Re: SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS

[Guest guest]

I found the following article to be a serious overreation to the use of

synthetic chemicals. While we must admit there have been some serious

compromises to our health and eco-system from some chemicals, such as

highlighted by the recent " Trade Secrets " documentary, wise use of many

other synthetics has vastly improved our quality of life. I addition, the

author equates natural with safe, and synthetic with toxic. This article

fails to mention that such things as opium and strychnine are natural. Or

that certain parts of some foods (like rhubarb) contain oxalic acid or other

toxins, and must be properly prepared. One Japanese delicacy is the

blowfish. Improperly prepared, one meal can be fatal. Nature has even given

us poison ivy and isolated water supplies high in arsenic and soils high in

selenium, an essential trace nutrient which can be fatal at high doses. She

also fails to mention that most pharmaceuticals are synthetic, and many,

such as Benadryl, have never been found in nature.

The author cites a few products which might trigger an allergy in a small

minority of the population. Paraben stabilizers allow cosmetic products to

remain relatively bacterial free after being opened a few months. Who would

prefer a shampoo or hand cream which became rancid ten days after being

opened?

Propylene glycol has been used as a sweetener in toothpastes and Oreo

cookies, among several products. Does it make you sick? Propylene glycol is

a specific chemical, and never the blend of glycerine and grain alcohol the

author suggests.

Petrolatum is the basis of Vasoline Petroleum Jelly. While it may have

been oversold, toxic it is not. Mineral oil similarly has legitimate uses in

medicine.

Sodium lauryl sulfate shampoo? Maybe the author forgets that soap stings

eyes also, and that some non-stinging shampoos have been formulated with

synthetic chemicals, some I believe with the triethanolamine she condemns.

The author fails to mention that select individuals are lactose

intolerant, or have life threatening allergies to nuts, milk, shellfish,

etc. Should these also be banned? Definitely not.

A very serious allergen is indoor mold. Yet this can often be controlled

to some extent with synthetic chemicals sodium hypochlorite (Clorox) or

alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride (disinfectant spray) or phosphate

(antimicrobial on certain furnace filters).

I have met a few people with serious allergies who still smoke in public.

What ignorance and lack of consideration for others.

The most important thing we all can do is become as aware as possible of our

surroundings and the products we use. If a product causes a problem, try

slightly different products until you find one that is OK. Let the

manufacturer know of your problem, since they want to keep as much business

as possible, and do try to formulate safe products. Be considerate of

others, and avoid use of hair spray (and spray deodorants) or other possibly

irritating substances in areas used by others who may be sensitive, such as

locker rooms and public rest rooms. Last, use all products wisely and

conservatively, to minimize their impact on us and our environment.

----Original Message Follows----

From: cavegrl777@...

Subject: [] SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS

Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002 10:19:10 EST

My Note: make sure the company tests the products for pesticide, herbicide

and fungicide residues......Aubrey is certified organic....

Donna M. REILLY

Source: <A HREF= " http://www.aubrey-organics.com " >

http://www.aubrey-organics.com</A>

Wishing you and entire your environment synthetic chemicals free! Watch

out personal care products that you've chosen to use in everyday life ; It

may contain toxins.

By Aubrey Hampton

If you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them out.

Learn to read labels, and refuse to settle for half-natural hair and skin

care. Below I've listed and described my " ten most wanted " I most want to

see off the labels of so-called natural hair and skin care products.

1. imidazolidinyl Urea and olidinyl Urea ? These are the most commonly

used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a

primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two

trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of

the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined with

other preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10ÅãÅ[.

These chemicals are toxic.

2. Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben ? Used as inhibitors of

microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even

though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and

skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of

chemicals. Highly toxic.

3. Petrolatum? I see this on lip products from time to time, which is

humorous to me because they're usually advertised as protecting the lips

from sunburn, chapping and so forth. Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and

mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin photosensitivity

(i.e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to interfere with the body's own

natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are

being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to

alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

4. Propylene Glycol? Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain

alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical

mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic

reactions.

5. PVP/VA Copolymer? A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays,

wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles

may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.

6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for

its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin

rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions.

It is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic

explanation " comes from coconut. "

7. Stearalkonium Chloride? A chemical used in hair conditioners and

creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by

the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to

use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do help

hair health. Toxic.

8. Synthetic Colors? The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a

cosmetic " pretty " should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They

will be labeled as FD & C or D & C, followed by a color and a number. Example:

FD & C Red No. 6 / D & C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors are believed to be

cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic contains them, don1t use it.

9. Synthetic Fragrances? The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can

have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals

are, since on the label it will simply say " Fragrance. " Some of the problems

caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation,

violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation buy a cosmetic that has the word

" Fragrance " on the ingredients label.

10. Triethanolamine? Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used

with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes

the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye

problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the

body over a long period of time.

To Summarize: Look for natural ingredients in the products you buy. Do not

use cosmetics that are artificially colored. Is the shampoo bright green or

blue? Very likely it contains a coal tar color. Does the product contain

synthetic fragrances? Don't buy it. You may find that some of your allergy

problems will suddenly disappear when you no longer use cosmetics formulated

with petrochemicals and other synthetics.

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