Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1534540
By Annette Hillis, Resident Could the everyday products you use to clean your home, cook, or care for yourself, be silently compromising your health? Many common household items contain hidden poisons that can contribute to a myriad of respiratory issues, hormonal imbalances, and even to long-term illnesses. We may not realize the amount of chemical exposure we receive every day. Furthermore, it can be tricky to uncover these hazardous materials because many brands market themselves as "clean" or "natural," while still using unsafe ingredients. A tactic known as "greenwashing" is a ploy a company may use to make their commodities seem safer or more eco-friendly than they actually are. Everyday products that can be detrimental to our bodies reside in all our homes. Some substances to avoid are classified as endocrine disruptors because they interfere with our hormones. Phthalates and parabens, found in synthetic fragrances, cosmetics, and lotions, as well as bisphenol A (BPAs) and BPA alternatives, found in plastics, are alleged to cause hormonal disturbances. Suspected carcinogens like formaldehyde, prevalent in some nail polishes and hair treatments, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs, PFAS), hidden in our non-stick cookware, and 1, 4-dioxane, used in many shampoos and laundry detergents, are all potential cancer-causing substances. Respiratory and skin irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, mainly used in soaps and shampoos may trigger skin-related allergies, while the simple combination of bleach with ammonia can create a toxic gas called chloramine. If inhaled, damage to lungs, or even death, can occur. Don't count on big business to inform consumers about the possible repercussions of the goods we buy. Case in point: Roundup herbicide. One active ingredient in the weed killer is glyphosate. (Monsanto and Dow developed Roundup, but in 2018 sold the rights to Bayer.) Numerous lawsuits have ensued by users of the product. They allege that glyphosate has led to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers. However, countless studies have yet to definitively confirm this link. Consequently, Roundup is still being sold today for commercial and agricultural use only - without a change to its formula – and with residential use slowly diminishing. On the bright side, there are ways to arm ourselves with the information needed to make wise decisions. One well-known and respected organization is the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It is a nonprofit focused on researching and advocating for policies that protect public health and the environment. It is best known for its work in identifying harmful chemicals in food, personal care products, household cleaners, and drinking water. But, if you find their website a little daunting, a user-friendly app called "Think Dirty," may be just what you need. It is an easy- to-use tool that anyone can download. Just scan the barcode of the product you want to know more about, and the app will supply you with crucial, in-depth information. What's more, it will recommend safer, cleaner alternatives. Steve Simpson, the local optometrist and health advocate who was interviewed for part one of this series, gave his solution to the dilemma we face when choosing what we use in our homes. "If it's God-made, it's good. If it's man-made, it's bad." Perhaps a bit of an oversimplification, but you get the idea. 18 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | MAY 2025