Banning Trans Fats Saves Lives
ecotip
Beauty Detox Put Your Best Face Forward Safely
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that the average woman uses at least 12 personal care products—including soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and lo- tions—every day, many of which contain potentially toxic ingredients. The David Suzuki Foundation states, “U.S. re- searchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins or hormone disruptors.” Stacy Malkan, of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, advises, “Beware of bogus claims like ‘certified hypoal- lergenic’, meaningless marketing terms like ‘clean and
U
nlike other dietary fats, trans fats are not natural, and therefore have no role in terms of nutrition. Rather, they are partially hydrogenated oils created by manufacturers and can harm health by lowering levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, while raising those of LDL (bad) cholesterol. They are known to play a role in increasing the risk for coronary heart disease and some chronic illnesses.
According to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, five major fast food chains have now significantly decreased the use of oils containing trans fats to cook their food, responding to health concerns from the public. But, is it enough? A recent report published in the British Medical Journal states that banning trans fats from all foods in the UK would prevent thousands of heart attacks and deaths every year, stressing that it would be a simple way to protect consumers from chronic disease.
While the amount of trans fats must be clearly stated in labels on packaged food items in the United States, restaurants are not mandated to disclose it. Given the frequency with which Americans eat out, trans fats should be of constant concern. Good steps to take include care- fully choosing places to dine out and making it a special occasion, rather than a regular occurrence. Read labels on groceries and lobby government representatives to ban the use of trans fats from all foods; these are, after all, classified as toxic by the World Health Organization.
simple’, and companies that do not list the product ingredients on their website.” One of the most troublesome additives is paraben, a chemical preservative found in numerous products that mimics estrogen and may disrupt normal hor- mone function. Others include diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), hormone disrupters that can form cancer-causing nitrates and are common ingre- dients of shampoos, shaving creams and body washes.
Various artificial fragrances are among the top five allergens around the world, and can also contain neurotoxins. Triclosan and triclocarban, antimicrobial pesticides used in liquid and solid soaps, are toxic to the aquatic environment and disrupt thy- roid function and reproductive hormones. Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate—deter- gents common in facial cleansers, shampoos and shower gels—may be contaminated with carcinogens and neurotoxins and can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The EWG also suggests avoiding anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids; hair dyes that contain ammonia, peroxide, p-phenylenediamine or diaminobenzene, and all dark, permanent hair dyes; nail polish and removers with formaldehyde; and skin lighteners containing hydroquinine. Forego sunscreen sprays and beware of oxybenzone; instead, use products containing at least 7 percent zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Children’s products are not immune, either. Steer clear of play makeup, includ- ing lipstick, nail polish and perfume; diaper cream that contains boric acid or sodium borate; baby wipes with Bronopol; and fluoridated toothpaste for youngsters under 2. The EWG’s Skin Deep database (
ewg.org/skindeep) provides easy-to-navigate safety ratings for many personal care products and ingredients. Their Quick Tips for Safer Cosmetics wallet guide informs shoppers how to read personal care prod- uct labels and make smart choices.
Sources:
ewg.org;
Environment.NationalGeographic.com;
SafeCosmetics.org
natural awakenings May 2012
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