Guide to Less Toxic Products

Everyday, most North Americans use beauty and cleaning products which contain hazardous ingredients. How can you find the products which are least toxic, among the thousands of products on store shelves?

The objective of this site is to:

“Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin.”
Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University

This site was developed by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, formerly the Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Health Association, with the assistances of a grant from the Halifax Peninsula Community Health Board, Halifax, Nova Scotia. EHANS is a non-profit, charitable organization. We are entirely independent of any supplier or manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide.
Copyright Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. Material may be downloaded for personal use. Please contact us for permission to use this material for educational or non-profit purposes.

We live in a chemical world. Over 5000 chemicals have entered daily use since WW II, many of them found in the products we use every day to clean and beautify our bodies and our homes. Scientists are increasingly concerned that long-term low-level exposures to chemicals create a variety of health risks. They also worry that we do not yet know the impact of living with the cocktail of chemicals found in household air and dust. Testing for human health effects is normally done on single chemicals, but in the real world, we are all exposed to a variety of chemicals every single day.

Identifying less toxic products among the thousands of products lining the shelves of grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores, garden centers and home improvement stores can be difficult.

The Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia has produced this Guide to Less Toxic Products to assist people who want to decrease their exposure to harmful substances in their daily life. Everyone can benefit from using less toxic products. For people with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma and other diseases who become ill when exposed to ingredients in many conventional products, finding less toxic products is a necessity. But as studies continue to reveal startling information on long term health hazards associated with commonly used chemicals, including cancers and reproductive problems, more people are looking for less toxic products as a healthy lifestyle choice.

Many people assume that “if it was bad for us, the government would not allow it to be sold.” But we know that regulatory bodies are slow to act. Legislation governing pest control products was only amended in 2002, after over 30 years without change and review of pest control products is just beginning. Health Canada has recently added some chemicals to their ‘hot list’ of chemicals not permitted in cosmetics, but those ingredients had not been used for years and were added for the sake of ‘clarity’. Health Canada has been slow to restrict many chemicals currently in use, including identified or suspected carcinogens, hormone disrupters and reproductive toxins. The process of evaluating and regulating all the chemicals we use in our daily lives is going to be slow. And past experiences in regulating lead in gasoline, tobacco and lawn pesticides tell us that the companies which produce these products won’t take attempts to limit their use quietly.

In choosing the products we use on our bodies and in and around our homes WE are the ones in control. We can make informed choices for the sake of our own health and the health of our families. And in most cases, what is less toxic for us is also less toxic for the natural environment.

Making the move to less toxic products can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to happen all at once. Whether you make changes in only a few things or in many, you will be making positive choices for your life.

We have produced this Guide in the hope that it will be of assistance to many different types of people, all of whom want to live healthier lives.

Note: The marketplace changes rapidly. It is inevitable that some good less toxic products are missing from this guide. The information contained in the sections, Chemical Hazards, will help you evaluate other product choices. For more information see Our Product Selection Process.

People whose schools or workplaces have gone scent free: Finding alternatives to replace scented products can sometimes be a hassle. This Guide should make it easier. Note: A few products in the Best or Good sections contain strong natural fragrances and may not be suitable for scent free environments. Check ingredient labels or do a smell test.

People with chemical sensitivities: People’s sensitivities vary, and what one person can tolerate, another cannot. Every product listed in the guide won’t necessarily be tolerable for each person with chemical sensitivities. But the guide is a starting point, and can provide valuable tips on products which may work for you. All the products are free of synthetic scents (to the best of our knowledge.) Many of the products have been used successfully by people with chemical sensitivities. Products for the chemically sensitive will most likely be found in the Best and Good sections, but may also be found in Simply Unscented. Also check the “Make your own” recipes and Tips for useful suggestions. The Guide may also help you to find products which you can recommend to neighbors whose household cleaners are making you sick, or friends and relatives you would like to socialize with if only they used products which you could tolerate.

Asthmatics and others allergic to synthetic scents: All products listed are, to the best of our knowledge, free of synthetic scents. Products in the Simply Unscented category are also free of strong natural fragrances.

Friends and family of people with chemical sensitivities: Many family members of people with sensitivities don’t know where to start to find products that their loved ones can tolerate. This Guide should help, but remember, everyone’s sensitivities are different. Your ultimate guide is the sensitive person him or herself.

People who want to raise their children in a healthier environment: Children are especially vulnerable to toxins in their environment. Indoor air in the home is often 8 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, and has been measured at up to 100 times worse. Cleaning products, personal care products and chemical pest controls are major sources of indoor pollution. By using healthier products such as those listed in the Guide, you can provide a healthier environment for your children.

People who want to live a healthier lifestyle: More and more people are becoming aware that many commonly used products contain harmful ingredients. But where do you look for healthier ones. Just because a company advertises its product as “natural”, “green”, “non-toxic”, or “eco-friendly” doesn’t make it so. By providing information on common hazardous ingredients, and by researching the ingredients in many products, the Guide provides a shortcut to identifying healthier products in the consumer jungle.

People who care about the environment: although the focus of the Guide is on finding products which are healthier for humans, less toxic products are generally also less toxic for the natural environment. By using less toxic products, fewer harmful chemicals are flushed down drains into our waterways, and fewer harmful materials pollute the air, fewer toxic wastes are created in manufacturing, and fewer harmful breakdown products are created in the environment. A cleaner natural environment, especially clean air and water, is critical for all species, including human beings.

This Less Toxic Guide has been prepared based on the best available scientific research coupled with the anecdotal evidence of consumers who have contributed their experiences with various products. While scientific opinion is frequently open to debate and conclusions reached by one study may be different from those of another, we take the view that where there is an identified risk to human health it is better to err on the side of caution. Users of this Guide are encouraged to consult other sources for information and reach their own conclusions about individual products and ingredients.

For the purposes of this guide, we have considered both acute and long-term health effects. Acute effects are those which happen immediately, including allergic reactions like rashes and asthma attacks, headaches, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, coughing or other symptoms. Long term effects may not show up for years or even for another generation. These can include respiratory damage and problems involving central nervous system function, as well as cancers and reproductive or genetic damage.

We have looked at ingredient information for many products in order to make our selection.

EHANS is a non-profit, charitable organization that is entirely independent of any supplier or manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide. The Guide is a work in progress and may be amended from time to time if new or better information comes to our attention.

Best (

): These products do not contain anything from our Common Hazardous Chemicals list. They are often based on natural ingredients.

Good (

): These products are better than conventional products but do contain some toxic ingredients.

Simply Unscented (

): These products are usually conventional formulations but do not contain added fragrance, synthetic or natural. If we were unable to obtain ingredient information, but knew a product was unscented, we listed it in this category.

Household Cleaning are categorized as either Less Toxic Alternatives (equivalent to Best and Good in Personal Care) or Simply Unscented. This is because there are many fewer product choices and it is more difficult to find complete ingredient information.

Most fragrances are no longer made from natural substances, but are made from synthetic chemicals. There can be as many as 100 chemicals in a single fragrance. In 1989 the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances.
The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, a toxic volatile organic compound (VOC). Despite this, proposed government regulations which would require “complete” ingredient listing on cosmetics labels will not require a complete listing of fragrance ingredients but simply the word "fragrance" or “masking agent.” Fragrance ingredients are exempt from disclosure as trade secrets.
The average North American uses between 17 and 21 scented products per day, exposing themselves to a random chemical soup with unknown health effects. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, fragrances cause 30% of all allergic reactions, and 70% of all asthmatics develop respiratory symptoms when exposed to perfumes.
Companies which manufacture products with all natural ingredients often use natural fragrances for added scent. Some companies who use both natural and synthetic ingredients have chosen to substitute natural fragrances for synthetic ones. In both cases, this eliminates some of the toxic chemicals found in synthetic fragrances, like toluene and phthalates. However, some people become ill when exposed to natural fragrances, so natural fragrances are not a good choice for a scent-free environment.

Some companies who use natural fragrances but not synthetic ones include:

Identifying unscented products is not as easy as you might think. Product labels which say “Unscented” can be misleading. These products often contain masking agents to cover unpleasant smells of other ingredients. In most cases, these masking agents are synthetic fragrances. This practice is allowed by Industry Canada, the government department responsible for monitoring misleading labeling. Industry Canada states there is no firm rule about how much fragrance is allowed in products labeled “Unscented.” The general rule is that it must not be more than is needed for masking other scents. On average, industry representatives say that “Unscented” products contain .6% scent, while scented products contain on average 1.5 % scent, two and a half times as much.
This labeling practice creates obvious problems for people who are allergic to scents. In the “Simply Unscented” category we have attempted to screen out products containing added fragrance in any amount. If you have questions about a product, you can call the manufacturer to ask if a product contains any added fragrance. They are required to tell you whether a product contains an ingredient if it may create a health hazard for you. Please contact us if you find we have included a product in the Simply Unscented category which contains added fragrance.
Scents may be found in some unlikely places. For example, “Odor guard” in Glad kitchen garbage bags is in fact nothing more than fragrance. Scents have also been found as ingredients in children’s toys, rubber boots, and car wash detergents.
Different manufacturers use different words to label their unscented products. Some of these include “Pure”, “Scent-free”, “Fragrance Free”, “Sensitive skin formula”, “Hypo-allergenic”, “All-sensitive”, etc. Although these words have no legal definition, they may help you identify truly unscented products.

Some product lines are completely fragrance free.
Clinique - all fragrance free
Marcelle - all fragrance free
RoC - all fragrance free
Sensitive skin formula - usually is fragrance free, as fragrances are a common skin irritant.
Hypoallergenic usually is fragrance free, as fragrances are common allergens.

"For all of us who know that we are exposed to toxic chemicals every minute of our lives but feel helpless to do much about it, here is an opportunity to take some responsibility."
David Suzuki, scientist and environmentalist

"This [Guide] is wonderful !!! Congratulations to the AEHA on what must have been a mammoth project. We will certainly be letting our patients know about it, as it applies the precautionary principle, suggesting the most likely safest product choices, given the available scientific evidence. Hopefully, the Guide will stimulate further research in this important, yet neglected consumer health area."
Dr. Lynn Marshall, Medical Director, Environmental Health Clinic
Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON

"This Guide provides what we all hoped the Internet would deliver years ago -- uncommercial, clear, unbiased information produced by a non-profit group with nothing to sell. Print off pages and take them with you when you shop. You and the planet will be healthier for it!"
Heidi Ship, Complementary Health practitioner

"This guide is extremely important and helpful in a timely way. The epidemic of cancers that we are all facing is intimately tied to chemical use, although conventional medicine often fails to face this obvious link. Recent mainstream scientific evidence linking chemicals in tap water to miscarriages is a wake-up call. Educating the public about less toxic products is absolutely essential for the health of humans, other species and our planet. Thank you so much for your work in producing and disseminating this information."
Elisabeth Gold, MD, Halifax, NS

"Many thanks to the Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Health Association for this extremely helpful guide to avoiding unnecessary toxic threats in our homes."
Elizabeth May, Executive Director, Sierra Club of Canada

"Hi Folks, Your web site is very impressive. Very good to see someone taking some action on this crucial subject."
Site Visitor

"I can't tell you how wonderful your new site is. not only to me as a severe multiple chemical/environmental allergy person, but to educate others to the effects of scents, chemicals etc. to someone like me... Keep up the good work!! "
Site Visitor

"Thank you for this amazing resource. It is a challenge being sensitive to so many artificial and natural scents, flavors, colors, preservatives, additives...etc. I have been recovering from serious debility and post traumatic stress, and detoxing my life has made a huge difference. ... it is information like yours that has made it possible! "
Site Visitor

Who is using the Guide to Less Toxic Products, EHANS’ popular on line resource? Amazing numbers of people, from many walks of life. An average of 300 people per day have used the Guide over the past year. Since the Guide was a featured link on Marketplace’s Chasing the Cancer Answer, in March 2006, more than 600 people per day have consulted the Guide at www.lesstoxicguide.ca.

The Toronto Globe and Mail referred to the Guide in their hard hitting series, Toxic Shock, June 2006. Environmental Defense Canada included the Guide to Less Toxic Products as a reference in their reports Toxic Nation, which focused on the body burden of chemicals found in Canadians, (www.toxicnation.ca) and Polluted Children, Toxic Nation (http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/reports/toxicnationFamily.htm). Clean Nova Scotia uses material from the Guide in their Tox-Free education campaigns.

The Guide has also been mentioned in the superb series on health hazards in beauty products in the Ottawa Citizen, in an item on less toxic bathroom cleaners in Chatelaine Magazine, and in an article on Less Toxic Spas in esthemag pro.

People across Canada and abroad are using The Guide to Less Toxic Products to help themselves and others find ways to switch to products which are healthier for humans and the environment. Below are a sampling of the letters EHANS has received in recent months.

I'm a director of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, a non-profit group in BC. We're in the process of producing a "Living Toxin Free" brochure for use in our part of Canada. The brochure will provide information about common, potentially toxic household products, offer alternatives, list some brand recommendations and offer information about local disposal sites and best practices. Your Guide to Less Toxic Products is easily the best and most comprehensive website we've ever seen on this subject area, and we'd like to refer readers to it and also mention some of the BC-based products you describe (with full credit to your Guide). May we have your permission?
Thanks, Andrew Scott

Thank you for providing this information! We would like to pass this information on to our residents via our residents association newsletter. Environmental illnesses are on the increase and we would like to make more information available.
Again, thank you for your dedication to this project.
Regards,
Dianne Eddy, President, Mapleguard Ratepayers' Association, Deep Bay, Vancouver Island

Hello. I am the Editor-in-Chief for a small feminist ezine entitled Edwards Magazine. One of our mandates is to highlight issues of health, and of course cancer ranks right up there when speaking of health concerns of Canadians.
In wake of the Marketplace Report which aired on CBC last weekend, I know many Canadians are anxious to learn more about chemicals, their harmful side effects, and what consumers can do to avoid them in the products we use.
I'm wondering if we could obtain permission to link to your site. ...Our readers are always looking for resources to find the information they need and I think your site is fantastic for presenting this information in a straight-forward, easy-to-understand manner.
Best,
Christine Gordon Manley, Editor-in-Chief, Edwards Magazine, www.edwardsmagazine.ca

I am the coordinator of the environment education program for Scouts in Western Australia.
The National Association recently introduced a new badge, called the Water Wise Badge. One of the requirements of this badge is to research and compile an environmentally friendly cleaning kit.
I am currently working at compiling a resource folder for leaders, to assist them with instructing the youth members about the badge requirements. After much searching on the internet, I came across your site. I found it very informative and very easy to understand.
I am writing to ask permission to include the information contained within the Household Cleaners section in this resource folder. Your site would receive full recognition, and we would refer any enquiries to your site.
Angela Hein, Branch Activity Leader - Environment, Scouts Western Australia

The Guide to Less Toxic Products has been on-line for over two years. EHANS is seeking funding to bring existing sections of the Guide up to date and to add three new sections: Pest Control, Building Materials, and Special Needs.
If you belong to an organization which might support this widely used resource, we can provide any information you need to promote this idea to your organization. Contact us by email at feedback@environmentalhealth.ca, or 1-800-449-1995.
If you have experience writing funding proposals and would like to assist EHANS in developing proposals to submit to funding bodies, contact us at the address above.

There are thousands of ingredients used in the types of products covered in this guide. Product formulations change frequently. Scientific understanding of the hazards of various substances is constantly developing. The products we have included in the Guide are ones which, on the basis of information available at the time of writing, were less toxic than most of the other products of the same type. Changes in product formulation or scientific knowledge could make the information contained here out of date.

Natural, Green, Eco-friendly, Botanical. You will find these words on many product labels. But in fact, there are no legal definitions for these words. Often manufacturers of hazardous products dress up their containers with pretty pictures of flowers and fruit to play on our desire for more natural products. A company may promote one healthy sounding ingredient (“With Goat’s Milk”, “With Vitamin E”) in a product whose other ingredients are not healthy at all.
Some companies will list ingredients as being derived from plants, like coconut or corn. But the plant may have gone through so many chemical processes, sometimes involving toxic solvents, that the resulting ingredient bears little resemblance to the original plant material.

Natural is not always non-toxic. Some natural ingredients have proven harmful effects. For example, d-limonene, found in orange peels, is a powerful solvent. It has been found to be a sensitizer and causes severe reactions in some people. Sodium lauryl sulfate, often derived from coconut, is a known skin irritant which enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens. Sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. In some cases petrochemical ingredients, particularly those which are not volatile, can be good less toxic choices.

It’s important to know how to read a label. Although we are providing brand names of less-toxic products, our list is by no means complete. And the formulation of a product could change for better or for worse at any time. If you know the hazards of some key ingredients, you are better equipped to evaluate for yourself the products on store shelves.
In Canada and the US, ingredients are listed in order of quantity. The first ingredient in the list makes up the greatest amount of the product, the last ingredient is present in the least quantity.
Note: Ingredient lists may not contain all ingredients. On some product only the “active” ingredients, those whose primary purpose is to achieve the main objective of the product, may be listed. Other ingredients which may have harmful health effects may not be listed at all.
Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which are another source of ingredient information, are not required to list ingredients which make up less than 1% of a product.
In Canada, manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on labels of personal care products or household cleaning products. Many companies using less-toxic ingredients are eager to make their ingredients known, and provide this information on labels or on information sheets or posters in stores.

The route of exposure is the pathway by which a chemical enters the body. There are three principal routes of exposure: through the skin (absorption), through the lungs (inhalation), and via the mouth to the digestive tract (ingestion). The type of exposure can affect the impact a chemical has.
A chemical which is not volatile (thus is not inhaled) but can be absorbed may be a good choice in a furniture polish, but more hazardous in a skin crème. A chemical which is less toxic as a liquid may become more toxic when it becomes a spray, or a vapour when heated or mixed with hot water.

Absorption
Many people believe that the skin is an effective barrier to toxins. But what we put on our skin all too often passes through the skin and into the blood. From there it is carried to various organs including the brain, liver and kidneys, where it may have immediate or long term effects. Absorption can be a significant source of exposure to the chemicals in personal care products, since they may be applied to the skin frequently and in large amounts. The scalp is an especially absorbent part of the body.
The skin is one of the most common routes of exposure. If a chemical can penetrate the skin, its toxicity depends in part on how much absorption takes place. The greater the absorption, the greater the potential for a chemical to exert a toxic effect. Although chemicals are absorbed much more readily through damaged or abraded skin, chemicals can penetrate intact, healthy skin.
Skin irritation is a common result of skin contact with certain chemicals. But of greater concern are effects which result from substances which are absorbed and circulated throughout the body and can damage many body systems.

Inhalation Another source of exposure is inhalation. Unlike the skin, lung tissue is not meant to be a protective barrier against chemical exposure. Lung tissue is very thin and allows the passage not only of oxygen, but also of many other chemicals directly into the blood. Once in the blood, inhaled chemicals pass to the heart and are then distributed to other organs without first passing through the detoxification process of the liver. In addition to causing systemic damage, chemicals that pass through the lung surface may injure lung tissue and interfere with its vital role of oxygen supply.

Some ingredients in personal care products, and many ingredients in household cleaning products become airborne and become part of the air we breathe at home, at work and in schools. Any substance which is airborne can have an impact through inhalation. Some substances are volatile in any state, others become airborne when heat is applied, and still others become airborne when used as sprays. Aerosol sprays are of particular concern, as the particles they produce are very small.
Chemicals can become airborne either as tiny particles, as gases or as vapours. Inhalation of particles depends upon their size and shape; the smaller the particle, the further into the respiratory tract it can penetrate. Gases and vapours, being smaller, are more deeply inhaled. Some of the particles breathed in will enter the gut directly and may affect the gut by reacting with it chemically. Chemical laden particles may be absorbed from the gut and cause effects in other parts of the body.

Ingestion Chemicals which are ingested enter the body via the mouth, either directly or when cleared from the lungs. Obviously, chemicals can be ingested when they are on or in products we eat or drink. They can also be ingested from substances which are applied near the mouth, eg. lipstick or lip gloss. Or they can be transferred to the mouth through hand to mouth activity. Children, who put their hands everywhere including in their mouths or chew on a variety of objects, are particularly likely to ingest chemicals this way. Chemicals that are ingested enter the body by absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption of chemicals can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the rectum, but the major site for absorption is the small intestine.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant derivatives, and if used should be used with caution. Here are some basic tips.

Do not use essential oils undiluted or in too high a concentration. Essential oils are very concentrated. If some is good, MORE IS NOT BETTER. Using too much can result in sensitization, and may burn or irritate skin or mucus membranes.

Oil and water does not mix. Recipes with essential oils must include an emulsifier to make sure the oil is dispersed equally throughout the product. If not, there is danger of sensitization. Shaking up an essential oil in water does not disperse it sufficiently. Some recipes are still circulating from a time before this was understood, and should not be used.

SaSalts, fat or alcohol can function as emulsifiers. Vodka, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, cornstarch and vinegar can also be used. Sea salts are especially good for bath products. Add oils to the salts first and let sit. Then add salts to bath. Whole milk can also be used as an emulsifier (not skim, its the FAT that is needed for the oil to mix with.) Fractionated sweet almond oil is a good emulsifier, and is available at most health food stores and stores which sell essential oils.

Essential oils used incorrectly can become sensitizers. Any essential oil used undiluted on the skin can have sensitization effects. Essential oils can become sensitizers over time if they are used without an emulsifier, and so are not actually dispersed in water. This can be true for essential oils used in baths, cleaners, or any product used on the skin or in the mouth. Undispersed oils can also burn skin and mucus membranes. No essential oil should be used on open cuts, to avoid oils entering the bloodstream directly.

Some oils are more powerful than others. Tea tree oil is very powerful and has to be properly blended. If not fully diluted, or used at concentrations which are too high, it can cause sensitization. Some essential oils are known sensitizers and should not be used at all. These include sweet birch, benzolin and cajuput. Other oils have known health hazards. Lemon and orange oil contain d’limonene which is a sensitizer and neurotoxin. Sage (salfia officinalis) can tend to be sensitizing and can be a problem for people who are pregnant, as well as those with high blood pressure or epilepsy. (Clary sage is less toxic.) Cinnamon oil can be irritating to skin. Although they are natural products, oils need to be used carefully.

Many people with chemical sensitivities are sensitive to even small quantities of essential oils, especially the stronger smelling ones including tea tree, lemon and patchouli. Others find they can tolerate them. Strong smelling scents, even natural ones, are not appropriate for scent-free workplaces.r>
Essential oils come in different grades. Therapeutic grade is the most pure and will not have pesticide residues or contain any synthetic oils. Cosmetic grade oils may contain pesticide residues and may be diluted with synthetic chemicals.

Equivalencies: Although each oil is different, on average 20 drops equals 1 mil, and 100 drops equals 1 tsp.

Thanks to Casaroma Wellness Centre, Dartmouth N.S. for assistance with this section.

More than 5,000 ingredients are allowed for use in personal care products. Many are identified by government agencies as hazardous, but many others remain untested. Some ingredients with known health hazards are very common in personal care products, both conventional products and alternative ones. We are providing information on some of these common ingredients. In preparing this guide, we screened products and chose those which had the least amount of these hazardous chemicals for our Best and Good sections.

DEA, TEA, MEA - Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA) are hormone disruptors. They are also known to combine with nitrates to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. If a product contains nitrites (used as a preservative or present as a contaminant not listed on labels) a chemical reaction can occur either during manufacturing or after a product is made. There is no way to know which products contain nitrosamines because government does not require manufacturers to disclose this information on the label.
A 1997 study by the U.S. National Toxicology Program found that these compounds themselves might also be carcinogenic. Repeated skin application of DEA was found to cause liver and kidney damage in animals. The study also discovered that when absorbed through the skin, DEA accumulated in organs. TEA may also cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

Dioxins - You won't find dioxin listed on any label. It's formed as an accidental by-product of some manufacturing processes using chlorine, especially paper bleaching and the creation of plastic. Dioxin is one of the most powerful carcinogens known and accumulates in body fat. Mainstream deodorants and anti-bacterial soaps are suspect. Chlorine bleached tissues, toilet paper and cotton balls can contain dioxin. Plastic bottles may leach dioxin into creams, shampoos and other products we use daily.

DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea - DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are preservatives that release formaldehyde. It is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to this chemical will experience an allergic reaction. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is a known sensitizer. Imidazolidinyl urea may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

FD&C Colours - Used extensively in personal care products, FD&C colours are made from coal. Coal tar colours have been found to cause cancer in animals and many people experience allergic reactions like skin irritation and contact dermatitis. They are listed as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6, or D&C Green No. 6.

Fragrance - Synthetic fragrance is the most common ingredient found in personal care products. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes." (Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd). Fragrance is a known trigger of asthma. Many of the compounds in fragrance are suspected or proven carcinogens. Phthalates in perfumes are known hormone disruptors. In 1989 the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus.

Lanolin - Lanolin is a common allergen and because of this has been replaced in many products. But there is another reason to be cautious about lanolin. Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool. It may contain residues of insecticides into which sheep are dipped to control external parasites. These insecticides are fat-soluble. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, says these chemicals are likely to migrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. However, some sheep producers now control parasites by injecting sheep with insecticides, which work by circulating through the animal’s bloodstream. The best way to know if the lanolin in a personal care product is free of insecticide is to look for a certified organic product. Uncontaminated lanolin is perfectly safe, although it can cause contact dermatitis in some people. Lanolin oil, a more refined product, has been found to have little insecticide residue. Purified lanolin oil is a healthy product, as long as you aren't allergic to it.

Lead - Lead is a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor. It is readily absorbed through the skin, and accumulates in the bones. It causes neurological damage and behaviour abnormalities, and large accumulations can result in leg cramps, muscle weakness, numbness and depression. Lead is found in some hair dyes.

Nonylphenols - This estrogen-mimicking chemical is a surfactant used for its detergent properties. It can be found in some plastics, as well as shaving creams, shampoos and hair colours. It can be created when certain chemicals commonly found in personal care products break down. Nonylphenols can be a component in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a compound often found in acrylic nails. They are persistent in the environment and of such concern that many European countries are phasing them out. Some manufacturers have voluntarily discontinued their use.

Parabens - An estrogen mimic, parabens are preservatives with antibacterial properties. Widely used in all kinds of personal care products, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl-. Parabens can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in some people. Preservatives are one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. There are safer practical alternatives to parabens, including vitamin E, vitamin C and grapefruit seed extract.

PEG - Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in cleaners and some oven cleaners to dissolve oil and grease. It can also be found in many personal care products. PEG may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates the skin. While dioxane can be removed from products easily and economically by vacuum stripping during the manufacturing process, there is no way to determine which products have undergone this process. Labels are not required to list this information.

Phenylenediamine - Used in permanent hair dyes, phenylenediamine can cause eczema, bronchial asthma, gastritis, skin irritation and even death. It is also a carcinogen. It can react with other chemicals to cause photosensitivity. The US Food and Drug Administration proposed legislation which would have required warning labels on products, advising that this ingredient can penetrate skin and has been determined to cause cancer in lab animals. If passed, beauty salons would have had to post warnings for their customers. Cosmetic industry lobbyists defeated the proposal.

Phthalates - Everyone in the general population is exposed to phthalates from one source or another. They are found in many products from plastics to shampoo. These hormone-disrupting chemicals are suspected of contaminating breast milk and causing damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs and reproductive organs. One type of phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is commonly found in fragrances and other personal care products. Phthalates are used to enhance fragrances, as solvents, and to denature alcohol. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (December 2002) found that DEP is damaging to the DNA of sperm in adult men at current levels of exposure. DNA damage to sperm can lead to infertility and may also be linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer in offspring. DEP is the phthalate found in the highest levels in humans. Recent product tests found the chemical in every fragrance tested in the United States. Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on product labels, so they are difficult to avoid.

Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80 - Polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates the skin. While dioxane can be removed from products easily and economically by vacuum stripping during the manufacturing process, there is no way to determine which products have undergone this process. Labels are not required to list this information.

Propylene Glycol - Propylene glycol is recognized as a neurotoxin by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in the U.S. It is known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It is widely used as a moisture-carrying ingredient in place of glycerine because it is cheaper and more readily absorbed through the skin. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol warns workers handling this chemical to avoid skin contact.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) - Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaternium-15 and quaternium 1-29, these compounds are caustic and can irritate the eyes. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related contact dermatitis. There is concern about their potential as sensitizers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer and can cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, even respiratory arrest. When they are used with hot running water, steam increases the inhalation of vapours. These compounds are used in a wide range of products as preservatives, surfactants and germicides. They make hair and skin feel softer immediately after use but long-term use will cause dryness.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate - This chemical is a known skin irritant and enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. The chemical can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a lathering agent. It is present in ninety per cent of commercial shampoos, as well as skin creams and some brands of toothpaste.
Sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates the skin. While dioxane can be removed from products easily and economically by vacuum stripping during the manufacturing process, there is no way to determine which products have undergone this process. Labels are not required to list this information.

Talc - Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. In addition, women who regularly use talc in the genital area are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Airborne talc in body powders and antiperspirant sprays can irritate the lungs. Talcum powder is reported to cause coughing, vomiting, and even pneumonia. Many pediatricians now tell parents to avoid using talc on babies as it can cause respiratory distress, sometimes resulting in death. Talc is found in blushes, face powders, eye shadows, liquid foundation and skin fresheners. Used near the eyes, it can irritate sensitive mucous membranes. Talc in liquid formulations poses minimal risk.

Sources:
Drop-dead Gorgeous, Kim Erikson, Contemporary Books, 2002
Not Too Pretty (phthalates information): www.nottoopretty.org
Cancer Prevention Coalition: www.preventcancer.com
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.

Personal care products are organized into three categories.
Products in the Best (

) category are most often available in health/natural foods shops, the natural food section of grocery stores and shops selling environmentally friendly goods. Some products can be found in pharmacies and chain stores. Many products can be ordered on-line.

Products in the Good (

) category are mainly available in health/natural food shops, the natural foods sections of grocery stores, or shops selling environmentally friendly goods. However some are increasingly available in mainstream shops. For example, Tom's toothpaste is now sold in Atlantic Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Lawtons’ and Wal-Mart and Jason products are found in Wal-Mart and some pharmacies.

Products in the Simply Unscented (

) category are widely available in drug, grocery and department stores. Some product lines are carried only in certain stores. In the Maritimes, Clinique is sold at the Bay and Sears. Jean Coutu Pharmacy, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Wal-Mart and Zellers sell Marcelle, RoC, Almay and Biotherm.

Almost all companies have web sites where products can be viewed. Many companies selling better products or hypoallergenic products will list product ingredients on their web sites. Some companies also list store locations where their products are sold.

Sometimes a store will only carry a few items made by a particular company. If you find a product you like, check the company’s web site to see what else they make.

These are web sites for some of the best less-toxic products not widely available in the Maritimes:

Through the ages men and women have painted their faces and bodies with colour - often with deadly results. Ancient Egyptians outlined eyes with kohl, a poisonous substance made from antimony. Greeks and Romans liked the pale look, achieved by applying white lead and chalk to their faces. During the Renaissance, the pale look was again popular with a white lead and vinegar mixture applied to face, neck and bosom. Lips and cheeks were tinted bright red with vermilion, a paint containing mercuric sulfide. A heavy coating of powder, often based on talc, kept everything in place. When women noticed that their lead cosmetics cause a variety of skin problems, some applied a facial peel made from mercury. Now we recognize lead and mercury as highly toxic.

Today, most colours in conventional cosmetics are chemically synthesized derived from coal tar. While they’re less expensive than natural compounds to produce, coal tar colours have been shown to cause cancer in animals. Impurities like arsenic and lead in some coal tar colours have been shown to cause cancer not only when ingested, but also when applied to skin.

The main ingredient in most blushes is talc, a carcinogen. Colour is provided by hazardous coal tar dyes. Mineral oil, which can clog pores, and propylene glycol, a neurotoxin and skin sensitizer, are binders used to hold the formulation together. Acrylate compounds, commonly used as thickening agents, can be strong irritants.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetic fragrance free
Body Shop - Lip and Cheek Stain; Cheek Colour
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Concealers contain numerous irritating chemicals like propylene glycol, lanolin and paraben preservatives. Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most reported cause of contact dermatitis. BHA, a preservative, is a carcinogen that can be absorbed through the skin. DEA, TEA and MEA can form carcinogenic nitrosamines that are absorbed through the skin, and may be carcinogenic in themselves.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free
Revlon - Colorstay Stick Concealer/Foundation

Mainstream eyeliners contain carcinogenic coal tar colours, hormone-disrupting TEA, and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone). PVP is an allergen and there is some evidence that it cause cancer in lab animals. The US government has received numerous reports of allergic reaction to eyeliner.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - Liquid Eye Liner; Eye Definer (pencil)
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Eye shadows are used for the colours they provide. But artificial colours like carcinogenic coal tar dyes are frequent allergens and one dye - FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause severe reactions in people allergic to aspirin. Talc, a carcinogen, is the main ingredient in powdered eye shadows. Eye shadows may also contain mineral oil, a petrochemical derivative, dimethicone, a silicone oil, to make the powder stick to the eyelid, and binding ingredients like methacrylate, a strong irritant. Cream eye shadows are made with petrochemicals like paraffin and petrolatum, carcinogenic coal tar colours, and lanolin, an allergen which may contain pesticide residues. The glitter in cream eye shadows is created by adding pure aluminum which can cause violent allergic reactions in some people, as well as possibly entering the eye and causing injury to the cornea. The Consumer Agency and Ombudsman in Finland tested 49 eye shadows and found that all contained lead, cobalt, nickel, chromium and arsenic. Researchers say the amounts can cause occasional allergic reaction and sensitivities. However, other research shows chronic exposure to low levels of arsenic can cause hormone disruption.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - Eye Colour
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Mainstream powder products commonly contain talc, a carcinogen. Airborne talc is particularly dangerous because it can be inhaled. Other toxic ingredients include formaldehyde (carcinogenic and a sensitizer), quartenium-15 (can release formaldehyde), lanolin (irritant), imidazolidinyl urea (irritant, can release formaldehyde), MEA, TEA and DEA (hormone disruptors, can release formaldehyde) and parabens (hormone disrupters, irritants).

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - Loose Face Powder; Pressed Face Powder
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Foundations are the third leading cause of contact dermatitis among cosmetics users. Because foundation is worn on the skin for many hours, products containing synthetic ingredients can cause skin problems. Mineral oil can block pores and promote cosmetic acne and isopropyl myristate, a fatty compound, can cause blackheads. Other ingredients include propylene glycol, a neurotoxin and skin sensitizer, TEA and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol which are often found together and which, combined, may cause the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, parabens, commonly- used hormone disrupting preservatives that may accumulate in body fat, and quaternium-15, a germicide that may break down into formaldehyde which is a carcinogen and sensitizer. Foundations also include coal tar colours and synthetic fragrances. They may also contain lanolin, a common allergen.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - All in One Face Base; Tinted Glow Enhancer
Clean Makeup - liquid foundation
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free
Revlon - Colorstay Liquid Foudation

A woman may ingest more than four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime - even more if she wears it every day. Mainstream lipsticks are composed of synthetic oils, petroleum waxes and artificial colours. Coal tar dye colours are common allergens and also carcinogenic. Lipsticks also contain amyldimethylamino benzoic acid, ricinoleic acid, fragrance, ester gums and lanolin. Some dyes can cause photosensitivity and dermatitis.

Good

Beauty Without Cruelty
Body Shop - Lip Shimmer
Burt’s Bees
Ecco Bella
Kiss My Face
Terra Tints - Naturally Tinted Lip Balm

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - Lip Line Fixer; Lip Liners (pencil); Lip and Cheek Stain; Lip Colour; Liquid Lip Colour
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Makeup removers may contain propylene glycol, a neurotoxin, parabens, which are estrogen mimics, carcinogenic coal tar colours, DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea which release formaldehyde, polyethelene glycol and polysorbate 80 which may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen which readily penetrates skin, and fragrances.

Simply Unscented

Almay - eye make-up remover; all cosmetics fragrance free
Andea Eay Q’s - Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
Clinique - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free
Klorane - Wild Cornflower Eye Make-up Remover
Marcelle - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free
RoC - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free

Home-made alternatives
Eye Makeup Remover
1Tbs castor oil
1Tbs light olive oil
1 tsp vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower etc)
Blend ingredients, Use to remove makeup around the eyes.

Conventional mascara contains petroleum distillates, shellac, acrylates (strong irritants), phenylmercuric acetate (preservative made from benzenes and mercury that can cause blisters, skin irritation and allergic reactions), parabens (hormone disrupters, allergens), quaternium-22 (preservative, allergen), quaternium-15 (eye irritant) pentaerythrityl (resin additive made from formaldehyde). Lash-extending products can contain plasticizers, like polyurethane, that cause cancer in animals, and polystyrene sulfonate which can irritate eyes and may be a hormone disruptor.

Simply Unscented

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free
Body Shop - Volumizing Mascara; Define and Lengthen Mascara
Brow and lash tint
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free

Home-made alternatives
Soak in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water, mixed half and half.

Soak in a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a half glass of water. Rinse well.

Conventional mouthwash is alcohol-based. Products with alcohol content higher than 25 percent can contribute to cancers of the mouth, tongue and throat when used regularly. Mouthwash can contain artificial flavours and colours, formaldehyde and sodium lauryl sulfate. Some mouthwash formulations include polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80, which may be contaminated with 1,4-dixane, a carcinogen and fluoride which is a suspected carcinogen and may cause problems for some sensitive people.

Best

Desert Essence - Tea Tree Mouthwash
Quantum - All Natural Breath Protect Capsules
Thursday Plantation - Tea Tree Mouthwash
Tom’s - Natural Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Weleda - Ratanhia Mouthwash Concentrate

Simply Unscented

Biotene - Mouthwash
Colgate - Peroxyl Mouthwash
Steri/sol - Therapeutic Oral Rinse

Home-made Alternatives

1 tsp of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in 1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/4 cup water
Salted warm water

Mouthwash
10 Drops tea tree oil (approx 1/10 tsp or .5 ml)
2 drops myrhh
12 drops emulsifier
1 litre purified water
For a better taste add 7 drops peppermint oil and 7 drops emulsifier

Add to emulsifier jar, then add essential oils. Blend well. Add one litre or purified or distilled water to bottle.

Conventional toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners like saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic colours and flavours, and polysorbate 80 which may be contaminated with 1,4-doxane, a carcinogen. Almost all conventional brands contain fluoride. Fluoride is linked to cancer and causes problems for some sensitive people.

Best

A. Vogel - Echinacea Toothpaste
Ipsab Tooth Powder – Heritage Products
Jason - several types
Nature’s Gate - Green Tea with Ester C (note: other Nature’s Gate toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate)
Stevia Canada
Weleda: Pink Toothpaste with Ratanhia; Salt Toothpaste with Baking Soda; Calendula Toothpaste; Plant Gel Toothpaste; Children’s Tooth Gel

Good

Auromere
Desert Essence
First Teeth - Baby Toothpaste (no fluoride)
Homeofresh
Natural Dentist
Natural Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Nature’s Gate - several kinds
Sheffield
Step One Kidz Prestep - Infants and Children’s Toothpaste (no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate)
Tom’s of Maine - many kinds of toothpaste, with and without fluoride
Thompson’s Kalodent
Thursday Plantation
Vicco - (contains SLS) available at Super Natural Foods, Halifax

Simply Unscented

Sensodyne - note: this company’s ‘Sensodyne-F’ toothpastes contains fluoride.

Home-made Alternatives
Brush with plain baking soda or salt.

Brush with 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt mixed to a fine powder in a blender.

Herbal toothpaste: Soak 1 teaspoon of dried Irish moss in 1 cup of spring water for 15 minutes. Bring to a boil and boil 15 minutes. Strain gel through cheesecloth and add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon soda, a few drops of chlorophyll.

Tips
Do not scrub teeth vigorously with toothpaste containing chalk (calcium carbonate) as it can wear away enamel.

The main way to remove plaque is flossing not brushing. Brushing with plain water is sufficient, as long as you floss.

A U.S. government advisory panel says there is no need to douche. They blame “tradition, ignorance, and commercial advertising” for the practice. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition, cites a study which found that women who used douches more than once a week experienced a four-fold risk for cervical cancer. Douches containing phenol, sodium lauryl sulfate and citric acid, and the essential oils eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and chlorothymol, are particularly hazardous.

Home-made Alternatives

One teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups of water.
One and one-half teaspoons of vinegar mixed in 1 quart of water.

Feminine hygiene products can contain synthetic fragrances and dyes. Bleached paper in pads and tampons can contain dioxin, a carcinogen.

Best

Lunapad - 100% cotton washable pads. Sold at P’Lovers.
Natracare - 100% organic cotton tampons, 100% canton tampons, Panty Shields, Pads, Press-on Pads, Night-time Pads,
The Keeper - Menstrual Cup (reusable natural gum rubber) www.thekeeper.com

Most mainstream and many “natural” conditioners rely on quaternary compounds to produce thicker, tangle-free silky hair. These compounds - benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaternium 15, quaternium 18 - can be irritating to eyes and skin. Other ingredients to avoid: carcinogenic coal tar colours (FC&C), propylene glycol, cinnamate sunscreens, and polysorbate 80 that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen.

Best

Anointment - Herbal Hair Rinses (a Halifax company. Sold at P’Lovers.)
Botanical Therapeutic - Conditioner
Aubrey Organics - Island Naturals Conditioner; Blue Green Algae Cream Rinse; Blue Green Algae Hair Rescue Conditioning Mask; GPB Hair Conditioner; Green Tea Herbal Cream Rinse; Rosemary and Sage Hair and Scalp Rinse.
Curelle- Treslite Conditioner, Riche Conditioner (both unscented)
Curelle - Build-up Remover
Druide- Ecological Conditioner
Nature’s Blends - organic conditioner
Nature Clean - Organic Conditioner
Weleda - Aloe Phyto Conditioner; Calendula Phyto Conditioner; Chamomile Phyto Conditioner; Chestnut Phyto Conditioner; Henna Phyto Conditioner; Lemon Balm Phyto Conditioner; Rosemary Phyto Conditioner

Good

Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Conditioner, Seawinds Conditioner
Avalon
Beauty Without Cruelty
Desert Essence - Jojoba Conditioner
Earth Science - Pure Essentials
Earth Science Fragrance Free Conditioner
Healthy Times
Herbal Glow
Infinity - Rosemary or Chamomile Conditioning Rinse
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Conditioner, Conditioner for Thinning Hair (both fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate

Home-made Alternatives

Pour 1 cup of warm beer over hair, then rinse with water.

Mayonnaise Conditioner: massage mayonnaise into hair, coating every strand. Cover hair with plastic bag for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Dry-Scalp Conditioner: Massage plain yoghourt into hair, especially the scalp. Cover with a plastic bag for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Henna Treatment: Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over 1/4 cup of colourless henna and 2 teaspoons of honey. Let sit a few minutes to thicken. Coat each strand of hair, cover with a plastic bag and wrap with a warm towel. Shampoo after 1 hour.

Conditioner: Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 small container of yoghourt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to hair, wrap in towel for 15 minutes, then rinse.

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Athens Medical Schools suggested that women who use hair dyes five or more times a year have twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Most permanent hair dyes contain potential irritants and carcinogens like formaldehyde and ammonia. Petroleum-based coal tar derivatives and phenylenediamine cause cancer. Products containing phenylenediamine can cause blindness if the solution drips into eyes. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition, says the use of hair dye places women at increased risk of certain cancers, especially leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease. He states there is strong evidence that the use of hair colouring products accounts for up to 20 percent of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases in U.S. women, and that there is suggestive evidence these products increase breast cancer risk. Dark and black colours are particularly toxic.

Best

Colora Henna - available at Super Natural, Halifax & Healthy Habits, Truro
Neekoo Natural Henna - sold at Super Natural, Halifax
VitaWave Hair Color - sold at Super Natural, Halifax

Tips

True henna is a plant derived product which produces brown through red shades. Steer clear of so-called “black henna”. This is not a true henna, and contains PPD, a carcinogenic chemical additive contained in hair dyes. Black henna is also used to make temporary tattoos.

Oils, pomades, daily moisturizers, leave-in conditioner and creams will make the hair feel more soft and flexible. It is especially important to add them to permed or straightened hair which has been stripped of some of its ability to oil itself. Mineral oil and other petroleum based products can tend to clog pores. They are less easily absorbed into the hair and attract dust.

Less toxic Alternatives

Jason Shea Butter
Now Shea Butter
Jojoba oil
Sunflower oil
Olive oil
Commercial products based on these ingredients.

Home-made Alternatives

Hot oil hair treatment:
Combine 1 teaspoon soybean oil and 2 teaspoons castor oil. Warm on low heat. Massage mixture into scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse.

Tips

Oils are best applied to wet hair to help hold in the moisture already there. Creams or leave-in conditioners can be used on days when you don't wash or wet your hair. The type of oil or cream you use in your hair is going to depend on your hair type. It may take some experimenting to find what works best for you. The time of year and your hair's exposure to the elements may vary your routine.

Toxic ingredients: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, guanidine carbonate, guanidine hydroxide, thioglycolic acid, lithium hydroxide. A relaxer must be used with a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner whether applied at home or in a salon. Conventional shampoos and conditioners found in hair straightening kits contain the same ingredients found in conventional shampoos and conditioners, whose health effect are detailed in those sections.

Possible health effects of relaxers and activators are scalp irritation, skin burns, permanent scarring, deep ulcerations, skin drying and cracking, dermatitis, irreversible baldness, eye damage including blindness and weak, dry, broken and damaged hair.

Relaxers, whether with or without lye, have a very high pH (very near the top of the scale). In other words, they are caustic. Relaxers break the hair down. Relaxers work because they break the bonds that actually give strength to the hair. This causes the hair to straighten. Therefore, relaxed hair is, by definition, weaker than natural hair. Relaxers also deplete the hair of sebum (the oil your scalp secretes). Combine that with heat and you can really end up with a problem. Hair that has been straightened will be weaker than if it were natural and will be more prone to problems.

For years, the main chemical used has been sodium hydroxide - a powerful alkaline caustic otherwise known as lye. Sodium hydroxide is used in products like Draino to dissolve hair in drains. It's also used in depilatories to dissolve hair.

Lately, new "no-lye" products have been introduced. While the chemicals in these products are not lye, they are very similar and have the same effect, chemically, on the hair. Advertising leads people to believe these chemicals are much safer when in fact they are only slighter better.

"People may think because it says 'no lye' that it's not caustic," says US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) biologist Lark Lambert. But both types of relaxers contain ingredients that work by breaking chemical bonds of the hair, and both can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. With "no lye" relaxers, calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are mixed to produce guanidine hydroxide.

Research has shown that this combination in "no lye" relaxers results in less scalp irritation than lye relaxers, but the same safety rules apply for both. They should be used properly, left on no longer than the prescribed time, carefully washed out with neutralizing shampoo, and followed up with regular conditioning. The FDA has received complaints about scalp irritation and hair breakage related to both lye and "no lye" relaxers.
Hair care experts recommend that if using a straightener, it be applied by a professional in a salon setting and that extra care be taken to keep straightened hair healthy.

Less Toxic Alternative

Baka Beauty Hair Relaxer (US mail order- www.treasuredlocks.com)

Aerosol and pump sprays produce fine droplets which can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred into your bloodstream. Inhalation of spray can also cause respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties. If you must use a spray, choose pump over aerosol as spray droplets are slightly larger. Hair setting lotions are a better choice.

Hair styling products can contain TEA, DEA, MEA, FD&C colours, BHA and palmidate-O, all carcinogens. Ethoxylated alcohols, PEG compounds, and polysorbate 60 or 80 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Conventional hair sprays coat hair with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a plasticizer.

Best

Aloe Vera Gel
Aubrey Organics - B-5 Design Gel; Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & Ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly; Natural Body Highliter Mousse (Golden Camomile, Chestnut Brown, Soft Black); Natural Mist Herbal Spray (regular hold, super hold); Sea Buckthorn Leave-in Conditioner and Curl Activator; White Camellia and Jasmine Shine Conditioner Spray
Botanical Therapeutic - Hair Spray (pump)
Cruel - Styling Gel - This is a Canadian company based in Vancouver
Druid – Ecological Herbal Styling Gel (alcohol free, pump), Ecological Vegetal Hair Spray (alcohol free)
Spectrum Essentials - 100% coconut oil
Weleda - Rosemary Hair Oil

Good

Aloe Vera 80 - Hair Spray
Atlantic Healing Hemp Lavender Hair Gel
Beauty Without Cruelty - Spray gel
Earth Science
Jason - Styling Gel; All Natural Mousse
Kiss My Face - Kiss Kids Natural Hold Up Styling Gel
Magic Botanicals - Hair Styling Gel; Hair Spray (both unscented)

Simply Unscented

Adorn
Alberto - Extra Hold Mousse; Extra Hold Hair Spray (pump and aerosol)
Aveeda – All Sensitive Styling Gel
Clairol Final Net - Ultimate All-day Hold; Regular All-day Hold; Extra All-day Hold; All-day Hold; For Permed Color-Treated Hair
Clinique - gel, spray, wax, straightening balm/cream
Finesse
Herbatint - Contains no ammonia or fragrance
K-Y Jelly
Salon Selectives - Sit Still Medium Hold Finishing Spray (pump)
Pantene Pro-V
Tame
Vidal Sassoon

Home-made Alternatives
Mix together 2 cups boiling water, and 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin in 1 teaspoon vinegar. Strain through coffee filter and put in sprayer bottle.

Lemon Hair Spray - Squeeze juice of 1 medium lemon into 2 cups of water. Slice up lemon peel and add. Boil slowly until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and pour into spray bottle. Keep in fridge. For extra hold use 1 1/2 lemons.

Flax Seed Gel - Boil 2 tablespoons of flax seed in 1/3 cup water for 10 minutes. Rub through hair, sparingly.

Chemicals in permanent waves can cause eye and skin irritations, swelling of legs and feet and swelling of eyelids. These products are suspected of causing low blood sugar. Hair can become damaged and weakened, resulting in hair more susceptible to chemical and ultraviolet damage. The main ingredient in permanent waves, thioglycolic acid, is also used in chemical hair straighteners. These solutions can result in first- and third-degree burns and even hair loss. Chemical straighteners contain allergens and skin irritants like TEA, polyethelene glycol and synthetic fragrance.

Shampoos cause the most number of adverse reactions of all hair care products. They frequently contain harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and numerous irritating and carcinogenic compounds including sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate (irritant, can form carcinogenic nitrosamines), DEA, TEA, MEA (hormone disruptors, can release carcinogenic nitrosamines), quaternium-15, DMDM hydratoin (can release carcinogenic nitrosamines), polyethylene glycol (irritant), coal tar (carcinogenic), propylene glycol (neurotoxin, dermatitis, liver and kidney damage), and EDTA(irritant). Cleaning agents and water comprise about 93% of a shampoo. The cleaning agent itself is the most important ingredient.

Best

Nature Clean Face and Body Bar Soap - unscented
Aubrey Organics - Island Naturals Shampoo; Blue Camomile Shampoo; Blue Green Algae Hair Rescue Vegetal Protein Shampoo; Camomile Herbal Luxurious Shampoo; Green Tea Hair Treatment Shampoo; Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo; Swimmers Shampoo.
Botanical Therapeutic Shampoo - Sold at Great Ocean.
Burt’s Bees - Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
Curelle - Energe Shampoo, Hydra Shampoo. Sold at Great Ocean.
Druide - Balance Shampoo; Body and Shine Shampoo; Citronella Shampoo, Ecological Shampoo
Druide – Pur and Pure Shampoo (unscented)
Nature Clean - Herbal Shampoo (unscented)
Nature’s Blend’s - shampoo
Weleda - Calendula Phyto Shampoo; Chamomile Phyto Shampoo; Chestnut Phyto Shampoo; Henna Phyto Shampoo; Lemon Balm Phyto Shampoo; Rosemary Phyto Shampoo.

Good

Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Shampoo, Seewings Shampoo
Avalon
Beauty Without Cruelty
Burt’s Bees - Herbal Treatment Shampoo
Desert Essence- Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Jojoba Shampoo
Earth Science - Pure Essentials
Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo
Healthy Times
Herbal Glow
Infinity - Rosemary or Chamomile Shampoo
Jason Natural Biotin Shampoo
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Shampoo, Shampoo for Thinning Hair (both fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate
Tom’s Natural Shampoo

Simply Unscented

Clinique - several shampoos, all fragrance-free
Marcelle - hypoallergenic

Home-made Alternatives
Castille Soap Shampoo - Mix 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of liquid castille soap (Nature Clean is one brand). To make an herbal shampoo, heat water before adding soap and steep herbs, then strain and add soap. Castille will leave a film on hair which can be removed by rinsing hair with 3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water.

Egg Shampoo - Beat 2 large eggs and massage into scalp. Leave on a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. To cut film left by the eggs, rinse with vinegar (dark hair), or lemon Juice (light hair). Mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar or juice with 1 cup of water and pour through hair.

Baking soda mixed with water to a consistency that can be massaged through hair.

For centuries, women in some cultures have used depilatories to remove unwanted hair. Old formulas made with arsenic and quicklime seem barbaric now, but even today’s depilatories can burn skin and eyes and cause severe allergic reactions and pustular outbreaks. Depilatories use high-pH chemicals to dissolve hair below the surface of the skin. An offensive smelling chemical, thioglycolic acid, is commonly used along with lye to boost the effectiveness of the concoction.

Next to shaving, waxing is the most popular method of hair removal. Waxes can be made from petroleum (paraffin), rosin or beeswax. Hot wax is spread on the skin and covered in cloth strips which are ripped away when cool, taking the hair with them. Sugaring is a centuries-old technique for hair removal. A sugar and water gel is used as in waxing. Unlike wax, sugar does not adhere to skin so pulling off the cloth strips is less painful. Look for natural sugaring kits that contain only sugar, water and sometimes herbs. Laser treatment, while not a permanent solution, can reduce the amount and thickness of hair. Electrolysis, when administered by a dermatologist, will permanently remove hair, although it could take a number of visits.

Best

Alexandria - Sugaring Strips
Andrea - Facial and Body Sugaring Kit; Muslin Body Epilating Strips (unbleached cotton strips for use with sugaring kit)
Persian - Cold Wax Hair Remover (In spite of the name, there is no wax in this product. It is a sugaring kit.)
Velvet Touch - Hair Remover Mitten

Good

Andrea - Facial Cold Wax; Cold Wax Kit; Warm Wax Kit
Parissa - Quick and Easy Wax Strips for Face and Bikini; Quick and Easy Wax Strips for Legs and Body; Warm Wax for Legs, Body and Face
Sally Hansen - Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit for Face, Eyebrows and Bikini; Natural Washable Wax Hair Remover Kit

Home-made Alternatives
Melt a small amount of beeswax in a small pan until very warm but still cool enough to touch. After dusting skin with body powder or cornstarch, apply warm wax with a wooden spatula. Allow mixture to cool for a few seconds, then remove quickly with a light tapping. Sooth with cream or aloe vera gel.

Nail products are among the most toxic cosmetics on the market, and nails can absorb the chemicals used in polishes, removers and cuticle creams. Toluene, a neurotoxin, is one of the most dangerous ingredients in nail polish. It can comprise 50% of the ingredients in some brands. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pollution Protection and Toxics says that breathing large amounts of toluene for a short period of time can harm kidneys, liver and the heart. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the US Department of Health and Human Services says high exposure to toluene can occur from home use of nail polish. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, is also found in nail products. Some companies have removed these two toxins but another commonly used chemical has emerged as a hormone disruptor - DBP, a phthalate. This estrogen mimicking plasticizer may accelerate sexual development in young girls. Animal studies have found DBP is responsible for birth deformities like cleft palate and undescended testicles.

Best

Color 'N Peel
Earthly Delights
Nalz - water based
Natural Beauty - water-based.
Suncoat (Canada) - www.suncoatproducts.com

Simply Unscented

Almay - hypoallergenic
Clinique - hypoallergenic, unscented, no toluene or formaldehyde

Conventional nail polish removers contain acetone. When inhaled, this chemical enters the blood and is carried to body organs. Short-term exposure causes respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, light-headedness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and increases risk of birth defects.

The nail polish removers listed here are less-toxic but may not be chemical-free.

Earthly Delights: Naked Nails Polish Remover
No-Miss Nail Care: Almost Natural Polish Remover
Safe & Easy: Polish Remover
Suncoat (Canadian) - www.suncoatproducts.com

Acrylic nails are bad news all around, and there are no less-toxic alternatives besides your own well-groomed nails. There are numerous short and long-term health effects from the chemicals used in these nails. Nails need to breathe to stay healthy. Covering them in plastic resin causes nails to become weak, thin and brittle. Fungal infections are a problem when moisture is trapped beneath the artificial nail. Removing the nails requires the use of a powerful solvent, usually acetonitrile. This toxic chemical can irritate the respiratory system, and may cause an enlarged thyroid.

Preformed press-on nails from the drug store are not an alternative. The glues used to attach these nails can cause contact dermatitis, eczema, dizziness and headaches.

Home-made Alternatives
Sally Hansen Nail Buffer and Groomer - This can be used instead of nail polish - your nails look very shiny and smooth, like you have a coat of clear polish on them.

Toners and astringents are designed to get rid of any lingering traces of cleanser and dead skin cells. Toners are supposed to work by closing the pores and balancing the skin’s pH. But many toners produce that tight feeling by using placticizers like sorbitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that can remain in the body for months. Astringents control oily skin with high levels of alcohol that can dry even the oiliest skin immediately after use. But used daily, astringents actually increase oil production. Astringents can contain salicylic acid and boric acid, both toxic when used on skin. Other common ingredients are talc, synthetic colours, fragrance and preservatives.

Best

Aubrey Organics
Aveeda – All Sensitive Toner - unscented
Druide - Face Toner
Earthwise - Natural Witch Hazel Distillate
Heritage Products - Rosewater and Glycerin
Thayers - Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Weleda - Iris Facial Toner; Leg Toner

Good

Atlantic Healing Hemp Astringent Lotion
Avalon - Hydrating Toner; Balancing Facial Toner
Earth Science - Anti-oxidant Toner
Ecco Bella - Purifying Toner
Jason - Toner, Astringent
Kiss My Face - Aloe and Tea Tree Astringent

Simply Unscented

Almay - Toner
Biotherm - Biosensitive Toner
Clinique - Tonifying Lotion
Marcelle - Toner
RoC - Toner

Home-made Alternatives
Mix equal amounts of water and organic apple cider vinegar.

Herbal Toner for Dry Skin
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup rose hydrosol (rose water)
6 drops rose geranium essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
1 drop jasmine essential oil

Mix aloe vera and essential oils in a glass bottle. Then add hydrosol.

Healing Toner for Sensitive Skin
1/4 cup rose hydrosol
2 tablespoons witch hazel
4 drops rose essential oil
2 drops yarrow essential oil

Mix essential oils with witch hazel in a glass bottle. Then add hydrosol.

Chamomile Astringent for Acne
1 cup witch hazel
20 drops tea tree oil
1/2 cup chamomile tea

Mix oil and witch hazel in a glass bottle. Add chamomile tea.

Conventional bath oils contain synthetic fragrance, as well as colours, alcohol and lanolin which can all cause allergic reactions. Other chemicals, like TEA and sodium lauryl sulfate, can form carcinogenic nitrosomines. Mineral-based bath salts are sprayed with synthetic dyes and scents, and can contain other ingredients irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Bubble baths are also full of dyes, colours, scents and preservatives, as well as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. They have been implicated in many cases of bladder, urinary tract and kidney infections. Soaking in hot water increases skin permeability and exposure to harmful ingredients.

Best

Anointment - Energy Bath Tea, Relaxing Bath Tea (a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Atlatic Healing Hemp Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil Body Powder
Aubrey Organics - Bath Oil, Aubrey Organics - Relax-R-Bath Herbal Bath Emulsion
Aura Cacia - Aromatherapy Mineral Bath
Aveeno - Soothing Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal)
Burt’s Bees - Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil, Therapeutic Bath Crystals
Druide - Aromatherapy Foaming Bath- several types
Druide- Pur and Pure Foaming Bath – unscented
Druide Shower Gel – Goatmilk and Sweet Almond, Sensual Energizing
Druide Pur and Pure Shower Gel - unscented
Heritage Products - Purified Castor Oil
Life - Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal)
Moonsnail Soapworks - Relaxing Bath Salts, Island Salt Scrub and Soak, Island Fizz Tub Tickler, Easterly Breeze Bath Salts
Substance - Herbal Sitz Bath
Weleda - Bath Oils

Home-made Alternatives
Epsom Salts - follow package directions

Milk Bath - Add one quart of milk to tub, or 2 cups of instant powdered milk.

Soothing Bath - Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to bath water.

Bath Oils - any of the following
1/2 tsp. coconut oil
1 –2 tsp. purified castor oil
1-2 tsp. almond oil or other oil of your choice

Tips

To moisturize dry skin, soak in tub for at least 10 minutes, then add oil to bath water. This will help retain moisture in skin.

Conventional body oils can contain chemical fragrance, dyes and preservatives. They are often based on mineral oil, a petroleum derivative which can clog pores.

Best

Anointment - Baby Oil; Yoga Oil (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Aubrey Organics - Massage Lotion
Aura Cacia - Almond oil and Vitamin E; Grapeseed Oil with Vitamin E; Jojoba Oil; Apricot Kernel Oil
Aveeda – All sensitive Body Formula (unscented)
Burt’s Bees - Body and Bath Oil
Druide -Massage Cream
Kiss My Face - Body Oil (unscented)
Little Forest - Baby Oil
Moonsnail Soapworks - Massage oil
Substance - Herbal Hug Baby Oil
Weleda - Body and Massage Oils, Baby Oil

Home-made Alternatives
Any plain vegetable or nut oil can be used.

In a glass jar, combine 30 grams of fresh or dried herbs with 2 cups of oil (almond, jojoba, avocado, safflower, etc). Set out in sun on a warm day or warm on low heat for several hours. Strain. Or, add 4 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 litre of oil. Let stand for 2 weeks, shaking daily.

Conventional body powders are based on talc which is carcinogenic when inhaled. Powders may also contain chemical fragrance and dyes. A 1982 study published in Cancer found that women who use talc on their genitals and sanitary napkins had a three-fold risk of ovarian cancer.

Best

Anointment - Baby Powder (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Aura Cacia - Natural Body Powders
Earth Therapeutics - Liquid Foot Powder
Little Forest - Baby Powder

Home-made Alternatives

Deodorizing Powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cornstarch
1/2 cup arrowroot powder
8 drops peppermint essential oil

Combine baking soda, cornstarch and arrowroot. Add essential oil and stir well. Let sit 24 hours minimum. Store in glass container.

Lavender Bath Powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 cup lavender flowers, finely crushed
4 drops lavender essential oil

Mix well. Let sit 24 hours minimum. Store in glass jar.

Spice Bath Powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and stir well.

Commercial cleansers rely on alcohol and petroleum products to dislodge dirt and dead skin. But these ingredients also remove natural oils and cause drying. To counteract this, manufacturers may add mineral oil (a petroleum product) to make the skin feel soft. Cleansing creams and lotions may also contain TEA, MEA, FD&C colours (carcinogenic), hormone disrupting parabens, carcinogens, antibacterials, irritants and sensitizers.

Best

Anointment - Herbal Clay Cleanser (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Aubrey Organics - Iris Cleansing Lotion; Face and Body Cleansing Cream; Herbessence Make-Up Remover
Desert Essence - Thoroughly Clean Face Wash; Natural Cleansing Pads
Druide - Avocado Oil Cleansing Lotion; Roman Chamomile Cleansing Lotion
Weleda - Iris Cleansing Lotion

Good

Avalon - Facial Cleansing Gel; Vitamin C Refreshing Facial Cleanser
Earth Science - Eye Make-Up Remover
Ecco Bella - Eye Make-Up Remover and Skin Treatment
Jason - Fresh Face Rehydrating Cleanser; D-Clog Balancing Cleanser; Super-C Cleanser
Kiss My Face - Gentle Face Cleaner; Aloe and Chamomile Cleanser
Weleda - Iris Cleansing Lotion

Simply Unscented

Almay - Skin Optimizing Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free
Aveeda – All sensitive Cleanser global
Biotherm - Biosensitive Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free
Clinique - Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free
Dove Sensitive Skin Essentials Foam Cleaner, Non-Foaming Cleanser
Exact - Facial Cleansing Gel
Marcelle - Aquarelle Purifying Cleansing Gel; Cleansing Milk
Neutragena - Fragrance Free Facial Care Bar
Neutrogena - Liquid Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena - Extra Gentle Cleanser
Neutrogena - Facial Cleansing Formula
Phisoderm - Skin Cleanser and Conditioner; Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Conditioner
RoC - all products are fragrance-free
Spectro Derm - Moisturizing Skin Cleanser
Spectro Jel - Skin Cleanser

Home-made Alternatives

Oatmeal Cleanser
Process rolled oats in a blender until fine. Massage a small amount into wet skin, then rinse.

Citrus Cleansing Milk
1/2 cup plain yoghourt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or other oil)

Blend yoghourt and lemon juice. With blender running, slowly add oil. Pour into jar and add essential oil. Massage a small amount into skin and rinse.

Deodorants and antiperspirants both fight odour. Deodorants work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria which cause odour. Antiperspirants actually stop perspiration by blocking the pores. In the United States, deodorants are classed as cosmetics. Antiperspirants are considered over-the-counter drugs because they change the way the body works. Much controversy surrounds the use of aluminum in most conventional antiperspirants. Aluminum may be involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Until this issue is settled, some people choose to avoid the use of products containing aluminum.. Aluminum-based compounds are also one of the main causes of skin irritation in antiperspirant users. Triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent used in many deodorants, can be absorbed through the skin and has caused liver damage in some lab animals. Some health advocates argue that blocking pores prevents the body from eliminating toxins and can cause ill-health, but this theory remains unproven and controversial.

Other toxic ingredients include: FD&C colours, BHT, DEA. TEA, quaternium 18 (a sensitizer that can cause rashes beyond the area of application.) Talc is also used in many products, although if used in roll-on and solid products it is not a problem. Aerosol products containing talc and other toxins can be inhaled. Prolonged inhalation of talc can cause inflammation of the lungs, bronchial irritation and the development of fibrous lesions.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Natural Dry Herbal Pine Deodorant Spray for Men
Burt’s Bees - Herbal deodorant
Lafe’s Natural Crystal Deodorant Stone
Natural Deodorant Crystal
Pure and Natural Crystal (HFS)
Weleda
Wild Country Natural Crystal Deodorant

Good

Avalon
Desert Essence
Earthwise- Baking Soda Deodorant – unscented
Earth Science – Liken Natural Deodorant – unscented
Earth Science – Rosemary Mint Deodorant
Jason - several types, all with natural fragrance
Kiss My Face - Liquid Rock, Active Enzyme (fragrance-free)
Magick Botanicals - Lafe’s Natural Crystal Roll-on Deodorant (fragrance free)
Naturally Fresh - Deodorant Crystal Roll-on
Nutribiotic
Queen Helene
Tom’s - several types, including unscented

Simply Unscented

Arm & Hammer - Advanced Deodorancy
Arid XX - unscented
Avon - Cool Confidence Scent Free Roll on Antiperspirant
Ban - Classic
Clinique - Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-on
Degree - Original
Dove Sensitive Skin Anti-Perspirant Deodorant – Invisible Solid, Silk Protection
Dry Idea - Antiperspirant Roll-on
Gillette for Women - Soft & Dri Soothers
Lady Speed Stick - Gel; Aloe
Life - Action Invisible; Action Plus Men’s Antiperspirant
Marcelle - Deodorant
Mennen - Speed Stick Ultimate
Mitchum - Clear Gel; Roll-on, Clear Roll-on
No Name - Ladies AntiPerspirant
Right Guard Sport - (stick, spray)
Secret - Unscented; Platinum Protection; Sheer Dry
Soft & Dri - Soothers

These products can contain numerous toxic ingredients including synthetic fragrance and carcinogenic coal tar dyes (FD&C colours), parabens (hormone disrupting preservatives), propylene glycol (neurotoxin, irritant, liver and kidney damage), and PEG (may be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane).

Best

Aubrey Organics - Masks and Steam Bath
Anointment - Herbal Clay Cleanser (a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Burt’s Bees - Pore Refining Mask; Green Goddess Herbal Spa Clay Mask
Earth Science – Mint Tingle Masque
Moonsnail Soapworks - Clay Masks

Good

Atlantic Healing Hemp Chlorophyll Clay Mask
Avalon - Clarifying Clay Mask, Purifying Moisture Mask

Home-made Alternatives

Oatmeal and Honey Mask
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons honey

Mix together. Leave on face at least 30 minutes.

Astringent Blemish Mask
Drop oil into clay powder, mix well. Add vinegar. Make a smooth paste. Immediately spread on face and leave for 15 to 30 minutes.

Meringue Mask
2 egg whites
1 Vitamin E capsule

Combine ingredients and whip until stiff. Spread on face, allow to dry, rinse.

Facial Mists can contain synthetic fragrance, carcinogenic FD&C colours, and carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting preservatives. These chemicals can be inhaled into the lungs and transferred to the blood stream.

Best

Earth Science - Herbal Tonic Mist
Moonsnail Soapworks - Aromatherapy Spritzer

Conventional facial scrubs contain carcinogenic coal tar colours (FD&C), harsh alcohols and detergents, DEA, TEA, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance and preservatives like hormone-disrupting parabens.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Ginseng Face Scrub for Men
Moonsnail Soapworks - cleansing grains

Good

Earth Science - Apricot Gentle Facial Scrub
Kiss My Face - Lemon Grass Souffle Masque

Simply Unscented

Clinique - Facial Exfoliating Gel; all products are fragrance-free
RoC - Exfoliating; all products are fragrance-free

Mainstream lip gloss and balm may contain synthetic waxes and oils. Lip balm commonly contains phenol, a poisonous chemical also used as a pesticide, that can be absorbed by the skin. Reactions include vomiting, nausea, convulsion, paralysis, and even death. Very small amounts can cause rashes, swelling, pimples and hives. Lip gloss and balm also may contain plasticizers like microcrystalline wax and polyisobutane, an allergen. Phthalic anhydride is made from naphthalene, the pesticidal active ingredient in moth balls. Short-term skin exposure to naphthalene can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and convulsions, and is linked to liver and kidney damage. Lip gloss for children often contains toxic ingredients like carcinogenic coal tar colours, parabens which are hormone-disrupters and allergens, and artificial flavour.

Sunscreens are frequently added to lip products, especially the benzophenones. Benzophenones and cinnamates are hormone disruptors and may cause hives and contact sensitivity. (See sun protection for more information).

Best

Aubrey Organics - Everon Lip Balm
Druide Karite (Shea) Lip Balm – Citrus, Vanilla
Earth Science – Lip Slick Natural Lip Gloss
The Merry Hempster - Hemp Balm

Good

Avalon - Sun Lipcare
Aveeda - Lip Sheer Concentrate SPF 15
Desert Essence - Tea Tree Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera
Lily of the Desert - SPF 16
Lip Naturals - Lip Balm SPF 15
Nature’s Gate - SPF 15
Terrapin – Lip Balm SPF 15 – Glacier Mint, Maui Waui, Key Lime (contain octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone-3)
Un-Petroleum - Sunscreen

Simply Unscented

Moiststick - Natural Lip Protection (tea tree oil)
Neutrogena - Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
Ombrelle - Lip Balm SPF 30
RoC - Lip Protectant
Soft Lips - Lip Protectant

Lotions are basically a mixture of water and oil, with an emulsifier added to keep the product from separating. PEG is the most common emulsifier in hand lotions. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. TEA is also used and has been found to be a frequent sensitizer, and cause of contact dermatitis. TEA, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives. Lanolin is often found in lotions. An animal product, it can be contaminated with pesticides and some people are sensitive to it.

Hand lotions are often just thicker versions of facial moisturizers. These petroleum-based products are unlikely to do little more than glue down dry flaky skin calls with oil, unlike plant-based products which can provide long-term benefits to skin.

Best

Botanical Therapeutic - Skin Creme (unscented), Skin Creme Plus (unscented)
Burt’s Bees - Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, Shea Butter Decollette Creme, Jasmine Decollette Creme, Hand Salve
Curelle - Hand and Body Lotion (unscented)
Desert Essence - Daily Essential Moisturizer
Druide – Goat Milk and Sandalwood Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Pure Shea Butter Organic Body Lotion, Royal Jelly Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Protective Facial Cream and Light Protective Facial Cream
Druide Pur and Pure Body Lotion - unscented
Jason Shea Butter - Now 100% Pure Shea Butter
Moonsnail Soapworks - Herbal Face Cream, Moondew Face Cream, Herbal Eye Cream
Simply Natural - Hemp for Hands
Weleda - Iris Day Cream, Iris Night Cream, Iris Moisture Cream, Iris Body Lotion, Skin Food, Malva Body Lotion, Wild Rose Body Lotion, Aloe Body Lotion

Good

Atlantic - Healing Hemp Hand Therapy, Neutral Face Cream, What a Difference Face Cream, Body Nutrition Body Lotion, Foot and Leg Therapy and Healing Hemp Balm
Avalon - lotion, cream, moisturizer
Bach Flower Remedies - Rescue Cream, Rescue Remedy
Aveeda – All Sensitive Moisturizer (unscented)
Derma E - Cocoa Butter & E Replenishing Creme, Moisturizing Creme, Wrinkle
Treatment Creme, All Over Body Moisturizer, Moisturizing Gel, Skin Lighten
Earth Science - Age Protective Anti-oxidant Eye Gel, Hydrating Day Cream, Anti-oxidant Body Lotion, Apricot Night Cream
Earth Science - Almond Aloe Facial Moisturizer -unscented
Ecco Bella - Night Cream, Day Cream, Lavender Body Lotion, Verbena Body Lotion
Jason - Vitamin E Natural Hand and Body Lotion, Ultra-C Eye Lift, Ester-C Cream, Ester-C Lotion, Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream, Vitamin E Therapeutic Cream, Wild Yam Hand and Body Care Cream
Kiss My Face - hand cream, All Night Cream
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Moisture Lotion Oil Free Moisture Creme (both fragrance free)
Natures Gate - hand Cream, moisturizer, lotion
Penaten - cream, unscented
Smack Skin Care - Chill Body Butter Lush Body Butter, Zing Hand Butter

Simply Unscented

Almay - numerous creams and lotions; all products are fragrance-free
Aquatain - Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin (unscented)
Aveeno - Daily Moisturizing Lotion; Moisturizing Lotion; Fragrance Free Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (for super dry skin); Skin Replenishing Lotion; Anti-itch Cream; Anti-itch Lotion
Biotherm - the Biosensitive line has several creams and lotions
Cetaphil - Moisturizing Lotion; Moisturizing Cream
Clinique - numerous creams and lotions; all fragrance-free
Complex 15 - Hand Cream; Body Lotion
Curel - Moisture Therapy Lotion; Moisture Therapy Lotion with coenzyme Q10, Extreme Care Lotion, Soothing Hands Lotion, Alpha Hydroxy Lotion Dove Sensitive Skin Essentials Day Cream, Night Cream, Day Lotion
Dermal Therapy - Hand, Elbow and Knee Cream; Extra Strength Body Lotion
Dormer 211 - Lotion; Creme
Eucerin - Dry Skin Moisturizing Therapy Original Creme; Dry Skin Moisturizing Therapy Original Lotion Exact – Lotion
Eucerin-Glycerin Emollient – available from pharmacists without prescription. “On the shelf” varieties usually contain preservatives. A pharmacist can make it without preservatives.
Glaxal Base - Moisturizing Cream
Glycerin Emollient (Glycerin emollient is available from pharmacists without prescription. It is a base used to make other creams and contains purified lanolin oil, glycerin and water.)
Glysolid - Cream, fragrance-free
Jergens - Ultra Care Lotion
Keri Lotion - Sensitive Skin; Fast Absorbing; Original Moisture Therapy
Life - Vita Derm Lotion
Lubriderm - Lotion; Seriously Sensitive Lotion
Marcelle -Toning Lotion; Toning Lotion, alcohol-free; Hydra-C Complex-E Toning Lotion; numerous products, all fragrance-free
Moisturel - Sensitive Skin Cream; Sensitive Skin Lotion
Neutrogena - Light Night Cream; Intensified Day Moisture; Moisture Oil-free; Moisture Sensitive Skin Moisturizer; Moisture Combination Skin Moisturizer; Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle Cream; Health Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15; Healthy Skin Eye Cream; Intensified Eye Cream; Intensified Eye Moisture; Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30; Visibly Firm Face Lotion SPF 20; Visible Firm Night Cream; Visibly Firm Eye Cream, Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin Light Night Cream, Sensitive Skin Intensified Day Moisturizer
Nivea
Noxema
Olay - Sensitive Skin Moisture Lotion
Petal Fresh - Oatmeal Dry Skin Lotion
RoC - numerous creams and lotions; all fragrance-free
St. Ives - Collagen Elastin
Vaseline - Problem Skin Therapy creme; Intensive Care Extra Strength Lotion

Best

Avalon - Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly
Autumn Harp - non-petroleum jelly

Conventional shaving creams are usually based on synthetic chemicals that have carcinogenic, hormone disrupting and irritating potential. Toxic ingredients include: TEA, DEA, solvents, mineral oil, propylene glycol, DMDM hydantoin, lanolin, FD&C colours, synthetic fragrance and a host of other ingredients. PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) a contact allergen, is often used to give the cream or gel body.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Herbal Mint and Ginseng Shaving Creme for Men, Ginseng Mint Aftershave
Burt’s Bees - For Men: Aftershave Balm, Cologne, Shaving Soap, Exfoliating Soap, Moisturizing Cream
Thayers - Witch Hazel with aloe vera (astringent)
Weleda - After-Shave Lotion, Shaving Cream

Good

Desert Essence - Shaving Oil
Earth Science - Azulene Shaving Cream for Men, After Shave Skin Soother for Men (no fragrance), Dry Skin Intensive treatment and Beard Softener
Jason - Witch Vera Herbal Gel (shaving nicks, skin soother), All Natural Shaving Lotion
Toms’ - Natural Shaving Cream

Simply Unscented

Aveeno - Skin Relief Body Wash (can be used to shave legs)
Clinique - For Men: cream, face scrub, lotion, balm after shave
Edge - Active Care Shave Gel
Nivea For Men - Sensitive Shaving Gel; After Shave Balm

Home-made Alternatives
Use skin cream in place of shaving cream.

Aloe Vera Gel - Replace shaving cream with 100% aloe vera gel. Purchase commercial aloe vera gel, or use aloe vera gel from your houseplants. Cut open leaf and rub on skin.

Natural soap is easy to make and today there is a tremendous variety of good soap available, much of it produced locally by small crafters. Natural soap is made from either animal or vegetable fat, and an alkali such as lye. Mainstream soap contains perfumes, dyes, mineral oil and other petroleum-based chemicals that clog pores, irritate, and dry skin. Seventy-six percent of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps now contain anti-bacterials.

Many people pick up anti-bacterial soaps without even realizing it. Others choose anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners because advertising implies that using them will help protect your family against colds and flus. But colds and flus are viruses, and anti-bacterials have no effect on them at all.
In fact, anti-bacterials soaps and cleaners are an unhealthy choice for several reasons.

Best

Aubrey Organics
Aura Cacia
Avalon - bar soap
Botanical Therapeutic - Treatment Soap (liquid), Treatment Soap Bar
Burt’s Bees - Garden Carrot Complexion Soap, Exfoliating Soap, Peppermint Shower Soap
Desert Essence - Tea Tree Oil Soap, Liquid Castille Soap
Druide – Organic Soaps including Goat Milk and Almond Organic, Goat Milk and Wheat Proteins Organic, and several others, Karite Shea Butter, Moisturizing Body Soap (pump) in Lavender Flower, Citrus Zest, Sweet Almond
Druide Pur and Pure Organic Soap – unscented
Guelph Soap - glycerin soap (some unscented)
Hempola - bar soap
Kiss My Face - Pure Olive Oil (no added scent)
Magick Botanicals - Oatmeal bar soap (fragrance free)
Moon Snail Soapworks - bar soaps
Mountain Sky - bar soap
Nature Clean - Face and Body Soap (bar, unscented), Pure Soap (liquid castille, unscented)
Soap Works - Liquid Glycerin Soap (unscented. Note that most of their other soaps contain fragrance and/or dye)
Spice of Life Natural Products - scented and unscented soap (Nova Scotia company)
Tom’s - Deodorant Soap, Moisturizing Soap, Glycerin Liquid Soap (all scented and unscented), Glycerin Bar Soap
Yvonne E - bar soap
Weleda

Good

Atlantic Healing - Hemp Fresh Attitude Bath and Shower Wash, Shower Gel Exfoliant
Avalon - Liquid Glycerin Soap,
Kiss My Face - Peach Moisture Soap (note that their other soaps contain fragrance)
Down East - Hand and Body Wash
Magick Botanicals - Cleanser for the Chemically Sensitive (fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate - Sanitizing Hand Gel
Pears - glycerin soap (cedar scent can be natural or synthetic, depending on batch)
Soapworks - glycerin bar, Goats Milk, Olive Oil, Chamomile, Hemp Oil (all unscented. Note that their other soaps contain fragrance)
Treemenda - Tea Tree Liquid Soap, Tea Tree Bar Soap

Simply Unscented

Alpha Hydroxy (foaming face wash)
Aveeno - Skin Relief Body Wash Fragrance Free, Clear Skin Bar Fragrance Free, Moisturizing Bar Fragrance Free, Balancing Bar Fragrance Free
Best - Kosher soap (Sobey’s on Queen Street or Hahamovich Kosher Importing, 1-514-334-4750. Item number 08572001)
Canus Goats Milk Soap - Moisturizing Soap for Sensitive Skin (unscented), Moisturizing Body Wash (unscented)
Clinique - Body Wash
Dove - Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
Jergens
Lever 2000
Phisoderm
RoC - Foaming Gel
Rokeach Kosher Soap (Sobey’s Queen St., Halifax)

With the thinning of the ozone layer, protection from the sun’s rays has become more important. There are two kinds of sunscreen - one works as a physical block, the other is a chemical block. The best known physical blocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, naturally occurring minerals more effective than some chemical sunscreens. They work as a barrier against sun damage.

Chemical blocks work by absorbing ultraviolet rays before they reach the skin’s surface. PABA used to be the most popular sunscreen but it proved to be so harsh that most manufacturers no longer use it. Newer chemical sunscreens use benzophonones and cinnamates. Few studies have been published on the safety of chemical suncreens and their use is controversial. One study showed that significant amounts of oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, appeared to penetrate the skin.

Two University of California scientists believe that the rise in skin cancer is linked with increased use of chemical sunscreens. They say chemical sunscreens offer a false sense of security resulting in excessive sun exposure. A study by the European Institute of Oncology shows that most people do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the level of protection indicated on the label. They say, in fact, an SFP-50 sunscreen applied at a typical less-than-recommended rate yields a practical SPF of only 2.

After evaluating studies on sunscreen use and cancer, Marianne Berwick, an epidemiologist at the Memorial Sloan-Kittering Cancer Centre in New York concluded there is no evidence that sunscreens actually prevent skin cancer. In an article published in Preventative Medicine, Dr. G. Ainsleigh proposes that sunscreen use causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He says more cancer deaths could be prevented by regular but moderate sun exposure instead of relying on the heavy use of sunscreens.

A new study from University of Zurich in Switzerland examined six commonly used chemical sunscreens for hormone-disrupting activity. Scientists discovered that five of the six chemicals, including benzophonones and cinnamates, seemed to mimic estrogen and recommended more studies to look at possible long-term effects. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, headed by Dr. Samuel Epstein, lists cinnamates and benzophonones as hormone disruptors.

Some studies suggest sunscreen interferes with the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D and can cause hives and contact sensitivity.

Until all of the evidence is in, it would seem prudent to cover up, or minimize sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the summer. Limit sunbathing and choose a mineral-based sunblock.

Conventional sunscreens can also contain fragrance, dyes, mineral oil and other petrochemicals.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Sun Shade SPF 4/8 (Padimate O)
Aubrey Organics - Sun Shade SPF 12/15; Titania Full Spectrum Sunblock SPF 25; Green Tea Sunblock for Children SPF 25 (all contain titanium dioxide and Padimate O);
Cocoa Butter - screens some UV rays
Ford’s - Sunscreen Chemical-Free SPF 15 – (Vitamin C, Green Tea, Zinc), fragrance free – available from Ford’s Pharmacy, Moncton
Lavera - Sun Spray SPF 15; Sun Milk SPF 10/15/20/25 (all use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, some are fragrance free)
Sesame Oil - screens about 30 per cent of the sun’s UV rays

Good

Alba Botanica (Avalon) - Sun (cinnamate, benzophenone)
Earth Science – Spray on SPF 25 Sunscreen (octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone 3)
Earth Science – Natural Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30 (octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone 3)
Earth Science - Water Resistant Fragrance-Free Sunscreen SPF 15 (octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone 3)
Lily of the Desert - Skin Saving Sunblock SPF 16 (cinnamate, benzophenone)
Nature’s Gate Sunblock Lotion SPF 8/30 - (cinnamate, benzophenone)

Simply Unscented

Clinique - City Block Sheer SPF 15
Coppertone - Oil Free UVA/UVB 15/30
Marcelle - Sunscreen (available with and without chemical sunblock)
Neutrogena - UVA/UVB Sunblock 30, Titanium Dioxide Sunsceen SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
Ombrelle
RoC - Sunscreen

On a typical cleaning day in a typical Canadian home, levels of chemicals in the indoor air can be hundreds, even thousands of times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted of cities. In fact, indoor air pollution levels would be high enough to trigger an inspection by health and safety authorities in any workplace setting. (The Nature of Things, CBC-TV 2002). Many chemicals contained in household cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are now becoming concerned that long-term low-level exposure to chemicals may be just as dangerous as short-term high-dose exposures. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposure to the cocktail of chemicals found in household air and dust. Testing for human health effects is normally done on single chemicals. But in the real world, we are all exposed to a variety of chemicals every single day.

Prior to WWII most household cleaning tasks were accomplished using relatively safe ingredients commonly found in most homes. With the proliferation of petroleum-based chemicals after the war, corporations began to manufacture ready-made cleaning products. Today, most people are accustomed to buying a wide range of products custom-designed for the many surfaces, materials and rooms in their homes.

Most cleaning chores can be easily handled without these toxic products. Everyday ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, soap, borax, hydrogen peroxide and washing soda can do the job as they did in olden days. Consumer demand and recognition of the hazards of many chemical ingredients are leading more companies to manufacture less toxic cleaning products.

The ingredients contained in conventional petrochemical-based cleaning products are not usually listed on labels. Many, but not all, less-toxic products will have ingredients listed on their labels. Following is a list of some of the most common toxic chemicals found in household cleaning products; however there are many others.

Acetone - A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney damage, and damage to the developing fetus. It is a skin and eye irritant. Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, and other products.

Aerosol products- Aerosol propellants may contain propane, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant, methylene chloride, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and reproductive toxin, and nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute particles, which can be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may increase their toxic effect.

Ammonia - Undiluted, ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause severe burning pain, and corrosive damage including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage. It can also cause kidney and liver damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours can result in bronchitis and pneumonia. Found in a wide range of cleaning products. Ammonia will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth.

Diethanolamine (DEA) - Listed as a suspected carcinogen by the State of California, this chemical is a skin and respiratory toxicant and a severe eye irritant. Used in a wide range of household cleaning products.

D-limonene - This chemical is produced by cold-pressing orange peels. The extracted oil is 90% d-limonene. It is a sensitizer, a neurotoxin, a moderate eye and skin irritant, and can trigger respiratory distress when vapours are inhaled by some sensitive individuals. There is some evidence of carcinogenicity. D-limonene is the active ingredient in some insecticides. It is used as a solvent in many all-purpose cleaning products, especially 'citrus' and 'orange' cleaners. Also listed on labels as citrus oil and orange oil.

Ethoxylated nonyl phenol - Nonyl phenols are hormone disruptors and some contain traces of ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen. They are eye and skin irritants. Used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products.

Formaldehyde - In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is also a sensitizer, with the potential to cause asthma. Several laboratory studies have shown it to be a central nervous system depressant. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. While formaldehyde naturally occurs in the human body in minute amounts, it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to it will experience an allergic reaction. Used in a wide range of products, including some furniture polishes. Formaldehyde may be released by other chemicals, eg.quaternary 15.

Fragrance - Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. Synthetic fragrances are known to trigger asthma attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus. Symptoms reported to the FDA from fragrance exposure have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes. Fragrance is a common skin irritant.

Methylene chloride - Methylene chloride is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and a reproductive toxin. On inhalation, it can cause liver and brain damage, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It is a severe skin and moderate eye irritant. Used in stain removers.

Monoethanolamine - This chemical may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, as well as depression of the central nervous system. Inhalation of high concentrations - when cleaning an oven for example - can cause dizziness or even coma. The chemical can also be absorbed through the skin. It is a moderate skin irritant, and a severe eye irritant. Found in many cleaning products, including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners.

Morpholine - This corrosive ingredient can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and can even cause blindness if splashed in eyes. It can cause liver and kidney damage, and long-term exposure can result in bronchitis. It reacts with nitrites (added as a preservative in some products, or present as a contaminant) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines. Morpholine is a moderate to severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Used as a solvent in a number of cleaning products, including some furniture polishes and abrasive cleansers.

Naphthalene - This registered pesticide is listed as a suspected carcinogen in California and is most commonly found in mothballs, and some other pest repellants, as well as in deodorizers. As a reproductive toxin, it is transported across the placenta and can cause blood damage. It can cause liver and kidney damage, and corneal damage and cataracts. Skin exposure is especially dangerous to newborns.

Parabens - Parabens are hormone disruptors. Widely used in cleaning products as preservatives, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl. Parabens may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals

Paradichlorobenzene - This highly volatile registered pesticide is in the same chemical class as DDT. It is a suspected carcinogen, and may cause lung, liver and kidney damage. It is used in mothballs and some washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.

Phosphoric acid - Extremely corrosive, it can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Breathing vapours can make the lungs ache, and it may be toxic to the central nervous system. Found in some liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners, especially those that remove lime and mildew.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate - This corrosive chemical is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. It may cause liver and gastrointestinal damage, and may be toxic to the central nervous system. It will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. It is found in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers, as well as industrial detergents and some institutional dishwashing detergents.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) - A corrosive chemical, sodium hypochlorite is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, as well as a sensitizer. It is especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma, and can be fatal if swallowed. It may be a neurotoxin and toxic to the liver. Found in a wide range of household cleaners.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a lathering agent. This chemical is a known skin irritant. It also enhances the allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. SLS can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines

Toluene - Exposure to toluene may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. It is also a reproductive toxin which can damage a developing fetus.

Turpentine - This chemical can cause allergic sensitization, and kidney, bladder and central nervous system damage. It is an eye irritant. Found in specialty solvent cleaners, furniture polish and shoe products.

Xylene - Xylene has significant neurotoxic effects, including loss of memory. High exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. It may damage liver, kidneys and the developing fetus. It is a severe eye and moderate skin irritant. Used in some spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other products.

Sources:
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman & Samuel Epstein
Cleaners and Toxins, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Vancouver BC
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997 includes hundreds of "make your own" recipes.
Non-toxic, Natural and Earth Wise, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1990, includes many "make your own" recipes.
Less Toxic Alternatives, Carolyn Gorman with Marie Hyde, Optimum Publishing, 2002 , emphasis on the needs of the chemically sensitive

Far from freshening air, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers add dangerous chemicals to the air we breathe. Air fresheners work by using a nerve-deadening chemical that interferes with our sense of smell, by coating nasal passage with an oily film, by masking an offending odour with a different odour, or by deactivating the odour.

Air fresheners are made from a number of chemicals including formadehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen, xylene, a neurotoxin and possible reproductive toxin, butane gas, a neurotoxin, cresol, ethanol, phenol and strong fragrances. Some solid deodorizers include the pesticide paradichlorobenzene, a carcinogen which can also cause liver and kidney damage. Aerosol air fresheners release chemicals as tiny particles which can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred into the blood stream. Plug in air fresheners break chemicals into even smaller particles.

The key to freshening air is to remove or dilute the offending odor (by cleaning, ventilation or absorption), not to cover it with another chemical.

Cleaners may contain ammonia, a strong irritant which can also cause kidney and liver damage, butyl cellusolve which is neurotoxic and rapidly penetrates skin, and ortho phenylphenol which is a severe eye and skin irritant. Many all-purpose cleaners contain DEA and TEA which can react with nitrites (added as undisclosed preservatives or present as contaminants) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines which readily penetrate the skin. Many coloured products are made with carcinogenic coal tar colours. Hormone disrupting parabens may be used as preservatives. Many cleaners also include fragrances and detergents. Alternative brands may contain d-limonene, a sensitizer which can also cause respiratory distress as well as liver, kidney and nervous system damage. D-limonene is a hazardous substance, although it is derived from a natural source. We do not recommend it for frequent use.

The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite (chlorine added to lye.) Chlorine is toxic as a skin irritant, and by inhalation. Sodium hypochlorite can create poisonous chlorine gas if mixed with ammonia (which may be an unlabeled ingredient in some cleaning products) or with vinegar. Workplace safety data sheets warn that sodium hypochlorite may be a neurotoxin and cause liver damage. People with chemical sensitivies report adverse reactions to minute quantities of chlorine. Sodium hypochlorite readily combines with organic matter to form organochlorines which are highly toxic to aquatic life.

Carpet cleaners can contain perchloroethylene, a known human carcinogen which can have immediate central nervous system (CNS) effects including dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, tremors and disorientation as well as long term CNS effects. Napthalene, which the Condensed Chemical Dictionary describes as "toxic by inhalation" is another common ingredient. Carpet cleaners may also include butyl cellosolve, a central nervous system toxin, propylene glycol methyl ether which is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, aliphatic petroleum solvent which is neurotoxic and isopropyl alcohol which is carcinogenic at high concentrations. They may also include detergents which can irritate skin, the carcinogen1,4-dioxane, ethanol, ammonia and fragrances. In areas where there is a large quantity of carpet, the amount of chemicals released from carpet cleaners and deodorizers can be considerable.

Home-made Alternatives

Sprinkle baking soda on carpet. Let sit a few hours or overnight, then vacuum well.

Most dishwashing liquids contain detergents, coal tar based colours, and artificial fragrance. They may contain Quarternium 15, an eye and skin irritant which can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. If the label says "Do not use with chlorine bleach", then the product probably contains ammonia. Many dyes are known to be carcinogenic; they can penetrate the skin and be deposited on dishes. Conventional detergents are petroleum-based.

Many dishwasher detergents contain dry chlorine which is activated when dissolved in water. Chlorine fumes in the steam that leaks from dishwashers may cause eye irritation and difficulty breathing. Dishwasher detergents may also contain quarternium 15, an eye and skin irritant and an allergen which can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Dyes and artificial fragrances are common ingredients.

It's doubtful whether disinfectants are needed at all for most household uses. Ordinary cleanliness is sufficient to eliminate hazardous bacteria. Soap, water and rubbing (the old "wash your hands" requirement) is the best method to prevent disease. The fad for disinfectants and anti-bacterials is based on a false fear of germs. Homes do not require the same types of cleaning as hospitals, where disease and infection is common.

Besides being a waste of money, some brands of disinfectants use highly caustic chemicals like sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite and phosphoric acid that can burn eyes and skin. Breathing vapours can burn lungs. Disinfectants may also contain phenols which can damage DNA as well as the liver, kidney and nervous systems, cresol, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory toxin, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, sensitizer and suspected central nervous system depressant, chlorine , a lung irritant, and alcohol. There are more than 300 different active ingredients approved for use in anti-microbial products, ingredients classified by the EPA as pesticides, because they kill microbes. In the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Dr. Elaine Larson wrote that because of potential health risks, antibacterial agents and disinfectants should be reserved for hospitals and home care of patients with suppressed immune systems.

Scientists are also concerned that products containing antibacterial and anti-microbial agents kill beneficial bacteria and contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all bacteria will be killed by antibacterial agents. The surviving bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and go on to produce new generations of resistant bacteria. Triclosan, one of the most popular antibacterial agents, creates dioxin, a carcinogen, as a by-product. Triclosan is a derivative of 2,4-D, an herbicide. There is concern that use of antibacterial products may affect human health. A Swedish study found high levels of this bactericide in human breast milk. See also anti-bacterials.

Drain cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, which can cause permanent damage to skin and eyes on contact. Vapours can burn lungs. These chemicals are often mixed with ammonia or volatile petroleum distillates. Drain cleaners may also contain dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, a severe eye and skin irritant, and dichlorodifluromethane, an eye irritant which is also neurotoxic. Drain cleaners may be fatal if ingested. Biological products containing stabilized enzymes and bacteria are less toxic, equally effective and more environmentally friendly.

Conventional dry cleaning fluids contain highly toxic chemicals including tetrochloroethylene (perchloroethylene), a carcinogen, central nervous system toxicant, and respiratory irritant, naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin, toluene which may cause damage to a developing fetus and is neurotoxic, and xylene, a neurotoxin. They also contain benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, all of which are carcinogenic. Many of these substances are also known to cause liver and kidney damage. The US Environmental Protection Agency has noted that fumes from slightly damp dry cleaned clothing are a common indoor air pollutant. Exposure to these chemicals occurs as they evaporate from clothing into indoor air, and when contact is made with skin. Dry cleaning fluid has a half life of 40 days. Water process dry cleaning is an excellent alternative.

Roop's Dry Cleaning in Truro, N.S. has a water-cleaning process which can be used for most normally dry cleaned items. You must specify "Water Process" on your order. The cleaning agent they use is fragrance free, and items cleaned this way have been tolerated by people with chemical sensitivities. Serves many areas of Colchester and Cumberland counties. Call Roop's to find out if there is a drop off spot in your area.

Tips

Some clothing marked 'dry clean only' does not actually need to be dry cleaned. Manufacturers simply want to avoid disgruntled customers who may wash clothes incorrectly. Generally, you can wash almost anything without harm if you know how to do it properly. After all, how did people clean wool and silk before the age of petrochemical dry cleaners?

If you must use conventional dry cleaning, remove plastic bag and hang clothes outside or in an area separate from living quarters to encourage evaporation of solvents. This could take up to a week but will be faster the warmer it is. The best option is to avoid buying clothes that need to be dry cleaned. Washing clothes yourself and having them pressed by a dry cleaner can provide that crisp look without the chemical exposure, and for less money.

Removing dust and dust mites is important, as they are a common trigger of allergic reactions. It's important to dust in a way that really removes dust, rather than raising it into the air where it will resettle later.

Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static in synthetic fabrics. They serve no purpose with natural fabrics. Fabric softeners may contain quarternary ammonium compounds (quats) and imidazolidinyl, both of which are known formaldehyde releasers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer. They may cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, including respiratory arrest. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chronic fatigue and a variety of other symptoms. In lab tests formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Both quaternium and imidazolidinyl can cause contact dermatitis. Fabric softeners work by leaving a residue on the fabric which never completely washes out. It can cause allergic reactions through skin contact and inhalation. Fabric softeners may also contain carcinogenic coal-tar dyes, ammonia and very strong scents. When fabric softeners are exposed to hot water, heat from dryers or ironing, vapours may be emitted which can be deeply inhaled, increasing their impact.

Conventional products often contain mineral spirits and petroleum solvents, both of which are neurotoxic and can cause severe eye and skin irritation as well as Stoddard solvent which is also neurotoxic. Petroleum solvents may contain traces of carcinogenic benzene. Some wax removers with ammonia contain tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether which can cause narcosis and kidney injury with repeated and prolonged skin exposure.

Floor and furniture polishes can contain nitrobenzene, a carcinogen, reproductive toxin and central nervous system toxicant which can be absorbed through the skin, phenol, a carcinogen and severe skin irritant, as well as propane, butane gas, aliphatic naptha, petroleum distillates, white mineral oil and turpentine which are all neurotoxins, and may also be eye or skin irritants. Polishes may contain morpholine, a severe irritant which may cause kidney damage, as well as ammonia, detergents, and synthetic fragrance, Aerosol products create microscopic particles that can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred to the bloodstream. Some products contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and nitrosamines.

Most glass cleaners are made of ammonia, a strong irritant, and coal tar dyes. Some contain butyl cellusolve, a neurotoxin, alchohol, naphtha, and glycol ethers. Some contain wax. Aerosol products create small particles which are more likely to be inhaled or irritate eyes. Consumer Reports found plain water to be more effective than half the glass cleaners on the market.

Heavy duty cleaners may contain petroleum distillates which are neurotoxic and are eye, skin and respiratory irritants. They may contain traces of carcinogenic benzene.

Most detergents are derived from petrochemical ingredients. They may contain bleaches, synthetic whiteners, and chemical fragrances, even in some so-called "fragrance free" brands. Some detergents may contain ammonia, ethanol, napthalene and phenol. Many liquid brands contain ethoxylated alcohols which can be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. Detergent residues on clothes and bed linens can be a source of skin irritation, and lingering scents from scented products can cause respiratory and other reactions in both the user and others. Petroleum-based detergents cause more household poisonings than any other household product, (when eaten by children.) Laundry soaps, available as bar soaps or flakes, are usually made from natural minerals and fats and tend to be less toxic than conventional detergents.

Some conventional products contain benzene, toluene and xylene, all neurotoxins, as well as formaldehyde, a carcinogen, and chlorine, a sensitizer.

Avoid aerosol products. Fine droplets of spray can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred to the bloodstream. Spray starch is mostly cornstarch, but some brands may contain formaldehyde, phenol, and pentachlorophenol.

Home-made Alternatives

Light-coloured Clothing Starch
Dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 pint of water. Pour into refillable spray bottle.

Dark-coloured Clothing Starch
Dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 cup of water. Add 1/2 cup black tea. Pour into refillable spray bottle.

Some lime removers contain highly caustic sodium hypochlorite and phosphoric acid which are very irritating to lungs and dangerous for people with asthma and heart disease.

Conventional products may contain contain ethylene glycol, a neurotoxin, reproductive toxin and respiratory irritant, which can cause kidney blood and possibly liver damage and which is absorbed through the skin. They may also contain ammonia, a respiratory irritant,1,1, 1-trichloroethane which is a neurotoxin and eye and skin irritant, and TEA, which can combine with preserving agents to form carcinogenic nitrosomines. Synthetic fragrances may also be an ingredient in these products. Many tried and true recipes for home-made metal cleaners/polishes are available. See Debra Lynn Dadd’s Home Safe Home and Non-toxic, Natural and Earthwise for additional recipes.

Home-made Alternatives

Aluminum Cleaner
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 litre water

To clean aluminum cookware, combine ingredients in cookware. Bring solution to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Wash and dry as usual.

Brass and Copper Polish I
Lemon juice
Baking soda or cream of tartar

Make a paste about the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass or copper with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry.

Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner II
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar, then thicken with flour. Polish.

Chrome and Stainless Steel Cleaner
Dip soft cloth in undiluted white vinegar. Wipe surface.

Rust Remover
To remove rust rub with fine steel wool dipped in vegetable oil. The finer the steel wool used, the less noticeable any scratches will be.

Removing Tarnish from Old Copper and Brass
To remove tarnish from copper and brass work, while retaining it's aged charm, lemon and salt can be used. Add a little lemon juice to a small pile of salt, take a cloth and polish the copper or brass. After removing the tarnish, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Iron Cleaner
To clean the bottom of an iron, heat it on highest setting. Meanwhile, pour a small amount of salt onto a sheet of wax paper. When the iron is hot, vigorously run it back and forth over the salted wax paper. This will not only clean off melted fabric, etc. from the bottom of the iron, but leave the iron gliding as smoothly as when new.

Silver Polish

Toothpaste can be used as a silver polish.
For silverware, place silver on a piece of aluminum foil in a pot, then add 3 inches of water 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Boil for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
For jewelry, fill a glass jar half full with thin strips of aluminum foil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and fill with cold water. Keep covered. To use, drop items in jar for a few minutes, rinse and dry.

Mould and mildew cleaners can contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, phenol, kerosene, pentachlorophenol,chlorine and fungicides. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified more than 300 different active ingredients found in antimicrobial products including mould and mildew cleaners as pesticides. Although labels often warn that these cleaners can be hazardous as eye irritants, they are often sold as aerosol sprays, creating fine mists which can be deeply inhaled or contact eyes. See also, anti-bacterials

Conventional oven cleaners create toxic fumes that can burn eyes, skin and internal organs. Lye and ammonia are often the cleaning agents and they are especially dangerous in aerosols.

Most scouring powders contain bleach, a sensitizer, crystalline silica, a carcinogen, and oxalic acid dihydrate, an allergen. All three substances are also strong irritants. Bleach can upset the balance in septic tanks by killing helpful bacteria.

Sink, tub and tile cleaners can contain ammonia and dimethyl ethylbenzylamonium choride, both strong irritants, ethylene glycol, a neurotoxin and reproductive toxin which may also cause kidney and liver damage, sodium orth-phenylpenol, a carcinogen and irritant, and trisodium nitrilotriacetate, a carcinogen. Some brands use highly caustic chemicals like sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and phosphoric acid that can burn eyes and skin. Breathing vapours can burn lungs.

Shoe polishes often contain neurotoxic petroleum products that can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. These neurotoxins may include turpentine, which can also cause allergic sensitization and serious irritation of kidneys, Stoddard solvent, also an irritant, and heptane. These products may also include carcinogenic dyes, as well as butyl acetate and dipropylen glycol methyl ether, both of which are eye and skin irritants.

Less toxic shoe polishes are almost non-existent. If using conventional polishes, apply in a well ventilated area, keep newly polished shoes in a well ventilated area until smell decreases, and keep polishes and brushes in a closed container. Dispose of rags after use.

Home-made Alternatives

Shoe Shine

For a spur-of-the-moment job, rub leather shoes with the inside of a banana peel; then clean and buff with a paper towel or napkin.
To remove dirt and salt - Use a slightly damp cloth, then rub shoes with olive oil or Vaseline
Leather care - rub with olive oil to reduce drying and cracking

Spot removers are often made with highly toxic petrochemical solvents including toluene and xylene which are neurotoxic and can cause reproductive damage, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) which is carcinogenic, neurotoxic and an eye and kin irritant, and petroleum distillates which can cause eye, skin and respiritaory irritation and is neurotoxic. They may also include petroleum spirits, sodium dithionate, TEA, and 1,1, 1-trichloroethane.

Many toilet bowl cleaners are often highly caustic and form toxic gases when mixed with water. They can contain ammonium chloride, a corrosive, 1,4-dichlorobenzine, a carcinogenic pesticide which can cause liver and kidney damage, hydrochloric acid, whose vapours can cause coughing and breathing difficulties, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate which is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant, which can form carcinogenic chlorine gas. Sulfate-based products containing sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate may cause asthmatic attacks.

Upholstery cleaners may contain similar products to dry cleaning solutions. They may contain perchloroethylene, a known carcinogin and central nervous system toxicant and naphthalene, a suspected carciinogen considered "toxic by inhalation" (Condensed Chemical Dictionary). They may also contain ethanol, ammonia and detergents. Aerosol products should especially be avoided.

Vacuum cleaners work by sucking air, along with dirt and debris, into a paper or cloth filter bag. In theory, dirt and debris stay in the bag while the air is exhausted back into the room. However, a large percentage of the particulate matter (very fine particles) is often blown back into the room, depending on the quality of the vacuum cleaner. Particulate matter can contain dust mite fragments and feces, soil, lint, human and pet hair, human and pet dander, mould spores, pollen grains and pesticide residues. Vacuuming can provoke allergic and asthmatic attacks in susceptible people. A good quality vacuum is especially important where there is carpeting, as carpet can store a large amount of contaminants.

Any vacuum filter is only as good as the seal around the filter which prevents leakage.

If it’s important to use less toxic products in our homes, it’s equally important to use them in our workplaces and public institutions. There is growing recognition of the importance of indoor air quality at work from an employee viewpoint. Institutions also need to consider the impact of cleaning products on the health of users. Hospitals, schools, nursing homes and day care centres are places where children, the ill and the elderly spend many hours, and these are groups which are especially vulnerable to hazardous chemicals. Use of less toxic products, particularly those which are scent free and low in solvents make public places more accessible to people with chemical sensitivities and asthma. Cleaning staff who spend 40 hours a week working with cleaning chemicals, often in concentrated formulations, are an occupational group which is often exposed to many carcinogens and other hazardous substances.

Cleaning products are increasingly recognized as a significant source of indoor air pollution, as well as contributing to broader environmental pollution. As more institutions adopt scent free and environmentally friendly policies, the demand for less toxic alternatives is increasing. The good news is that these products exist, and finding them is not that difficult.

As with every type of product, finding the right one for the job is a process. If you use one less toxic product which you don’t find effective for a particular job, don’t conclude that the only alternative is the toxin containing product you have always used. The range of product options is expanding as the hazards of many existing products become better understood and the demand for less toxic alternatives increases. Less toxic choices are not necessarily more expensive, and in some cases can save money.

The following points will assist people looking for less toxic cleaning options for institutional use.

From the time we start preparing a room for a new baby, we are making choices about the child's environment. Many people get ready for a new child by painting, papering, and carpeting a baby's room with conventional products. They don’t realize that by doing so they may be creating an environment high in toxic chemicals. Most of us take it for granted that babies should be soothed with petroleum jelly and mineral oil, washed and shampooed with chemical-based cleansers, fed from plastic bottles, swaddled in disposable diapers, surrounded by scented products and put to sleep in pajamas treated with fire-retardant chemicals. But although parents act out of love, they are often unaware that the choices they make may be harmful to their child. There are baby care products by the hundred. How can a parent identify healthy alternatives?

It is very important to try to limit a baby's exposure to harmful chemicals. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals than adults. Their immune systems and central nervous system are immature and still developing, which means their bodies are generally less capable of eliminating toxins. As well, children have roughly double the skin surface of adults per unit of body weight, so a child can absorb proportionally more chemicals. Babies and children breathe more air per body weight than adults do, which increases their exposure by inhalation. Decreasing a child's exposure to chemicals from day one, and even in the womb, could mean a lower risk of allergies and chemical sensitivities, and lower risk of cancers and other illnesses.

Foundations for Health
Everyone knows the most important thing you can give a baby is love. Three other important foundations for a healthy life are breastfeeding, good nutrition and a healthy environment

Breastfeeding
All experts agree: breast-fed is best fed! Breast milk provides important anti-bodies which bolster the immune system, at a stage when babies are not yet able to make their own. Breast milk is easier for babies to digest, so they get more nutrients from it than from cow’s milk or formula. Because it is easier to digest, breast fed babies are less likely to have colic, gas and excessive spitting up. While one in 10 babies are allergic to cow's milk, there is much lower risk of allergy with breast milk. However, a baby may be allergic to something in the mother's diet, which is in her breast milk. Breast milk is the healthiest early food for a baby, even though few food sources, including breast milk, are free of environmental contamination. Expectant mothers who know or suspect that they have a high chemical load in their bodies should discuss breast feeding with their doctor, since chemicals in a mother's body may be found in breast milk.

Tips

If you are pumping breast milk for later use, it should be stored in glass bottles, not in plastic. Glass is easy to clean, sterilize and heat in warm water. Plastic bags may leach chemicals like phthalates into milk, especially when heated.
Nipple cracking is a common problem for women who are breastfeeding. Lactation consultants do not recommend using lotion on cracked nipples. Instead, they recommend spreading breast milk on the nipple and areola, and letting the area air dry. This will help prevent cracking, and will help nipples heal if cracking does occur, as breast milk contains healing ingredients

Baby Food
Feeding your baby organic food is a good investment in your child's health. Children eat more food relative to body mass than adults, and they eat foods higher in pesticide residues—such as juices, fresh fruits and vegetables. A recent University of Washington study found that pre-school children aged 2-4 years who ate organic fruits and vegetables had 6 times less pesticide residues in their bodies than children who ate conventional produce.
Baby food is easy to make, and may even save you money. All you need is a blender and some cooked vegetables, fruits and meats. A little goes a long way with baby and you know exactly what is in the food you prepare. Babies do not miss salt and sugar so there is no need to add these seasonings. Baby food can be prepared and frozen in small quantities. You can freeze individual portions in a muffin tin, pop them out and store in a bag until needed, or freeze in small glass bottles. Organic produce is now readily available at most Atlantic Superstores and Farmers' Markets. Free-range meats, from animals which have not been fed antibiotics or growth hormones, are available at Farmers' Markets, some health food stores, and directly from producers.
Whether you are buying baby food or making your own, make sure its stored in glass jars. Plastic can leach hazardous chemicals like phthalates into food.
Experts advise starting a baby on vegetables and then adding fruit to the diet. By adding sweeter foods like fruit later, it is less likely that a baby will reject vegetables in favour of the sweeter foods.

A Clean Environment
Provide your child with a less toxic environment. An environment which is smoke free, free of pesticides, and free of fabric softeners, air fresheners, commercial disinfectants and anti-bacterial cleaners will decrease your child's exposure to many chemicals which have been linked to human health problems. Choosing less toxic baby care products is another important part of providing a healthy environment.

General tip: Avoid spray products, especially around small children. Sprays create very fine airborne particles which can be more easily and deeply inhaled, thus increasing exposure. Squirt don't spray is a good rule of thumb.

Anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners are not necessary, and are not a healthy choice. Many advertisements play on parents’ fear of germs.
They imply that anti-bacterial, anti-microbial or disinfectant cleaners, sprays and even toys are important for a healthy environment for a child. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Many people choose anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners because advertising implies that using them will help protect your family against colds and flus.
But colds and flus are viruses, and anti-bacterials have no effect on them at all.

Several reasons why experts recommend not using anti-bacterial products for home use are:

The US Center for Disease Control says that anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary. They recommend that the simplest and most effective thing people can do to reduce the spread of infectious disease is to use effective handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Proper handwashing means rubbing hands under running water for 15 seconds.
Cleaning products with added anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and disinfectant ingredients have similar risks to antibacterial soaps, and are equally unnecessary for normal home use.

Harmful ingredients: foams, fire retardant chemicals, dyes, formaldehyde finishes, plastic (polyester), cotton pesticides. Bedding washed with conventional detergents, especially scented ones, and fabric softeners means a child is constantly breathing and touching additional harmful chemicals.

The most common beddings are made of polyester/ cotton blends or all polyester. Synthetic fabrics emit low levels of chemicals throughout their life. Bedding of 100% cotton, hemp, linen or wool is least toxic. However, most conventional bedding, even of natural fibers, is subjected to several chemical treatments before reaching the consumer. Avoid bedding which is advertised as wrinkle resistant or no ironing required. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are treated with chemicals containing formaldehyde which is a carcinogen and a sensitizer. This treatment is designed to last the life of the fabric and is impossible to wash out completely. Wool blankets may be treated with mothproofing chemicals which are also designed to last a lifetime.
Buying cotton flannel or unbleached cottons at a fabric store to make your own baby bedding is easy, and fabric yardage is usually untreated.

Less Toxic Alternatives

Crib futons with unbleached cotton covers and no sizing or fire retardant can be ordered at The Futon Store in Halifax. They are available with 100% cotton stuffing or with cotton around a foam core.

Tips

You can order mattresses without flame retardants if you have a letter or prescription from your doctor.

To decrease exposure to dust and dust mites in a mattress, you can wrap the mattress in barrier cloth. Untreated 100% cotton barrier cloth is good, but avoid barrier cloth made from synthetic materials, like polypropylene or vinyl.

To decrease exposure to off-gassing from plastic, wrap a plastic mattress cover with several layers of washable cotton barrier cloth. Cotton sheets with high thread counts (250 or more) can function in the same way as barrier cloth.

If you need to completely avoid plastics, and still need protect a baby's mattress from urine, aluminum foil paper (available at hardware stores) is an alternative.

Home-made Alternatives
To remove some finishes, excess dyes or conventional detergents and fabric softeners, several times, or soak overnight a tub of water with ONE of the following:

1/2 to 1 cup vinegar.
1/2 – 1 cup pickling salt. Do not soak in an enameled tub, as salt will cause tub to rust over time.
1/4 – l cup baking soda. If using baking soda, rewash several times to remove residue

Note: Many chemical treatments are designed not to wash out. Scented detergents and fabric softeners never completely wash out, but the above washing methods will decrease chemical residues and smells. The chemicals in mothballs are almost impossible to remove and are highly toxic.

Harmful materials: latex rubber, plastic, nitrosamines

Nipples for bottles are usually made of latex rubber or silicone. Latex rubber nipples can release nitrosamines, potent carcinogens, when babies suckle the nipple. They also tend to break down faster than silicone nipples, which can cause cracks where bacteria can hide.

A common plastic used in baby bottles is polycarbonate. In separate studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Consumers Union and researchers at Nagasaki University in Japan found that baby bottles made of polycarbonate plastic release a hormone-disrupting chemical, bisphenol-A, into infant formula during sterilization and heating on the stove-top. The Japanese scientists also found that used bottles leached up to nearly twice as much as new bottles.

Other plastic bottles and plastic disposable bags for bottles may leach phthalates, another hormone disrupting chemical.

Some plastic bottles have coloured designs on the inside of the bottle which can come off during heating.

The best option is tempered glass bottles with silicone nipples. Both are widely available in pharmacies and department stores. Glass bottles are easily cleaned and sterilized, and can be handed down from baby to baby.

Best

Evenflo - glass bottles, silicone nipples
Gerber - silicone nipples
Playtex - silicone nipples

Of course, the absolute best packaging for milk is the human breast.

Pharmacies can easily order glass bottles if they do not have them in stock.
Nurtured Products for Parenting, Dartmouth, NS stocks glass baby bottles and stainless steel sippy cups, www.nurtured.ca

Bubble baths are extremely irritating to skin and genital areas. Toys are a less toxic alternative for bath play. Or if you really must have bubbles, a small amount of less toxic dish detergent or shampoo can be used to make bubbles.

Harmful ingredients: fire retardant chemicals, dyes, formaldehyde finishes, plastic (polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex), cotton pesticides. Washing baby clothing with scented detergents and fabric softeners surrounds a child with additional harmful chemicals.

Untreated cotton or other natural fibre clothing is the least toxic choice. There are lots of sources for natural fiber clothing. It is not always easy to find out if a product has received a chemical finish in the production process. Organic fabrics and products marketed for the chemically sensitive are less likely to have chemical finishes, or to have chemical fabric softeners used during processing. Yard goods are less likely to have chemical treatments than manufactured clothing.

Regulations concerning fire retardant and children’s sleepwear have changed. It is no longer required that all sleepwear be treated with fire retardant. Clothes and bedding treated with fire retardant must be labeled. However, companies are not required to disclose what chemical is being used.
Cotton clothing can be used as sleepwear. If sleepwear is made of natural fibre fabrics, close fitting patterns which allow less oxygen flow are recommended for reduced flammability. For other flammability concerns, see http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/cps/publications/sleepwear/preface.htm.

Of the synthetic fabrics, polyester and nylon off-gas the least. Most fleeces are made of polyester. Avoid those with chemical weather-resistant treatments.

Home-made Alternatives
To remove some finishes, excess dyes or conventional detergents and fabric softeners, wash several times, or soak overnight a tub of water with ONE of the following:

1/2 to 1 cup vinegar.
1/2 – 1 cup pickling salt. Do not soak in an enameled tub, as salt will cause tub to rust over time.
1/4 – l cup baking soda. If using baking soda, rewash several times to remove residue

Note: Many chemical treatments are designed not to wash out. Scented detergents and fabric softeners never completely wash out, but the above washing methods will decrease chemical residues and smells. The chemicals in mothballs are almost impossible to remove and are highly toxic.

Links to hundreds of sites selling organic cotton and hemp baby clothing, bedding and toys.

Massage scalp area with pure olive oil, leave on for one hour, then comb with a fine toothed comb.

Many people prepare for a new child by painting, papering, and carpeting the baby's room with conventional products, never thinking that by doing so they may create an environment high in harmful chemicals.
It's now easy to find less toxic paints. Look for ones with low VOC's, or with the Ecologo or Envirodesic label. A good quality washable paint makes sense for a child's room.
New carpeting can contain toxic chemicals. Carpets carrying the industry's "green label" will contain fewer harmful ingredients. Carpets are traps for dust, dirt, bacteria, moulds, food scraps and urine. Although people tend to think a nice soft carpet will be best for a baby, an easily cleaned hard surface floor, with area rugs which can be washed in less toxic detergents makes a sensible choice for a baby's room.
These days, most wallpaper is made of vinyl, for easy cleaning. But vinyl off-gases plastic compounds. It also tends to trap moisture, which encourages hidden mould growth between the paper and wall, which can release mould spores into the air.
Metal blinds with baked on paint are a less toxic choice than blinds made of PVC plastic. Plastic blinds can give off chemicals, especially when exposed to the heat of the sun or radiators. If using fabric curtains, untreated natural fibers are the best option. When exposed to sunlight, all fabrics break down. When synthetic or treated fabrics break down, they release harmful particulates. Even when using safer products, a room which is being redecorated should be prepared several months in advance and aired out well, so that by the time the baby arrives the chemical load in the room is decreased.

Tips Dust and dust mites are common allergens. When decorating, consider limiting dust collectors, including plush toys and frills on bedskirts or curtains. Having a toy box with a lid that can close, and a bookshelf with doors can help keep dust from collecting. Washing curtains and dusting blinds will help keep down dust and dust mites.

Harmful ingredients: dye, fragrance, plastic, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, dipentene

Disposable diapers consist of a plastic exterior, an inner super-absorbent layer treated with chemicals, and a liner. One commonly used absorbent chemical, sodium polyacrylate, can trigger allergic reactions. Disposable diapers may also contain dyes and dioxin, a carcinogenic by-product of the chlorine bleaching process.

A study conducted by Anderson Laboratories in 1999 and published in the Archives of Environmental Health found that disposable diapers release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), including toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and dipentene. All of these VOCs have been shown to have toxic health effects, such as cancer and brain damage, with long-term or high level exposure.
The researchers also discovered that mice exposed to the chemicals released by disposable diapers were more likely to experience irritated airways than mice exposed to emissions from cloth diapers. These effects were increased during repeat exposures. The authors suggested that disposable diapers may cause "asthma-like" reactions and urged more study into a possible link between diaper emissions and asthma.

Best

Absolutely Diapers - cotton diapers and accessories, Canadian mail order, http://www.hipbaby.com
Ecobaby Organics – organic cotton diapers. US mail order, www.ecobaby.com
Fall River Laundry, Fall River, Nova Scotia provides cotton diapers in a range of baby and senior sizes.
My L’il Miracle – cotton diapers, diaper covers, accessories, Canadian mail order www.mylilmiracle.com
Nurtured Products for Parenting, cotton diapers and accessories, Dartmouth, NS, Canadian mail order, www.nurtured.ca
Parenting by Nature, Canadian mail order, cotton diapers and accessories, www.parentingbynature.com
P’lovers Environmental Store, Halifax, NS, several brands of cotton diapers
Royal Diaperer and Baby Accessories - cloth diapers and diaper covers. Bedford, N.S., http://www.royaldiaperer.com

Good

Seventh Generation - Chlorine-free Diapers (disposable unbleached diapers)

Home-made Alternatives
Purchase cotton flannel by the metre and make old-fashioned diapers by cutting into squares and hemming the edges. Old flannel sheets can also make good diapers. Patterns for diapers can be found at www.borntolove.com.

TipsDiaper rashes seem to be part of babyhood. Leaving the bum uncovered some of the time can help prevent diaper rashes. Some methods that have been proven useful in dealing with baby bum rashes are:

Air dry the bum
Powder the bum with cornstarch, arrowroot or rice flour
Apply vegetable oil (organic is best) or shortening
In cases of persistent or severe rashes, consult a doctor. In some cases, rashes can be symptoms of hidden food allergies, hidden reactions to contact with chemicals such as antimicrobials in diapers or scents in lotions or detergents, or other chemical sensitivities.
In some cases, yeast infections in breast fed babies can be related to the mother restarting oral birth control pills.

Diaper services - Fall River Laundry serves most of HRM and parts of Hants County.

Harmful ingredients: composite wood products, formaldehyde, glue, paint, plastic

Choose solid wood furniture with a non-toxic finish. New dressers and cribs may be made of particleboard, chipboard or pressboard, which are notorious sources of formaldehyde and other chemicals. These compressed wood products are made with small bits of wood mixed with glue and compressed into sheets or boards. The glue can off-gas for years.

Metal furniture is an excellent less toxic option. Used furniture is also a good choice because it will have less off-gassing, but be sure paint or varnish is non-toxic and not peeling or chipping. Older painted furniture (before 1960) probably has lead paint, which should not be anywhere that babies can chew it. Make sure cribs meet up to date safety standards.

Harmful ingredients: PEG, TEA, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, parabens, lanolin (unless organic), 1,4-dioxane, fragrance, coal tar colours, ammonia, propylene glycol, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate.

Lotions are basically a mixture of water and oil, with an emulsifier added to keep the product from separating. PEG is the most common emulsifier in hand lotions. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. TEA is also used and has been found to be a frequent sensitizer, and cause of contact dermatitis. TEA, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Parabens, which are estrogen mimics, are commonly used as preservatives. Lanolin is often found in lotions. An animal product it can be contaminated with pesticides and it is a common allergen.

Best

Anointment - Diaper Ointment. P'lovers in Halifax. Nova Scotia company.
Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Body Lotion
Autumn Harp - non-petroleum jelly
Avalon - Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly
Burt’s Bees - Baby Bee Diaper Ointment
Druide Bum Protecting Balm
Druide Protective Oil (spray, not greasy)
Druide Soothing xxx and Face Lotion
Kiss My Face – non-petroleum jelly
Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Bum Cream. P’Lovers in Halifax. PEI mail order. www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Nappy Rash Ointment. P’Lovers in Halifax.
Weleda - Calendula Baby Lotion
Any lotion from the 'Best' category of the Personal Care Products - Lotion, Cream, Moisturizer

Good

Weleda - Calendula Baby Cream (contains lanolin)
Weleda - Diaper Care (contains lanolin)

Simply Unscented

Aveeno - Diaper Rash Cream; Daily Baby Lotion
Eucerine-Glycerin Water or Cream
Penaten - diaper cream
Vaseline - White Petroleum Jelly, look for the unscented product
Zincofax - look for the fragrance-free product

Tips You can reduce the need for lotions and oils if you don’t remove the natural oils on a baby’s skin by bathing more than necessary or using harsh soaps.

Harmful ingredients: mineral oil, fragrance

There is no need to use petroleum products like mineral oil on a baby's skin. There are less toxic products available, and home-made alternatives are safe and inexpensive.

Best

Anointment - Baby Oil. P'lovers in Halifax. N.S. company.
Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Heating Oil. P’Lovers in Halifax. www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Herbal Hug Baby Oil. P'lovers in Halifax
Weleda - Calendula Baby Oil

Good

Little Forest - Baby Oil

Home-made Alternatives
Use a mild oil or combination of oils like safflower, grapeseed, coconut, wheat germ, sesame, apricot kernel, almond, jojoba or vitamin E. Organic is best.

Harmful ingredients: talc, perfume, dye

Use any powder with caution. It can become airborne and irritate the respiratory system. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. Talcum powder is reported to cause coughing, vomiting, and even pneumonia. Many pediatricians now tell parents to avoid using talc on babies as it can cause respiratory distress, sometimes resulting in death.

Best

Anointment - P'lovers in Halifax.
Little Forest - Baby Powder

Shampoos cause the most number of adverse reactions of all hair care products. They frequently contain harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and numerous irritating and carcinogenic compounds. Some of the most common are sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate, an irritant which can form carcinogenic nitrosamines, DEA, TEA, and MEA which are hormone disruptors and can release carcinogenic nitrosamines, quaternium-15, DMDM hydratoin which can release carcinogenic nitrosamines, polyethylene glycol, an irritant, coal tar, a carcinogen, propylene glycol, a neurotoxin which can cause dermatitis, liver and kidney damage, and EDTA, an irritant.
“Tear free” shampoos are made with a pH (acidity level) the same as a baby’s tears, which is why they don’t sting. But a neutral pH is less irritating to the scalp and skin. The best option is to use a less toxic shampoo with a neutral pH, and make sure to keep it out of eyes.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo
Druide Silky Shampoo

Any shampoo in the 'Best' category of the Personal Care Products - Shampoo section will be mild enough for baby.

Good

Tom's - Honeysuckle Baby Shampoo

Harmful ingredients: fragrance, dye, mineral oil, antibacterial chemicals, ammonia, formaldehyde, glycols, phenol, BHA/BHT

Natural soap is easy to make and today there is a tremendous variety of good soap available, much of it produced locally by small crafters. Natural soap is made from either animal or vegetable fat, and an alkali such as lye. Most conventional soaps contain perfumes, dyes, mineral oil and other petroleum-based chemicals that can clog pores, irritate, and dry skin. Bubble baths contain irritants which should not be used on babies.

Babies’ skin contains natural oils. Washing too frequently can remove these oils, causing skin to be dry and irritated. Some dermatologists suggest bathing a baby only once or twice a week, and cleaning dirty body parts like bums, faces and hands as needed. Use plain warm water and a mild soap when needed.

Anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary for home use. Children do not have to be protected from all bacteria, in fact, some bacterial are beneficial. Scientists are concerned that antibacterial soaps kill beneficial bacteria and also contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all bacteria will be killed by an anti-bacterial soap. The surviving bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and go on to produce a new generation of resistant bacteria. This means that when its really important, disease creating bacteria will be harder to kill. Antibacterial soaps can also be more drying and irritating.
Triclosan, one of the most popular antibacterial agents, is a derivative of the herbicide 2.4-D. It can create dioxin, a carcinogen, as a by-product. A Swedish study found high levels of this bactericide in human breast milk.

Best

Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Bath Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Aloe Vera Baby Mild
Druide Organic Soap – Hibiscus Shea Butter, Camomile Calendula, Mango Camomile
Druide Silky Cleansing Gel
Druide Calming Bath Potion
Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Healing Soap. P’Lovers in Halifax. www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Baby Body Foam. P’Lovers in Halifax
Weleda - Calendula Baby Soap

Simply Unscented

Aveeno- Creamy Baby Cleanser
Baby's Own

Special baby soaps are not necessary. Most soaps from the 'Best' category of Personal Care Products – Soap will be mild enough for baby.

Soothers are usually made of latex rubber or silicone. Latex rubber soothers can release nitrosamines, potent carcinogens, when babies suck on them. They also tend to break down faster than silicone soothers, which can cause cracks where bacteria can hide. If you are going to use a soother, choose one made from silicone.

Rub gums with ice cubes, or freeze a moistened cotton face cloth for baby to chew on.

Harmful ingredients: Dyes, plastics, glues. Stuffed toys can provide a haven for dust and dust mites.
Babies put everything into their mouths so be sure you provide less-toxic toys. Some plastic toys can leach hormone disrupting chemicals. Quality wood and cloth toys will not use toxic paints, glues, dyes or fabrics.

Internet or mail order sources of less toxic toys:
Ecobaby Organics - Canadian mail order. www.ecobaby.com
Nurtured Products for Parenting, Dartmouth, NS showroom, Canadian mail order. www.nurtured.ca
naturalplay.com - U.S. mailorder. www.naturalplay.com
Parenting by Nature, Canadian mail order, http://www.parentingbynature.com
The Playstore - U.S. mailorder. www.playstoretoys.com

TipsTo keep dust levels in stuffed toys down, toys can be put in a freezer for 24 hours, or put in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. If putting toys in a dryer, cover eyes with tape to prevent them losing their shine.

Harmful ingredients: alcohol, perfume, chlorine, dioxin

Best

At home, simply use a cotton wash cloth and soap. For short trips away from home, put cotton wash cloths moistened with water and a less toxic liquid soap in a jar or plastic bag. Bring another container to store soiled cloths.

Keep a spray bottle of soapy water near your change table. Spray the dirty area and wipe with a cloth (washable) or tissue.

Good

Seventh Generation - Baby Wipes (non-chlorine bleached, unscented, alcohol-free)

Simply Unscented

Huggies - Natural Care Baby Wipes, Supreme Care Baby Wipes. Look for the unscented ones.
Life - Ultra Soft Cloths, unscented
Pampers - Natural Aloe Touch Wipes, unscented
Teddy’s- Unscented Baby Wipes (alcohol free)

Home-made Alternatives
Take a container with a tight fitting lid and fill it with cotton pads (the kind for removing make-up) or squares of old flannel or old diapers. Add a few squirts of vegetable oil and fill the container with warm water. Keep container closed until needed. Soiled cloth wipes can be washed with diapers.

I’d like to help EHANS develop the Pest Control Section of the Guide to Less Toxic Products!

The hazards of ingredients in personal care and household products are varied. The following are some of the most common types of hazards, many of which will not become apparent for many years. Many chemicals have more than one adverse health effect.

Carcinogen: Cancers result from genetic alterations which generally develop years after exposures. Substances may be categorized as known, suspected or possible human carcinogens, based on the amount and type of research done on them.

Developmental toxin: A substance which has an adverse affect on a developing child, sub-category of reproductive toxin. Developmental toxins are also known as teratogens. They usually result from pre-natal exposure experienced by the mother, but can also result from pre-natal exposure by the father, or post-natal exposure of a developing child.

Endocrine or hormone toxin: In recent years, scientists have discovered that certain commonly used chemicals can disrupt our delicate endocrine systems. The endocrine system produces hormones in a variety of organs known as endocrine glands. These hormones travel in the bloodstream carrying messages from one part of the body to another. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can upset this communication system in a variety of ways. They can mimic natural hormones and send false messages, or block hormone receptors that receive messages. While researchers are only beginning to understand the health effects of these chemicals, they have already observed that hormone disruptions can result in damage to the brain, immune and reproductive systems.
The unborn child is particularly susceptible. Miniscule amounts of chemicals that may not harm an adult can have devastating effects at critical stages of development of the fetus. There is evidence that hormone-disrupting chemicals can result in learning disabilities, testicular cancer, impaired thyroid function, declining sperm counts and male genital defects.
Because hormone-disrupting chemicals mimic estrogen, it is suspected they are linked to the growing incidence of breast cancer. Very few ingredients are tested for reproductive or developmental effects caused by hormone disrupting chemicals.

Immune system toxin: A substance which has an adverse effect on the functioning of the immune system. Altered immune function may lead to increased incidence or severity of infectious diseases or cancers. Allergens are considered to be immunotoxicants, which can cause hypersensitivity reactions like asthma, rhinitis and anaphylaxis, as well as allergies.

Liver toxin: The liver functions as a center for metabolism, processing chemicals we are exposed to so they can be utilized, detoxified or excreted. The liver is exposed to toxicants that enter the body from ingestion and from absorption into the blood. Some chemicals are known to cause a variety of types of liver damage, from liver cell death to chronic liver damage to cancer.

Kidney toxin: Kidneys (like the liver) are vulnerable to chemical exposures because they process a high amount of the chemicals circulating in the body.

Mutagen: A mutagen is a substance which changes genes which are subsections of the DNA of cells. These mutations can be passed along as cells reproduce, sometimes leading to defective cells or cancer.

Neurotoxin: A substance which adversely effects the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system resulting from exposure to chemical substances. These can include a wide range of effects from impairment of learning, memory, judgement and other mental functions, to fatigue, irritability and other behavioural changes. Effects can be short term or permanent. Peripheral nervous system damage can cause weakness in lower limbs, prickling or tingling in limbs, and loss of co-ordination. Personal care and household cleaning products are rarely tested for neurotoxic effects.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaternium-15 and quaternium 1-29, these compounds are caustic and can irritate the eyes. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related contact dermatitis. There is concern about their potential as sensitizers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer and can cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, even respiratory arrest. When they are used with hot running water, steam increases the inhalation of vapours. These compounds are used in a wide range of cleaning products and disinfectants as germicides, preservatives and surfactants.

Reproductive toxin: A substance which has adverse effects on the male or female reproductive system. This may include early puberty, decreases in fertility or miscarriages. Developmental toxicity is a sub-category of reproductive toxicity. Reproductive toxicity is a relatively new field of study which is of growing concern. Very few chemicals have yet been tested for reproductive or developmental effects. A chemical may be categorized as a known or suspected reproductive toxin, depending on the amount and types of studies done.

Respiratory toxin: A substance which has an adverse effect on the functioning or structure of the respiratory system. Respiratory toxicants can produce a variety of acute and chronic effects, from local irritation and bronchitis to lung damage resulting in emphysema or cancer. Asthma and respiratory infections are other possible effects of exposure to respiratory toxins.

Sensitizer: A sensitizer is a substance which may, after repeated exposure, trigger severe allergic-type reactions to even a small amount of the substance. Some doctors now believe that some substances may also trigger sensitization to a wide number of substances, the condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Organochloride pesticides and formaldehyde are two substances suspected of triggering MCS.

Skin toxicant: A substance which can result in short term or chronic skin irritation or damage. Contact dermatitis is the most common, but other possible effects include photosensitization, chloracne and skin cancer.

Sense organ toxicant: The senses of smell, vision, taste and hearing may be injured by a variety of physical, chemical and biological agents. Airbourne chemicals can cause eye irritation and in some cases result in permanent harm to vision. Some substances can result in hearing loss.

Teratogen: is a substance which can cause malformations of an embryo or fetus. This is a type of reproductive toxin.

Sources: Scorecard.org, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Toxins and Cleaners brochure, Physical and Theoretical Chemisty Laboratory, Oxford University.

For more information on types of adverse health effects, go to Scorecard.org and click on Health Effects. Scorecard also provides information on health effects of a variety of chemical substances; click on About the Chemicals. Scorecard is a site of the Environmental Defense Network.

Vermont Safety Informaton Resources Inc (SIRI) - extensive list of links to sites with information from MSDS sheets and hazardous chemical information
www.hazard.com/msds/links.html

Agency for Toxic substances and Disease Registry, Center for Disease Control, US Government
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html

Another useful source of informaton is Environmental Health Perspectives [EHP], a peer reviewed journal published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. EHP is now an open access journal - all content is freely available to everyone online.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/admin/openaccess.html

To use PubMed to find articles in EHP, follow the link below and use a search strategy that includes the journal name (Environmental Health Perspectives) AND the subject you are looking for. The [ta] following the journal title limits the search to articles within that journal, a process that has obvious limitations but that can be very helpful for journals that offer full access.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/