SARADA TANGIRALA GRASSROOTS COORDINATOR CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COSMETICS Our mission is to prevent breast cancer by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation linked to the disease.
TARGET: CLEAN UP YOUR BEAUTY AISLE SCIENC E PUBLIC EDUCATION MARKET POLICY
80,000+ synthetic chemicals in U.S. WHAT S Less than 10% THE tested Many chemicals PROBLEM linked to increased breast cancer risk? WHAT S THE PROBLEM?
1 2 When it comes to personal care products, simple is best. Decrease your exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics by using fewer products and choosing those with simpler ingredients. And avoid fragrance that single ingredient can contain dozens of chemicals. Don t be fooled by empty organic and natural claims on beauty care products. Because the cosmetics industry is largely unregulated, these claims may have no meaning. Read labels for specific information on a product s ingredients. 3 Avoid these problematic ingredients: ingredients with PEG and eth in the name (potential 1,4-dioxane contamination) butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) (possible nitrosamine contamination) phthalates (DBP & DEP) synthetic musks triclosan and triclocarbon formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like quaternium-15 and DMDM hydantoin fragrance hydroquinone nonylphenol parabens toluene
1 2 3 Eat organic and kick the can. When possible, choose organic foods and hormone-free meat and dairy. Buying products grown organically reduces pesticide use, which is good for families, farmworkers and the environment. And avoid canned foods until companies replace toxic BPAbased can linings with safe alternatives. Take it easy on the plastic. When choosing kitchenware and water bottles, go old-school with stainless steel and glass. And never microwave in plastic even microwave-safe plastic can leach chemicals into your food when heated. Choose cleaning products that show you what they re made of. Companies are not required to disclose ingredients of cleaners and detergents, so look for products made by companies that disclose ingredients, or make your own with things like baking soda and vinegar. 4 Stick with oil for pans that don t stick, and use elbow grease to remove stains. Although there s no denying they make our life easier, non-stick pans and stain-resistant materials can contain toxic polyfluorinated chemicals. Choose stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans, and consider skipping the stain-resistant clothes and carpets.
1 2 3 Find the right sunscreen. Many sunscreens contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that are bad for us and for aquatic life. Look for ones with nonnanoized titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and avoid ones with octinoxate and oxybenzone Find safe ways to fight germs. These days it seems like everything claims to be antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, clothing, bedding, bandaids, toys, cutting boards you name it. Chances are, these products contain triclosan, an antimicrobial agent that is suspected of interfering with the hormone systems of humans and wildlife. There s no evidence that triclosan is more effective than soap and water, so trade in the toxics for some good, old-fashioned elbow grease. Go chemical-free in your garden. Chemical pesticides are designed to kill pests and weeds, so it s no surprise that they aren t good for humans either. And their residue can hang around for years, allowing for ongoing exposure. Ask your garden store about non-toxic alternatives, or look for organic pest-management tips such as DIY recipes that rely on everyday items like vinegar and dish soap.
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