Pregnant Women’s Bodies Polluted With Chemicals Found In Consumer Products
November 30, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Info You Want to Know
Pregnant Women’s Bodies Polluted With Chemicals Found In Consumer Products
The “Earliest Exposures” study, a research project conducted by Washington Toxics Coalition in collaboration with the Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center and the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition found pregnant women’s bodies were polluted with chemicals found in consumer products.
This first-of-its kind study investigated the living environment of nine fetuses through testing the blood and urine of the nine mothers taking part in the biomonitoring study. Tests measured the levels of five chemical groups, including phthalates, mercury, perfluorinated compounds or “Teflon chemicals,” bisphenol A (BPA), and the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A.
The women, all in their second trimester, were all found to have BPA, phthalates, mercury, and “Teflon chemicals” in their bodies. Cause for concern is that these toxic chemicals, known to disrupt development and hormonal systems cross the placenta and are absorbed by the fetus. They not only hinder fetal development, but the growing fetus has limited ability to detoxify these foreign substances.
Of the more than 80,000 chemicals found in consumer products today, only approximately 200 have been tested for safety since the inception of The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. Until more strict regulations govern the use of ingredients in consumer products, consumers can take an active role in lowering their toxic exposure. Start by purchasing Phthalate and BPA free products, switching from flame retardant clothing and bedding to organic, and substituting conventional body care for third-party certified organic body care.
Karen Ciesar, Founder and Formulator of Trillium Organics states,
“I am sadly not surprised at these findings. The pervasiveness of petrochemicals in the modern world makes avoiding exposures a task which requires research and vigilance. Luckily, there are many non-profit organizations dedicated to informing consumers, some of my favorites are; SafeCosmetics.org (searchable database of cosmetic safety), Healthystuff.org (searchable database of family product safety), HealthychildHealthyworld.org, a comprehensive and informative site about environmental exposures, OrganicConsumers.org (an activist website about all issues surrounding Organic, food, personal care and fibers). It takes some time and effort to find safe products for your family, but every green purchasing choice you make increases your child’s chance at a healthy future in a greener world.”
Trillium Organics has recently been endorsed by the Organic Consumers’ Association as a “brand to trust” in their recent BUYcott campaign, Trillium Organics has been a leader in the movement for clean, safe personal care since 1994.
Look out for a review and giveaway from Trillium this week!
Russell Organics Giveaway
Just a couple days ago I reviewed Russell Organics Lemon Jojoba Body Polish. Cruelty Free. Vegan. Organic. All Natural. Eco-company
And now I am back to tell you about their shower gels.
Russell Organics formulated its Organic Shower Gels to perform at the highest levels; honey like texture, rich sensual lather, and excellent cleansing ability. All this without any of the harsh petro-chemicals found in most other shower gels.
They never use Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Parabens, Fragrance, Colorants, Phenoxyethanol, Urea, or Propylene Glycol.
Just look at how incredible the ingredients are. Take note, no water. I haven’t personally tried this, but I bet a little goes a long way!
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil (saponified), Organic Jojoba Oil (saponified), Organic Olive Oil (saponified), Glycerin, Vegetable Gum Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract, Lavender Essential Oil.
Above is the ingredients for the Lavender, so the essential oils will differ depending on the scent. Russell Organics offers 4 Organic Shower Gels.
French Lavender
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Sweet Orange
The Organic Shower Gels are $16 for 8 oz. Not a bad deal, since most shower gels are full of water, and icky sulfates.
Russell Organics has teamed up with Prissy Green to offer FOUR winners their choice of Shower Gel! I have once in each scent.
When I notify winners, it will be scent of choice on a first come first serve basis.
To enter, Go to Russell Organics and tell me one other item there you would like to try, and which shower gel scent you would most like to have.
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FTC disclosure: I did receive an item to review, but that post is linked above. There was no exchange for this particular posting.
Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 11/19. Open to US.
Intelligent Nutrients Review and Giveaway
What an incredible giveaway I have for you readers today! I have an entire set of Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Skin Care for one lucky reader!
But first you have to read my review. =) And find out a little about Intelligent Nutrients so you can see why you want to win this set!
An Austrian by birth, and son of an herbalist, Horst M. Rechelbacher is an active environmentalist, innovative business leader, author, artist, and organic farmer. At age fourteen, Horst began a three-year apprenticeship in the beauty and salon industry. With an award-winning career as a hairstylist, in 1965, he started his own salons and product line called Horst. In 1978, Horst founded Aveda Corporation, a global plant-based cosmetic company. Nearly two decades later, he sold Aveda to Estee Lauder but remained a consultant until March 2003. Afterwards, he focused on his new product paradigm, Intelligent Nutrients, a health and beauty product company, utilizing 100% food-based and organic certified ingredients. You can read more awesome information about the founder of Intelligent Nutrients here.
“At Intelligent Nutrients each product is formulated for both performance and safety -our belief is that what we put on our bodies should be as safe and nutritious as what goes into our bodies. It’s my personal mission to change the outdated chemistry which is used in personal care products. And rather than just talk about what’s wrong, I decided to show the industry that beauty can be done differently—responsibly and safely—without compromising performance,” explains Rechelbacher.
Because our bodies absorb toxins and chemicals in the air we breathe and in the products we use every day, Intelligent Nutrients intends to educate consumers regarding the truth about ingredients. “Not all manufacturers are coming clean. In fact, greenwashing has become an epidemic within the beauty industry. Our commitment is not only to tell the truth, but to educate consumers and the industry alike about organics, as well as the risks associated with many harmful ingredients commonly used in beauty products,” explains Melissa Christenson, President of Intelligent Nutrients.
The collection includes aromatics, hair and scalp care, styling, body cleanser and lip balm, Anti-Aging Facial Cleanser, Anti-Aging Mist & Anti-Aging Serum —all certified organic to the highest standards, as well as the anti-aging, anti-oxidant powerhouse seed oil complex—Intellimune, also certified organic.
“When you look at current beauty products and their most potent active ingredients—you’ll see that most are derived from food sources—from Omega-3, to lycopene, to fruit acids and antioxidants.
Scientific Research and Collaboration• —IN works with noted physicians and scientists at leading universities and institutions as well as food and cosmetic chemists to create non-toxic, plant-based active formulations that have superior performance, without use of synthetic and petrochemically-derived ingredients.
100%
Renewable Energy• —Intelligent Nutrients is the first professional quality brand in the health and beauty industry to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) on behalf of the manufacturing of ALL our products, as demonstrated by the Green E seal. Not only do we create renewable energy to offset the energy we use in manufacturing, we also purchase 100% wind energy for our corporate headquarters.
Organic Farming• —IN grows certified organic ingredients on Horst Rechelbacher’s farm in Osceola, Wisconsin for research and use in Intelligent Nutrients products.
Cruelty Free• —None of the ingredients or products are ever tested on animals, as demonstrated by the leaping bunny seal on all IN products.
Intelligent Nutrients sent me an overwhelming amount of products to review. And trust me that is not a complaint from me! I chose not to review the Anti-Aging Cleanser and Moisturizer myself, as I was worried about break outs. I did however find some other goodies my skin liked!
(and a small word about the Anti-aging Cleanser and Moisturizer? They found a great home with a friend of mine, and the day after she got them from me, she called me on her way to work to tell me how just after two uses her face looked and felt better. that is FAST!)
I love toners that come as a spray. When I received my new Anti-Aging Mist, I was excited to try it, I don’t like toners that strip my skin. I had just started on the Carley’s Clear and Smooth and my face was a little tight. I now apply this mist before applying my day and night moisturizers. I really love the way my skin feels, after a couple sprays my skin feels relaxed, and healthy.
Refresh and revitalize skin while lightly moisturizing and helping to renew cells using this lightweight toning mist. Suitable for all skin types including mature, dry, sensitive and oily skin. The USDA Certified Organic spray nourishes with the Intellimune Seed Meal and Seed Oil Complex that helps skin retain water and inhibits the loss of collagen while strengthening with a pure blend of antioxidant and omega fatty acid-rich ingredients. The water-based formula also helps prep for serum and moisturizer application and leaves skin invigorated and radiant.
I am also a new fan for their Anti-Aging Serum. Now most of you with acne like me, might be scared of this. Yes it is oils, but they are not pore clogging oils. Oils are actually fantastic for your skin, and can be hugely benficial for acne prone skin. We do so much to strip our skin, that sometimes we need to replenish. I use this now about 2 nights a week. A little dab is enough, great for neck, and decolette too!
Feed your skin pure plant-derived ingredients to help reduce inflammation, soften fine lines and wrinkles and protect against environmental aggressors with this gentle serum. Suitable for all skin types including mature, dry, sensitive and oily skin. The USDA Certified Organic formula contains a potent blend of anti-aging antioxidants found in the rich Intellimune Seed Oil Complex along with Acai, Argan and healing essential oils. Full of vitamins, essential fatty acids, phytosterols and other natural nutrients, it helps reduce redness, makes pores appear less visible and promotes an even skin tone while restoring hydration, protecting collagen production and aiding in skin’s natural barrier functions.
I know I have mentioned before what a fan I am of treatment oils for scalp and hair. has a remarkable Intelligent NutrientsHair & Scalp Treatment Oil. I usually will do this at night, and wash out in the morning, but you really only need to leave on 3-5 minutes. Leaves my scalp nice and moisturized, but doesn’t weight my locks down.
Help smooth, soften and protect damaged or dry hair with this rich cream which is certified organic by the UK’s Soil Association and contains no petrochemicals that are often added to conditioner to help them slide easily through the hair. Instead, this plant-based blend uses Oatmeal and other non-toxic plant emollients to help spread the intensely hydrating formula. Jojoba, Coffee and Palm Kernel oils are blended with the antioxidant-rich Intellimune Seed Oil Complex to add softness and sheen, reduce frizz and help detangle. Safe for color-treated hair. Also fantastic to rub into cuticles!
If you have been a reader of this blog for any amount of time, you know my issues with insomnia. Well this Aromatic doesn’t cure insomnia, but it has tricked my senses into knowing it is night time. It is a certified Organic InterCalm, called Wind Down. Now that I have gotten into a habit of using this at night after I wash my face, my brain instantly realizes, to breath deeper, and start the “Wind Down”. With this therapeutic aroma that captures soothing Sweet Orange, White Grapefruit and Mandarin blended with warm Neroli and Petitgrain. This serene aroma contains only pure plant ingredients. One of seven different USDA certified organic scent blends that Intelligent Nutrients has created, the aromatic instantly acts to help soothe, refresh and purify both your body and your mind.
All in all, everything that was sent to me for review from Intelligent Nutrients was a totally win. I think the only issue I have had, is their Hair Spray pump clogged on me once…. Ran it under warm water, and it was back to new! Considering the sent me several Hair Care, Skin Care and Organic Fragrances, i think that says something!
Now it is your chance to give Intelligent Nutrients a swing! You will receive the ENTIRE Skin Care Line!
This includes Anti-Aging Cleanser, Mist, Serum and Moisturizer! This is a $190 value, and remember, it is suitable for ALL Skin Types! To enter, tell me one product not mentioned here, that you would like to have for yourself.
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Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 11/1. Open to US only.
