Where's the proof?

I found some really interesting statements on the internet about formaldehyde and the build-up of the toxin in our bodies.  The statements claim that during the Vietnam War, the bodies of the Vietnamese dead decomposed at a faster rate than the bodies of the American dead.  Further, the statements claim that twenty years ago twice as much formaldehyde was needed to embalm a person as what is needed today... because, they infer, we are slowly embalming ourselves by using formaldehyde in everything. 

I finally tracked those claims down supposedly to a "Kay Heizer of Healthy Choices."  I then found where she claims the stats came from the National Institute of Health.  I can't find the research on the NIH website, nor can I find a website for this Healthy Choices non-profit.  Does it exist?  Who is Kay Heizer?  Are all these claims part of an urban legend?

The Bees Knees

If the skin on the bee's knees was chapped and sore, he could use Burt's Bees lotion and not harm the environment with yet another petroleum compound.  That's right, not only are Burt's Bees products paraben-free, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate free, they are also petroleum-free.  Good for you, good for the environment.  Now, that's one product that's the bees knees! 

And if you go to their website now, you can request a free sample of their toothpaste.

A Pair of Bens...

No, not a pair of Bens.  I mean parabens.  What are they, why all the hype, and why do I try to avoid them?

Parabens are used as preservatives in almost all of your cosmetics.  And when I say cosmetics, I mean your shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, soap, make-up, lotion... get the idea?  Go get your shampoo bottle and look at the ingredient list.  I bet you'll find some of those big words that I can't pronounce will end in "paraben."

Well, if they are preservatives, that's good, right?  Well, they are also known skin irritants (the first reason for me looking at the ingredient list), hormone disrupters, and carcinogens.  If you do much research about parabens, you'll hear about the research done where women with breast cancer were found to have parabens in the tissue.

Now, the FDA says they are used in such small quantities that they aren't harmful.  My sore skin begged to differ.

Some argue that many of the paraben items are used in a hot shower, increasing the skin absorption.  Others acknowledge that the amounts in one item may be small, but consider how many of those small quantities you use each day!  Also consider that Japan and Sweden are now banning them from all cosmetics and toiletries!

The author of this article published in a Canadian magazine sums up the chemicals pretty succinctly.

So, what are some paraben free items?  Most items will point out in large print if they are paraben-free. 

• Kiss My Face olive oil soap (I can find it locally at Kroger or Giant Eagle's Market District)

• Vanicream lotion and soap (online or have a pharmacist order it)

• Free and Clear shampoo and conditioner (made by same company as Vanicream) (found online or have a pharmacist order it)

• Renpure shampoo and conditioner  (I can find locally at Rite Aid). 

• I haven't found makeup that I like, yet that is paraben free, but you can search for Swedish make-up and buy online.

• This blog lists Tom's of Maine deoderant.  I didn't care for it when I tried it - it just felt sticky. 

• Jason has some (if not all?) hair and shampoo products that are paraben free.  (Again, I can find it at Kroger in the organic section locally).

• Burt's Bees!  - they are now announcing a toothpaste on their website!  - check out their website for info on label reading and the definition of "natural." - You may be surprised.  I use their lipstick and lip moisturizer.  Where can you find Burt's Bees?  If you ask this, you haven't been in a store lately!  WalMart, Target, Kroger, drug stores, health food stores...

If you need a paraben-free product and have trouble finding it, let me know.  I'll see what I can find.  Also, keep in mind that you can use the Skin Deep product database (link is listed in my favorite links, too) to research product ingredients.

Here's to more paraben-free products!

What about?

I said in my last post that this post would be about parabens; however, I wanted to post some thoughts and observations quickly tonight. A paraben post is coming soon, I promise. Okay,so my observations:

• Have you noticed in the malls any of those nail salons?  Have you noticed that the employees wear face masks?!  If the fumes are bad, why don't they hand the masks out to the customers, too?  Do they offer them? I wonder... 
• I know of a person that has a child with a peanut allergy.  He even reacted one time because he was riding in the shopping cart and holding onto the  handle.  A previous cart user had touched peanuts and then the handle.  Now that's another reason to wipe off your cart handle!
• If people are allergic to latex, I wonder how many businesses hand out or use latex-free pens on their counters?  I've seen some packaged and sold at the local office supply store, so that got me to thinking.  Think about the banks and restaurants where you may be likely to use the business' pen.  That would be an easy and considerate change we could all do.  And think about all the free pens we give away for marketing purposes!
• How many people have small first-aid kits in their offices - you know the small ones with a few adhesive bandages and wipes?  How many people have latex-free kits?  Now, presumable a person with such an allergy would know not to accept a bandage, but what do they do it they really need one?  Where is one to be found? 
• What kind of cleaners do you use in your office?  Are they strong industrial cleaners?  Are they really needed?  How many people off the street come into your business each day?  Could they be having a reaction and you not know it?  Are the employees having to endure toxic chemicals for over 40 hours a week? Can a few of those cleaners be changed to healthier cleaners?  Are we creating sick building syndrome by trying to kills germs to stay healthy?  Makes me appreciate my office window!
• I know a person that will have an asthma attack after a mechanic has driven his car.  You know that smell when you get back into your car after a mechanic has been in it?  Not so good for some people.  I haven't figured out an alternative for that one.  

Just some thoughts.  What have you noticed?