12,500 ingredients fall under the term "fragrance" on product labels

-manufacturers are not required to list these ingredients, no matter how many the product contains-

AND

there are no regulations for product labels that claim to be "natural" and "hypoallergenic"

According to the Environmental Working Group, "more than 40 nations – ranging from major industrialized economies like the United Kingdom and Germany to developing states like Cambodia and Vietnam – have enacted regulations specifically targeting the safety and ingredients of cosmetics and personal care products. Some of these nations have restricted or completely banned more than 1,400 chemicals from cosmetic products. By contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned or restricted only nine chemicals for safety reasons."

The air inside your home is more polluted than the air outdoors.

Many of these pollutants come from cleaning supplies and other common household products which contain a cocktail of chemicals and release volatile organic compounds into the air.

Health effects of indoor air pollutants:

irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory system

headaches and/or dizziness

lethargy

respiratory diseases

heart disease

cancer

Think a product is safe because it's labeled "organic" or "natural" and has an earthy look? NOPE!

There are so many products on the market with pretty, eco-friendly appearing labels that contain ingredients just the same as everyday home cleaning brands we all know and grew up using.

I encourage you to download the ThinkDirty app or search for a product on EWG.org

-scan 3 (or more) products used regularly in your home to see how they rate-

phthalates: endocrine disruptor, can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs - hard for the body to break down

commonly found in: adult and children bath time products and most household cleaners

parabens: endocrine disruptor, reproductive cancers

commonly found in: cosmetics and personal care products

formaldehyde: cancer, asthma, skin irritation

commonly found in: laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, candles, air fresheners,

DEA + TEA (diethanolamine + trethanolamine): damages the brain and nervous system, hormone disruption, organ toxicity, and cancer

commonly found in: hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, scrubbing pad (foaming agent)

hydrochloric acid: contact burns, breathing problems such as asthma, long-term liver issues

commonly found in: toilet cleaners, drain cleaners, tile cleaners

sodium laureth sulfate: eye, skin, and lung irritant

commonly found in: cosmetics, shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, dish soap

2-butoxyethanol: destruction of red blood cells ,sore throat, severe liver and kidney damage

commonly found in: household cleaners, cosmetics, liquid soaps

These toxins are just the tip of the iceberg... the ThinkDirty app and EWG website will assist you in avoiding products containing these harmful ingredients.