What+are+the+harmful+chemicals?

Soaps are sodium or potassium fatty acids salts, produced from the hydrolysis of fats in a chemical reaction called saponification. Each soap molecule has a long hydrocarbon chain, sometimes called its 'tail', with a carboxylate 'head'. In water, the sodium or potassium ions float free, leaving a negatively-charged head.

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=The Chemicals in Laundry Detergent= [|**Edit Article**] | Posted: Sep 19, 2008 |Comments: [|7] | Views: 11,384 |

Something as simple and ordinary as cleaning your clothes in a washing machine can have serious repercussions. The chemicals used in these cleaning agents are hardly user-friendly.

In fact, many of them contain cancer-causing chemicals, as well as other harmful toxins. As a consumer, you should familiarize with some of the common terminology that is often overlooked but may have longer lasting ramifications than ever before thought.

There are some very specific ingredients to watch out for and avoid when you examine the label on laundry detergent. Some of these chemicals have even been banned or restricted due to their noxious side effects.

One such common chemical found in laundry detergent are petroleum distillates, or napthas. Having been linked to cancer, lung damage and/or inflammation, and mucous membrane damage, this is a very harmful chemical.

Along the same lines, another family of harmful chemicals are phenols. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has declared that phenol is toxic to people, especially those who are hypersensitive. The hypersensitive population could experience very dangerous side effects or even death, even at low exposures. Additionally, it can absorb very rapidly, causing toxicity through the whole body.

Should phenol be absorbed into the body, death and toxicity are prone to attack the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.

Further, another active ingredient in laundry detergent is household bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Responsible for the majority of household poisonings, this chemical is a forerunner to chlorine.

The results can be even more harmful when it reacts with other organic materials,. Carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created. These have been know to cause disorders or damage to the reproductive system as well as the immune and endocring systems.

With so many disadvantages to using traditional laundry detergents, it s no surprise that consumers are becoming more educated about what it takes to go green and make changes for the better in their own homes and in the world. From fragrance to whiteners, detergents have become increasingly dangerous to use, especially on a regular basis.

Many who have families do laundry on such a frequent basis that these dangers posed by toxins should not go ignored. As the awareness grows for the dangers of the chemicals found in laundry detergents and other similar products, companies will have to shift their focus to a greener, safer line of goods.

In order to reduce the use of these potentially harmful products, alternatives are constantly being developed that aim to be environmentally friendly, and healthier for us.

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 * Harmful Chemicals found in soaps and shampoos**

[|Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)] [|Propylene Glycol] (Antifreeze) [|1, 4 Dioxane] [|Dioxin] []

Triclosan

=What’s Lurking In Your Soap?=

The Trouble with Triclosan
[|Download PDF] //A joint project of// **Food & Water Watch** //and// **Beyond Pesticides**

Who knew that washing your hands could harm your health and the environment? Thanks to the chemical industry, a hazardous antibacterial compound called triclosan is now an ingredient in many household and personal care products such as soaps, cleaners, cosmetics, clothing, and even children‚ toys. While consumers might think triclosan can protect them from harmful bacteria, it turns out that the use of this dangerous chemical in household products is no more effective than soap and water — and may be doing more harm than good. To make matters worse, triclosan persists in the environment, mixes with other chemicals to form more toxic substances, contributes to the growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and causes a range of human and ecological health problems.

What is Triclosan?
Chemical company Ciba invented triclosan in the 1960′s. In 1972, the company introduced triclosan to the consumer market where it was confined for the most part to health care settings. But in the last decade, it has been sold to household product manufacturers as an antibacterial agent. These manufacturers then create antibacterial products that contain triclosan, which are marketed to consumers as healthier than other products. Depending on the company that sells the chemical, it also appears in products as Microban®, Irgasan® (DP 300 or PG 60), Biofresh®, Lexol-300, Ster-Zac or Cloxifenolum. Some antibacterial soaps use triclocarban in place of triclosan.
 * ~ TAKE ACTION ||
 * **[|Take the anti-triclosan pledge!]**
 * [|Sign the petition to ban the use of triclosan for non-medical purposes.]** ||

No Benefits
Claiming that products containing this antibacterial substance promote good health is misleading. While these products do inhibit bacterial growth, experts question whether this is really necessary for everyday household use. In fact, soaps that contain triclosan have not been proven to be more effective in preventing normal household illnesses than ordinary soap and water. In 2005, an FDA advisory panel of experts voted 11 to one that antibacterial soaps were no more effective than regular soap and water in fighting infections.

Many Risks
Triclosan can create more potent strains of bacteria, increasing antibacterial and antibiotic resistance. So its use in household products may actually contribute to more illnesses. That‚ because triclosan kills most — but not all — of the bacteria it encounters. The germs that survive a triclosan onslaught emerge stronger and harder to kill in the future. With the increasing prevalence of triclosan, common bacteria can become more resistant. And if they infect people, treatment with antibiotics could be more difficult. Because antibacterial resistance is a growing health concern, the American Medical Association in 2000 said that “there is little evidence to support the use of antimicrobials in consumer products” and that given the risk of antimicrobial resistance, “it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products.” Antibacterial resistance is not the only health concern associated with triclosan. The increased use of antibacterials in general has been linked to increased allergies in children. Further studies specific to triclosan have shown that it affects reproduction in lab animals, produces toxic chemicals such as dioxin and chloroform when it reacts with other chemicals like the chlorine in water, irritates skin in humans and might even cause cancer. New laboratory studies on rats and frogs show that triclosan can disrupt thyroid hormone, alter development and impair important functions at the cellular level. And a study by British researchers found that triclosan has estrogenic and androgenic hormone properties and exposure could potentially contribute to the development of breast cancer. Triclosan also poses a threat to the environment. It is toxic to algae, phytoplankton and other aquatic life. This is a major problem, as many products that contain triclosan are now washing down our drains and into our water systems, making triclosan a common contaminant of streams and rivers. Because it is a contaminant in sewage sludge that is often spread on land, the chemical is now showing up in earthworms. Triclosan bioaccumulates in these organisms and researchers are concerned that it will accumulate and spread through aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Today, triclosan has become so common that it has shown up in blood, urine and breast milk of people across the globe. While people who use triclosan products daily have higher levels of the chemical in their bodies, even consumers who do not use triclosan on their skin are exposed to the chemical through food, water and even household dust.
 * ~ LEARN MORE ||
 * **[|Triclosan: What the Research Shows]**
 * [|What You Can Do About Triclosan]** ||

Lack of Regulation
> **The FDA regulates personal care products containing triclosan when they carry a health claim. FDA requires tests to prove safety and effectiveness of the product. If the product makes a purely cosmetic claim such as “improves skin,” it is considered a cosmetic. FDA does not review or approve the safety and effectiveness of cosmetics.** Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have some responsibility for regulating the marketing claims companies make about products containing triclosan. But unfortunately, neither agency restricts use of the chemical in consumer products. When a product containing triclosan is used on inanimate objects, it is regulated by the EPA, which has registered the chemical as a pesticide. If a company markets a product containing triclosan with a health claim such as “kills bacteria,” then EPA must verify the product’s effectiveness. If a product contains triclosan, but does not make such a claim, then EPA does not review it.

Triclocarban
Triclocarban is an antibacterial substance with a structure and function similar to triclosan that also has toxic properties. While triclosan is widespread in a wide array of consumer products, triclocarban has been mostly used in soaps. Triclosan has been more widely studied than triclocarban because it is more easily detected, but both commonly contaminate waterways, are associated with negative health and environmental impacts, have no added consumer health value and thus should be avoided in household products.

Is it just the U.S.?
Triclosan is a concern to governments all around the world. Although the United States does not currently restrict triclosan use in cosmetics, both Japan and Canada do. The European Union classifies triclosan as an irritant, dangerous for the environment and very toxic to aquatic organisms, while public authorities in Denmark, Finland and Germany have issued statements advising consumers not to use antibacterial products.

What You Can Do About Triclosan?
Be on the lookout for triclosan on the ingredient lists of soaps, facial cleansers, exfoliants, acne medicines, toothpaste, cosmetics, deodorant and other personal care products. When looking for triclosan in plastics or fabrics, watch out for products that are marketed as containing Microban or Biofresh. Examples of Products That Contain Triclosan: //Neutrogena Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar// //Lever 2000 Special Moisture Response Bar Soap, Antibacterial// //CVS Antibacterial Hand Soap// //Dial Liquid Soap, Antibacterial Bar Soap// //Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap// //Cetaphil Gentle Antibacterial Cleansing Bar// //Clearasil Daily Face Wash// //Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser// //Dawn Complete Antibacterial Dish Liquid// //Ajax Antibacterial Dish Liquid// //Colgate Total Toothpaste// //Right Guard Sport Deodorant// //Old Spice Red Zone, High Endurance and Classic Deodorants// //Vaseline Intensive Care Antibacterial Hand Lotion//
 * **Avoid Products That Contain Triclosan**

a few examples: //CleanWell// //LUSH// //Nature’s Gate// //Vermont Country// //Naked Soap Works// //MiEssence// //Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer// //Ivory// //Paul‚ Organic// //Dr. Bronner‚ Magic Soaps// //Tom‚ of Maine// //The Natural Dentist// //Listerine Essential Care// //Peelu// //Weleda// //Toxic Free Basics// //Ikea// and //The Body Shop// both sell only triclosan-free products. //Whole Foods// has a large selection of products that do not contain triclosan, but make sure you read the label because //Whole Foods// does not have a specific store policy banning triclosan. //Trader Joe‚// has a similar practice. //Aveda// searched its product ingredient database and found no evidence of triclosan, but the company told Food & Water Watch that it has no specific policy regarding triclosan. Encourage your local schools, government agencies and religious institutions to use their buying power to go triclosan-free. Contact us for tips on how to get started! []
 * **Support Companies That Do Not Use Triclosan**
 * **Look for Retailers Who Do Not Sell Products That Contain Triclosan**
 * **Get Triclosan Out of Your Community**

The Food and Drug Administration said recent research raises “valid concerns” about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in 76% of hand soaps. Two years ago, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supporters sent Walmart thousands of e-mails asking the retail giant to help stem the demand for products that contain triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical common in personal care products and cleaning products. (A 2001 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found triclosan in 76 percent of liquid soaps and 29 percent of bar soaps on the market). Why should we be concerned with triclosan? For one triclosan disrupts hormones, builds up in body fat and may interfere with other important hormonal and cell signals. Triclosan is registered as a pesticide at the EPA, but it’s probably in your hand soap and might be in your toothpaste because cosmetics companies aren’t barred by the FDA from using ingredients linked to harm or that have never been assessed for adverse health effects. And the kicker…. The Centers for Disease Control found no evidence that triclosan it is any more effective than regular soap and water at killing bacteria. So why hasn’t it been pulled from the market? That’s exactly what Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supporters have been trying to do and who better to make a statement, than the retail giant Walmart. Two years ago thousands of these supporters sent emails to Walmart asking for their help and once again they are asking for the public’s support. Help get this nasty, dangerous chemical away from our children and our environment and get it off the shelves. Ask your suppliers to stop selling triclosan. []

[]

**Triclosan**, a chemical used for its antibacterial properties, is an ingredient in many detergents, dish-washing liquids, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, anti-microbial creams, various toothpastes, and an additive in various plastics and textiles. However, the safety of **triclosan** has been questioned in regard to environmental and human health. While the companies that manufacture products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. The chemical formulation and molecular structure of this compound are similar to some of the most toxic chemicals on earth, relating it to dioxins and PCBs. The EPA gives **triclosan** high scores both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk. []

The Environment Agency has some concerns, but believes that the extensive data "provide no evidence to indicate that it causes adverse effects on human health". []

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

[[|edit]] Irritation
Although SLES is considered safe at the concentrations used in cosmetic products, it is an [|irritant] similar to other [|detergents], with the irritation increasing with concentration.[|[][|2][|]] SLES has been shown to produce eye or skin irritation in experimental animals and in some human test subjects.[|[][|2][|]] The related surfactant SLS is a [|known irritant],[|[][|4][|]][|[][|5][|]] and research suggests that SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure in some people.[|[][|6][|]][|[][|7][|]]

[[|edit]] Carcinogenicity
Toxicology research by the [|OSHA], [|NTP], and [|IARC] supports the conclusions of the [|Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association] (CTFA) and the [|American Cancer Society] that SLES is not a carcinogen.[|[][|8][|]]

[[|edit]] 1,4-Dioxane contamination
Some products containing SLES have been found to also contain low levels of [|1,4-dioxane], with the recommendation from the [|U.S. Food and Drug Administration] that these levels be monitored.[|[][|3][|]] The [|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] classifies 1,4-dioxane to be a probable human [|carcinogen] (having observed an increased incidence of cancer in controlled animal studies, but not in epidemiological studies of workers using the compound), and a known irritant (with a no-observed-adverse-effects level of 400 milligrams per cubic meter) at concentrations significantly higher than those found in commercial products.[|[][|9][|]] Under [|Proposition 65], 1,4-dioxane is classified in the U.S. state of California to cause cancer.[|[][|10][|]][|[][|11][|]] The FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, though it is not required by federal law.[|[][|12][|]] []

Both //Sodium Laureth Sulfate// (SLES) and its close relative [|Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)] are **commonly used in many soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes** and other products that we expect to "foam up". Both chemicals are very effective foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants. Unfortunately, both sodium laureth sulfate and its cousin are also very dangerous, highly irritating chemicals. Far from giving "healthy shining hair" and "beautiful skin", soaps and shampoos containing sodium laureth sulfate can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity.

**So why is a dangerous chemical like sodium laureth sulfate used in our soaps and shampoos?** The answer is simple - it is cheap. The sodium laureth sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines. []

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Safety
CAPB has been claimed to cause allergic reactions in some users,[|[][|2][|]][|[][|3][|]][|[][|4][|]] but a controlled pilot study has found that these cases may represent irritant reactions rather than true allergic reactions.[|[][|5][|]] Furthermore, results of human studies have shown that CAPB has a low sensitizing potential if impurities with [|amidoamine] (AA) and [|dimethylaminopropylamine] (DMAPA) are low and tightly controlled.[|[][|6][|]][|[][|7][|]] Other studies have concluded that most apparent allergic reactions to CAPB are more likely due to amidoamine.[|[][|1][|]][|[][|8][|]] Cocamidopropyl betaine was voted 2004 [|Allergen of the Year] by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.[|[][|9][|]]

[[|edit]]
[]

=Cocamidopropyl Betaine=

Well for one, it's not as harsh as the well known and infamous Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a very harsh synthetic detergent. Can you do without a foaming/lathering product?

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is classed as a semi-synthetic: definition: //**Function:**// Surfactant/Foaming Agent. //**Origin:**// Semisynthetic compound derived from coconut oil obtained from the kernels of palm trees. //**Restrictions & Adverse Effects:**// may cause contact allergies in some individuals *** Reference: Cosmetics Unmasked, Dr Stephen & Gina Antczak**

**Recent valuable feedback from our existing sensitive skinned customers:**

//"I've just had a patch test and Cocamidopropyl Betaine is showing up as an allergy trigger".//

//"I have been using a hand soap with Cocamidopropyl Betaine in it, and my eczema has now come back".//

//"I was using a facial wash which was a palm based soap, it is now Cocamidopropyl Betaine based, my skin is now a little oilier and tight at the same time. But when using palm-based, it was fine, why is this?"//

This ingredient is still deemed as safe, so some of our natural & organic skin care suppliers are replacing palm based soap ingredients for environmental reasons. But, this ingredient replacement does appear to aggravate the sensitive skinned among us, which is why we have now decided to highlight and label all of our products containing Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

**What should sensitive skin types choose?** For all those who have highly sensitive skins, we suggest that you steer clear from Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and use the decyl glucose based shampoos and shower gels. Decyl Glucose is a very very mild form of detergent, ideal for sensitive prone skins. Brands that only use Decyl Glucose in their shampoos & shower gels are **[| Pure Nuff Stuff]** and **[|Aubrey Organics]** **.**

[]

=Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS )=

A [|report] published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. [|National Institutes of Health "Household Products Directory"] of chemical ingredients lists over 80 products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Some soaps have concentrations of up to 30%, which the ACT report called "**highly irritating and dangerous**".

In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, sodium lauryl sulfate also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation, but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin. Perhaps most worryingly, SLS is also absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many [|health implications] and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from **PMS** and **Menopausal symptoms** to **dropping male fertility** and increasing **female cancers** such as **breast cancer**, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved. []

PRODUCT : PALMOLIVE SOFTWASH Moisturising Page 1 of 3 liquid hand soap

COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS The main ingredients of this liquid hand soap are : Ingredients Sodium Laureth Sulfate Cocamidopropyl Betaine Sodium Chloride 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Preservative) Dyes Concentration range between 5 and 15% less than 5% less than 5% less than 0.1% Perfume [PDF]

[|596220 //Palmolive// Nourishing //Liquid Handwash// 6x300ml]
This is the hand soap we use at school! Just LOOK at all the harmful chemicals! We have to change this!!!

= //__**[]**__// =

//__**Good, natural soap! See it here; []**__// //__**These are the ingredients and the product description:**__//

Purified water (pure water), saponified oils of coconut (organic), olive oil (organic) and jojoba (organic), lavender (organic), thyme (organic), sage (organic), calendula flowers (organic), bilberry (organic), aloe vera (organic), olive oil (organic), rosemary (extract) and guar gum (natural tree gum). Please reuse or recycle bottle. All Natural, Vegetarian, Vegan, Chemical Free, SLS Free, Detergent Free, Surfactant Free, Cruelty Free (never tested on animals). Mostly Organic or Wild Harvested Ingredients. Made in the USA.


 * Herbal Choice's Aroma Home Lavender Liquid Hand Soap:** wonderful blend of calming lavender essential oils that is light and soothing leaving a clean scent not overpowering. Your skin will love the all natural formula with no harsh chemicals, leaving your skin beautiful and moisturized with a light lavender scent.


 * All Natural Formula :** Hand made, vegetarian, chemical free and cruelty free. Contains NO mineral oils, chemicals, dyes, preservatives, synthetic scents and never tested on animals.

Use this truly all natural, chemical free skin care product. Don't be deceived into choosing products claimed to be natural when they have yellow, blue, purple dyes which are not naturally occurring in authentic essential oils.


 * __//Here are a few more hand soap choices://__**

1. Herbal Choice Liquid Hand Wash Mountain Mist 8oz Pump
 * ~  ||~ **Wash & Disinfect Hands Naturally:** This Natural Liquid Hand Soap contains a delicate botanical blend of 11 herbs and essential oils that naturally foams without SLS and gently washes away impurities while leaving hands smooth not drying. The essential oils naturally contain antibacterial properties without the use of chemical forms.


 * Be Cautioned of Synthetic Antibacterial Soaps:** Lab manufactured antibacterial soaps may cause more harm than good. Bacteria could easily develop a resistance to both antibacterial soaps and antibiotics themselves and multiply even further.

Herbal Choice Products only contain natural ingredients that are safe for the entire family. Some ingredients included are:

//Peppermint:// Powerful and effective cleanser and soothing to the skin. Also helpful in washing cuts and scrapes.

//Cinnamon:// Spicy and powerful antiseptic properties useful for cleansing and fighting any form of bacteria.

//Sage:// A tonic that helps maintain healthy looking hands.

- No Parabens or Preservatives. - No Synthetic Additives. - Pure All Natural Formula. - With Organic Ingredients. - Allergen Free. - No Animal Testing. - Earth & Skin Friendly.



Purified water (pure water), saponified oils of coconut (organic), olive oil (organic) and jojoba (organic), peppermint (organic), lemongrass (organic), eucalyptus (organic), sweet orange (organic), cedar wood (organic), ylang ylang (organic), thyme (organic), sage (organic), calendula flowers (organic), bilberry (organic), aloe vera (organic), olive oil (organic), rosemary (extract) and guar gum (natural tree gum). Please reuse or recycle bottle. All Natural, Vegetarian, Vegan, Chemical Free, SLS Free, Detergent Free, Surfactant Free, Cruelty Free (never tested on animals). Mostly Organic or Wild Harvested Ingredients. Made in the USA.

2. Herbal Choice Liquid Hand Wash Sugar & Spice 8oz Pump||  ||~ **Cleanse Hands Naturally:** Natural Liquid Soap for sensitive hands with a natural blend of essential oils and herbs that will gently cleanse with pure safe ingredients. The essential oils form a natural moisture barrier to prevent skin from drying.

Avoid hand soaps containing SLS, Propylene Glycol and Parabens.


 * Herbal Choice formulated this hand soap without SLS:** or harmful ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. Some Herbal Choice ingredients include;

//Tea Tree:// An antimicrobial complex herb maintains healthy skin.

//Hops and Rosemary:// delivers moisture to the skin.

//Eucalyptus:// gently rinses away dirt and has toning properties.

- No Parabens or Preservatives. - No Synthetic Additives. - Pure All Natural Formula - With Organic Ingredients. - Allergen Free. - No Animal Testing. - Earth & Skin Friendly. || ||
 * __//3.//__**

Herbal Choice Liquid Hand Wash Floral 8oz Pump
 * ||< **Herbal Choice's Aroma Home Floral Liquid Hand Soap:** wonderful blend of floral essential oils of ylang ylang that create a harmonious and balancing home environment. Your skin will love the all natural formula with no harsh chemicals, leaving your skin beautiful and moisturized with a light floral scent.


 * All Natural Formula :** Hand made, vegetarian, chemical free and cruelty free. Contains NO mineral oils, chemicals, dyes, preservatives or synthetic scents and never tested on animals.

Use truly all natural, chemical free skin care products. Don't be deceived into choosing products claimed to be natural when they have yellow, blue, purple dyes which are not naturally occurring in authentic essential oils. ||