Meet Sarah Beeny
We asked series presenter Sarah Beeny why she feels strongly about knowing what chemicals are in the everyday products we buy.
Q: How did you get interested in the whole issue of exposure to chemicals?
SB: About two years ago, WWF asked me if I'd be interested in having my chemical levels measured. I virtually grew up on building sites, with my father being an architect and me running a building company since my early 20s. So I've probably been exposed to quite a lot of chemicals through my work, but I didn't think I used a lot at home and I don't wear much make-up.
Q: What did your own chemical tests show?
SB: I was shocked! They showed high levels of preservatives, called parabens, and chemicals called phthalates which make plastics bendy and flexible. There was even DDT which was banned years ago, but I discovered that it stays in your body for a long time after you're exposed to it.
Q: What have you done to reduce your own exposure to chemicals and how hard was it?
SB: I must admit, it's become a bit of a mission! Since having my children, I'm much more careful about the chemicals I'm exposing all the family to. I've found lovely make-up and moisturisers which don't have any chemicals in them. I use a wet cloth to wipe surfaces rather than chemical cleaners, and I limit the amount of bleach I put down the loo. I scrub it instead! Nor would I use air fresheners – at home or in the car. I just open the windows.
I think you need to strike a balance, though. For example, I've never found a shampoo that works as well as my old one with chemicals in it, so I continue to use it. I've just reduced chemicals where it's been practical and realistic and there are good chemical-free alternatives.
Q: Has it worked?
SB: Yes! I'm pleased to say that my chemical tests showed no parabens or phthalates and no triclosan – an anti-bacterial chemical which is used in handwashes and toothpastes.
Q: What worried you most about the chemical exposure of the people in the programmes?
SB: It was worryingly easy to find people for the programme – including the children – who used huge amounts of cosmetics, deodorants, shampoos and other products which contained so many chemicals. I think I bought my first can of deodorant at 14, and it lasted me a year! The programmes showed that we don't realise how many chemicals we are being exposed to and, even when we think we are buying things that call themselves pure or simple, they still contain a lot of chemicals.
Q: What changes would you like to see to UK regulations about chemicals in the everyday products we use?
SB: Better labelling. There are lots of people who want to buy things without chemicals, but some of the product names are so misleading. Companies shouldn't pretend their products are natural or pure when they're full of chemicals.
Q: What would you like to be the take-home messages from the programmes?
SB: Turn the packet over and read the back, and take one chemical product out of your life each month which you don't need. You'll save money and you may save your health too!
Q: What would you say to teenagers watching the programmes?
SB: In 20 years time you'll dream about the skin you have now, so don't cover it up with cosmetics. Harriet – the girl in the programme who we persuaded to stop using make-up – not only looked so much better, she had a new self-confidence which empowered her to take control of her life.
