M3.1 Biomonitoring - Lab Results

I just received the lab results from my primary care practitioner, and the following chemicals were found in my body:

Chemical(s)	Potential Health Effects
Dioxins	Carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, cognitive dysfunction
DDT	Reproductive toxicant
Organophosphate	(pesticide) neurotoxicant, Parkinson’s
Lead	Neurotoxicant, kidney toxicant, insomnia, impotence
Solvent	Liver toxicant, neurotoxicant
PCBs	Carcinogen, toxic to immune, neuro, and repro systems
Phthalates	Repro toxicant (infertility), testicular damage, endometriosis, endocrine disruptor

My first thoughts and feelings after receiving the results included:

1.) Shock, regarding the many chemicals that were found in my body." It seems incredible that such a large number of chemicals, that I wasn't even aware of being exposed to, were found in my body. 

2.) Asking the question, "How did these chemicals get into my body?" Now that I'm aware of the of chemicals in my body, I want to know how they got there in the first place. Especially chemicals such as DDT (which has been banned in the United States (U.S.) since the 1970s) and Lead (which may be found in paints located in homes built before 1978, water pipes, and candies imported from other countries). 

3.) Frustration and anger, at not being made aware by growers/manufacturers/sellers of the chemicals in their products. Currently there are very limited regulations requiring companies to disclose the chemicals in their products and the harm that these chemicals can do to the human body. This upsets me because had I known about the harmful chemicals I was being exposed to, and their long-term side effects, I would have made more informed decisions about the products I was using. Instead I was denied the ability to make educated choices regarding my own body. Additionally, I'm disturbed by the fact that many chemicals, which are known to cause harm to the human body, are allowed to be placed in products that are sold in the U.S. These same chemicals are banned in places such as the European Union (E.U.). The following is a list of examples of ingredients sold in foods that are banned from the E.U., but not the U.S.:

• Synthetic growth hormones rBGH and rBST. (rBGH and rBST were approved for use in cows by the FDA in 1993. Dairy cows injected with these hormones suffer from significant health problems (some of which are treated by administering antibiotics to the cows) and birth defects due to the hormones. However, products for human consumption from rBGH and rBST cows do not need to be labeled as such.) 
• Food dyes Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40. (These dyes are used to make unappealing food look more edible and enticing, and have been found to cause hyperactivity in children. They also carry allergy and cancer risks.) 
• Azodicarbonamide (ADA). (You'll find ADA in commercially baked bread, and yoga mats. This chemical additive is a whitening agent and dough conditioner that the FDA considers safe for food uses including cereal flour and bread dough.)

4.) Asking the question, "What can I do going forward to prevent these chemical levels from increasing in my body?" While it is impossible to protect yourself 100% from harmful chemicals entering your body, it is possible to limit your exposure as much as possible. The following are a just a very few examples of the ways that people can help protect themselves from exposures to harmful chemicals.

• Filter your water.
• Stop using plastic bottles.
• Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Take shoes off in the home.

References:

• World Health Organization. Dioxins and their effects on human health. Retrieved from:

  http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs225/en/

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DDT - A Brief History and Status. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status

• EPA. Organophosphate Insecticides. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/rmpp_6thed_ch5_organophosphates.pdf

• EPA. Lead. Learn about lead. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead

• ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Solvents. Retrived from: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/solvents/

• EPA. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/pcbs

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Biomonitoring Program. Phthalates Factsheet. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html

• Business Insider. 6 Foods that are Legal in the US but Banned in Other Countries. Retrieved from: http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-illegal-outside-us-2017-3

Household Products

The two household products that I looked up in the National Library of Medicine's Household Products Database (Database) were Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner (409) and Roundup Weed and Grass Killer (Roundup).

409

Health risks:

1After reviewing the information listed from the Database on 409,
I was surprised to find that the only potential health hazard listed was "eye irritant." This was listed under "Acute Health Effects." 1However, under the topic of "Chronic Health Effects," no information was provided. This does not mean that there are none, it just means that information regarding this topic was not given. 1Additionally, none of the ingredients listed are on the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), National Toxicology Program (NTP), or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) carcinogen list.

Although the information listed above does not show any immediate health risks, it is the unknown information that I am worried about. In response to the lack of information I have decided to discontinue using 409 entirely, and to find an alternative product that has information showing that it is safe to use. In this case what I do not know could hurt me, and this is a risk that I am not willing to take. 

Roundup

Health risks:

2The only acute health risk listed as being associated with Roundup include moderate eye irritation. 2No other information is provided under chronic health effects either. 2Additionally, the manufacture's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) does not state whether the ingredients are considered carcinogens or potential carcinogens. 

Therefore, similar to my previous response listed above in regards to the lack of health effects information pertaining to 409, I have decided to discontinue using Roundup entirely. Instead, I will locate an alternative product that has disclosed its health effects information in full, and choose the one that will cause the least amount of harm. 

In reviewing the household items:

Were you surprised to find out the toxicity rating of your household products?

I was surprised to find a lack of toxicity rating for both of the household products that I chose. I had anticipated being able to view the ratings, and to further investigate the information. 1,2Unfortunately, the ratings all showed "N" which equals, "No information provided by manufacturer." This leaves me wondering if the products are truly safe or not. 

Did you decide to change any of your consumer behaviors based on your findings?

Yes, I have decided going forward to choose/purchase products that fully disclose the health effects of their ingredients. I do not feel comfortable using products when I am unsure of how they will affect my health in both the short-term and the long-term.

Should everyone know about this risks and why don’t they?

Yes, everyone should know about the risks associated with the household products that they use. It is important to be able to make informed decisions about household items that have the potential of impacting a person's health. The main reason why everyone does not know about the health risks related to their household products is because manufactures are not required to disclose this information to consumers. This needs to change.

References:

1. Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner. Retrieved from: https://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=3027131
2. Roundup Weed and Grass Killer. Retrieved from:  https://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=13019028

Personal Care Products

M2.2 PowerPoint Presentation: Personal Care Products

The two personal care products that I looked up in the Safe Cosmetics Database (Database) were Dove beauty bars for sensitive skin (Dove soap) and Cetaphil moisturizing lotion, fragrance free (Cetaphil lotion).

Dove soap

Associated health risks:

1The overall Environmental Working Group's (EWG) rating for Dove soap is 2, and is considered a low hazard level (see understanding the ratings at the bottom of this post). 1Almost all of the "ingredient concerns" listed for Dove soap are rated low hazards with either a 1 or a 2. 1The one anomaly was the ingredient cocamidopropyl betaine, that has a moderate hazard score of 4. 1Health concerns surrounding this ingredient include a low to moderate level of allergies/immunotoxicity. "1Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant, and has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis." 1According to the Database the reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. "1Cocamidopropyl betaine functions as a antistatic agent, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent, surfactant cleansing agent, surfactant - foam booster, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, foam boosting, and viscosity controlling." 1In addition to the information above, cocamidopropyl betaine is suspected to be an environmental toxin. 

Ingredient	Concerns	Score
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE	Use restrictions, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Ecotoxicology, Contamination concerns (COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, 3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYLAMINE, NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents)	Data: Good

Cetaphil lotion

Associated health risks:

2The overall EWG's rating for Cetaphil lotion is 3, and is considered a moderate hazard level (see understanding the ratings at the bottom of this post). Unlike Dove soap, there were far more "ingredient concerns" listed at the moderate hazard level for Cetaphil lotion. 2Concerns include cancer, allergies/immunotoxicity, and use restrictions. 2The ingredients listed at the moderate hazard level are benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, farnesol, tocopheryl acetate, dimethicone, and ceteareth-20 (see also list below). 2The ingredient with the highest hazard level of 5 is benzyl alcohol. 2This is a naturally occurring and synthetic ingredient used as a solvent and preservative that has been associated with contact allergy. 2Concerns for this ingredient include use restrictions, occupational hazards, organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), and allergies/immunotoxicity. 

Ingredient	Concerns	Score
BENZYL ALCOHOL	Use restrictions, Occupational hazards, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Allergies/immunotoxicity	Data: Fair
SODIUM HYDROXIDE	Use restrictions, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)	Data: Fair
PHENOXYETHANOL	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Use restrictions, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Allergies/immunotoxicity	Data: Limited
FARNESOL	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions	Data: Fair
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Cancer, Ecotoxicology, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)	Data: Fair
DIMETHICONE	Use restrictions, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Ecotoxicology	Data: Limited
CETEARETH-20	Enhanced skin absorption, Use restrictions, Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)	Data: Limited

How I responded to this new knowledge:

I've responded to this new knowledge by switching out my Dove soap and Cetaphil lotion for EWG verified products. I've also looked through the ingredients in the other personal care products that I use, and I have found that a large number of them also pose harmful risks to my health. Now that I am aware of the potential health hazards, I cannot go back to knowingly using products that are unhealthy for me and my family.  

In reviewing my personal care products:

Were you surprised to find out the toxicity rating of your personal care products?

Yes, I was both surprised and amazed to learn about the toxicity ratings of both Dove soap and Cetaphil lotion. I was under the impression that because the Dove soap is made for sensitive skin, and that the Cetaphil lotion is fragrance free, that they would not be harmful to my health. I now know differently.  

Did you decide to change any of your consumer behaviors based on your findings?

Yes, I have decided to look for and try alternative personal care products that are EWG verified. Although the overall hazard rating for Dove soap is 2 (low hazard level), I feel that it is important that I make the best decisions possible when purchasing and using products for my body. Going through this process has also made me look at the other products that I use on a daily basis (toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant) and change them as needed to EWG verified products.

Should everyone know about these risks, and why don't they?

Yes, everyone should know about these health risks. Similar to health risks related to medications, everyone should know about the health risks related to the personal care products that they use. By being kept ignorant to potential health risks, people are prevented from making the most informed decisions about their bodies. 

The reason that more people do not know about these risks is that the manufacturers of these products are not required to disclose these risks to consumers when the product is being advertised. If manufacturers were required to disclose the risks, then consumers would take that information and make better choices. Consumers trust that a product would not be sold unless it was safe for the consumer to use. Unfortunately, this trust is being misplaced. There is a huge need for public outreach and education on this topic.

Understanding the ratings: 

"3For every product and ingredient in Skin Deep, there’s a two-part score – a hazard score and a data availability score.

The ingredient hazard score, from 1-10 reflects known and suspected hazards of ingredients.

Low hazard,	Moderate hazard	, or High hazard

The data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies in the published scientific literature and the number included in the Database."

Data: None		"3Data availability rating: the scope of ingredient safety data contained in Skin Deep, and the number of studies available in the open scientific literature"
Data: Limited
Data: Fair
Data: Good
Data: Robust

"3To calculate a product score, EWG tallies the hazards of individual ingredients and evaluates each product in relation to the rest of the products in the Database. The safest products score well by both measures: a low hazard rating AND fair or better data availability."

References:

1. EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Done Beauty Bars Sensitive Skin. Retrieved from: www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/677161/Dove_Beauty_Bars_Sensitive_Skin%2C_2_pk/#.WnaRiExFy1M
2. EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free. Retrieved from: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/2656/Cetaphil_Moisturizing_Lotion%2C_Fragrance_Free/#.WnaPn0xFy1M
3. EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. User's Guide to Skin Deep. Retrieved from: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/users-guide-to-skin-deep/#.WneYDkxFy1M

M2.4 Blog Assignment: Ken Cook and Advocacy Organizations on Toxics in Personal Care Products

After listening to Ken Cook's presentation regarding toxics in personal care products, I was amazed that the European Union (EU) has banned approximately 1,100 hazardous chemicals from being used in their products, but the United States (US) only has banned between 9 and 11 chemicals. If the US were to ban the same chemicals, manufacturers would be forced to change their products to comply with the requirements. Also, it is unfortunate that the only "Safe Cosmetics Act" in place in the US is from the 1930s. This needs to be updated to reflect the knowledge that we now have regarding the toxic chemicals used in personal care products, and the effects that this has on our bodies. This is terrifying to me. Considering that the average teenage female uses approximately 17 personal care products a day, and the average adult female uses approximately 12 personal care products a day, a significantly large amount of females are exposing themselves on daily basis to a mass of potentially hazardous chemicals. This is unacceptable.