Mar
18
It literally pains me to write this post. It seems as though the moment I have everything under control as far as safe products go, something else pops up. And honestly, I try incredibly hard not to make this website feel “alarmist” and “We’re all gonna diiiiiieeee” in it’s tone but this is one of those times where I just can’t help it. I found an article last week about dioxane and tried to ignore it, but then I found a similar one so here’s the reported scoop:
Cancer-causing agent 1, 4-dioxane is known to be present in many conventional personal care products. But a new study released March 14 by the Organic Consumer Association (OCA) shows that the toxin is also present in many leading brands of claimed natural and uncertified organic shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care products.
1,4 dioxane is, by definition, used in solvent applications for manufacturing. The chemical is also used as a foaming agent and appears as an accidental byproduct of a process in cosmetics manufacturing. It may contaminate cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Why should I be concerned? I’ll tell you. Dioxane is a known eye and respiratory irritant and is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Accidental exposure to people working with it has been known to cause deaths. Dioxane is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic to humans due to the fact that it is a known carcinogen in animals.
Some of the leading brands that tested positive for 1, 4-dioxane include Jason Pure Natural & Organic, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Kiss My Face, Nature’s Gate Organics. Some of the leading brands that did not test positive for the toxin include all USDA Certified brands including Dr. Bronner’s Sensibility Soaps (Nourish), Terressentials and all German Natural “BDIH” Certified brands including Aubrey Organics and Dr. Hauschka.
One of the things that always frustrates me the most about this kind of information is that there is a billion sites telling you why its bad, BAD, BAD! but they never give you the information needed to avoid it.
How to Avoid it:
- Always be weary of products that say they are all natural or organic. Read labels. There is nothing stopping companies from this claim right now.
- Buy products that are certified under the USDA National Organic Program or a similar German Program and products that bear the “USDA Organic” seal.
- Avoid products with synthetic ethoxylated ingredients including those with strange names like myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth and other “eth”, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
- Reference the list of products tested in this FoodConsumer.org article.
Read the full article: FoodConsumer.org
Update: Here is the source list of products tested by the Organic Consumer Association.
Related articles:
US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Child-Related Product Recalls
- ImagiPLAY Recalls Bead Maze Toys Due to Laceration HazardThe trees on the toys can detach, exposing a metal screw. This poses a laceration hazard to young children.
- Near Strangulation of Child Prompts Recall to Repair Window Blinds by Green Mountain VistaThe black-out roller shades and insulated roman shades have a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a fatal strangulation hazard to children.
- Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEAStrangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck in an exposed inner cord on the backside of the roman blinds.
- Target Recalls Dive Sticks Due to Impalement HazardThe recalled dive sticks could remain in an upright position, posing an impalement hazard to young children. CPSC banned pre-weighted dive sticks in 2001.
- Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by R&D International Due to Strangulation HazardThe jackets have drawstrings through the hood and at the waist. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.
FDA Recalls
- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall on Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce (November 20)
- Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies and Dessert Co Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Muffin Tops (November 14)
- CSI USA, Inc. Issues Voluntary National Recall of Topical Acne Cream (November 13)
Canada Recalls and Advisories
US FDA/CFSAN Food & Cosmetic Announcements
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