Critical Data

• In the early 1900's, 1 person in 50 was likely to contract cancer. Today that ratio is 1 in 3. Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960. As many as 60 cancer-causing pesticides can legally be used in the most commonly eaten foods. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since World War II. Today, the average home contains 62 toxic chemicals. an EPA survey concluded indoor air to be 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air.
• Another EPA study found that toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, and xylene (chemicals that are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system) are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages and cigarette smoke. Household cleaners not only pollute our waterways, they are the number one cause of poisoning of children (3 million a year). A study by the Yale School of Medicine revealed that workers who are exposed to cleaning products regularly have a significantly higher risk of brain cancer.
• In November 2000, the Centers for Disease Control found that manufacturers were putting a toxic chemical called dibutyl phthalate or DBP that causes severe birth defects in animals into shampoos, conditioners, antiperspirants, nail polish and other cosmetics.
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biologica mutations and skin and eye irritations.

• In the United States, consumer complacency is based on the assumption that the manufacturers of "store shelf" products would not use unsafe chemicals or materials. WRONG! Manufacturers use nitrosamines, formaldehyde, titanium dioxide and other carcinogens in many personal care products such as toothpaste, makeup, sunscreen, body lotions and shampoos.
• Consumers also assume the products are not harmful because they believe that the Food and Drug Administration regulates them. WRONG! A cosmetic manufacturer may use any ingredient or raw material and market the final product without government approval. In fact, The Environmental Working Group found that two of the largest U.S. cosmetic manufacturers held several patents on products with DBP and were not required to test or monitor for adverse effects. Even environmental pollutants that are tightly regulated elsewhere can be used in personal care products!

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Household Products:

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