At our DIY all-purpose cleaner & hand soap workshop, we learned how to create a chemical free cleaning spray and hand soap using natural alternatives. There are so many chemicals in our everyday products that are harmful to our health and bodies without us even knowing. Here are a few to be aware of:
+Fragrance:
Used in many products to add a scent, these harmful fragrances can be hard to spot because not all companies list every ingredient. Short term toxicity can include coughing, skin irritation, rash, wheezing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and irritability. Long term toxicity can include cancer, lung disease, heart disease and reproductive disorders.
Found in: scented candles, perfumes, lotions, and more
+Triclosan:
Used in many formulations as an antibacterial agent to prevent or reduce bacterial contamination and registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption of triclosan has shown disturbances to the endocrine system, and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth
Found in: soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware and children’s toys.
+Phthalates:
A low cost endocrine-disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production and mimic estrogen in human studies.
Found in: plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues and nail polish.
+Formaldehyde:
This is a known carcinogen and exposure can cause eye irritation, asthmatic response, skin irritation, headaches and nausea. Long-term effects include cancer and possibly leukemia. Although products generally contain small amounts, when this chemical is used in many common everyday household items. This isn’t an easy ingredient to find and is often listed as its fragmented name.
Found in: baby shampoo, pet shampoo, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, sunblocks, cosmetics, baby wipes, toothpaste, and more.
An easy way to check your household products: THINK DIRTY App
Think Dirty® app is the easiest way to learn ingredients in your beauty, personal care and household products. Just scan the product barcode and Think Dirty will give you easy-to-understand info on the product, its ingredients, and shop cleaner options!