Chemicals in your home and in your make up .
The Chemical world: To find out which companies improved their chemical policies as a result of the Chemical Home and your pressure, read either the full Chemical Home Report or for those who just want an overview, the Executive Summary .
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/toxics/what-you-can-do
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/eu-reach-chemical-law-vote131206/
It also calls for urgent action to be taken to control the production and sale of those chemicals that may damage the health of babies and adults alike.
All umbilical cords contained a minimum of five of the 35 chemicals tested for, some contained as many as 14. Two of the mothers tested had 17 of the 35 chemicals in their blood.
The report also highlights the possible effects of chemicals on children's brain development and intelligence.
It says proposed new EU legislation on chemicals called "REACH" gives Europe a crucial opportunity to take the necessary action to protect humans and the environment from the effects of harmful chemicals and to make producers responsible for the impacts of their products.
"It is shocking that such chemicals are in the human body at any stage of our life, let alone at the very start, when the child is most vulnerable. Governments need to act and require industries to substitute these contaminating chemicals with safer alternatives."
*** About chemicals :
They're everywhere.
In the cosmetics we use, the food we eat and the homes in which we live.
Our daily lives are awash with chemicals.
Every year, up to 400 million tonnes are produced and a thousand new substances concocted. Individually, each chemical, used in a minute quantity, may be harmless, but there's growing concern about the combined effect as they accumulate in our bodies. It's not just environmentalists and the green lobby who are worried. Leading scientists are asking questions about our ever-increasing exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Reports :
from :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/chemicalworld/story/0,,1209932,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/chemicalworld/story/0,,1209991,00.html
Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics - Ingredient Directory
here :
http://www.hallgold.com/toxic-chemical-ingredients-directory.htm
November 2010 :
A new report has found that more than a fifth of the food eaten by two small groups of US children was tainted with pesticides. Of the food containing pesticides, about one quarter contained more than one kind. All totalled, the researchers testing it found 14 varieties of pesticides.
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/pesticide-contamination-alarms-experts-20101112-17q1o.html
Parabens and synthetic fragrances were selected as the two basic criteria for inclusion as they are among the most common found in many products. Parabens are one of the most widely used preservatives, are oestrogen mimics and have been implicated in a number of health issues. Synthetic fragrance, often labelled parfum, can contain between 50 and 100 chemical fragrances and may indicate the presence of phthalates linked to reproductive damage. (see separate Cosmetics Briefing, and our Pretty Nasty report on phthalates). It is worth noting that skin may react to natural as well as synthetic ingredients.
We are working to put the Careful Beauty Checklist on our new website. In the meantime, please Download the Careful Beauty Checklist in PDF version.
from :
http://www.wen.org.uk/your-wen/careful-beauty/
About WEN :
Women’s Environmental Network is the only organisation in the UK working consistently for women and the environment. Central to our approach is the belief that women have the right to information to enable them to make fair choices. For more than two decades we have had a track record of being the first to raise awareness on issues, especially those concerning women’s health and reproductive systems.
WEN’s Careful Beauty Checklist Explained
Free from bleaching agents
Bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone and mercury, are added to skincare products to help lighten skin. Although banned in the EU they are still manufactured in Asia and Africa. These bleaching chemicals are highly toxic – hydroquinone can cause brown patches on skin and is an irritant, mercury can cause serious poisoning as well as cancer and exposure to both have been linked to ochronosis.
Free from chemically manufactured / synthetic made / nature identical ingredients
Nature identical ingredients are produced synthetically or processed but are chemically identical to substances that are found in nature. Synthetic ingredients: e.g. silicones, paraffin and other fossil fuel-derived products.
Free from detergents
Detergents are alternatives to soap and are derived from petroleum based products. Some commonly used detergents are;
· Ethoxylated Alcohols (EA) including PEG, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and
· Amines and Derivatives including Diethanolamine (DEAs) such as cocamide, lauramide, myristamine and oleamide DEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, triethanolamine (TEA), TEA-lauryl sulphate, monoethnolamine (MEA) including cocamide, linoleamide and steramide MEA)
Many of these are known for their foaming action and surfactant functions (easy mixing of oily and water-based substances) in daily use products such as shampoo, conditioners, facial cleansers, hair dyes, lotions, soaps, baby shampoo, baby wipes, shaving cream and acne treatment. Detergents can dry skin and hair, cause irritations to eyes and skin, and can react with impurities and nitrate preservatives, some of which may cause cancer. DEA causes liver and kidney tumours, can damage testicles and reduce sperm activity. Many of the EA detergents are potentially contaminated with or break down into cancer causing agents. Research demonstrates a strong relationship to toxicity to kidneys and nervous system.
Free from GM ingredients
Genetically modified organisms are highly contested ingredients on a global scale. Some mass produced cosmetics have GM ingredients, which could be maize or soya based. Consumer concerns have pre-empted European companies to work at removing GM ingredients from their products, however many US companies maintain there is not enough evidence of harm from GMOs in cosmetics.
Free from lanolin
Lanolin, also known as wool fat or wool wax, is used as an oil or alcohol and is derived from a sheep’s oil glands. A natural emulsifier and emollient, (which prevents moisture from being lost), lanolin is used extensively in cosmetics as a due to its waxy texture and the idea that it can make skin soft and smoother. Lanolin is found in moisturisers, especially those for lips. It is found in shampoo, ointments, face washes and creams, lip balms, hand creams, cold creams and face powders. Lanolin can be an irritant and can cause chapping of the lips. If the cosmetic product does not use certified organic lanolin then there is a risk of exposure to traces of DDT, dieldrin, lindane and other neurotic pesticides. Additionally, lanolin no longer is used in pure form because of the allergy-causing reactions.
Free from nanoparticles
Nanoparticles, such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide are used in cosmetics and as UV filters in sun creams. Nanoparticles are defined as anything smaller than 100 nanometres in size, with a nanometre being one-billionth of a metre, 80,000 times smaller than a human hair. It has shown to be possible for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream on inhalation and cross the blood-brain barrier, thus entering the brain itself. Fullerenes are another example of nanoparticle used in antiaging products. Due to the fact that nanoparticles pass cellular membranes it can be expected to reach DNA and have adverse affects on genotoxicity, a short term measure of carcinogenicity. Research associated with the health affects of fullerenes and titanium dioxide indicate that certain nanoparticles may be genotoxic and photogenotoxic.
Free from phthalates
Phthalates are used as a plasticizer and a solvent in cosmetics. They may be listed as dibutyl, dithylhexyl, DEHP, DBP to name a few chemical variations. Some phthalates may not appear on a label as they are components of ‘fragrances’, ‘parfum’, ‘perfume’ and other synthetic fragrances. Phthalates are used in the production of plastics, packages, cosmetics and other household items. Research strongly demonstrates that DEHP is linked to adverse affects to male and female reproductive system and the EU has banned the use of some phthalates in PVC toys as well as listing it as a ‘substance of very high concern.’ Phthalates are found in a number of products that are fragrant or have a scent to them e.g. ‘parfum’. Parfum can contain more than 100 different ingredients which are not required to be identified on a product. A previous study of name brand cosmetics found phthalates in nearly 80% with none of them listing phthalates on the ingredients list. Phthalates can be found in cosmetics such as nail varnishes, deodorants, fragrances, hair gels and sprays, hand and body lotions.
Free from petrochemicals
Petrol based products, such as petroleum, mineral oil, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, paraffin, petroleum and petroleum by-products are used as penetration enhancers, lubricants and emollients in such products as cold creams, lipsticks, mascaras, baby creams, moisturising creams, shaving creams, hair conditioners, makeup removers to name a few. Petroleum based products can irritate and sensitise skin, may compromise skin’s own moisturising system as well as contain harmful impurities.
Free from synthetic preservatives
Synthetic preservatives are those ingredients of an unnatural source or origin used as a preservative system in products. Organic certifiers may allow specific preservative systems within a product, however those will not be included in this section. Due to the fact that parabens are one of the most widely used preservatives they are the primary exclusion on the list. Formaldehyde may be hidden within products and may be released when products break down or react with another product. It can be found as a preservative in various cosmetics, soap, nail hardeners and varnish. Ingesting formaldehyde can cause internal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, coma and death. Formaldehyde is a proven neurotoxin, genotoxin, carcinogen and skin irritant. It is involved in DNA damage and inhibits its repair and in conjunction with other chemical ingredients can produce mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Preservatives are the second most common cause of allergic and irritant reactions to cosmetics.
Free from retinol
Retinol, natural vitamin A, is added to cosmetics for marketing reasons
Other forms of retinol include tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and retinyl and are used in moisturizers and night creams with the suggestion of offering anti-ageing effects. Used as ingredients in anti-aging creams, these chemicals were developed for and continue to be used as acne treatments. Predominantly found in anti-ageing skin creams and moisturisers as well as psoriasis and acne care. When exposed to large doses of retinol during pregnancy research shows that it may harm the development of the embryo. Side effects associated with topical tretinoin are skin irritation, dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity and with persistent use, skin damage and accelerate ageing. Adapalene and tazarotene both indicate similar side effects from usage, but add redness, burning sensation and rash.
Free from synthetic colours
Synthetic colours are entirely artificial in composition and added to makeup and other coloured products. These crude oil, coal tar and mineral derived dyes and lakes may contain carcinogenic arsenic and lead. In the USA FD&C colours are certified for
inclusion in food, drugs and cosmetics and D&C colours for drugs and cosmetics only. Questionable synthetic colours are: FD&C blues 1(E133), 2(E132), 4; Green 3; Reds 4, 40(E129); Yellows 5(E102), 6(E110), D&C Reds 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21, 27, 33; Green 5; Oranges 5, 17. Disperse Blue 1; Yellow 3. These ingredients are found in products such as lip glosses, children’s toothpaste and hair colours. Some synthetic colours have been linked to childhood hyperactivity disorders as well as cancers.
Against animal testing
Regulation requires cosmetic companies to test products to ensure consumer safety, however the methods used are entirely up to the manufacturer. According to COLIPA, the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, a testing ban on animals in the EU will apply from March 2009 whether or not an alternative to animal testing is available.
Contains ingredients which carry the certified Fairtrade Mark
The Fair Trade criterion was added as a number of cosmetics products now include ingredients which carry the Fairtrade Mark. For more information about Fairtrade and for an explanation of the differences between organic and fair trade standards please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/default.aspx.
Full and clear disclosure of ingredients
That all the ingredients listed on the label are all the ingredients contained in the product. High street cosmetics products can contain ingredients like phthalates, which are not listed on the label but contained in the product to carry fragrances or make the products undrinkable in the case of perfume. Also the ingredients used to create a fragrance.
All products carry recognised certification
This criterion takes account of developments in independently monitored standards for the health and beauty industry, particularly the Soil Association in the UK, and BDIH in Germany. For clarity we only indicate if ALL of a company’s products carry a recognised certification, though some of the listed companies do have specific products or a range of products which carry certification.
Plants from sustainably managed areas
An indicator of whether companies producing greener cosmetics extend their concern for human health to environmental health.
Product information printed on recycled paper
As above.
Packaging printed by a carbon neutral company with vegetable oils, no film or chemicals
This criterion was included to take into account the popularity of Carbon Neutral companies, the overuse of packaging materials and the chemicals that can leach from the packaging to the product. To clarify this addition, WEN does not endorse carbon offsetting as a manner of combating climate change.
From Cosmetics Unmasked, Dr.Stephen & Gina Antczak
Page here :http://www.wen.org.uk/careful-beauty-explained/
xxxxThese sites are here , just for their interesting lists :
Toxins in your Home :
http://www.shareguide.com/toxichome.html
Heath :
http://www.health-report.co.uk/ingredients-directory.htm
http://www.health-report.co.uk/EWG_makeup_chemicals_summary.htm
xxxx
*** Maintenant en Français
*A LIRE :
http://www.biocoop.fr/consomaction.php
NO 54 de consommation action _novembre et décembre 2010
*dossier très intéressant sur le maquilage
*** Sur le site : http://www.veganimal.info/
Mise au point produits cosmétiques non testés sur animaux :
http://www.veganimal.info/article.php3?id_article=351
et lire l'article concernant:
les Produits chimiques dans les cosmétiques, produits de soin et hygiène sur Veganimal
*** autre info
« La Cosmétique bio c‘est quoi, au juste ? »
LIVRET à consulter sur le lien ici après :bien lire les droits d'utilisation avant ;
| Droits d’utilisation | |||
 | |||
 | Le téléchargement gratuit du livret/ebook est autorisé. | ||
| | |||
| | Le livret ne doit EN AUCUN CAS être proposé en téléchargement sur d’autres sites, ceci étant considéré comme une atteinte aux droits d’auteurs. | ||
| | |||
| | Sur les autres sites, seuls les indications ou liens vers le site www.laveritesurlescosmetiques.com sont autorisés. | ||
| | |||
| | Les bannières publicitaires sur des blogs et autres sites webs sont autorisées et sont même encouragées. | ||
| | |||
| | Vous trouverez une sélection de bannières publicitaires dans la catégorie « téléchargement ». |
http://www.laveritesurlescosmetiques.com/index.php
Des polluants bien trop présents dans nos maisons :
Just for the informations on this video
important about my links here and about that video :
i do not support compagnies /cosmetics marks and so on ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny279vYJJvY&feature=related
*** Be careful and read all labels !
On Facebook :
and more here
in Health section