BREAST CANCER PERSONAL CARE

We often forget that the skin is the largest organ of our body responsible for absorbing as much as 60% of what we put onto it through its tiny pores. Our nails too, are porous and absorb products like nail varnish. This then goes directly into our bloodstream. Yet from day to day we burden it with all kinds of shampoos, body lotions, moisturisers, cosmetics etc etc which contain harmful chemicals many of which weaken our immune system and are carcinogenic, or cancer causing. The Women's Environmental Network estimates that the body products women use daily contain up to 175 different chemical compounds such as preserving agents (parabens) and foaming agents (sodium lauryl sulphate). These are found in everything from shampoo to moisturiser. A strong immune system is essential for good health. It is impossible to avoid chemicals in modern society but we can aim to cut down. One way of beginning, is to use personal care products which are as natural as possible. This week I went into my local health shop, a well known High Street chain, to buy aloe vera gel. On further inspection of the ingredients I was alarmed to find it contained a number of parabens. This confirms how careful we have to be. Be aware that products which are labelled as "natural" do not always contain natural ingredients. Always check the ingredients.
The following list of ingredients are some to watch out for as they have been linked to cancer:

BHA, DEA, MEA, TEA; DIAMETHYLAMINE; DIAMINE; DIMETHICONE, DIOXANE, DIRECT BLACK 38; DIRECT BLUE 6; FD & C RED; FORMALDEHYDE; FRAGRANCE; HYDROGEN; LIQUID PARAFFIN; MINERAL OIL; NAPHTHALENE; NITRILOTRIACETIC ACID; PAH'S; PARAFFIN OIL; PARAFFIN WAX; PARABENS; PEROXIDE; PETROLATUM; PHENACETIN; ANY PHTHALATE; PROPYLENE GLYCOL; PTHALIC ACID; SACCHARIN; SILICA; SODIUM FLUORIDE; SODIUM LAUREL SULPHATE; STERAMIDOPROPYL; TALC; TITANIUM DIOXIDE; TOCOPHEROL; TOLUENE; TRICLOSAN; TRISODIUM NTA; XYLENE

PARABENS - are a group of compounds widely used as anti -microbial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. They are commonly found in deodorants, body lotions, make up and shampoos and are quickly absorbed through the skin. Researchers have found traces of them in breast tumours. Although there is no conclusive evidence that they are a possible cause of breast cancer, evidence now suggests that they can act as mimics and a factor in excess oestrogen in the body. There have been concerns that deodorants containing parabens and other harmful chemicals could increase one's risk of breast cancer. Again there is no conclusive proof but it would be safer to avoid using deodorant containing parabens, aluminum and other harmful chemicals and switch to a more natural product.

PHTHALATES - are another group of chemicals used in cosmetics as solvents, fragrance enhancers or to denature alcohol. They are linked to reproductive damage and are one of the main groups of endocrine disrupters. They have been found in high levels in women's bodies. They can be found in a number of products such as perfumes, shower gels and hand lotions and are also found in food packaging, toys, paints, flooring and furniture. The EU have recently banned their use in toys.

TALC - has been linked with ovarian cancer particularly when used in the genitalia.

TRICLOSAN - is a chlorophenol used in products such as toothpaste, soaps, body washes as well as many household cleaning products for its antimicrobial properties.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

SEE THE USEFUL WEBSITES LISTED BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HARMFUL CHEMICALS.

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

We have chosen the best, natural body care products and cosmetics for everyday care and luxury pampering treats which do not contain harmful chemicals such as parabens and sodium laurel(lauryl) sulphate.
Natural Collection - Click to Purchase - Inspiring products for a better world.

CLEANING/DIY PRODUCTS

Pollutants, irritants and carcinogens are present in many laundry and cleaning products. These can cause all sorts of symptoms, for example, nausea and skin disorders.
The environment is a key source of toxins, but we can limit our exposure to potentially toxic chemicals in our homes by choosing gentle, safe and environmentally friendly products.

Women who stay at home rather than go to the office are said to have more chemicals in their bodies. This is thought to be from exposure to chemicals in cleaning products. We need to start using more environmentally friendly cleaning products or good old -fashioned alternatives.
Natural Collection - Click to Purchase - Inspiring products for a better world.

Alternative cleaning tips

All Purpose Cleaner - Baking soda will clean and deodorise all bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Mix 4 tablespoons in two pints of warm water. For tough stains apply to a damp sponge, leave for twenty minutes and then rinse off.
Vinegar and salt mixed together is also a good all purpose cleaner.
Fridges can also be cleaned with baking soda. The recommended solution is 1-2 tablespoons to every two pints of warm water.

Mould and mildew - the following are effective:
lemon juice
a mixture of white vinegar and salt
two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water - can be put into a spray bottle.

Windows and Mirrors
Mix 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.

Deodorising Carpets
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda leave for a while and then vacuum up.

Wood Polish
Olive oil makes an excellent wood polish.

Air Freshener
Put some drops of essential oil into water in a spray bottle.
Place a bowl of white vinegar in the room.
Put half a lemon on the radiator.

Useful websites

The following websites provide more information about chemicals in our food and in our environment in general:

Cancer prevention coalition - read scientific reports of Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman and international leading authority on the causes and prevention of cancer.
www.preventcancer.com

Friends of the earth safer chemicals campaign
www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/saferchemicals

Greenpeace
www.greenpeace.org.uk/products/toxics/campaign.cfm

The soil association
www.soilassociation.org

Wwf-uk chemicals and health campaign
www.wwf.org.uk/chemicals