Did you know that you may be absorbing toxins from your shampoo, your deodorant, or your other personal care products?
Learn to read the labels of personal care products, and avoid phthalates in particular. Phthalates are endocrine disrupting compunds that have been associated with cancer, impaired fertility, and male birth defects. They are found in hundreds of products, including shampoo, lotion, perfume, and cosmetics. The most common phthalates are dibityl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Look for labels that say “phthalate-free.”
Avoid wearing perfume and using other products with fragrance. Phthalates often appear as an ingredient in fragrance. Fragrances also often include chemicals that are allergy triggers or irritants.
Avoid using nail polish or hairspray because they often contain phthalates. Ingredients in nail polish, such as toluene and xylene, are neurotoxins. If you do choose to wear nail polish and use hairspray, select brands with the least toxic ingredient, and remember to apply the polish and hairspray outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid products whose content labels list placenta, placental extract, or estrogen. Many personal care products, including cosmetics, shampoos, and styling aids that are marketed to African American women, contain hormone-rich ingredients.
Beware of “unscented” deodorants and other personal care products. Many of these products contain masking fragrances to cover up a chemical smell. These fragrances may contain phthalates. Look for products marked “fragrance-free.”
Avoid products that contain parabens. Parabens have been found in the urine of almost everyone tested. These chemicals are used as preservatives in cosmetics, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, shaving gels, and lotions. Common names for these chemicals include butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, methyl paraben, and propyl paraben.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month by educating and empowering you so that you can make the best lifestyle choices to lower your risk of cancer. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.
For more information on Breast Cancer and household chemicals, watch our video at www.youtube.com/watch.
