Cosmetics :Do you know the risks? – Part One

 

The sales volume of cosmetics retail in Canada reached more than 5.3 billion dollars per year.

. Phthalates, synthetic musks, alkylphenol ethoxylates, this is a very short list of substances potentially present in your cosmetics. Of course the cosmetics industry argues that all these products are safe below a certain percentage.

But what is it really? These chemicals still wisely in their pot. What about the particles that are in the air environment? Products that are found in the water? Some particles remaining at the end of their use? Besides which succeeded in crossing the barrier of the skin and that our body absorbs.

Greenpeace were at 200 the number of synthetic chemicals that we can possibly find in the body of each of us. We accumulate from year to year, a staggering amount for these products which are impressive in a cocktail in our bodies and we know how they might interact and their long-term effects.

in cosmetics and perfumery the list of synthetic chemicals potentially carcinogenic and toxic substances is long. On 20 July 2006 the European Commission banned 22 substances in the manufacture of hair dyes only. How many consumers have used these products before their withdrawal without knowing that they were likely to cause bladder cancer?

How many products will be removed in the next few years after a finding of dangerousness on our health and that of our children? Because unfortunately, cosmetics children are no exception.

By definition.

According to the Canada Gazette: "The cosmetics are defined as substances or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or presented as may serve to beautify, clean or change the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, including deodorant and perfumes "It therefore includes not only make-up but also soaps, shampoos, creams and sunscreen for the face and body. (With the exception of those with a DIN number, which are then considered as medicines. This is particularly true of antidandruff shampoos)

 

Synthetic Chemicals.

 

The synthetic chemicals are manufactured by man and come either from the reproduction of a chemical phenomenon existing in nature, or of the invention of a new molecule. Both processes nevertheless a pollution problem. The first quantity in the sense that the substances are becoming too numerous to be absorbed quickly. The second because there's no natural mechanism suitable for the worse. The synthetic chemicals are used in cosmetics as active ingredients, fragrances, agents, and emulsifiers used, among other things to change the odor, appearance, texture and / or the lifetime of products. A study by Greenpeace showed that several of these substances are found in the cosmetics we use on a daily basis such as personal care, lipsticks, perfumes, body treatments, shampoos, deodorants and soaps.

Among the "substances of very high concern" (the most dangerous substances), we find the persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), those with a high potential for bioaccumulation (vPvB), carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic (CMR) and hormone disrupters .

• These persistent and bioaccumulative substances can have serious effects on our health, such as:
• Cancer of the testicles, ovaries or breast
• Loss of fertility and drop in the number of viable sperm
• Abnormal growth and development
• Immune system damaged.

Here are some potentially hazardous substances that are found in many of our cosmetic products and their respective potential danger:

Methylparaben: Carcinogen, neurotoxicant, reproductive, endocrine disruption, allergen, immunotoxic, irritant (high dose) in vitro tests also showed genetic mutations in mammalian cells. Included among other products in Cetaphil, Aroma soothing cream for Johnson's baby, the Jergens Natural soap.

Disodium EDTA: Carcinogen, neurotoxicant, reproductive, several in vitro tests also showed genetic mutations in mammalian cells. Included among other products in Vichy, Pampers

Propylene Glycol: Carcinogen, reproductive, immunotoxic several in vitro tests also showed genetic mutations in mammalian cells. Present among others in the dermatological products Eucerin, Rexona, Lush, Cetaphil.

You will understand that the list is long and therefore I can not mention them all here. Know also that other products are also widely used by lack of controversial studies and analysis.

This is the case of Laureth Sulfate Sodium (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Ether: SLES) used as a foaming agent that could, according to a study at the University of Georgia Medical College, to be carcinogenic, affect the development of sight to the 'childhood and cause cataracts in adults. Some environmental groups also speak of a possible contamination 1.4-dioxane. The latter, which is derived from petroleum, is a carcinogen and a study by the Environmental Working Group "published in February 2007 in denouncing the presence in 15 baby products including products of Johnson & Johnson, Disney, Gerber and Kimberley-Clark.

What says cosmetological companies? What means are in place to protect consumers? What are the solutions and alternatives?

To read the second part.