I previously wrote about the toxins related to candles, what the by-products are, and why they are not good for us. There are so many other products in our homes, ones that we use daily, that contain even more toxins. While researching, it was actually pretty scary and to know that many companies are still using chemicals that are known to call some kind of illnesses is so sad to me. Reiterating that the word "fragrance" on any product can contain up to 300 different synthetic chemicals and only one little word is required to be listed due to it being a proprietary recipe.
There are many other products in our homes that need to be evaluated and alternatives considered. This isn't just a Young Living ploy, it's because the toxins in our household products are scary. It is as simple as that. How do we become toxic?
There are three methods: Ingestion, Absorption, and Inhalation.
Remember that your skin is your largest organ. Just your large and small intestines alone, the average length is approximately 28 feet. Imagine that your lungs are approximately 80-100 square meters in size. This makes for an extremely large quantity of ways that harmful chemicals can get into our bodies, sometimes without our knowledge or control. But, what if I told you that you do have a choice to remove many of these in your personal area? What I mean is your home. Your home is a sanctuary. It is supposed to be your safe place. Let me tell you about what is happening in your home.
Toxins 101
Phthalates
- AKA - DEP, DBP, DEHP, and Fragrance
- Found in:
- cleaning
- lotions
- body washes
- hair care
- cosmetics
Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicities, and cancer
- Avoid fragranced products - unless naturally done
- Find "Phthalate-Free"
- Options with no DBP, DEHP, DEP
Perchloroethylene
- AKA - PCE, PERC, Tetrachloroethylene
- Found in:
- dry cleaning
- degreasers
- water repellants
- paint removers
- glues
- sealants
- lucbricants
- household cleaners
- paints
Perchloroethylene has been linked to multiple types of cancers - esophageal, kidney, cervix, and bladder - linked as a neurotoxin, irritant to respiratory system, vision problems, abnormal heartbeat, memory loss, etc
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling products containing this chemical
- reduce the items dry cleaned
- Test well water
- proper ventilation for your home
- check labels
Triclosan
- AKA - TSC, TCC
- Found in:
- antibacterial soaps
- detergents
- toothpastes
- tooth whitening products
- antiperspirants/deodorants
- shaving products
- creams
- color cosmetics
- clothing
- kitchenware
- furniture
- toys
Triclosan cause health concerns as an endocrine disruptor impacting the proper thyroid function, causing environmental toxicity, causing bacteria resistance, possible adverse effects on the immune system. There has been evidence that shows that it was effective in preventing gingivitis
- read labels
- choose alternatives
- research products and companies
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- AKA - SLS, SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate), ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate), etc
- Found in:
- shampoos
- toothpastes
- mouthwashes
- body washes
- soaps
- detergents
- shaving creams
- bubble baths
- hand/body creams
- etc
Sodium Laureth Sulfate; with many other names on labels such as Sodium lauryl sulphate, sulfuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt, sodium dodecyl sulfate, etc; is a skin and eye irritant. Harmful to the environment - fish and other water fauna. High concentrations may be linked to hormone interruption. Contamination during the processing by Dioxane may also be a risk, which Dioxane has its own possible health risks and lasts much longer in our bodily systems.
- opt for sulfate free products - research the multiple names and avoid in your products
- read labels
- change mindset from foaming/bubbles = clean
There have been two struggles that I have faced while going through changes in my household product choices. First, as mentioned in Part 1, was the disposal of my scented candles. The next struggle is reconciling that foam/bubbles does not mean clean and it certainly does not equate safe. There are some products that can contain up to 30% in concentration of SLS, no wonder there is irritation.
Example: I switched to a no-sulfate shampoo; Young Living's Copaiba Vanilla Shampoo. I was so used to foaming and a feeling to my hair that I thought was clean. The sulfate free shampoo did not foam like I wanted and I confess that there was way too much shampoo used in the first week or two. I did begin to notice that my hair felt softer/silkier, and I adjusted to the less bubbles. Now looking back on the health of my hair before vs. now, before was more of a stripped feeling and now it is less frizzy. I am glad that I made the switch.
QACs / QUATS
- Types of QACs: Benzalkonium chloride, Benzethonium chloride, Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride(s), Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, Dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, BACs - Quaternary Ammonium Chlorides, etc
- Found in:
- disinfectant wipes
- disinfectant sprays
- household cleaners
- antibacterial soaps
- all-purpose cleaners
- window cleaners
- floor products
- baby-care products
- air fresheners
- fabric softeners
- liquids
- sheets
- used in food service, non-critical health care, hydraulic fracturing,
QACs / QUATS are associated with contact dermatitis, triggering of asthma or new onset, eye and mucous membrane injuries, and linger on surfaces creating possible long-term issues; rashes, irritations to lungs, skin, eyes, etc. Increased usage has begun to produce antibiotic resistance. There is more research being done with exposures causing fertility and endocrine issues.
- choose natural options for cleaning products
- read labels
- opt for cleansers without QACs / QUATs
- DIY your own products
- Research
As I began my research, my goal was to explain why essential oils are a good option or addition to everyone's life no matter what that may look like. What I found was eye opening and I will continue to research and subsequently change the items that I buy not only for myself but for those that I love.
We often take into consideration other people's reviews of products when venturing down an unknown path. Recommendations for restaurants, neighborhoods, grocery stores, brands, etc. That word of mouth is trusted and that is the benefits of Young Living. There are thousands and thousands of people that enjoy and reap the benefits of the many items that are offered.
So, grab your smartphone, tablet, or pull up a chair to the desktop computer and take a gander at what would best suit your lifestyle changes for 2019! It is easy as that!! Want a greener home - try Thieves everything; household cleaner, laundry soap, toothpaste, dishwasher soap, dish soap, wipes, etc. Do you want a healthier makeup that you don't have to worry about not only on your skin but those that you love on - kids, pets, etc? Try out Savvy Minerals. I haven't had one breakout since I began using this line and it's been over 6 months.
Since the 1920's, there have been over 70,000 synthetic chemicals produced with approximately 1,600 of them tested for adverse side effects ranging from cancer causing to birth defects. Even less have been banned in the U.S. and sadly some of those "banned" chemicals are still being used in fragrances and not divulged to the public due to being a proprietary recipe for that particular product.
How about you take a moment to check out the vast amount of items that Young Living has to offer; Product Catalogue. If you are interested in trying one or more of Young Living's many creations, you can begin ordering here at retail costs - Retail Customer OR you can begin with a Premium Starter Kit (PSK) that fits your focus of change:
Pictured from top to bottom: Aria PSK $260 , Dewdrop PSK $160, Savvy Minerals PSK $150 , Thieves PSK $160, Ningxia Red PSK $170
There is something for all aspects of life. Please note that these are not all of the PSKs offered.
To sign up and choose your desired PSK - Membership Distributor
From the comfort of your own home, you can begin a journey of better choices by eliminating many of the synthetic chemicals in your life. We are subjected to many chemicals in our lives and having control in one important part of our world of what we put in and on our bodies is a wonderful feeling. I am glad that I have made a positive step forward in helping myself and my family by reducing exposures to unnecessary things in our products. Remember, what is in your home or on your body, kids and pets are subjected too.