WEXFORD NATURAL HEALING CENTRE

Killinick,Wexford, Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)53 58107     Fax: +353 (0)53 58313

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David J. Hunt. M.F. Phys. MRMT. MPHC. NCF. Dip.

Cancer in your home

This report reveals the dangerous ingredients contained in products you use every day. Right now, you have products in your bathroom and kitchen that could cause cancer. And this is true in homes all across America. I'm talking about everyday nationally advertised products you buy at your super-market.

What's the Federal Government doing about this? Nothing! -despite the fact the Department of Health and Human Services,-has issued warnings. They've already reported that alcohol in mouthwashes has been linked to both oral and throat cancer.

And this is only one example among many.

** Dangerous propylene glycol used in anti-freeze, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, baby wipes and more. This is the colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in hydraulic fluids. Yet it's in the products your family uses daily.

** Dangerous sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), capable of changing the genetic material in cells, causing eye damage and a potential cancer causing agent is in shampoo, tooth- paste, bath gel, bubble bath, and more. One FDA study reports shampooing once with a SLS based shampoo could put as many nitrates into your body as if you ate a pound of bacon. There have even been cases of hair falling out.

 ** Aluminum in deodorants linked to Alzheimer’s. Alcohol in mouthwash linked to oral and throat cancer. Fluoride linked to cancer. Talc in powder linked to ovarian cancer.

"Why isn’t the government doing something about all this?" The answer: special interests.

Look at tobacco and liquor. They are two well-known cancer causing products-yet the government looks the other way. It is a disgrace-and alarming.

 Just check out product labels in your home. You'll find warnings such as: Do not swallow. If ingested, contact the poison control center immediately. It's enough to make you cringe - especially when you realize that 1 out of every 3 Americans gets cancer.

OSHA says that over 880 potentially cancer-causing agents are being used in personal care products. The American Cancer Society indicates that the cancer rate has increased from 1 in 1,000 people during the early 1900's to today's ominous rate of 1 in 3 people.

It is only a matter of time before that rate becomes 1 in 2 unless we take action and educate people about the harmful ingredients in our air, water, personal care and household products.

 The investigative branch of Congress has identified 125 cancer-causing ingredients used in common personal care products.

 Have you read the warning label on your toothpaste box lately?

It may warn that if swallowed, immediately contact a Poison Control Center or your doctor. Would you wash your hair with automobile engine degreaser? You probably would because sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the main ingredient in shampoos and tooth- paste. Would you moisturize your skin with brake fluid or anti-freeze. Propylene Glycol is in most moisturizers and hair conditioners. It causes kidney damage and liver abnormalities upon skin contact.

Could using industrial cleansers on our skin be the link to cancer?

Convert your bathroom! .... learn the truth!

Many of our personal care products have warning labels that we don't know are there or we ignore them. When some of these ingredients interact with other substances they can increase the risk of cancer. In 1938, when the FDA, grandfathered these ingredients as safe, no studies were done on long-term use of products with so called acceptable amounts of these ingredients. It is now known these ingredients do get into our bodies through their intended use, incredible, but true!

Before you dismiss this, go to your bathroom and check some labels. You'll find sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Propylene Glycol (not to mention hundreds of other chemicals) in toothpastes, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, lotions and many other common products you and your loved ones use several times, every day.

Could these ingredients possibly have any long-term side effects?

Why is the rate of cancer soaring?

Why is the rate of heart disease soaring?

Where did Alzheimer's come from?

Why do so many people need glasses or contacts?

There is something going on ... and it’s not pretty. When you know the facts about what these chemicals found in our everyday products are and where they came from

and what they cause ... you'll be shocked ... and then you should get angry. Whether it's 10 years from now or 20 or 30-if producers of personal care items get called on the carpet to account for the use of these chemicals will we be asking - When did they know it? The simple truth is that we already know it! These chemicals are found in industrial compounds and their Material Safety Data Sheets warn of cancer causing side effects, extreme skin irritants, etc. There's even a medical study that shows exposure can retard eye development in young mammals!

In fairness, the producers of these products are not doing anything illegal. They use Propylene Glycol and other questionable substances for three reasons:

1)  They do the job, 2) They're CHEAP and 3)  They're allowed.

Propylene Glycol-- is a colourless, viscous hygroscopic liquid CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Also called "propanediol" (from American Heritage Encyclopedia & Dictionary). It is also used in brake and hydraulic fluids, deicer, paints and coatings, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet food, tobacco ... and ... cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, processed foods and many more personal care items.

Propylene Glycol also serves as a humectant - a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply - it prevents things from drying out. That's why some pet foods are soft and chewy. This, of course, is a good reason it's in cosmetics and other personal care items. It makes the skin feel moist and soft and the products don't dry out. Propylene Glycol is also found in baby wipes and even some processed foods. Check your labels. What can Propylene Glycol do to us? Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; Can inhibit skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage from Material Safety Data Sheets (WDS).

Acute effects: May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye and, skin irritation. Exposure can cause Gastro-Intestinal disturbances, Nausea, Headache, Vomiting and Central Nervous System depression (From Material Safety Data Sheet).

What is SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): are harsh detergents. They are used as a surfactant, which breaks down the surface tension of water They are found in soft soaps, shampoos, body wash and baby wash. Industrial uses include concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasing and car wash detergents.

What can SLS do to your organic tissue?  
SLS is a mutagen. It is capable of changing the information in genetic material found in cells. SLS has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria. (Higughi, Araya and Higughi, School of Medicine, Tohoku Univ; Sendai 980, Japan) SLS is routinely used in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue. SLS corrodes hair follicle and impairs ability to grow hair.

Carcinogenic Nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients.

SLS enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact. It dentures proteins, impairs proper structural formation of young eyes-damage is permanent. 

SLS can damage the immune system, cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin. (From journal of the American College of Toxicology; Vol. 2, No 7,1983) 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is great for degreasers, and it's a favorite of the toothpaste manufacturers, in fact we found it in every brand we could find! If it can help eat grease off concrete, what's a little left over lunch debris? Toothpastes are not intended to be swallowed. So, the question is, does any SLS get into your system? 

Many medications recommend placing a few drops under the tongue for best absorption and fastest, usually 30 seconds or less! This is the best place for absorption into the body Do you think any toothpaste (nicely mixed with saliva) might get under your tongue when brushing? Especially, if you brush for a minute or two? Could SLS be absorbed? Shampooing?

Warning labels ... there’s a good reason! 

We went to the grocery store and checked toothpaste labels, about 20 popular brands. All of them contained Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and some even contained Propylene Glycol as well. So go on run to your bathroom and check your toothpaste for a warning label. If you can’t find one, it was probably on the box it came in. What really raised our eyebrows were the directions. There is much detail instructing for you how to supervise children under the age of 6. Is supervise a bit much? C'mon, this is toothpaste, not rat poison! The directions are written for a reason. A label not only specifies children under 6, but it goes into detail about children 2 to 6 years of age and those under 2. If you read between the lines it implies that children under 2 should not use the toothpaste. All Warning Labels were very similar then it warns you to, "Keep out of reach of children under six years of age."

Get a load of what’s next..."in case of accidental ingestion contact a poison control center immediately!" Poison, they said it!

The warnings and cautions are printed for a reason. Kids are not going to read them, so it's your responsibility to "supervise" your child's use of toothpaste and other products. Producers can put in "safe" amounts of "poison"; but if diseases or abnormalities arise in your child down the road; don't blame (sue) the big corporations - they've warned you!

And there's a lot more to worry about...

The list of harmful ingredients found in our everyday products doesn't end with propylene glycol or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Here are more ingredients found in products we sprinkle all over our bodies, smear under our arms and gargle with everyday of everyweek, month after month, year after year.

Talc is a very fine substance so fine it can be used as a 'dry" lubricant. Talc is Chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. Talc is found in many body and baby powders, feminine powders and many cosmetics. It's also used as a lubricant on condoms! While it makes your skin "feel' slippery smooth, Talc does so much more!

How does Talc keep babies and your private parts so "fresh"? Presumably by clogging the pores that secrete those necessary fluids. Also, those fine little particles manage to get into the system. And being similar to asbestos is not comforting especially when used on babies and genital areas.

Talc's harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time. Long ago, it’s dry lubricating properties were used as a glove donning powder (easy to slide on) for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930's, talc was linked to post- operative granulomatous peritonitis and fibrous adhesions. (From Candace Sue Kasper, MD; Dr. PJ Chandler) Talc ... (on condoms) may result in fallopian tube fibrosis with resultant infertility. Question raised by Doctors Kasper and chandler in journal of the American Medical Association JAMA) 3/15/95 from Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73 p8(l)

"A possible tie between talcum powder and Ovarian cancer, long suspected because of talc's chemical similarity to asbestos, Was Strongly supported by a recent study which found a higher risk of the cancer among women who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays. The study published in the American journal of Epidemiology found that women who used talcum Powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk". In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a causal link to justify even a consumer warning- (From US News & World Report, March 17,1997 vl22 n10 p77(i)) While more studies link Talc to ovarian carcinoma, urinary tract disorders - and cancer rates soar - the FDA is waiting for conclusive evidence. But don't worry about the surgeons. You see, Talc is not used in glove-donning powders any more ... but is still found in cosmetics, powders and condoms! So while they protect their health their flow of patients may be protected as well.

Mouthwash danger: Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25 percent have been replicated in mouth tongue and throat cancers. Alcohol acts as a solvent in the mouth making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens. Men had a 60% higher risk and women a 90 percent higher risk of these cancers, compared to those not using the mouthwash (from National Cancer institute 4/22 /91)

Aluminum: is a metal, the third most common element in the environment and a toxin in the body. You will find it in processed foods, antiperspirants, antacids, cosmetics, paper products, beverage cans, foil and cookware. There is a suspected link between Alzheimer's disease and the toxicity of aluminum ... autopsies have found high concentrations of the metal in the brain of people who had suffered from the disease." (From Public Health Reports, Nov- Dec 1993 vl08 n6 p798(2))

Dr. Daniel Perl, Director of Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, suggests avoid aerosol antiperspirants. Aluminum in aerosol form may be more readily absorbed into the brain through nasal passages.' (From The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993 v9 n7 pl(2))

"Aluminum containing, antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as three-fold, also municipal water supplies treated with alum (aluminum sulfate)... at least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are more likely to develop Alzheimer's. (From Natural Health, May/June 1993 v23 n3 p54(2)) 

Alzheimer's disease is now the 4th Leading cause of death among the elderly, behind heart disease, cancer and stroke. A half century ago it was virtually unheard of. And it's not getting any better!

1965 to 1982 over 4 million distinct chemical compounds formulated, at least 250, 000 new formulations created annually since then Approximately 3,000 chemicals are added to our foods 700 have been found in drinking water 400 have been identified in human tissue over 500 have been found under the kitchen sinks or in the laundry rooms of American homes over 800 neurotoxic chemical compounds in the cosmetic and perfume industries.

There is hope! There are a handful of companies offering personal care items, such as: cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, cosmetics, tooth- pastes, mouthwashes, etc., made with safer ingredients. Ingredients that are well known and available for all companies to use in their products. Avoid these potentially harmful ingredients in the following products:

Hair Shampoo: Cocamide DEA, DEA, Diethanolamine, TEA, MEA, DDBSA, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Laurel Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate, FD&C #1, Synthetic Fragrance. (Ingredient to avoid in Lice killing Shampoo – Lindane)

Hair Conditioners: Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Tallow, Formaldehyde Polysorbate 80, FD & C Red #4 Synthetic Fragrance, Mineral Oil Petrolatum.

Bath & Shower Gels, Bars: Cocamide IDEA, DEA, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tallow, Synthetic Fragrance.

Skin Moisturizers: Propylene Glycol, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Collagen, Elastin, Lanolin.

Toothpaste: Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Fluoride, Sodium Monoflourophosphate, Phosphoric Acid, EDTA, FD & C Blue #1, Saccharin, Sodium Saccharin Titanium Dioxide

Mouthwashes: Alcohol, Flavouring, Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

Foundations and Make-Ups: BHA Mc, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Triethanolamine (TEA), Bentonite, Kaolin, Synthetic Fragrance

Talcum Powder Talc, Synthetic Fragrance.

Deodorants: Aluminum, Alcohol, Glycerin, Lanolin, Mineral oil, PEG, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Butane, Propane. 

Hair Colors: Quatenium - 15, DEA, Phenylene-Diamines, Propylene Glycol, Synthetic Fragrance. Disinfectants & Sprays: Orthophenylphenol (OPP), Butane. 

Meat, Meat Products: Benzine Hexachloride, Dacthal, Dieldrin, DDT, heptachlor, Hexacholrobenzene, Lindane, Hormones, Antibiotics, Nitrite.

Whole Milk and Milk Products: DDT, Dieldrin, Heptachlor, Dexachlorobenzene, Recombinant Bovine Growth hormone, IGF-1. 

Bathroom Scouring Cleaners & All Purpose Cleaners: Crystalline Silica, Washing Soda, Lye Animal Flea Collars and Powders: Propoxur.