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The Jury is Out on the Dangers of Parabens
By Michael Mapes
Cosmetic products contain a lot of different chemicals, preservatives, and additives. Most of these chemicals are benign, but there is one group of chemicals in particular that have been the cause of a lot of controversy. These chemicals are called parabens, and there are many different strands of them found in mascara, facial cleansers, foundations, and even toothpastes. With all the hype surrounding parabens, it is time to take a deeper look into these chemicals and the dangers they pose.
The United States FDA explains that parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. They are used to protect against bacteria and microorganisms. The most common types are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Parabens are used in almost every cosmetic product on the market today making it nearly impossible to avoid them. Although the FDA has concluded that low levels of parabens are safe, recently, several health groups have began to ring the alarm about the dangers
One of the biggest dangers of parabens is that it can contribute to certain forms of cancer. The hormone estrogen is known to contribute to the development of breast cancer. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology noted, that there were high levels of parabens found in breast cancer tumors. The study concluded that these parabens could have been at least partially responsible for causing the cancer. In this study, it was thought that the parabens entered the women's body through underarm deodorants. The study did not address the question of whether or not there would be comparable levels or parabens in healthy tissue. While the study does not prove a link between parabens and breast cancer, it does indicate that there may be a correlation between the two. Further, the Organic Consumers Association warns that high levels of parabens can result in breast cancer through mimicking estrogen. At this point it is unclear whether or not parabens are responsible for encouraging breast cancer in women. Many people believe it is better to err on the side of caution until more is known.
While many products contain low levels of parabens, underarm deodorants usually have the highest levels. It is important to check the labels of your deodorant to make sure that you are not using a deodorant that contains a high level of parabens.
The FDA acknowledges that there is some health risks associated with high levels of parabens. According to FDA, parabens are safe in levels up to 25 percent. The FDA makes it clear that any product containing parabens in high levels poses a health risk and can contribute to cancer. Any product that contains a level of parabens higher than 25 percent should be strictly avoided. Most cosmetics sold in the United States contain a level far lower than 25 percent. In fact, the FDA states that most cosmetics sold in the United States only contain between .01-.3 percent. Still, it is a good habit to begin checking labels, especially the labels of popular deodorants to make sure that no product you are using contains dangerously high levels of parabens.
It is possible to avoid parabens if you are willing to check labels and shop around. There are many safe organic deodorants and cosmetic products. The jury is still out on whether parabens should be eliminated completely from cosmetics. The FDA pledges on their official website to continue to monitor and study the risks associated with parabens. Further studies are needed to determine whether or not parabens are dangerous. Although it may be impossible to avoid them completely, it is possible to decrease the amount of products that you use that contain parabens. In the case of parabens it may be better to be safe so you do not end up sorry.
The Reasons for There Being Different Men's and Women's Deodorant
Yes, equality might be in, but that doesn't change the fact that there are differences inherent in both men and women. This is why you can find separate men's and women's deodorant
The needs of a good deodorant for women, will vary from a good men's deodorant. Most women need minimal protection from sweat, while men need something stronger.
Of course these cover only the broadest spectrum.Some women find that the women's deodorant ranges are not strong enough. In these cases many women will resort to using a men's deodorant.
And some men will find that they only need the most minimal of protection, and they will use something which is as light as some women's deodorant brands.
Of course this is also another reason for there being women's deodorant as well as men's deodorants. And this is also one of the reasons why men avoid these like the plague: The flowery, woman-smelling scent, which drives a man to take cover if ever it comes his way!
And while there are gender neutral deodorants scents in both the men's and the women's deodorant range, can you really see a man taking the time to stand around in the deodorant aisle and sniff one to make sure that he likes it? Very few men would do this, which is another reason why there are separate men's and women's deodorant ranges.
Of course the biggest reason is marketing. A man would not buy a pastel pink colored deodorant, and although a women would buy something that is darker colored, unconsciously she would be enticed more by the "femininely shaded" deodorant.
The final reason? Men and women are different.
Is Your Toothpaste Toxic?
By Vivian Nelson Melle, M.C.
In 2007, over 140,000 tubes of potentially lethal toothpaste found their way into the U.S. Since then, consumers have become more confused and frustrated with the ingredients and trying to figure out which chemicals are safe and which are potentially toxic. Instead of answers, more questions are being posed. Here is a look at toothpaste ingredients which should be avoided and those which warrant further investigation.
Ingredients Found in Toothpaste
The most feared toothpaste ingredient is a chemical called diethylene glycol, DEG. However, several other toothpaste ingredients fly just under the toxicity radar, like silica, Sodium Laural Sulfate (SLS), Triclosan and fluoride. These are sold with FDA approval.
DEG, the Most Dangerous Toothpaste Ingredient
The toothpaste scare of 2007 wasn't the first time DEG became news. In 1938, the accidental deaths of 107 people from consumption of sulfanilamide diluted in a DEG solution led to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Often used as a cheap alternative for glycerin, DEG mimics both its sweetness and thickening abilities and should be avoided at all costs. DEG is often confused with ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze.
Lead Risk Hiding in Most Toothpaste
Lead is known to cause neurological damage, in addition to renal, cardiovascular and reproductive problems. Recently, because of California's strict proposition 65 guidelines; hydrated silica came under scrutiny for containing low levels of lead. Regardless, it is still found in almost all toothpaste formulas. More information is still being gathered and its fate is based on the resulting research being conducted as a result of California's safety measures.
Foaming Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is Actually a Skin Irritant
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is added to many cleaning products, including toothpaste, for its sudsing abilities. While the sudsing action actually does very little cleaning, SLS provides a visual cue for the user. Although SLS is a known skin irritant, it can be found in virtually every toothpaste on the market. It continues to be a widely debated ingredient.
Triclosan May Increase Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
A study in the Chicago Journal of Infectious Diseases offered the opinion that antibacterial toiletries were no more efficient than their traditional counterparts. Furthermore, the study concluded that toiletries, specifically with the use of Triclosan, could foster the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Still, the ingredient remains in most toothpastes because of it antibacterial properties.
Sodium Fluoride is Both Common and Contoversial
Fluoride use has become an extremely hot health topic because results of studies regarding its safety are so inconsistent. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) claimed fluoridation of American water as a source of lowered rates for cavities in children. However, the study failed to report that similar results were seen throughout most of Europe where only 2% of public water is fluorinated due to its feared potential toxicity.
What to Look For in Potentially Dangerous Toothpaste
The FDA warns that counterfeit labels often contain misspellings which can provide helpful clues for potentially harmful products. After several global warnings of DEG-tainted toothpaste, the FDA offered a list of dangerous products which included the following brands: Cooldent, Dr. Cool, Everfresh, Superdent, Clean Rite, Oralmax Extreme, Oral Brite, Bright Max, ShiR, DentaPro and DentaKleen. Most counterfeit items are also much cheaper than the real deal.
Buyer Be Aware and Read Toothpaste Labels
For now, the most dangerous products have been banned from importation into the United States but it is always a good idea to keep on eye on labels for anything which seems out of the ordinary. Common toothpaste ingredients are now under fire and should also be considered when choosing toothpastes. Buyers should remain vigilant following the current studies associated with toothpaste ingredients and make personal health-related decisions accordingly.