Most of us do our best to avoid artificial chemicals in our foods, never realizing that inhaling them or applying them to our skin can sometimes be just as harmful as eating them.
Propylene Glycol You could be putting antifreeze disguised by a nice fragrance on your skin. This chemical is linked to liver problems, kidney damage, skin cell growth inhibition, damaged cell membranes, rashes, respiratory damage, immune system deficiency and central nervous system depression.
Diethanolamine (DEA) Be sure to read the labels on your bubble bath, shampoo, body wash, and other bath items, and steer clear of products that list cocamide DEA. It is known as a carcinogenic substance.
Phthalates Candles, plug-ins, and other room deodorizers often contain phthalates. According to the Environmental Working Group, studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates can trigger what’s known as “death-inducing signaling” in testicular cells, making them die earlier than they should. If that’s not enough, studies have linked phthalates to hormone changes, lower sperm count, and thyroid irregularities.
Formaldehyde If you’ve ever taken a biology class, you will likely recognize this cancer-causing chemical as a preservative. While product labels on makeup and other cosmetics won’t say “formaldehyde,” you may see these formaldehyde-releasing chemicals listed: DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane or Hydroxymethylglycinate.
