Chemical Alert

Just as the demand for organic food is growing some of us may prefer to think about reducing the number and amount of chemicals we come into contact with in everyday household and beauty products. If you’re thinking about where to start in reducing the number of chemicals you come into contact with simply because you think it’s a good step to take for you and your family, even though there may well be no evidence that they are harmful, then here are a few to think about. Also, take a look at some ideas for chemical-lite alternatives.

Aluminium salts (eg: aluminium chlorohydrate)
Used as antiperspirants in deodorants, they dissolve in sweat to create a coating over sweat glands and so reduce the amount of sweat that is released. Concerns relate to possible link to breast cancer.

Butane and isobutane
Used in cigarette lighters, air fresheners, refrigerants and bottled for cooking, butane is the most commonly used agent for solvent abuse. When inhaled, it can cause sleepiness, headaches, breathing problems and irregular heart beat.

DDT
A synthetic pesticide which is banned for use in the UK because of its effects on wildlife, but is still used for mosquito control in some African and other countries, from which produce is imported. DDT has been linked to cancer, fertility and development problems, and psychiatric symptoms. Once exposed to DDT, it can take many years for blood levels to return to zero.

Flame retardants
Brominated flame retardants (poly-brominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) are synthetic chemicals which are added to carpets, furnishing, electrical and other goods to make them burn more slowly if there is a fire. The only common form which can be used in the EC is called Deca-BDE. Concerns focus on rising levels in human breast milk, and the potential of PBDEs to cause nerve damage and hormone imbalances to children exposed to the chemicals in the womb and early life.

Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in cosmetics, such as lipstick, shampoos and toothpaste, and DIY products, such as MDF, it can cause runny nose, watery eyes, burning throat and breathing problems.

Parabens (eg: methylparaben (E218), ethylparaben (E214))
Used as preservatives in cosmetics, food and household products, they may mimic the female hormone, oestrogen. Concerns focus on a possible link to breast cancer, when used in deodorants.

Phthalates
Used to make plastics flexible, they are found in shampoos, moisturisers, nail polishes and hair sprays. Animal studies have suggested links with testicular abnormalities in male offspring exposed to these chemicals in the womb.

Sodium lauryl sulphate
Originally used as an industrial degreasant, it is widely used in shampoos, bubble baths and other washing products to help them foam up and become soapier. But the chemical can irritate eyes, skin and mouth.

Talc
A mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate, it is commonly used cosmetically to dry, freshen and deodorise the skin. Over many years, research has suggested that women who use talcum powder for personal hygiene between their legs are more likely to get ovarian cancer. It is thought that talc may travel up into the vagina, through the cervix into the womb, along the fallopian tubes, to the ovaries, causing irritation and inflammation, resulting in cancerous changes.

Triclosan
An antimicrobial chemical in many handwashes, toothpastes and household products, it may kill 'friendly bacteria' which help with digestion and protect the body from more serious infection.