This might turn into a new pet subject of mine, along with silent PCs…

I have been reading up on the subject of chemicals used in food, cosmetics etc. and I am amazed at how many chemicals are present in stuff we use every day which are known to have harmful effects!

Most of those products are used simply because they are a cheap way to get a certain effect or texture (color, lather, smell)

It started when i looked up Laurel Sulfate after hearing it might be the cause of allergy. I found much worse than allergy…

“Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Used as a detergent in all types of foaming personal care products from liquid soap and shampoo to toothpaste. SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. Industrial uses of SLS include garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps. Medical studies show SLS is absorbed into the body and is retained in the eyes, brain, heart, liver and other organs with potentially harmful long term effects. SLS may retard healing. Exposure to SLS when released from a cleaning agent may cause eye tissue malformation and possibly cause damage to the protein formation in the eyes of young children and infants. Other research has shown that SLS may cause potentially carcinogenic nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with commonly used ingredients found in many products. Large amount of nitrates may enter the blood stream from just one shampooing. SLS used in toothpaste to create lather, causes microscopic damage to the mouth tissue, providing a protein-rich food source for bacteria which can lead to an increase in gum disease. According to Herloffon B & P, in a study conducted in 1994, the denaturing effect of SLS on the protective mucous layer in the mouth exposes underlying tissues causing recurrent mouth ulcers, and vulnerability to irritant acids in foods. In addition, this allows a greater absorption of other toxins, such as fluoride.

They are used in personal care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added, it thickens to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated.“

The idea that it cannot be harmful because it is used externally seems a bit weak when you look at how many prescription drugs are now available as a skin patch… and we scrub it onto our head 200 times a year or more???