Are Personal Care Products Poisoning Our Planet?

Until fairly recently, most people did not realize that when pharmaceuticals are excreted from the body and when unwanted drugs are flushed or dumped down drains, they get into the sewer system and are contributing toxic chemicals to the water and to our environment. Wastewater treatment plant are extremely effective at removing biodegradable wastes, but were not designed to address this broad spectrum of unregulated chemical pollution.

Did you know that there’s a similar threat posed by personal care products?

These products are comprised of a diverse collection of more than 80,000 chemical substances, and they are being produced and used in increasing volumes every year.

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN TOXIC CHEMICALS

• Antibacterial Soaps • Cosmetics • Deodorants & Antiperspirants • Fragrances • Lotions • Hair Care Products • Nail Polish & Nail Polish Remover • Skin Care Products

It is believed that the chemical ingredients in many personal care products – which include acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxyanisole, camphor, diethanolamine, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde, linalool, parabens, phthalates, triclosan and other toxins – can be harmful to the environment, wildlife, as well as your body.

Many of these chemicals will pass through the treatment process and enter local waters after being flushed down toilets, rinsed down sinks, or washed off people and clothing. Something you may not know is these chemicals pass through your skin as toxins and can have a negative affect on your health. Many skin diseases, allergies and asthma are caused or exacerbated by an underlying sensitivity to these chemicals.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Be a wise shopper. Look for products made with natural ingredients and avoid products that use chemicals like those mentioned above. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy; many personal care products do not list all of their ingredients. The good news is that there are healthy alternatives. Visit Skin Deep, or www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

• Do not pour or flush unwanted personal care products down the drain, toilet, or storm drain.

• Dispose of personal care products as you would any other toxic chemicals. Bring them to a household hazardous waste collection facility. Check with local utilities or public works department to learn about the best way to dispose of personal care products, oil, paint, solvents, other household hazardous wastes as well as other materials.

METABOLIC BALANCE CAN HELP

Metabolic Balance^® offers a scientific basis to determine which foods are best for each of us. Participants in the Metabolic Balance^® program receive individualized meal plans that include the most wholesome foods that will work best with each person’s metabolism, detox and remove toxins from the body, and reach optimum health. It also helps reduce sensitivities to chemicals by eliminating inflammation. offer weekly meetings for my clients for support and learning. Some of what I cover in the classes for my clients participating in my Metabolic Balance^® program is to understand how chemicals in personal care products negatively affects the body and how to recognize healthy personal care products.

Metabolic Balance^® has individualized programs for weight management & optimal health. If you are interested in finding out more about metabolic balance^,® contact Myra. You can also visit MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com. Sign up now for monthly news & tips.

This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.

Posted in Allergies, Featured Post, Total Health, Weight Management, Women's Health Programs, metabolic balanceⓇ