Nexus - 1401 - New Times Magazine-pages

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Talc, a better-known ingredient (think talcum powder) found in Fragrances used in perfumes and many other personal care face and body powders as well as lightly dusted on contraceptive products are usually petroleum based. These may cause devices such as condoms, is a known carcinogen. Studies have headaches, dizziness, rashes, respiratory problems, vomiting, skin associated it with being a cause of ovarian cancer when used in irritation and multiple chemical sensitivity. Sadly, the FDA still the genital area, primarily because talc, a magnesium silicate does not require perfume manufacturers to warn consumers about inorganic compound, may act as an irritant to the cells covering the toxic chemicals found in their products. the ovaries.” Also, in earlier years more so than now, cosmetic The fact that cosmetics are manufactured to have a long shelf- talc was often contaminated with asbestos-like trace material, an life, unlike edibles, contributes to their toxicity and potential to inorganic agent known to produce tumours. How? Basically, talc work as carcinogens. Nitrites continue to be formed in these is a mineral produced by the mining of talc rocks which are then chemical-based compounds (calling them cosmetics after processed by crushing, drying and milling to eliminate a number — knowing what they truly are is somewhat naive), thanks to the of trace minerals. presence of other chemicals such as formaldehyde, However, this process does not separate minute fibres which paraformaldehyde, thiocyanate, nitrophenols and certain metal are very similar to asbestos. Hence, talc is closely related to the salts.” potent carcinogen asbestos. Scientists have closely scrutinised talc More proof? A case in point... particles and found dangerous similarities to The above list is only indicative. It should asbestos. So much so that in 1973, the FDA by no means be considered a conclusive list drafted a resolution that would limit the of toxic chemicals found in cosmetics and amount of asbestos-like fibres in cosmetic- personal care products. The idea is to be grade talc. However, no ruling has ever aware, to realise that our ignorance has been made and, today, cosmetic-grade talc Studies based on allowed cosmetic and personal care product remains non-regulated by the Federal . manufacturers to get away with practically government. This inaction ignores a 1993 humans and animals anything. National Toxicology Program report which indicate that the body In fact, to re-emphasise the gravity of the found that cosmetic-grade talc, without any scenario, I present supportive scientific asbestos-like fibres, caused tumours in rapidly absorbs the research for the link between the use of animal subjects. Apparently, irres ective of chemicals in permanent permanent or Semi-permanent hair colours the presence of asbestos-like fibres, . and cancer. Studies based on humans and cosmetic-grade talcum powder is a or semi-permanent animals indicate that the body rapidly carcinogen.” Incidentally, tale can also dye through the skin, absorbs the chemicals in permanent or settle itself in our lungs, causing . . . semi-permanent dye through the skin, respiratory disorders and possibly lung during the time in during the time in which the dye which the dye remains on the scalp. cancer. remains on the scalp. Daubing dye on your scalp can then do more harm than you would imagine. In just 30 minutes of contact of the dye with your scalp (which, again, must be recognised as an extension of your skin), over years of usage you could apparently absorb enough carcinogenic substance to trigger Sodium lauryl] sulphate (SLS) is very commonly used in_ the manufacture of shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpastes and virtually every personal cleansing solution. SLS is a strong, harsh detergent, also commonly used as an engine degreaser! Imagine, then, what it could do to your cancer in your later years. As far back body. It can cause eye irritation, even as the late 1970s, studies found links permanent damage to the eyes especially in children, skin rashes, between the use of hair dyes and breast cancers. A 1976 study hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. When combined reported that 87 of 100 breast cancer patients had been long-term with other ingredients, SLS can also form carcinogenic dye users.” nitrosamines. It easily penetrates the skin and can settle in the Subsequently, in 1979, a US-based study found a significant heart, lungs, liver and/or brain. relationship between the frequency and duration of hair dye use and breast cancer, confirming what was earlier believed.* Those Padimate-O, also known as octyl dimethyl and PABA, is a at greatest risk were 50- to 79-year-olds, suggesting that cancer common ingredient of sunscreens. Like DEA, it is a nitrosamine- caused by such exposure takes years to develop. So, women who forming agent. There is increasing concern that the energy started dyeing their hair when they were 20 had twice the risk of absorbed by this sunscreen is then turned into free radicals, which those who'd started at 40, simply because they had exposed may then actually increase the risk of skin cancer. An ironic themselves to more toxins. situation indeed, to use or not to use! Another study, published in 1980, found that women who dye their hair to change its colour, as opposed to merely masking Alcohol or isopropyl is a poisonous solvent and denaturant, greyness, were at a threefold risk, perhaps because of the colours meaning that it can modify the structure of other chemicals. Used used (more intense) and the time required for successive in hair colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions applications (longer duration means more contact between skin and fragrances, it may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dye/colour).”* flushing and depression. It also dries out the hair and creates Subsequently, a jointly funded American Cancer Society and cracks in the skin surface which may encourage bacterial growth. FDA study admitted a fourfold increase in relatively uncommon Fragrances used in perfumes and many other personal care products are usually petroleum based. These may cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, respiratory problems, vomiting, skin irritation and multiple chemical sensitivity. Sadly, the FDA still does not require perfume manufacturers to warn consumers about the toxic chemicals found in their products. The fact that cosmetics are manufactured to have a long shelf- life, unlike edibles, contributes to their toxicity and potential to work as carcinogens. Nitrites continue to be formed in these chemical-based compounds (calling them cosmetics after knowing what they truly are is somewhat naive), thanks to the presence of other chemicals such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, thiocyanate, nitrophenols and certain metal or semi-permanent dye through the skin, during the time in which the dye remains oe on the scalp. Padimate-O, also known as octyl dimethyl and PABA, is a common ingredient of sunscreens. Like DEA, it is a nitrosamine- forming agent. There is increasing concern that the energy absorbed by this sunscreen is then turned into free radicals, which may then actually increase the risk of skin cancer. An ironic situation indeed, to use or not to use! Alcohol or isopropyl is a poisonous solvent and denaturant, meaning that it can modify the structure of other chemicals. Used in hair colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions and fragrances, it may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing and depression. It also dries out the hair and creates cracks in the skin surface which may encourage bacterial growth. 30 + NEXUS Studies based on ; humans and animals indicate that the body www.nexusmagazine.com DECEMBER 2006 — JANUARY 2007