Toxins in Our Consumer Products & What To Do About it

Speaker: Muhannad MalasWriters: Esha & Sheena Jain

Overview:

        Toxins are present in a variety of consumer products such as cosmetics, food packaging, household furniture, cleaning products etc. Over 84 000 toxins are used in products throughout North America, however only a small fraction are assessed and reported. Studies have shown that at the time of birth, neonates have already been exposed to approximately 55-121 toxic compounds that are linked to cancer and other health conditions.  

Many of these toxins are classified as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, which are known to mimic the effects of hormones. Some examples include:

Bisphenol A (BPA) –  used in: food cans, plastic reusable bottles & cash register receipts

o   BPA mimics estrogen, which can be detrimental to breastfeeding mothers and their children and has been linked to breast cancer.

Flame Retardants – used in: Furniture (i.e. couches, office chairs, mattresses) & nail polish

o   Flame retardants can impact fetal brain development and has been linked to ADHD

Phthalates & Parabens – used in: Nail polish perfume/fragrance, makeup, personal care products & vinyl floors

o   Parabens mimic estrogen making them toxic to the reproductive system.

There are specific stages throughout development, in which one is most susceptible to toxin exposure. This can have a cumulative effect and increase their chances of developing various health conditions in the future. These include:

Prenatal

o   Since fetuses are small with low weight, any amount of chemical exposure can have an effect on them. Although as a general rule effects are independent of a dose to weight ratio. The effect varies based on individual susceptibility and genetic makeup.

After Birth

o   Breastfed Infants are exposed to chemicals present in maternal fat tissue through breastmilk.

Children & Adolescence

o   This group is exposed to chemicals from the products that they use (i.e. Axe spray, cosmetics). Individuals in this age group lack the ability to understand label warnings and how these chemicals can be detrimental to their health.

Adulthood

o   Even exposure to chemicals in adulthood can increase an adult’s chances of developing health conditions.

Toxins not only affect the health of the population but it also impacts our environment as a whole. Toxins such as dry cleaning solvents like siloxane, Perc, or cosmetic products are released into our environment and are polluting Lake Ontario. These toxins have the same effects in aquatic organisms as in humans (i.e. Phthalates and Parabens found in cosmetic products can also affect the reproductive system in aquatic animals, and flame retardants can also have neurologic effects on aquatic organisms.) Once these toxins are released into the environment, they enter the food chain. Fish exposed to toxins in polluted lakes are eaten by birds. By consuming fish these birds have gained toxin exposure and are then consumed by seals. These now exposed seals are highly consumed by the Inuit population in North America causing a low IQ in the Inuit population.

        Overall, the ultimate goal is to prevent individuals from developing these conditions by reducing their exposure to products with harmful toxins. This can be achieved by 2 approaches:

The “Right to Know” Approach

Community “right to know” bylaw – population pushing the right to know about the toxins in their communities. The goal is to mandate manufacturing companies to disclose information regarding the toxic chemicals used in their products. This approach will allow consumers to be aware of the chemicals in their products and allow them decide which products to use, and which to avoid. For example, many families of low socioeconomic status buy canned foods but are unaware of the use of BPA used in food cans, with the rights to know approach, these individuals will gain knowledge about which food products to avoid.

Precautionary Approach

The main focus of this approach is to take some preventive measures when there is evidence regarding products of concern. This is done  in order to avoid negative health effects in advance. The logic behind this approach is that in most cases once some harm is found in a product, chances are more harmful effects will be discovered in the future. Therefore precautionary measures should be taken before toxic substances have detrimental effect to an individual’s health.

Discussion Questions:

1)   What are common consumer product toxins found in pregnant women and how do they affect the mother and/or fetus?

Toxins	Products Toxins are Used in	Maternal/Fetal Effects	Preventative Measures to Avoid Toxin Exposure
Phthalates	Plasticizers and fragrance products found in: - Shower curtains - Shampoos - Soaps	- Reproductive issues - Asthma	- Avoid consumption of processed  foods  Often handed by workers wearing plastic  gloves - Do not heat food in plastic     containers/dishes - Avoid cosmetic and personal care  products with phthalate or have  “fragrances” listed in the ingredient list - Keep offices and homes well ventilated - Limit child’s exposure to vinyl tires,  imitation leather furniture, soft plastic toys
Bisphenol-A (BPA)	- Polycarbonate plastics - Lining of food cans	- Cancer - Early Puberty - Diabetes - Obesity - Reproductive Issues	- Avoid canned foods, instead use products in  glass or cardboard - Consume fresh and frozen fruits & vegetables - Find BPA-free plastic products - Avoid handling receipts
Teflon	- Stain-protection products - Non-stick cookware	- Low birth weight - Obesity - Cancer	- While using Teflon/non-stick cookware, keep   stove temperature low - Use cast iron or stainless steel cooking pans
Mercury	- Appliances - Automotive parts - Electronics, Batteries - Thermometers - Dental amalgam,   - Medications, Skin creams - Vaccines - Jewellery - Light bulbs	- Impairs neurological  development	- Avoid consuming fish high in mercury

2)   Are most toxins in consumer products included on the product’s label/ingredient list?

Toxins present in cleaning products are not mandated by the federal law to be included in the list of ingredients regardless of how harmful it is to one’s health. Some cleaning product manufacturers include a more detailed list of product ingredients on their websites, which are not included on the in store product label. However, the ingredient list found online remains vague and includes unspecific chemical groups as opposed to the individual chemical ingredients found in these products.

The chemicals responsible for creating the products scent is made up of over 3000 chemical products, many of which are toxic. However these chemicals are not all individually included but instead in many cases are simply listed as “fragrances” under the list of ingredients.  

The Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2011, has required cleaning product manufacturers to include all ingredients, contaminants and each fragrance-creating chemicals online and on product labels. The federal Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 is mainly concerned with chemicals newly created, putting less emphasis on toxic ingredients that are already being used in consumer products and cleaning supplies.

Stricter regulations are placed on antibacterial and mold-fighting cleaning products because they contain pesticides. Therefore manufacturers of these products are required to disclose each pesticide the product contains and their amount in percentage on product labels. However the disclosure of other toxic ingredients are not required in these products.  

3)   Are there any correlations between toxin exposure and the development of certain autoimmune diseases?

Toxin	Correlating Autoimmune Disease
Mercury Poisoning	·         Multiple Sclerosis ·         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Silica, Asbestos, Dioxin, Lead	·         Rheumatoid Arthritis ·         Spondyloarthritis ·         Inflammatory Myositis ·         SLE
Excitotoxin Poisoning (from aspartame in diet sodas)	·         Multiple Sclerosis
Pesticides	·         Rheumatoid Arthritis ·         SLE ·         Systemic Sclerosis

Sources:

"Cleaning Supplies: Secret Ingredients, Hidden Hazards." EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2016.(http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/weak_regulation)

"Top 5 Autoimmune Triggers - Part 3: Toxins - Healing Is Freedom."Healing Is Freedom. N.p., 02 June 2015. Web. 03 June 2016. (http://www.healingisfreedom.com/body/top-5-autoimmune-triggers-part-3-toxins/)

"Mercury in Consumer Products." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 03 June 2016. (https://www.epa.gov/mercury/mercury-consumer-products

"Toxic Chemicals, Fertility, and Pregnancy." ConsumerAffairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2016. (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/toxic-chemicals-fertility-and-pregnancy)

"Toxic Chemicals to Avoid During Pregnancy." Womens Voices for the Earth. N.p., 24 Apr. 2014. Web. 03 June 2016.(http://www.womensvoices.org/2014/04/24/toxic-chemicals-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/)

How We Can Source & Incorporate Nutrient-Dense Herbs into our Diets to Maximize Health

Speaker: Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, NDWritten by: Esha & Sheena Jain

Overview:

It is a great misconception that weeds that grow in our gardens are “the enemy.” Dr. Cyndi Gilbert a naturopathic doctor states that weeds are herbs, a food, which add flavour to our meals, providing us with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Weeds help prevent diseases as they are easily absorbed and aid in supporting our health. Why weeds you may ask, simply put they are accessible, local, free, nutritious and sustainable. The following are just a few brief examples of uses and health benefits of some edible weeds:

Weed	Available Nutrients/Vitamins/Minerals & Effects	Medical Benefits	Disadvantages
Dandelion	- Greens: ↑ in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin K &                  Iron - Roots:   ↑ in fiber (inulin) & Iron           - Gentle laxative            - Improves fat digestion & reduces cholesterol    - Leaves: Diuretic effects	Can assist in the management of: - Acne, Eczema - PMS - Constipation, UTI - Anemia - High Blood Pressure
Lamb Quarters	- ↑ in Calcium, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C,   Vitamin K - Laxative effects		- ↑ in Oxalates (increases risk of Kidney stones when raw)
Red Clover	- ↑ in phytoestrogens (isoflavones), Calcium,    Magnesium, Phosphorous & Potassium	Hormone balancing effects - ↓Hot Flashes - Prevents breast  cancer recurrence - Possibly prevents  osteoporosis
Stinging Nettle	- ↑ in Iron & Vitamin C - Helps rehabilitate toxic soils        - Because it can move minerals and nitrogen               in soil - Boosts milk supply in dairy cows - Gives other flowers or plants there scent  (e.g. gives  peppermint, and lavender there smell)	Can be used in management of: - Frostbite - Acne, eczema - Anemia - Hair Loss - Arthritis, Gout   - Hay Fever - UTI - Root: used for  prostate health	- Stings when     touched     (no longer stings   once dry)   - Handle with         gloves
Burdock	- ↑ in fiber (lingnins, Inulin), prebiotics - Metabolic Effects	Can be used in management of: - Diabetes Mellitus  (controls insulin   levels) - Eczema
Garlic Mustard	- Antimicrobial, antibiotics	Can be used for: - Colds/Flu

There are many herbs/herbal supplements available to us as consumers. However unless we are the ones harvesting these herbs on our own, we cannot be sure of the environmental conditions and the quality of soil that these herbs were grown under. Therefore although there are many advantages of consuming herbs, we must take extra precaution when purchasing herbs from an external source. The best way to ensure we are consuming high quality herbs, is to gain access to information about sourcing, soil quality and growing conditions. This will ensure that we benefit from all of the valuable effects that herbs have to offer, under ideal conditions.

Discussion questions:

1.     Does the way in which the herbs are prepared affect the amount of nutrients one is able to extract out of them?

Herbs should be exposed to some heat in order to get rid of any harmful toxins present within it. Weed roots have the ability to pick up toxins from its surrounding environment. Therefore herbs should be slightly sautéed to eradicate any toxins, but should not be overcooked as to cook out all of its beneficial nutrients.

2.     Plant foods contain oxalic acid, why are people afraid to consume raw greens because of it?

Oxalic acid binds with certain nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium in the body. This forms an oxalate composite in the form of kidney stones. The long-term consumption of foods high in oxalic acid can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

It is important to know which foods contain oxalic acid. Specifically roots and leaves of rhubarb or lambs quarters contain high concentrations of oxalic acid. According to Dr. Gilbert, adding vinegar to these particular roots during preparation, decreases the amount of oxalic acid consumed.

3. Does consuming herbs affect pregnancy and lactation negatively?

Most herbs used in cooking are safe during pregnancy and lactation; however it is important to know that there are some herbs that decrease milk supply. Consuming herbs in large quantities can also be detrimental during pregnancy and should be consumed in moderation. These include:

- Aloe - Fennel - Fenugreek - Kava Kava

- Periwinkle Herb - Oregano - Parsley - Thyme

- Peppermint/Menthol/Spearmint - Sage - Licorice - Rhubarb (root)

4.     If your diet consists heavily of herbs, how might it interact with medications?

Most people are unaware that herbs can negatively interact with medications. The herb can cause increasing or decreasing amounts of the medication in the bloodstream. The herb could prevent the drug from getting into the bloodstream by stimulating an enzyme to degrade the medication and eliminate it from the body. This causes a decreased amount of the medication within the body. Some herbs can aid in inhibiting the enzyme responsible for metabolizing and excreting a drug. This causes increased amounts of the medication in the body. The above situations demonstrate how herbs can either cause a medication to appear ineffective or produce side effects.

Some herbs may produce opposite or similar effects as the medication thus reducing or increasing the drug effects respectively. According to Dr. Gilbert a prime example would be a diabetic patient on insulin, who also consumes large amounts of burdock. Burdock is a root that also aids in controlling insulin. The interaction of both the insulin medication and the burdock root may cause an increase in the insulin-like effects causing the patient to become hypoglycemic, which can be life-threatening.  

Some examples of how herbs can interact with medications are included below:

Herb	Medications/ Drug Classes	Drug Interaction Effects
Echinacea	- Anabolic Steroids - Methotrexate	- Liver Inflammation
Ephedra	- Antidepressants - Antihypertensives	- ↑↑ Blood Pressure & Heart Rate - Death in some individuals
Feverfew	- Anticoagulants	- ↑ Bleeding
Garlic	- Anticoagulants	- ↑Bleeding
Ginger	- Anticoagulants	- ↑ Bleeding
Ginkgo	- Warfarin	- ↑ Bleeding
Ginseng	- Warfarin	- ↓ effectiveness of Warfarin
Kava-Kava	- Anti-epileptics	- ↑ effectiveness of anti-epileptics
	- Anesthetics	- Prolongs effects of anesthetics
	- Alcohol	- Enhances alcoholic effects
St John’s Wort	- Anesthetics	- Prolongs effects of anesthetics
	- Warfarin	- ↓ effectiveness of Warfarin
Valerian	- Anti-epileptics	- ↑ effects of anti-epileptics
	- Anesthetics	- Prolongs effects of anesthetic agents

Sources:

Dharmananda, Subhuti, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine,. "DRUGS AND NURSING." On Taking Herbs While Breastfeeding. N.p., n.d. (http://www.itmonline.org/arts/breast.htm.) 10 June 2016.

Dharmananda, Subhuti, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine. "HERBALS AND DRUG

INTERACTIONS." Checking for Possible Herb-Drug Interactions. N.p., n.d. (http://www.itmonline.org/arts/herbdrug2.htm.) 10 June 2016.

Herrington, Diana. "Oxalic Acid Controversy." Real Food For Life. N.p., n.d. (http://realfoodforlife.com/oxalic-acid-controversy/.) 10 June 2016.

"In Defense of Oxalic Acid." In Defense of Oxalic Acid. N.p., n.d. (http://www.dewsworld.com/InDefenseofOxalicAcid.html.) 10 June 2016.

Plastic Sex Toys & Safer Alternatives

Speaker: Tracey TiefWritten by: Esha & Sheena Jain

Overview

Sexual pleasure is a topic that society considers taboo. According to Tracy TieF, a certified natural health practitioner, she believes that sexual pleasure is our birthright. She urges people to be aware of toxic sex toys and the potentially harmful effects of their materials. The sex toy industry is unregulated and so many are unaware of the potential health risks associated with the use of these products.

The main concern is the use of phthalates, a chemical used in adhesives, paint, insect repellents, polyvinyl chloride plastic, children’s toys and cosmetics such as nail polish and perfumes. Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, are added to the plastic sex toy to make the toy softer and more flexible. Overtime these added phthalates leak out in a process called "off-gassing", which may be ultimately absorbed into the body.

According to Tracey, plastics can modify the fats and oils in our bodies. Fats are necessary for energy storage and act as a cushion for the brain. The argument is that if they were to be ingested or absorbed into the bloodstream, the off-gassing could modify these fats, potentially contributing to hormonal and neuronal disruptions. She believes that the hormonal disruption can contribute to reproductive issues, such as polyps and ovarian cysts, and are linked with the usage of sex toys due to the effects of phthalates and the permeability of the vaginal wall. Human studies are limited on the effects that these materials have.

What has been found is that these materials do have an overwhelmingly reproductive inhibiting effect. One study conducted by Hans Ulrich Krieg in 2000, a German chemist, found 10 chemicals emitted out of sex toys that were available in Europe. Of the chemicals found, diethylhexyl phthalates was among them and contained concentrations as high as 243,000 ppm, a value that was considered 'off the charts'. Phthalates are lipophilic substances, and therefore are drawn to fats. The theory is that the fat could aid in drawing the phthalates out of the plastic, and would be absorbed into the mucous membrane of the vaginal canal and rectum and eventually even be absorbed by the liver or kidney. In another study led by Greenpeace Netherlands, in 2006 found that vaginal or rectal exposure to these chemicals would cause endocrine disruption, fertility issues and may lead to certain types of cancer. The American FDA cites phthalates as a probable human carcinogen. Animal studies found that high doses of phthalates cause cancer in rats. In lower doses, the rats displayed problems with genital and fetal development, producing stillborn rats. Regardless of the limited studies, based on what evidence is presented, the FDA and Greenpeace state that these chemicals do pose a health risk to the population.

Currently, North America and the European Union have been able to take actions that restrict the use of phthalates in children’s toys; however the issue still remains to exist for adult toys. According to Tracey, the loop hole lies in semantics. The packaging labels these products as “novelty” products, which means not intended for actual use. This allows manufacturers to avoid legal responsibility for what health risks may occur contributed to by the potentially harmful materials, and this industry labeling practice enables manufacturers to sidestep the need for government regulations. Therefore, manufacturers are not obligated to provide product lists of chemicals and materials used.

So what would a toxic-free, safer sex toy look like?

Firstly, the toy would not contain any strong chemical odours. If the toy is held over a flame it should not burn or melt. If it did burn, some percentage of plastic exists.  Additionally, it would not contain any plastic, rubbery or jelly-like material and there should not be any expiration dates on the packaging. If the material is more porous, it could create space that may allow for bacteria to become trapped. Tracey also noted that porous toys cannot be sterilized and should be used with a condom. A non-porous toy is likely a stainless steel that is smooth with an impermeable surface and does not harbor bacteria in its surface. It can be sterilized with boiling water or through a dishwasher. Finally, alternate materials that can be safely used are as follows: wood, stone, metal, glass, non-porous, medical grade silicone, ceramics and crystal.

Discussion Questions

1.       What are plasticizers and why are they used in cosmetics?

Plasticizers make plastics more flexible. It’s used to make the fragrance in cosmetics, personal care products and baby products last longer.

1.       Why is Bisphenol A added to plastic products?

BPA aids in making plastic clear and shatter proof.

1.       What are the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates on children when ingested?

Children’s products such as teethers, sippy cups, toys and cleansing baby products contain BPA and Phthalates. When children put these items in their mouth the chemical has the potential to leak from the product to the child. Animal studies have shown that BPA can have developmental effects and adverse effects on reproduction. Animal studies show that phthalate exposure can cause liver, kidney, male and female reproductive system adverse effects. Specifically when phthalates were exposed to fetuses in the mother’s womb, it caused decreased sperm activity, decreased concentration, early puberty in females and testicular cancer. According to Tracey, it can contribute to asthma, autism and learning disorders in children. Unfortunately, the evidence is taken from mostly animal studies and human studies are limited.    

Sources:

"Bisphenol-A (BPA)." Westchester Gov.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016. (http://health.westchestergov.com/bisphenol-a-and-phthalates)

Canadian Cancer Society. "Phthalates - Canadian Cancer Society." Www.cancer.ca. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016. (http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/harmful-substances-and-environmental-risks/phthalates/?region=on )

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015. Web. 24 June 2016. (http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/phthalates_factsheet.html)

Chemical Substances. Phthalate Substance Grouping. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016.

(http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/group/phthalate/index-eng.php)

Denning, Burke. "The Safety Dance: Sex Toy Safety for a New Generation." Kinsey Confidential RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016. (http://kinseyconfidential.org/safety-dance-sex-toy-safety-generation/)

Gertz, Emily. "Ever Thought about the Toxins in Your Sex Toys?" Grist. N.p., 2005. Web. 24 June 2016.

http://grist.org/article/gertz1/

"Plasticisers (phthalates) and Bisphenol A (BPA)." BabyCenter Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016.

(http://www.babycenter.ca/a1037227/plasticisers-phthalates-and-bisphenol-a-bpa)

Welcome the Premier Badminton League to the Cancer Prevention Challenge!

WHEN is excited to welcome the Premier Badminton League to the Cancer Prevention Challenge! Check out their Campaign here. Check them out on Facebook at Premier Badminton League and at their website. Anyone who donates $5 to their campaign has a chance to a judge for the Clean Beauty Awards!

An Interview with Charles Pyne of the Premier Badminton League

What does Prevention Mean to you? Prevention is taking a proactive stand whether that be education, environmental manipulation or monitoring to reduce the risk of something harmful from taking place.

Tell us about your organization: The Premier Badminton League (PBL) is a professional badminton league in Canada. PBL provides an opportunity to badminton enthusiasts to compete at varying skill levels separated by divisions on a regular basis throughout the year. PBL is open to people of all ages and is the perfect way to improve your game, meet new friends, and enjoy the sport.

What are the benefits of being a member of playing in the Premier Badminton League? Physical health and social interactions throughout the community.

How do you aim to help reduce environmental health risk? By working with CertClean to promote clean and non-harmful products.

Where do you operate and who does your league benefit?

The Premier Badminton League currently operates throughout the province of Ontario. The league will benefit anyone that enjoys playing and competing in the sport of badminton.

When and why did you start this league?

PBL started in 2014. PBL has been created to promote the sport of badminton and a build a stronger community within the sport throughout the nation.

Going Natural

By Laila Harris, MA, BA (hons.), WHEN Board of Directors

It was early on that I developed an interest and passion for the environment and for living a natural lifestyle. While my mother had always raised us to eat natural foods, use natural products, and moved our family away from Toronto to a forested paradise in Northern Ontario when I was 10 years old, it wasn’t until I went to university that my consciousness about the environment really began to develop.

At this time, my concept of the natural world grew from the enjoyment I had always experienced at being one in the calming beauty of natural landscapes, to a greater reflection on the meaning of nature in our society. In particular, I became interested in the ways in which cultural norms have lead us to mistreat the natural environment (and in turn ourselves), in favor of profit, capitalist gains, and near-sighted greed.

Through my academic research, the frightening things I learned about toxic chemicals and health also encouraged me to eliminate the use of toxic chemical products in my day-to-day life. Since then, I have continued to avoid using cosmetics and personal care products that contribute to the toxic load that most, if not all, of us bear as an inevitable consequence of living in a polluted world. I also attribute this lifestyle change to the natural upbringing I was fortunate enough to have as a result of my mother’s own awareness about living a natural lifestyle and cancer prevention.

My approach to choosing what types of products I will use on my body is actually quite simple and reduces much of the guessing game that can occur when we are trying to determine what ingredients in skin, hair, and body products are either safe or harmful to our health. The simple rule is: don’t put anything on your skin that you can’t eat. Thus, propylparaben, oxybenzone, and fragrance don’t make the cut. You see, as our largest organ, the skin absorbs much of what is applied to it, which then travels directly into our bloodstream and is transmitted throughout or body to be processed and stored. It’s easy to imagine that this can cause significant stress and damage to our organs.

While it may be hard to believe that companies will put extremely toxic and harmful ingredients in their products to increase profits, they do. We can also see that cancer rates continue to rise exponentially and for many, there is a clear connection. Thus, it is time that we take charge of our own well-being, raise our own awareness about the ways in which we can reduce health harms, and make the commitment to use only those products that are safe and nurturing to our bodies, rather than those that are laden with chemicals and other toxic additives.

The following is a list of personal care products that I avoid using, as I believe them to be highly toxic:

1) Hand sanitizer - Soap works just fine.

2) Conventional Shampoo - I clean my hair with a mixture of baking soda water, and essential oils – usually lavender. Though the mixture doesn’t foam, my hair is always left feeling clean and free of residue, while my scalp feels healthy and rejuvenated because of the scrubbing action of the baking soda, as well as its ability to restore PH levels.

3) Conventional Soap - because I’d prefer not to wash my body with toxins, I use only natural soaps

4) Anti-perspirant or deodorant - I use ½ tsp. baking soda mixed with warm water and rub it under my arms (this really works better than any deodorant I have ever tried, as it kills odor-causing bacteria and lasts the full day)

5) Anything antibacterial - Soap works just fine and triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products, is harmful!

6) Conventional toothpaste - I avoid fluoride and only use natural toothpastes OR baking soda. I should also point out that at 30 yrs. old and have only ever had 1 cavity

7) Conventional skin creams - no fragrance, preservatives, or other chemical additives should be touching your skin. Instead, opt for natural oils and butters – and no, they do not cause acne. (I suggest experimenting with different oils and butters to find out what works best for you and your specific needs. Olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, as well as shea butter are some great natural options that promote healthy skin and/or hair)

8) Conventional cosmetics - this one was tricky because I love makeup, but I’d rather not harm my body for something superficial. Besides, there are tons of natural cosmetics out there that work almost, if not equally, well and give you peace of mind

9) Perfumes and fragrances - while we all have our favorite scents, these products are packed with toxic substances that mess with your hormone levels and are very hazardous to your health.

For me, replacing toxic chemical products with natural alternatives has been a powerful form of practicing cancer prevention in my day-to-day life. With contaminants in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat, as well as in our workplaces and homes, the use of natural products feels like one way in which I have some control over limiting my toxic exposure and respecting my body. Now that I am pregnant, this journey seems all the more important.

Note: if you are curious to learn more about the toxicity of ingredients in a specific product, I encourage you to visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/), which includes information on over 77, 000 products!