From what I have gathered, both products have a "slight" Health Materials Identification System (HMIS) rating scale and both are "not identified as carcinogens or potential carcinogens by NTP, IARC, and OSHA." To my surprise, I was actually expecting the results to be more harmful. I do not currently have any products in my knowledge that I would recommend to my patients; however, I would gladly research safer household products using the National Library of Medicine's Household Products Database. Furthermore, it would also be beneficial to assess the household products that my patients are currently using to see if it poses any risks and if so, I would educate my patients to avoid the products.
Mom's Clean Air Force Quiz
I found the quiz to be very informative and was quite shocked to learn about neurotoxins, such as lead, to be in cosmetics. A lot of people, including all genders, wear makeup on a daily basis and do not realize their exposure to toxins from the cosmetics. Another toxic chemical that appeared on the quiz that intrigued me was phthalates in plastic containers and wraps because my family frequently uses wraps for leftover foods. Lastly, to know that my special, comfy and cozy place on the couch or mattress might contain flame retardants is actually scary. I am certain that I will now be more mindful about the chemicals that might linger in my products.
We might shift our policies regarding potentially toxic chemicals to reduce the risk of exposure from our personal and household products by improving testing on the products or preventing companies from producing products that contain harmful chemicals. Furthermore, education about toxic chemicals is key as I use myself as an example. I was unaware of all this information prior to the lectures and now I have the ability to make informed decisions about the products I buy.
Environmental Health News
I stumbled upon an article that discusses the research of identifying low levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in hair and blood samples of people that consume caribou in Old Crow, Yukon. The article is mainly about the fate and transport of PFCs as the contaminant is found in "firefighting equipment and stain repellants" landing in lichens from the atmosphere and eventually consumed by caribou. Then consumed by people.
Hi Candy, I am surprised what a huge industry there is for cosmetics. I do not wear make-up often except for the occasional wedding, but I see that 90% of the people I encounter on a daily basis do wear make-up. I think people would be shocked if they realized how often they are putting themselves at risk for toxins.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Cinnamon