Some say it's due to an increase in awareness - that people and doctors are now more aware about these conditions and their diagnosis - others say it's due to our longer life spans today leading to more age-related conditions. Maybe, just maybe, there's more to it. This one is for all you ladies out there.
Cosmetic Ingredients and Women's Health In a random check, Women's Environmental Network(WEN) found preservatives suspected of mimicking the female hormone oestrogen, in 57% of products - this is especially worrying for women when lifetime increased exposure to oestrogen is linked to a heightened risk of breast cancer. (WEN research) One, propyl paraben, has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions; at the "daily intake level" currently acceptable under EC law, it decreased daily sperm production. Triclosan Used in toothpaste, soaps, household cleaning products, body washes and vaginal washes, Swedish research published in 2002 found high levels of triclosan in 60% of human breast milk samples. Environmentally, triclosan is also a problem, and can be converted to dioxin (linked to cancer) when exposed to sunlight in water. Phthalates In January 2003 an amendment to the EC Cosmetics Directive was approved, banning chemicals classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction from use in cosmetic products. Two of the phthalates - DEHP and DBP - are classified as class 2 compounds, toxic to reproduction. HOWEVER, with current legislation, manufacturers do not have to state whether phthalates are present in their fragrances or not. A study by WEN, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and Health Care Without Harm - Pretty Nasty found phthalates in nearly 80% of products tested. None of these had phthalates listed on the label. (This extract is taken from Women's Environmental Network. To read the original complete article, click here) |
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