Toxins in Personal Care Products: How to Keep Them Out of Our Waterways

by | Apr 20, 2015 | Local Water Protection, water and health

by: Amanda Sebert

When astronomers search for life on another planet, what they are really looking for is water. Water is essential to all life, and unless it is clean, we cannot consider it water. As a species, we have learned from our evolutionary history, and from recent tragedies like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa,

Waterways may become polluted with toxins from personal care products.that polluted water sources can cause significant harm to both human health and the environment. Keeping dangerous chemicals out of our water sources is an obvious goal, but in the toxin-filled world in which we live, it can be harder than you might think.

Everything we put on and in our bodies will ultimately end up in our waterways. It can be difficult to see the connection between products we use on our bodies and their affects on our environments. The lotion that helps brighten your skin may contain parabens that are disrupting your hormones. Extensive scientific studies have shown that hormone systems of wildlife are disrupted by chemicals from personal care products that end up in water bodies after being rinsed down the drain. These same water sources may be the drinking water supply for hundreds or thousands of people. One need not be a scientist to understand the connection between our health and our water sources.

Personal care products are those used for hygiene and beautification. We use personal care products such as, toothpaste, hand soap, mascara, and deodorant. Everyone who uses these products are exposed to dangerous toxins like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, triclosan, tocopheryl acetate, and many more. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has found that the average American uses 9 personal care products daily. In these 9 products, there are approximately 126 unique chemical ingredients. Scientific research is lacking when it comes to understanding how the chemicals in these products interact with each other or with the other toxins we are exposed to in our daily lives.

Cosmetic personal care products have toxins that may end up in waterways.

The Environmental Working Group, an organization made up of scientists, policy experts, lawyers, communication experts and programmers, has found that more than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is not the only health problem; toxins in personal care products have been linked to many different health issues which include birth defects and reproductive issues, respiratory conditions like asthma, behavioral disorders, hormone disruption, nervous system problems, and mental health issues such as depression. Sometimes a clear link exists between a health issue and a toxin, but that is not normally the case. For example, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used in many personal care products, particularly in shampoos and liquid baby soaps. The formaldehyde and preservatives are used to prevent bacteria growth in these products, and these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. Some evidence suggests that these absorbed chemicals may lead to allergic skin reactions and cancer. (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics).

Toxins in personal care products that cause adverse health impacts end up in our waterways. Thanks to modern science, public drinking water sources have the capability of removing most of these toxins before they reach consumers. This does not help the wildlife who come into contact with polluted water before it is treated. Individuals and communities who have private wells are especially at risk from toxins in water. These communities that rely on private well water may not have sophisticated water treatment systems to filter out these potential toxins.

So how can we protect ourselves from harm and also keep toxins from personal care products out of our waterways? The European Union has banned over 1,132 chemicals from personal care products of which the US has only banned 11. There is no reason for certain harmful toxins to remain in our products if safer alternatives exist and are readily available. Getting big businesses to change their ways can be a difficult and daunting task. We must use our strength in numbers to induce change by choosing personal care products that are safe for bodies and will not pollute our waterways. Visit the Skin Deep Database to see if your products are safe. Check out the Action Alerts from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics where you can tell cosmetics companies and elected officials that safe cosmetics are important to you. We must press for legislation that: (1) requires product manufacturers to use safer alternatives (2) imposes broad regulations that protect human health and the environment and (3) keeps dangerous toxins out of our waterways.

 

Making Water Sustainability Choices a 2015 Priority

by | Jan 30, 2015 | New Year's Resolutions, water and health

How to Add ‘Water’ to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Visit StayingHealthy.org for more helpful infographics!

Every year, January brings a long list of New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, eat right, and lead a healthier lifestyle. Despite these goals to eat more fruits and vegetables, go to the gym, and take the stairs, there is one key health aspect that is often forgotten: water.

Clean water is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, yet it is something many of us in the United States take for granted. Over 780 million people around the world do not have access to clean water, but US residents have abundant access to clean municipal water. (UN Facts and Figures). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that water is essential for keeping body temperatures normal, lubricating joints, protecting the spinal cord, and getting rid of waste. Despite these benefits, up to 75 percent of Americans may be chronically dehydrated (CBS Miami).

To make 2015 a successful one, let’s prioritize water in our New Year’s Resolutions.  This year, aim to conserve and consume water sustainably for a better planet and a healthier YOU. Stuck on the perfect water-related New Year’s Resolution? Here are some perfect ways to incorporate water sustainability into your every day.

1. Your Home

Everyone has a barrier that prevents them from drinking enough water in their home. Overcome those barriers by preventing them in the first place!

  • If your tap water’s taste is unappealing, try a Brita pitcher or faucet filter that minimizes the taste of chlorine and can remove impurities such as heavy metals.
  • Designate a specific cup, mug, or reusable bottle for water. Keep it filled and carry it with you throughout your home as a reminder to drink more water.
  • Drink water at key times throughout the day. To keep hydrated, space out your water consumption and pair with daily activities. For example, set a goal to drink a glass of water when you wake up, at breakfast, at lunch, at dinner, and before bed. That’s already 5 glasses of water! The general rule of thumb is to drink 8 glasses per day (Mayo Clinic).

2. On the Go

We’ve all been there before: We’re in the car or at a meeting, and all we can think about is how thirsty we are. Thirst is a sign that our body is craving water to complete cellular tasks that keep us healthy.  Prevent dehydration on-the-go this year.BeCause Water Glass Bottle

  • The best way to keep your body hydrated is to carry a reusable water bottle with you. Having the bottle near you – on your desk, or in your backpack – can remind you to keep drinking water throughout the day.
  • Reusable water bottles are easy to refill at a tap or filtered water station. Plus, you can choose a design that fits your personality. BeCause Water has a line of reusable water bottles that keep your filtered water fresh all day long. If you’re looking for a bottle that can filter tap water, try brands like Brita or Camelbak.
  • A reusable water bottle is key to a healthy environment and a healthier lifestyle. The majority of plastic disposable water bottles end up in landfills and in the ocean. These plastics create an unhealthy environment for all life on Earth. Do your part and resolve to use a reusable water bottle to carry water with you all year long!

3. School/Workplace

When you’re sitting at your desk, either at work or in class, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Water is essential for keeping our minds and bodies energized. Here are tips for keeping hydrated throughout your day at work or school.

  • Keep a water glass, mug, or other container at your desk or in your locker so you can fill up and quench your thirst throughout the day.
  • Track your daily water consumption. You’d be surprised at how much better you feel on the days you drink 8 glasses of water. Make a note in your daily planner or use a phone app to tally water intake. Not your style? Try water bottles that monitor your water consumption either digitally or manually.

Make sure to make water a priority in 2015 for improved health and a clean environment! If water quality is an issue in your community, take further action by contacting your local and state representatives to show them that water is important to you.

Good luck with your water-related New Year’s Resolutions! Here’s to 2015.

 

Have additional ways to incorporate water sustainability into the every day? Leave a comment below!