Clean Freak No More... Part 2

You can read Part 1 here.

I believe we have been duped as a society when it comes to products that are being sold to us on the shelves of any store especially when it pertains to our health. We seem to believe every slogan, commercial or ad plastered in front of us. And if companies state that something is good for us and our families, they must be telling the truth... right?

What if I told you there is a toxic chemical that is probably in most of our homes... something we use on or in our bodies every day? It is a substance that can be found in deodorants, soaps, clothing, toothpastes and even on children's toys and yet is a known carcinogen and disruptor of our body's hormone system. In fact, Japan and Canada have banned it's use and Europe, Denmark, Finland and Germany's government warn that it is a dangerous irritant and toxic chemical. Feeling a little duped yet?

This chemical is called Triclosan. Invented in the 1960's for use only in surgical settings in hospitals. It is a chemical that kills germs and is labeled as an antimicrobial or pesticide.... PESTICIDE.

It is most popularly used in anti-bacterial hand soaps. (Yep, the fun, cute store in the mall that sells tons of anti-bacterial stuff comes to mind!) Triclosan is also found in Colgate Total toothpaste, Right Guard Sports deodorant and other products that claim it is "antibacterial". It is also used in fabrics, some toys and school supplies under the name Microban.

Along with the risk of antibacterial resistance, the other potential dangers of using Triclosan include the following taken from an article from the Care2 website,

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.

Interestingly, in 2005 the FDA voted 11 to 1 that products containing Triclosan were no more effective in killing germs than using regular soap and water. In my opinion, it just makes sense to use things that are closest to nature or natural without the use of chemicals. So the bottom line is choose hand and dish soaps and other products that are without Triclosan.

Being healthy means being vigilant to what we come in contact to whether it be our food, hygiene and cleaning products, clothing and toys. I know change is not always easy or fun, but baby steps are good and definitely make a difference.


Below is a list of products that contain Triclosan, all of which you should avoid:

Soaps:

* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle

Deodorant:

* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray; Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

* Merrell Shoes
* Sabatier Chef's Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks

Children's Toys:

* Playskool® :
o Stack 'n Scoop Whale
o Rockin' Radio
o Hourglass
o Sounds Around Driver
o Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
o Animal Sounds Phone
o Busy Beads Pal
o Pop 'n' Spin Top
o Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop

Source: BeyondPesticides.org

Friday's Favorite... White Vinegar

I love vinegar... do you? It's really a crazy phenomenon in my home. I use it now for just about everything I clean... windows, baseboards, hardwood floors and carpets, and as a fabric softner and general household cleaner. To me, it's quite magical!

I really try to stay away from most chemicals in my home when it comes to cleaning. And my motto is... if it smells good, its definitely not good for you. From fabric softener to pretty outlet smellies... they are made with toxic chemicals that we either absorb through our skin or breathe into our lungs.

Someday I will share with you about my journey and now passion for health and wellness. I'm still trying to figure out how to shorten it ~ its written out, but becoming a book... maybe a two-part series? But anyways, I hope you will take my word for now that using chemicals in your home to clean is not good... especially for children... they are the most vulnerable.

Ok, so now back to vinegar... it is the most versatile, non-toxic and inexpensive cleaner out there. It disinfects, cuts grease, cleans and removes stains. If it is mixed properly, you won't even smell too much of the vinegar either. Here are some of the unique ways I use it.

Dishwasher ~ I fill my dishwasher rinse aid compartment with vinegar. It helps to remove hard water and soap build-up. It also helps to keep the dishwasher clean and running good.

Fabric Softener ~ Did you know there are up to ten toxic chemicals found in fabric softener and/or dryer sheets? One chemical is actually on the EPA's Hazardous Waste List... read more here. Who cares about the "spring fresh" smell when such chemicals are linked to pancreatic cancer, allergies, central nervous system disorders, and a compromised respiratory system. All you need is a little vinegar ~ about a half cup in the rinse cycle ~ and it will soften and help with static issues AND be naturally safe for your family.

General Household Cleaner ~ I use this chemical free, all natural vinegar cleaner on just about anything... windows, toilets, sinks, stove, baseboards and as a stain remover on clothes. Its even great on pet odors and stains. Here's the recipe... 1 part vinegar to 1 part water... 2 tsp of all natural dish soap and 10 drops of tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic) in a 24 oz spray bottle.

What magical ways do you use vinegar in your home?

Happy (and Healthy) cleaning!