Why Should I bother about Chemicals?
By: Karen On:27 October 2016
Find out what the chemicals in your baby wipes are and what they do. A description of the chemicals found in Aldi, Kmart. Target, Woolies and Coles wipes Toxic Chemicals in Baby Products
Our Babies are being born into a world which is becoming increasingly polluted, yet little is being done about it. Not only are the air and water polluted, but so too are the foods we eat and the products we use for our most loved, precious and vulnerable. I am not here to sound alarmist or create a fear campaign.
We just need to know as responsible parents what we are giving our babies to eat or using on their sensitive skin. I did a little digging around the intenet to find out what the ingredients in some of our mainstream baby products actually are and do. I hope you find it useful and continure your research the same issues from diverse sources. Please add your comments and information below or of course on our social media!
So what Chemicals are found in Woolworths and Coles Baby Wipes and Liners?
The common garden Woolworths or Coles baby wipes are loaded with chemicals which you probably don't want to use on your baby's skin. I did a bit of internet research to find out what potential chemicals are in the cheapie wipes and liners are and what they can do. We make sure that our bamboo baby wipes and nappy liners are non-toxic and safe for you and your baby.
Chlorine: Skin or Sense Organ Toxicity Hazards: suspected, Respiratory Toxicity Hazards: suspected, may cause burns to skin and mucosa membrane tissue. (use to whiten fibers)
Alcohol: Alcohol is found in fragrances, nail products, facial and personal care products. It tends to be drying to the skin and strips away the natural protective mantle, leaving your vulnerable to bacteria and toxins. Many types of alcohol are irritating or even toxic, and can cause brown spots on the skin and premature aging. Isopropyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol and Denatured Alcohol are linked with birth defects, allergies, and have been shown to be occupational hazards for workers who are exposed to these every day, and to build up over time in body tissues and in the environment. Benzyl Alcohol in particular can be a skin irritant, causing burning sensation. Stearyl and cetearyl alcohol are waxes and do not have a harmful effect on the skin, and are used in many safe cosmetics.
Parbens (methyl,ethyl,propyl, & butyl): linked to hormone disruption, increase risk of cancers and reproductive toxicity. (used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth)
Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out. These chemicals have shown to increase risk of many cancers, and are commonly contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane (used as a thickener and skin conditioner).
Petroleum Byproducts: linked to various cancers due to impurities of 1,4-Dioxane and Coal Tar (used as the workhorse for cosmetics, provides the base of the product)
Phthalates (DEP,DEHP,dibutyl or diethylhexyl): hormone disruption in both boys and girls, infertility, early puberty for girls. (Used as a binding agent for fragrances so they can be absorbed more easily into the skin)
Cocamidopropyl betaine: skin, lung, and eye irritant, commonly causes contact dermatitis, known immune system toxicant. (Used with petroleum products to make products thicker and foamier)
Methylchloroisothiazolinone: has been associated with allergic reactions. Known human immune system toxicant, human skin toxicant. Banned in Canada (widely-used preservative)
Methylisothiazolinon: has been associated with allergic reactions. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be neurotoxic. Banned in Canada ( widely-used preservative)
Benzalkonium Chloride: Biocide, associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies, benzalkonium chloride is a sensitizer especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema. (preservative and surfactant)
Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS): Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate(SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)– Found in car washes, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners, and said to be present in over 90% of personal care products including baby wipes. SLS breaks down the skin’s moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to easily penetrate. Combined with other chemicals, SLS can become a “nitrosamine”, a potent class of carcinogen. It can also cause hair loss. SLES is sometimes disguised with the labeling “comes from coconut” or “coconut-derived”.
Lanolin: Many baby products contain lanolin, a fatty substance obtained from sheep wool and used as a base for cosmetics. Experts advise against the use of lanolin unless the company guarantees it is pesticide-free. In surveys done by the Environmental Protection Agency, much of the commercial lanolin used in baby products was found to contain relatively high concentrations of pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and diazinon. According to the National Research Council, these chemicals are readily absorbed through the baby’s skin. Each of them can damage the nervous system, and some of them are cancer-causing.
Formaldehyde-based preservatives: such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate. These preservatives are found in a number of skin care, hair care and personal care products, pain relievers, baby wipes and in nail polish. They release formaldehyde which is carcinogenic and have been linked to cancer, developmental problems, endocrine disruption, allergies, immune system toxicity and more.
Mineral Oil: Mineral Oil is used in many skincare products because it is inexpensive. Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin to keep in moisture. It strips the natural oils from your skin so it actually causes chapping, dryness and premature aging. Mineral oil clogs the pores, and does not allow the skin to breathe or to release toxins. Some people who have a bad case of acne find complete relief simply by switching to a non-mineral oil face cream. Any type of mineral oil derivative can contain PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) which are known to cause cancer. Some say that it also interferes with your body’s ability to absorb the fat soluble vitamins. There are so many healthier alternatives to mineral oil.
Fragrance as in “synthetic fragrance”: not our natural botanically-derived scents, is considered one of the top 5 allergens in the world. Many people who are sensitive can actually feel a dizzy, sick sensation or experience headaches when they inhale a product with fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, avoid all products with added fragrance. Phtalates can often be hidden in synthetic fragrance.
We try and keep our prices competitive while offering you a safe and ecofriendly option when buying nappy liners and wipes. Please do pop in to our store and see yourself!
Keeping it natural! xxx
