- Become a label reader: ingredients to avoid -

Harmful ingredients in skin products, body products and cleaning products: Picture from Mind Body Green Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl, Methyl, Propyl): Used as a preservative.  Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to  play a role in the development of breast cancers. Sodium Layryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants.  Reports include eye irritation,  scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and  fuzzy hair. The main cause of these problems is sodium lauryl sulfate. Propylene Glycol (PEG) : A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid  and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a  humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic  products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users toavoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this  strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Diethanolamine (DEA) / Monoethanolamine (MEA): DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and  keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams.  DEA by itself is not  harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home,  DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an  extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA  is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach,  esophagus, liver and bladder cancers. Triethanolamine (TEA): highly acidic synthetic emulsifier which is found in some 40% of cosmetics. It is used as a PH balancer or a PH due to its basic content. It is said to also be used an ingredient to add fragrances.  It is found to be irritating for the skin. Petrolatum: Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer. Synthetic Fragrance: Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked  to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife. Synthetic Colours: Made from coal tar, they contain heavy metal salts that may deposit toxins  onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.  Diazolidinyl Urea / Imidazolidinyl  Urea:preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in  very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis. PVP/VA Copolymer: Derived from petroleum, if particles of PVP/VA Copolymer are inhaled, it can cause damage to the lungs in sensitive individuals. It can be  considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the  lungs of sensitive persons. Phthalates: Found in shampoos, lotions etc, they mimic the body's hormones and have,  in laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive and  neurological damage. Talc: Used in a variety of household and body products, Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos and particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims Lead: Commonly found in lipsticks, Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause  learning, language and behavioral problems. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure.

Harmful ingredients to avoid in food: Amaranth (E123): Used for colouring in food, it appears to cause allergic  and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin  intolerance or asthmatics Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): a flavor enhancer that has been known to cause chest pains, headache,  nausea, burning sensations. Sulphur Dioxide:   Used as a preservative and antioxidant, and derived from coal tar.  Can cause reactions in asthma suferers. Tartrazine (E102): An artificial colouring that is used to make foods and  other products more visually appealing or appetizing.  Side effects can  include: anxiety, migraines, asthma attacks, blurred vision, eczema, other skin rashes, thyroid cancer, Eosinophilia (increase in specific forms of  white blood cells), clinical depression, ADHD or hyperactivity, hives,  permanent DNA damage, heart palpitations, rhinitis, sleep  disturbances/insomnia, general all-over weakness, hot flushes and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) / BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): a chemical antioxidant used as a preservative in some edible fats and oils.  It is a known allergen, and Suspected Endocrine Disruptor - i.e. it may interfere with, mimic or block hormones Acesulfame: A calorie free, arteficial sweetener, that has been linked to cancer by some studies. Trans Fat: Used to extend shelf life of food products, it has been linked to increased cholestorol levels, heart disease and strokes. Food dyes (Blue: E133, Red: E124, Yellow: E110): Found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, these nasties can cause  behavioral problems in children as well as a significant reduction in IQ. Sodium Nitrate / Sodium Nitrite: Used as a preservative, colouring and flavouring agent, this ingredient is  actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system.  Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef,  smoked fish or any other type of processed meat. Source:  www.ecoemporium.co.za