Why you want to Go Green with your Children's Soaps, Toothpaste and Shampoo

 

Most parents are shocked to discover that most children's soaps, shampoos and toothpaste are riddled with harmful chemicals that have been linked to eye irritation, eye damage and skin irritation (eczema, psoriasis).  Most mums assume that conventional supermarket products will be safe for their children. Most parents think that if a product wasn't safe, the government wouldn't allow it to be sold.  Unfortunately, there are many hazards of children's shampoos, soaps and toothpastes.

 

That's why it's important when shopping for children's products that you choose products with all-natural ingredients, to ensure you avoid the harmful chemicals. 

 

When shopping for children's products, here's a list of chemicals to avoid and why:

 

Triclosan 

Included in most conventional soaps is used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It has been linked to many health problems including thyroid problems, hormonal disruption, infertility and it may cause cancer. The American Medical Association suggests triclosan not be used in the home as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Research suggests triclosan could contribute to early puberty and obesity and children with long exposure to triclosan may be more likely to develop allergies.

 

SLS Sodium Laurel Sulphate

A common ingredient in soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. SLS is a surfactant used to create the foaming action. It is a known skin irritant. SLS impairs proper structural formation of young eyes and may cause permanent damage according to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology Vol 2 No 7 1983. SLS can act as a mutagen, meaning that in suffucient amounts it is capable of changing genetic informaiton found in cells. SLS has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria. SLS residue can be left in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact. SLS can damage the immune system and cause skin inflammation or damage.

 

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol comes in several grades. The industrial grade is an active ingredient in engine coolants and antifreeze, airplane de-icers, paints, enamels, and varnishes. Propylene glycol in pharmaceutical grade form is used in many products, including soaps. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) considers propylene glycol to be so dangerously toxic that it must be handled with gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and proper disposal. Various published clinical reviews indiciate that propylene glycol causes a significant number of reactions and is a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentrations. It may be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption and may cause skin irrittion, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting and central nervous system depression.  The Material Safety Data Sheets for Propylene Glycol indicate contact dermatitics, kidney damage and liver abnormalities, can inhitibt skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

 

Diethanolamine (DEA)

DEA is a lathering agent used in soaps and shampoos. Experts say DEA has been linked t cancers of the liver, kidneys, stomach and esophagus. A 2006 study from the University of North Carolina found potential danger from DEA in featal brain development and miscarriage risk. DEA is listed on ingredient labels as Cocomide DEA (Diethanolamine), DEA Laurtyl Sulfate, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamind DEA, Oleamide DEA or TEA (Triethanolamine).