Chemicals and Pregnancy
June 12, 2008
Beware of: “Fragrance” and Phthalates:
“Fragrance” is a culprit in our home-care (and cosmetic) products called. But what exactly is “fragrance”?
Essentially “fragrance” can be any chemical or additive that the product manufacturer would like. By law companies are supposed to list all ingredients on their product, but because that would be disclosing trade secrets “fragrance” is a loophole that manufacturers can use to put almost any ingredient in their formula without disclosing it.
Unfortunately “fragrance” just like parabens are linked to:
* Cancer,
* Reproductive toxicity
* Asthma complications
Often times in the case of household items, “fragrance” is code for a “Phthalates” called “Diethyl Phthalate”. Phthalates have been linked to:
* Damage of the testes
* Damage of the liver
* Birth defects.
Phthalates are plasticizers also found in many of the scented household items we use everyday such as laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners, nail polish, adhesives, calk, paint, solvents, perfumes, pesticides, shower curtains and children’s toys etc.
Don’t be fooled by labels either, if it says “unscented” that does not necessarily mean that it is free of “fragrance” it often means there is just another additive in the formulation to mask the fragrant smell.
Please click HERE to see a list of household cleaners free of synthetic chemicals including “fragrance”, and Phthalates.
I hope that this article has given you some simple steps to help you feel good about greening your home. Just remember baby steps and awareness are all it takes. If you have any questions, I always welcome them. Please pass them on my way at:
pregnancyandbabyinformation@gmail.com.
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