LISTS, LINKS, AND RESOURCES
The green list of non-toxic products
What we breathe into our bodies has profound effects on our nervous system, affecting our behavior, moods and over-all health. We are surrounded by chemicals and some of them smell "good," but just what are we smelling? Are those really rose petals wafting out of that scratch and sniff birthday card or that air freshener on the wall? After WWII, scientists discovered that certain petrochemicals smell sweet. The American Synthetic Perfume Industry was born and it's a multi-billion dollar affair. Synthetic fragrance is not restricted to perfume and personal care products. It's in almost all our household and industrial cleaning and laundry products. I found scented pellets in a vacuum cleaner I picked up from the repair shop, and when I had the car steam cleaned, the tires were blackened with fragrant polish.
Most of us simply assume that if a product is on the market, it has been proven safe. However, only 15,000 of the roughly 300,000 commercially available products have been tested, and mostly not by the FDA.
The FDA cannot possibly test every product, and they do not recommend testing laboratories. In the case of cosmetics ~ some of the worst toxic offenders ~ the FDA does not even require manufacturers to register their products. It's all voluntary. To top that off, manufacturer trade secrets legislation allows the perfume industry to conceal the ingredients of their products, so even if registration were mandatory, we still wouldn't know what was in them. Click here to see an EPA list of ingredients in commercial fragrance. Furthermore, according to a CNN report, restrictions on the EPA have been so tight that they have tested only 200 of the 80,000 chemicals registered in the USA, and banned only five.
Most of us simply assume that if a product is on the market, it has been proven safe. However, only 15,000 of the roughly 300,000 commercially available products have been tested, and mostly not by the FDA.
The FDA cannot possibly test every product, and they do not recommend testing laboratories. In the case of cosmetics ~ some of the worst toxic offenders ~ the FDA does not even require manufacturers to register their products. It's all voluntary. To top that off, manufacturer trade secrets legislation allows the perfume industry to conceal the ingredients of their products, so even if registration were mandatory, we still wouldn't know what was in them. Click here to see an EPA list of ingredients in commercial fragrance. Furthermore, according to a CNN report, restrictions on the EPA have been so tight that they have tested only 200 of the 80,000 chemicals registered in the USA, and banned only five.
Why fragrance-free?
The list below is from personal experience and the experience of othes who insist on fragrance-free products. Why fragrance-free? Because the fragrance in most personal care and commercial cleaning products is not made from flowers. It is made from petrochemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Here are links to the results of the ingredients in common perfumes and fabric softeners.
A text list follows below, but if you want to see a table, just click the image.
A text list follows below, but if you want to see a table, just click the image.
The List
Click the image to see this list as a Microsoft Word table, otherwise just scroll down to see text.
Cleaners: TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate), OxyClean. Available at hardware stores and markets. Use a very diluted solution.
Bar Hand Soap Clearly Natural Glycerin Soap (specify “unscented”), available at Whole Foods, sometimes Safeway. We suggest letting the soap air out before using as it has a smell when first unwrapped, probably from associating with it’s smelly siblings.
Chrome Polish Toothpaste. Our reference for this referred to regular commercial-brand toothpaste.
Cleaners TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate), OxyClean. Available at hardware stores and almost all markets. Use a very diluted solution.
Conditioner Magick Botanicals, fragrance free. Available at organic markets and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/).
Deodorant “Crystal” body deodorant stick (stone). Available at Walgreens, check also Trader Joe’s. This product is effective, inexpensive in relation to how long it lasts, and is safe (no aluminum hydrochlorate or fragrance).
Deodorizer (#1) Bicarbonate of Soda. Costco sells 10 lb boxes. Baking soda is an amazing product, natural and inexpensive. Search on-line for it’s many uses.
Deodorizer (#2) Zeolite. Available at pet stores. Commonly used in fish tanks, these little particles can be placed in open containers in the bathroom or anywhere. Indefinitely renewable - just place in sunlight all day for two days.
Dishwasher Detergent Trader Joe’s (green box). Others: 7th Generation. Available at Trader Joe's and markets like Whole Foods.
Disinfectant Vinegar (kills 85% of mold and bacteria) and Hydrogen Peroxide. There are also non-chlorine bleaches available, like Ecover, but they are mostly industrial strength Hydrogen Peroxide diluted with water. Hydrogen Peroxide is available almost everywhere and the alternative bleaches can be found at organic markets.
Fabric Softener We have not found a truly safe and effective “fabric softener.” For a list of the incredibly toxic ingredients in commercial fabric softeners, click here.
Furniture Polish Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice mixed with Jasco brand mineral oil. Rub on, rub off.
Hair Gel or Mousse (mild) Believe it or not, KY jelly. Also, Magick Botanicals Conditioner. KY is available everywhere, and Magick Botannicals conditioner can be found at Whole foods and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/). Use KY sparingly. Rub in while hair is still wet. Use the conditioner generously while hair is still wet, then style.
Hand and Body Lotion Magick Botanicals, fragrance free, http://www.magickbotanicals.com/.
Hand Dish Detergent 7th Generation Free &Clear, Allen’s Naturally. 7th Generation is available at Organic markets, etc. Allen's can be found through (800) 352-8971 (www.allensnaturally.com) or through the Needs catalog (www.needs.com).
Laundry Detergent 7th Generation Liquid - Free and Clear ("Free and Clear" means "fragrance-free"), ATSKO Sport Wash. 7th Generation is available at organic markets, etc. Atsko is available on-line (www.atsko.com) or at Wal-Mart (less expensive). Atsko is available at Wal-Mart in the Sporting Goods department as hunters use it. They also have a website: www.atsko.com but the product is less expensive at Wal-Mart.
Mildew Remover Allertech. Available at organic markets, etc.
Mineral Buildup Remover Citric Acid or just plain Vinegar. Very effective.
Pesticide Alternative Hot Shot powder (Boric Acid 99% and 1% Talc), available at Home Depot, etc. We have found that an ant problem is solved by discovering where the ants are entering, putting Hot Shot all around that spot, inside and out, vacuuming up the ants and washing away their trail. If you have a severe problem, for Integrated Pest Management and non-toxic pest control, contact Arbico, located in Tucson, AZ, at http://store.arbico-organics.com/ or
(800) 827-2847.
NOTE: Our research tells us that all commercial pesticides are neuro-toxic and dangerous to humans, no matter what any landscape or exterminator company tries to tell you. This warning includes "Pyrethroids," which are synthetic substitutes for a natural substance found in Chrysanthemums. You will see people applying pyrethroids with a wand and wearing no mask or protective gear because they've been handed a bill of goods by their bosses that pyrethroids are safe. Pyrethroids (not to mention other types of pesticide which are worse) have been linked to respiratory distress (especially for asthmatics), endocrine disruption, childhood brain cancer, and persistent neurological disorders after a single acute exposure. Click here to see the research.
Scouring Powder Bon Ami powder, non-toxic, fragrance-free.
Shampoo Magick Botanicals oil free, fragrance free, ATSKO Sensi-Clean. Magick Botanicals are available at Whole foods and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/). Atsko products are available at www.atsko.com.
To Remove Fire Retardant and formaldehyde present in virtually all New Fabric Non-fat dry milk. Available at any market. Soak material for 24 hours in a milk solution. Rinse, wash, and sniff. If it still smells, soak in fresh solution for another 24 hours.
Toilet Cleaner juice of ½ lemon
Toothpaste There are many alternatives to commercial toothpaste, most of which contain fluoride and controversial artificial sweeteners like Aspertame. We buy non-fluorinated, as our research suggests Fluoride is not as safe as it's made out to be. In any case, always read ingredients carefully. Consider avoiding mint, not only because it is a potent allergen, but also is a very powerful herb with known side effects. Mint oil, from which the flavoring is derived, is actually classified as an insecticide (http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC39861).
Window Cleaner Water plus Vinegar plus fragrance-free dish detergent. To 1 qt water, add 2 Tbsp vinegar and 1 Tsp dish detergent in a spray bottle.
Bar Hand Soap Clearly Natural Glycerin Soap (specify “unscented”), available at Whole Foods, sometimes Safeway. We suggest letting the soap air out before using as it has a smell when first unwrapped, probably from associating with it’s smelly siblings.
Chrome Polish Toothpaste. Our reference for this referred to regular commercial-brand toothpaste.
Cleaners TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate), OxyClean. Available at hardware stores and almost all markets. Use a very diluted solution.
Conditioner Magick Botanicals, fragrance free. Available at organic markets and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/).
Deodorant “Crystal” body deodorant stick (stone). Available at Walgreens, check also Trader Joe’s. This product is effective, inexpensive in relation to how long it lasts, and is safe (no aluminum hydrochlorate or fragrance).
Deodorizer (#1) Bicarbonate of Soda. Costco sells 10 lb boxes. Baking soda is an amazing product, natural and inexpensive. Search on-line for it’s many uses.
Deodorizer (#2) Zeolite. Available at pet stores. Commonly used in fish tanks, these little particles can be placed in open containers in the bathroom or anywhere. Indefinitely renewable - just place in sunlight all day for two days.
Dishwasher Detergent Trader Joe’s (green box). Others: 7th Generation. Available at Trader Joe's and markets like Whole Foods.
Disinfectant Vinegar (kills 85% of mold and bacteria) and Hydrogen Peroxide. There are also non-chlorine bleaches available, like Ecover, but they are mostly industrial strength Hydrogen Peroxide diluted with water. Hydrogen Peroxide is available almost everywhere and the alternative bleaches can be found at organic markets.
Fabric Softener We have not found a truly safe and effective “fabric softener.” For a list of the incredibly toxic ingredients in commercial fabric softeners, click here.
Furniture Polish Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice mixed with Jasco brand mineral oil. Rub on, rub off.
Hair Gel or Mousse (mild) Believe it or not, KY jelly. Also, Magick Botanicals Conditioner. KY is available everywhere, and Magick Botannicals conditioner can be found at Whole foods and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/). Use KY sparingly. Rub in while hair is still wet. Use the conditioner generously while hair is still wet, then style.
Hand and Body Lotion Magick Botanicals, fragrance free, http://www.magickbotanicals.com/.
Hand Dish Detergent 7th Generation Free &Clear, Allen’s Naturally. 7th Generation is available at Organic markets, etc. Allen's can be found through (800) 352-8971 (www.allensnaturally.com) or through the Needs catalog (www.needs.com).
Laundry Detergent 7th Generation Liquid - Free and Clear ("Free and Clear" means "fragrance-free"), ATSKO Sport Wash. 7th Generation is available at organic markets, etc. Atsko is available on-line (www.atsko.com) or at Wal-Mart (less expensive). Atsko is available at Wal-Mart in the Sporting Goods department as hunters use it. They also have a website: www.atsko.com but the product is less expensive at Wal-Mart.
Mildew Remover Allertech. Available at organic markets, etc.
Mineral Buildup Remover Citric Acid or just plain Vinegar. Very effective.
Pesticide Alternative Hot Shot powder (Boric Acid 99% and 1% Talc), available at Home Depot, etc. We have found that an ant problem is solved by discovering where the ants are entering, putting Hot Shot all around that spot, inside and out, vacuuming up the ants and washing away their trail. If you have a severe problem, for Integrated Pest Management and non-toxic pest control, contact Arbico, located in Tucson, AZ, at http://store.arbico-organics.com/ or
(800) 827-2847.
NOTE: Our research tells us that all commercial pesticides are neuro-toxic and dangerous to humans, no matter what any landscape or exterminator company tries to tell you. This warning includes "Pyrethroids," which are synthetic substitutes for a natural substance found in Chrysanthemums. You will see people applying pyrethroids with a wand and wearing no mask or protective gear because they've been handed a bill of goods by their bosses that pyrethroids are safe. Pyrethroids (not to mention other types of pesticide which are worse) have been linked to respiratory distress (especially for asthmatics), endocrine disruption, childhood brain cancer, and persistent neurological disorders after a single acute exposure. Click here to see the research.
Scouring Powder Bon Ami powder, non-toxic, fragrance-free.
Shampoo Magick Botanicals oil free, fragrance free, ATSKO Sensi-Clean. Magick Botanicals are available at Whole foods and on-line (http://www.magickbotanicals.com/). Atsko products are available at www.atsko.com.
To Remove Fire Retardant and formaldehyde present in virtually all New Fabric Non-fat dry milk. Available at any market. Soak material for 24 hours in a milk solution. Rinse, wash, and sniff. If it still smells, soak in fresh solution for another 24 hours.
Toilet Cleaner juice of ½ lemon
Toothpaste There are many alternatives to commercial toothpaste, most of which contain fluoride and controversial artificial sweeteners like Aspertame. We buy non-fluorinated, as our research suggests Fluoride is not as safe as it's made out to be. In any case, always read ingredients carefully. Consider avoiding mint, not only because it is a potent allergen, but also is a very powerful herb with known side effects. Mint oil, from which the flavoring is derived, is actually classified as an insecticide (http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC39861).
Window Cleaner Water plus Vinegar plus fragrance-free dish detergent. To 1 qt water, add 2 Tbsp vinegar and 1 Tsp dish detergent in a spray bottle.
Links & Resources
There are an increasing number of excellent web sites dealing with environmental illness in general and chemical sensitivity in particular. The following sites contain information about this problem and all things chemical that can harm us without our realizing it.
- Chemical Injury Information Network: http://www.ciin.org/ This support and advocacy organization produces one of the finest monthly newsletters on the subject in this country: "Our Toxic Times."
- Environmental Health Network of Northern CA: www.ehnca.org This is a vast resource of important information and links. Especially good section on fragrance.
- Interview with the late Dr. William J. Rea, MD, FACS, FAAEM, Founder and Director of the Environmental Health Center-Dallas. In this interview, one of the issues Dr. Rea explains is why "Chemical Sensitivity" is the proper term for this illness, rather than the more popularly used but inaccurate "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:" Click here to read this interview.
- List of other on-line resources: http://www.mcsrr.org/websites.html
- List of Support Groups for the chemically injured: http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/support-groups.htm
- EIWellspring.org: a comprehensive site with emphasis on safe housing, especially building an EI safe home.
- MCS-Global: www.mcs-global.org/ An ambitious Australian site focusing on a Global Recognition Campaign for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Chemical Injury, Chemical Hypersensitivity, Environmental Illness and other chemically induced illnesses and diseases affecting Civilians and Military personnel. Many links and features.
- MCS-America: Another site chock full of information and fact-finding.
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Referral and Resources: http://www.mcsrr.org/
- Our Little Place: http://www.ourlittleplace.com/mcs.html This is a more modest site focusing mainly on the harm done by the chemicals in perfume. This site, unlike any other I have seen, has a Christian orientation.
- The Chemical Sensitivity Foundation: http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/ With a focus on the chemical fallout after 911 at Ground Zero, this site strives to raise awareness about the dangers of chemical exposure.MCS Survivors: http://www.mcsurvivors.com/ This site attempts to organize the growing body of information and resources on multiple chemical sensitivity (environmental illness) available on the WWW.
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Steve Ross, MA, LMFT (CA)*
Mindful Counseling & Consulting
(520) 825-2009
[email protected]
http://www.breathingcoachtucson.com or
http://www.relaxandbreathe.net
* licensed in California
Mindful Counseling & Consulting
(520) 825-2009
[email protected]
http://www.breathingcoachtucson.com or
http://www.relaxandbreathe.net
* licensed in California