Oxybenzone (BP-3, Benzophenone-3) Read More »
The post Oxybenzone (BP-3, Benzophenone-3) appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Oxybenzone is used in sunscreens to absorb UVA rays and may also be found in hair spray, cosmetics, chapstick and nail polish.
Human Risks: The FDA says that oxybenzone is safe. Environmental agencies and some health experts do not agree. They are finding evidence that oxybenzone can cause skin allergies and it has also been linked to hormone disruptions. In addition, oxybenzone can potentially cause cell damage that may lead to cancer. Oxybenzone is used in chemical sunscreens and may be absorbed into your bloodstream. There haven’t been enough long-term studies or research to make a conclusive decision, so my recommendation is to use mineral sunscreens instead, which are free of oxybenzone.
Environmental Risks: Oxybenzone decreases the coral reefs’ defenses against coral bleaching thus making them more susceptible to damage. It can damage existing coral, but also affects the development of new coral. The coral reefs are a vital part of our ecosystem and important for marine life. Learn more about the importance of coral reefs here.
Avoid: Oxybenzone is a typical ingredient in chemical sunscreens and SPF chapstick. Do not avoid wearing sunscreen though! Chemical sunscreens rub in more easily than mineral ones, but I think it’s worth the extra time to use a mineral sunscreen free of oxybenzone. It’s safer for your health and the health of the coral reefs.
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]]>The post Coal Tar Dye appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: This coloring agent is often used in food (such as candy) and personal care products, such as shampoos, hair dye, and even toothpastes. It is also commonly used in cosmetic products like lipstick.
Human Risks: Coal Tar Dye is often mixed with aluminum and other harmful substances making it even more dangerous. It is a proven carcinogen, can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks, flu-like symptoms, inability to focus, and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Coal tar dye is also linked to the development of Alzheimers, and a faster progression of Alzheimers and other neurological diseases.
Environmental Risks: Coal Tar Dye can bioaccumulate, meaning that it can build up in the environment over time, causing harm to ecosystems. Chemicals that bioaccumulate are very difficult to eliminate from the environment, making it hard to reverse the damage. Like many of the chemicals on the list, they are especially harmful to aquatic life. It is also important to note that chemicals that build up in the environment often end up in our food sources and drinking water, causing further human harm.
How to Avoid: Unfortunately, coal tar dyes are often found in processed sweets such as M&Ms, so consider avoiding packaged sweets. It has also been shown that by reducing consumption candy and other heavily dyed food, concentration is improved. I know I keep repeating myself, but one the best things you can do is invest in your health by shopping at sustainable and ethical cosmetic and personal care companies. There are a ton of them out there, many of which I recommend on this site, so if you can afford it, make the switch!
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]]>Fragrances or Parfum Read More »
The post Fragrances or Parfum appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Fragrances are used in just about any product you can think of. There’s a good chance that most natural-smelling air freshener you own, contains dozens of chemicals that are hard to pronounce. The more I looked around my bathroom, the more products with fragrance I saw. It’s in soaps, lotions, face wash, air freshener, hair spray, toothpaste, shampoo, and so much more! Even products that say “fragrance-free” could still have a fragrance that is counteracted with a masking agent.
Risks: Although this is not a specific chemical, I cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid fragrances. Even if you don’t look at the potential carcinogens in fragrances, a large portion of fragrances are known to cause allergies, irritation, hormonal issues, cancer, brain damage, and headaches. It’s important to think about the fact that even if you are able to easily tolerate fragrances, these chemicals can cause life-threatening allergic reactions in others, so think before you douse yourself in perfume or cologne. Just because something smells like the ocean breeze doesn’t make it natural, clean, or safe.
Environmental Risks: Many of the chemicals in fragrances are known to cause damage to sea life, and toxic levels of fragrances have been found in various fish and sea creatures that could be potentially consumed by humans, creating yet another health risk.
How to Avoid: Just about every sustainable company I have encountered is also devoted to using safe, non-toxic chemicals, so they will always be your best bet at finding safe products. The products I suggest are from companies who are transparent about how their items are scented. There are other companies that have great ingredients, but non-sustainable packaging. At environmentalemma, my goal is to promote companies that do a great job with sustainable packaging AND ethical ingredients.
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]]>The post Formaldehyde appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Human Risks: If this chemical seems familiar to you, it may be because you have smelled this potent preservative that is used to embalm bodies and also to preserve animals in scientific dissections. There is a reason formaldehyde is only used on dead bodies: it is a known carcinogen and can also cause skin irritation, nausea, severe allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, brain damage, burns, and more.
Environmental Risks: Formaldehyde is known to break down into carbon monoxide which is a gas that can be lethal to humans. This gas can also harm animals and other forms of life. Formaldehyde can also make animals sick and cause reproductive harm. It can cause mutations in animals and is highly deadly for aquatic life.
How to Avoid: Take the time to research wood suppliers, furniture companies, paint products, and other construction products before buying – I will eventually put out info about sustainable alternatives to these products on my website, but until then, shop consciously. Also avoid Justice and Claire’s when possible – these companies and other cheap looking clothing/products use more chemicals to cut corners and produce cheaper goods. I realize this may not be attainable for many people who can’t afford anything other than these types of clothes, but if you can avoid them, it is safer for your children. When buying a car, look for one that is highly fuel efficient. Also consider where and how often you are using fuel burners – you want to make sure you have good ventilation. Stay posted for an article giving sustainable clothing options that are free of formaldehyde!
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]]>The post Flame Retardants appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Human Risks: Flame retardant is HIGHLY toxic and dangerous. It is designed to make your furniture less flammable, which seems like a good thing. But, it does not bond to the foam in couches or pillows, so it is very likely to escape into the air or surroundings. Even a small dose of flame retardant could permanently cause infertility, learning deficits, memory issues, hearing loss, reduced motor skills, and more. It is especially harmful for children and babies in the womb. A 2012 American Chemical Society study found flame retardants can increase the amount hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide released during a fire. Invisible fumes and chemicals exposure is the leading cause of death in fires, so this is a major health risk.
Environmental Risks: Flame retardants cause similar issues in animals that they do in humans. They can easily get into the environment because they are so heavily used. They affect aquatic life the most, but are also known to build up in soil, plant life, and drinking water. Because flame retardants take a very long time to break down, they will linger in the environment for years unless humans take direct actions to eliminate them.
Avoid: Anything that has BVO (a type of flame retardant) in the ingredients. BVO has and still is being used in some food and drinks as a preservative. Other listings to avoid are polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs. Since 2005, furniture stores have had to adhere to higher standards regarding flame retardant, so consider replacing some of your older furniture. Also, be careful with letting young children play with electronic devices, such as TV remotes or cell phones, because they could contain traces of flame retardant. Thankfully, there are more regulations being put in place for flame retardant, so newer products carry a lower risk. However, you should still keep an eye out if anything you own contains the aforementioned ingredients.
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]]>The post Sulfates appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Sulfates are often used to create a lather or foam in hand and body soaps along with face washes, shampoos, and even toothpaste. Sulfates can be found in other personal care products as well.
Humans Risks: When formulated a certain way, sulfates can be contaminated with 1.4-dioxane, which is where the risk of cancer comes in. There is debate within the scientific community over whether sulfates are a carcinogen, but it is known to cause skin irritation or allergies for those who are particularly sensitive.
Environmental Risks: Many sulfates are petroleum based, so there is a significant environmental footprint accompanied with the use of sulfates. (Petroleum is mined and produces harmful greenhouse gases.) Other sulfates are produced from palm oil, which is another environmentally harmful source. This is because palm oil is generally acquired by chopping down large quantities of trees in the Amazon rainforest. There is also evidence that, like many other chemicals on this list, sulfates pose a threat to aquatic life. *You can read more about the need to preserve aquatic life and the importance of biodiversity on my “explore” page.
How to Avoid: The easiest method is to look for the word sulfate on ingredients before buying a product. Sodium Lauryth Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate are the most common sulfates used in products. Norwex has a new nourishing shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free. Plaine Products is another example of a hair and skincare company that doesn’t use sulfates. If you want to shop at Plaine Products, use my promo code ECOEMMA for a discount!
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]]>The post BPA (Bisphenol A) appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Plastic containers, personal care products, feminine hygiene products, shopping receipts, certain electronic devices, glasses, and even dental sealants.
Human Risks: BPA can weaken your immune system and reproductive system, cause neurological harm, increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease and more. BPAs can also harm young children, so it is important to pick a baby formula bottle that is BPA free, because it has been proven that BPA leaks into formula.
Environmental Risks: Just like BPA can cause disease and damage to humans, it can affect animals. It tends to affect aquatic life, because many of these chemicals are more likely to end up in saltwater or freshwater, where they can cause liver damage and other diseases in sea creatures.
How to Avoid: Look for “BPA-free” goods, but be weary, because even if a bottle is BPA free, doesn’t mean it is free of toxic chemicals. In fact, many “BPA-free” goods have just replaced BPA with BPF, which has similar effects. Avoiding plastic as much as possible is also another great way to avoid BPA exposure. Finally, an interesting study has shown that when people cut back on pre-packaged foods their BPA urine levels dropped by nearly 70%. Participants who avoided canned goods had similar decreases in BPA levels.
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]]>The post Triclosan appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Human Risks: Triclosan, which is a hormone disruptor and carcinogen, can easily pass through the skin. In fact, a CDC study of over 2,500 Americans found that Triclosan was present in 75% of the participants’ urine, meaning that the majority of the American public faces regular exposure to this dangerous chemical. It can cause liver and respiratory issues and can also disrupt the thyroid functions in your body. This is an issue because the thyroid sends signals to your organs that allow them to function correctly. Triclosan exposure has also been linked to a weakened immune system as well as an increase in allergies and eczema in children. One final major effect is reproductive harm.
Environmental Risks: Triclosan often goes down our drains from various products, where it can then build up in the environment, contributing to “antibiotic-resistant” bacteria and causing permanent damage to aquatic life.
How to Avoid: Forego the use of “anti-bacterial soap”. The American medical association actually advises not to use this soap at home. It is not necessary. You should also consider switching toothpastes if you use Colgate Total. Terms like “odor-fighting” or “stays fresher longer” can also be indicators that Triclosan is being used in cleaning or food products.
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]]>The post Phthalates appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Phthalates are dangerous chemicals that are often found in plastic containers, food containers, certain children’s toys, bottled baby formula, and in certain products to make fragrances last longer.
Human Risks: Like parabens, phthalates increase your risk for cancer, infertility, and fetal development issues. But, unlike parabens, phthalates have been directly linked to diabetes and liver cancer, making it a potent carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). They can also cause early puberty in adolescents. Phthalates are an endocrine disruptor and can cause serious changes to how your body functions and even your DNA. Phthalates are so incredibly harmful that they have been banned in numerous countries, including all of the European Union, Canada, Japan, and China, yet they are still very commonly used in the U.S.
Environmental Risks: Phthalates are proven to be toxic to wildlife and can threaten water safety when exposed to water sources.
What to Avoid:. Choose products that are marked PVC-free. Avoid any product that has the word “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredient list. It doesn’t matter if the bottle says phthalate-free, it could still be in the fragrance. I know I sound like a broken record, but sustainable companies generally avoid all of the chemicals on my list, so check them out!
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]]>The post Parabens appeared first on Environmental Emma.
]]>Uses: Parabens are generally used as a preservative in everything from cosmetics, to sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste, hair products, and SO much more- basically, personal care products. In fact, it’s estimated that 75-90% of cosmetics contain parabens. In addition, some forms of parabens were approved in the ‘70s to preserve food products – Can you believe we are still following chemical guidelines from the ‘70s??
Human Risks: A CDC study found that 90% of Americans who were tested for parabens had been exposed. This is an issue because parabens often act as an “endocrine disruptor”. This means that parabens can affect the systems in our bodies that produce hormones, which can cause a variety of effects. Studies have linked paraben exposure to infertility, reduced reproductive development in men and women, and negative birth outcomes (such as pre-term labor and birth defects). This happens because parabens block signals in the body that produce estrogen and testosterone. Parabens can also increase your likelihood of getting cancer, especially breast cancer for women because of the way it impacts hormones and its ability to cause genetic mutations. A minor effect can include skin irritation. Studies have shown that exposure to parabens will also speed up the rate at which breast cancer cells form, so if you have cancer, parabens could decrease your odds of survival.
Environmental Risks: Studies have also shown that these toxic effects on humans translate to the environment. They can harm coral reefs, which are a crucial part of ocean life (read about coral reefs in my “explore” section).
Avoid: Parabens are generally a preservative, so look for products that say natural preservatives. Also products that contain milk, water, or other liquids are more likely to have preservatives, so avoiding those types of products could decrease parabens exposure as well. The following are the 6 forms of parabens, so look out for them in your products:
Methylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, benzylparaben, butylparaben.
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