At first glance, 'green' lingo might seem like a nightmare flashback from your high school chemistry class. The good thing is that you don't have to be all sciency and stuff to make better product choices for your home and your family, but if you're feeling a little lost in translation, you're in the right place.
I,4-dioxane – A probable carcinogen linked with reproductive and developmental effects. A common contaminant of sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate.
Benzyl Alcohol – Toxic to bone cells, bone marrow, and blood. Damages the central nervous system and the immune system. Linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity. Class A Carcinogen.
BFRs (brominated flame retardants) – These are synthetic PBT chemicals that were designed to make things burn more slowly in the event of a fire. They are added to many mattresses, children’s clothing, furnishings, carpeting, and electronics. BFRs also have endocrine-disrupting properties and have been shown to negatively affect the nervous system and liver. These nasty chemicals can rapidly build up in our bodies and the environment.
Bioaccumulate – This happens when our bodies take on a chemical faster than we can eliminate it, which leads to the chemical building up within our bodies. It happens in animals, too.
Biomagnify – This is when animals at the top of the food chain have higher levels of chemicals in their bodies than animals lower on the food chain. Humans are especially vulnerable, since we are at the top of the food chain.
BPA (bisphenol A) – This chemical was originally intended to be a synthetic estrogen, but the chemical industry realized they could transform BPA into a very useful plastic for the food and beverage industry. Due to BPA’s weak chemical bonds, it unfortunately leaches quite easily into whatever it comes in contact with (i.e. the food we eat and the beverages we drink). BPA is found in many products, but of greatest concern are baby bottles and the interior lining of some canned foods. BPA negatively effects the endocrine system and possibly the immune system. There is some evidence linking BPA to breast cancer, miscarriage, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and male reproductive system defects. Pregnant women should be especially cautious and minimize their exposure.
DEA, MEA, & TEA – May contain carcinogenic nitrosamines. Toxic to the liver and kidneys with repeated use. Natural and synthetic versions are both concerns. Toxic to fetuses and may retard growth.
Dioxins and Furans – These are unintentional byproducts of most forms of combustion and several industrial chemical processes. Dioxins are PBTs, and most people have detectable levels of dioxins in their tissues. Exposure is likely to result in an increased risk of cancer, since it’s one of the most potent synthetic carcinogens ever tested. The EPA has also documented that dioxins can cause changes in hormone systems, alterations in fetal development, infertility, and improperly functioning immune systems. Most of our exposure comes from the animal fats associated with eating beef, pork, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Other sources include bleached paper products, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, and wood or coal smoke. Researchers believe dioxins are to blame for the cancer associated with Agent Orange use during the Vietnam War.
EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) – These are chemicals that interfere with our endocrine or hormonal system, and hormones are our bodies chemical messengers. Hormones regulate bodily functions like metabolism, sexual development, and growth. The endocrine system is profoundly connected to our nervous and immune systems. Fetuses are particularly sensitive to even minute fluctuations in hormones. In order for the endocrine system to work properly, it requires a delicate balance of hormones. EDCs can block natural hormone action, imitate it, or have an opposing effect. Even tiny amounts of EDCs can have profound effects on health. Bisphenol A and phthalates are both examples of EDCs.
EDTA – A skin irritant that can cause allergies and dermatitis. With prolonged and repeated use, may potentially cause chronic health effects such as reproductive and fetal harm and kidney damage.
Formaldehyde – This chemical vaporizes easily at room temperature (it’s a VOC), and is found readily in our home environment. It’s found in a variety of products such as some synthetic carpeting, cabinetry, particle board, plywood, flooring, and even cosmetics and body care products. Formaldehyde is actually a byproduct of aspartame metabolism, so you may want to think twice about drinking all that diet soda (regular exposure can cause gradual neurological and immunological damage). There is evidence that prolonged exposure can lead to asthma and certain cancers. Indoor levels are usually much higher than outdoor levels.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone – These chemicals are frequently used as antibacterial or antimicrobial agents in a wide range of products. Research is lacking, but it’s believed that they may have neuro-developmental consequences.
Mineral Oil – It’s a petroleum bi-product that coats skin and clogs pores. It interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins and can lead to acne and premature aging. Mineral oil can be contaminated with a carcinogen known as PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).
Nitrosamines = A probable carcinogen. A common contaminant of sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate.
Nonylphenol – This chemical are still used extensively in personal care products, despite the EPA’s urging for manufacturers to voluntarily phase-out nonylphenol. It’s bioaccumulative and a possible endocrine-disruptor.
Off-gassing – This is when gaseous pollutants are released from products into our homes and the environment. This usually applies to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Organic chemicals – This doesn’t mean ‘organic’ as in ‘natural’. These are synthetic chemicals made from hydrogen and carbon and are the foundation for most of the modern manmade chemicals we use today.
Organic food – The FDA actually regulates the use of the word ‘organic’ on food products. Organic food is grown and processed without conventional pesticide, artificial fertilizer, or chemical additives. Organically raised animals are fed organic feed and are free of antibiotics and hormones.
Organotins – These chemicals are used as stabilizers or catalysts. One common organotin, tributyltin (TBT), is found in a wide range of products from wading pools, disposable diapers, inflatable toys, insoles, and socks. Even small levels of TBT can be disruptive to endocrine function (especially sexual development), and there is concern that TBT can interfere with the function of white blood cells. Organotins are PBTs, and they’re found abundantly in house dust.
Parabens – Parabens are used as a preservative in a wide variety of products. Most commonly, they’re used in personal care products like cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, etc. Even though our bodies rapidly excrete the parabens we absorb or ingest, we’re constantly exposed. Over a dozen studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in our bodies and cause side effects at even low doses. Parabens have possible implications in breast cancer, since they’ve been discovered in breast tumors. Sometimes parabens are used as preservatives in processed foods. They show up on labels as methyl p-hydroxybenzoate or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate. Believe it or not, it’s actually worse when they’re absorbed through our skin than when we eat parabens.
PBDEs (polybrominated diphenylethers) – These flame retardants are the most common, most studied, and most worrisome. The three main variants are: penta-BDE, octa-BDE, and deca-BDE. Europe has already banned penta- and octa-BDEs due to their health hazards. In some countries, PBDE concentrations in humans have been doubling every five years. PBDEs affect the nervous system, the liver, the thyroid, and hormone balance. Exposure to PBDEs in-utero is of particular concern. May cause birth defects, harm developing brains, motor skill, learning, and memory deficits, and decreased sperm counts
PBT – Chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
PCFs (perfluorinates) – These chemicals include PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). They have strong water- and oil-repellent properties and are found in nonstick cookware, microwave popcorn bag linings, fast food containers, and stain-and water-repellent fabrics. PCFs are one of the most widespread toxic chemicals, and they do not degrade. PCFs negatively impact the immune system and thyroid function and have been linked to birth defects. The EPA considers PFOS and PFOA to be carcinogenic.
Perc (perchloroethylene) – A chlorinated solvent, perc is the most common dry-cleaning chemical in use today. Perc easily evaporates at room temperature and is a hazardous groundwater and air pollutant. For humans, perc is highly toxic. It can cause dizziness, nausea, liver, kidney, and nervous system damage, and is a probable carcinogen. More than 80% of U.S.
Persistent chemicals– These are chemicals that don’t easily break down in the environment, sometimes lasting for decades. This causes concentrations within our bodies and the environment to rise. Many ‘persistent’ chemicals are also toxic.
Phthalates – These synthetic chemicals make plastic products more flexible and less brittle. They’re also widely used in cosmetics and personal care products to make them feel ‘smooth’. Some phthalates are endocrine disruptors and pose health risks like male infertility and premature puberty in girls. The most common and most toxic phthalate is DEHP, which can even be found in some children’s toys, teething rings, and pacifiers among many other products. Products are not required to list their phthalate content.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) – These pollutants are formed during the burning of just about anything like wood, coal, oil, gas, trash, and cigarettes and are found in some processed food. Research has linked PAHs to cancer, endocrine-disruption, reproductive toxicity, and suppressed immune function.
POPs (persistent organic pollutants) – This is another way of saying that a chemical is a PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic). They are known to be extremely hazardous.
Pyrithione zinc – A chemical used in anti-dandruff shampoos that is irritating to the skin and eyes and may be terotagenic and cause reproductive effects.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) – These chemicals are used as engine degreasers, but they’re commonly used as foaming agents in a wide range of personal care products. They strip the oils on our skin leaving an irritating and eroding effect. SLES is commonly contaminated with dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. Once absorbed through the skin, SLS mimics estrogen. Increased estrogen levels (estrogen dominance) have been implicated in PMS, menstrual irregularities, infertility (in men and women), and cancer. Other ways that SLS and SLES are believed to be carcinogens are by denaturing proteins and by interacting with other nitrogen-bearing ingredients. Some believe that a single shampooing can lead to more nitrate exposure than eating a pound of bacon. Evidence shows that SLS and SLES maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain after being absorbed through the skin. Most importantly, avoid exposure to the eyes and mouth, and try to purchase products that don’t have SLS or SLES whenever possible.
Synthetic Musks – These chemicals are used as a fixative (makes scents and fragrances smell better longer). They’re used in most products that have a fragrance like perfumes, body lotions, fabric softeners, and air fresheners. While some people are more sensitive than others, synthetic musks can trigger headaches, asthma, and allergies. Some synthetic musks are possible carcinogens and may be toxic to reproductive processes. They’re bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment. Research shows that some common synthetic musks can enhance toxic effects of other chemicals by debilitating our cells’ natural protective defenses.
Talc – A superfine powder used in personal care products and cosmetics that may be contaminated with asbestos. It is a suspected carcinogen. Causes lung irritation and increased cancer risk with regular topical use.
Toluene – It’s regularly used as a solvent in many products (even for personal care), and it’s one of the brain-damaging culprits for “glue-sniffers”. Chronic low-level exposure has been linked to various irritating effects and possibly an increased incidence in miscarriages. Can cause severe irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs and potentially liver and kidney damage. Studies are not yet conclusive.
Triclosan – Thanks to our infatuation with everything having to be germ-free, this chemical is used in a host of products that tout being “anti-bacterial” or “anti-microbial”. It’s closely related to dioxin (a carcinogen), and it’s bioaccumulative. Under certain conditions, it can even convert to dioxin or chloroform. It likely contributes to increased antibiotic resistance of some modern bacteria, and it also kills friendly bacteria that occur naturally in our bodies. The EPA has registered triclosan as a pesticide ranking high as a human and environmental health risk.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – These chemicals vaporize and enter the air at room temperature (also called off-gassing). They contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, posing a health risk.
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