked “BPA free” and cut back on canned goods. Likewise, avoid heating plastics in the microwave or placing them in the dishwasher, as this may cause them to break down. Also, look for alternatives, such as glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot foods and liquids.
