Saturday, February 02, 2008

I am a label reader....now

Toothpaste!!! Why does it need to have a formaldehyde releaser?

Below is from Wikipedia:

Quaternium-15 is a preservative found in many cosmetics and industrial substances that acts as a formaldehyde releaser. It can be found in numerous sources, including but not limited to: mascara, eyeliner, moisturizer, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, personal lubricants, soaps, body wash, baby lotion or shampoo, facial cleanser, tanning oil, self-tanning cream, sunscreen, powder, shaving products, ointments, personal wipes or cleansers, wipes, paper, inks, paints, polishes, waxes and industrial lubricants. It can cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant's skin, or on sensitive areas such as the genitals.

Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic.[7] Because formaldehyde resins are used in many construction materials, formaldehyde is one of the more common indoor air pollutants. If inhaled, formaldehyde at this concentration may cause headaches, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty breathing, as well as triggering or aggravating asthma symptoms.[8]

Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which provides sufficient evidence that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer

Formaldehyde can cause allergies, and is part of the standard patch test series. Formaldehyde has been banned in cosmetics in both Sweden and Japan.

Go look at your labels - can you find it?

It can be found under a variety of names, including: Dowicil 75; Dowicil 100; Dowco 184; Dowicide Q; 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride; N-(3-chloroallyl) hexaminium chloride; hexamethylenetetramine chloroallyl chloride; 3,5,7-Triaza-1-azoniaadamantane; 1-(3-chloroallyl)-chloride.

Thinking maybe you should stop thinking about shopping green and start?
Happy Green shopper for 3 years!

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