THE PERVASIVE USE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS IN EVERYDAY PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

The Pervasive Use of Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Personal Care Products

Summary

In this study we will try to explore the concept of pervasive use of toxic chemicals in personal care products in a holistic context. The main focus of the research will be on the use of toxic chemicals and its relation with personal care products. The research will also analyze many aspects of the usage of chemicals in everyday personal care products and will try to gauge its effect on consumers. Finally the research will describe various factors which are responsible for use of toxic chemicals in personal care products and tries to find solution to reduce this problem. The research will be conducted using qualitative research methodology. Interviews will be conducted to obtain the solution for this problem.

The Pervasive Use of Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Personal Care Products

Introduction

Naturopathic physicians are experts in helping people decide what to put in the body; we are also well-positioned to provide expert advice on what to put on the body. Personal care products represent the largest class of avoidable exposures to toxic ingredients and yet have not received the attention accorded to carcinogenic and toxic pollutants in air, water, home, and workplace. Unlike these toxins, however, we can exercise control over what we put on our skin. Cosmetics and personal care products are not only the single most avoidable category of threats to our health, but they also have the widest range of alternative, safe products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no requirement for testing or approval before these products are marketed. There are also no mandates for label warnings identifying known allergens, carcinogens, or endocrine disruptors. This industry is self-regulated. While the European Union (EU) has adopted the Precautionary Principle in addressing potentially toxic chemicals in personal care products before release, the United States looks for irrefutable proof of harm before recalling toxic ingredients (Adibi et. al, 2003). Every day, at least 3 personal care products are applied to the skin of infants and children. Women use 6 or more cosmetics and an average of 13 personal care products daily, containing more than 100 different ingredients. Men use an average of 10 personal care products per day. We are exposed constantly to potentially problematic chemicals. This paper provides an overview of overt and hidden carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and skin allergens commonly found in personal care products.

Although most consumers realize that chemicals are hazardous materials, many are unaware of the chemicals that actually go into personal care products-from hair and skin formulations to sunscreen and lipstick. Product development chemists add synthetic polymers to many of these products to influence the feel and flow of the product as well as to improve its visual appearance on the shelf (Reisch, 2006) because the consumer desires all of these qualities. According to a report published by Skin Deep (2006),

a consumer may use as many as 25 different products containing 200 different chemical compounds daily; ...