A reminder that cosmetics and skincare products sometimes contain potentially harmful chemicals

A timely reminder in this Telegraph report that cosmetics and skincare products used by women contain many ingredients and additives (a figure of 515 chemicals is suggested), some of which have been linked to cancer, hormone problems, skin conditions and allergies.

I know I sometimes look at the list of ingredients on these products and feel uneasy about some of them. - At least I now can buy body lotion and shampoo without SLS and parabens in the ingredients list.

Pregnant mothers may need to avoid certain products to protect their unborn babies from health problems

The Telegraph reports that pregnant mothers' exposure to certain chemicals in shampoos, hairspray, cosmetics, perfumes and other products is linked to low birth weight and other health problems in their babies.

The chemicals are called Phthalates. "In Europe, certain phthalates have been banned from hairsprays and other products since early 2005.

But they are still found in many cosmetics, including deodorants, perfumes, and nail varnish, as well as hairspray."

It appears that pregnant mothers should avoid using such products as far as possible during their pregnancy.

Pregnant women are urged not to use perfume or scented cream after research suggests they could cause unborn boys infertility or cancer in later life.

Pregnant women advised to stop wearing perfumes for sake of babies' health
Article in the Sunday Telegraph

Extract:

"Research has found the reproductive system of male foetuses could be damaged by chemicals as early as eight weeks' gestation by chemicals including those found in cosmetics.

Such damage could lead to infertility or testicular cancer, according to the research carried out on rats by Professor Richard Sharpe, principal investigator at the Medical Research Council's Human Sciences Unit.

The scientist said he had discovered a "time window" of eight to 12 weeks' gestation, when certain hormones in the foetus are activated and the male reproductive system comes into being.

Prof Sharpe said future problems of male fertility, including undescended testicles, low sperm count and the risk of testicular cancer could be determined at this time if these hormones, such as testosterone, do no work properly."

Low salt intake is also good for pregnant women. See advice for pregnant mothers

Discarded drugs and toiletries are contaminating our drinking water.

Discarded cosmetics 'threat to drinking water'

Extract from the Telegraph:

"Drinking water in Britain is under threat from drugs and cosmetics being flushed down the drains in millions of households, chemists have warned.

New contaminants have entered the water system after use by the population in recent years, such as drugs used to treat epilepsy, depression and cancer, it is claimed.

Along with human sewage contaminated with medicines and their by-products, there are rising levels of cosmetic products such as shower gels and musk perfumes, according to a report by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

But the experts say water treatment waste works are unable to remove all of these types of chemicals, so currently some contaminants remain in the water sources.

Although at trace levels can only now be analysed with modern techniques, there are concerns about substances such as drugs, with data already suggesting that urine contaminated by the female contraceptive pill is affecting fish, for example.

The report called Sustainable Water: Chemical Science Priorities, which will be launched at the Royal Society of Chemistry at Burlington House in London, calls for greater research into the effects of these contaminants.

Dr Jeff Hardy, Environment and Energy Manager of the society, said many medicines that pass through the body are being seen in the environment.

"There are substances like antidepressants, painkillers, beta blockers, anticancer drugs and antibiotics. Many are designed so they do not degrade in the human body so that they can fulfil their function. It seems they are not degrading once they get into the environment.""

Lose weight, reduce your risk of most cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart problems, and improve your health in many other ways without drugs or expense by eating less salt! - Try it! - You will feel so much better!

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