|
Sponsor
|
Shampoos contain a vast array of chemicals, some of
which you may want to consider avoiding.
Why do you care?
- Children are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals due to their
smaller size; this results in a higher dose compared to an adult.
- Children's body systems are also in a critical stage of development
and exposure to toxins have shown to have lifelong health consequences.
- A child's liver (most important organ for removing toxins) is
not fully mature and therefore may not be capable of removing toxins
at the same rate as an adult's liver.1
- Even many "gentle" baby shampoos, can irritate skin
and eyes. Shampoo is made up of one or two surfactants (you know
the bubble makers) and water. Other ingredients include additives
that create the proper pH level, detanglers, thickeners, preservatives,
and/or scents.
- The use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium
Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in children's products is particularly
worrying. Even if the product does not get in the child's eyes,
measurable concentrations may be found in their eyes.2
- Is there a sham on baby shampoo? Take a look at the Cancer-causing
Chemical Found in Children's Bath Products by the Breast Cancer
Fund which reports on a hidden cancer-causing petrochemical found
in dozens of childrens bath products.
The Know How
- Avoid shampoos with SLS and SLES. Look for those that contain
the mildest surfactants ocamidopropyl betaine or cocamidopropyl
hydroxysultaine, causing less eye or skin irritation.
- Healthy
Child Healthy World lists a whole whack of ingredients that
you should avoid and reasons why when purchasing shampoo and other
personal care products for your kids. A few are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,
DEA, TEA, MEA, 1,4-dioxane or Polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Check out the Guide
to Less Toxic Products to see what children shampoos they recommend.
- Check out our Wash
Out e-bulletin for more on shampoos.
Know and Tell
Take a look at the Wash
Out e-Bulletin.
1 Safer
for Your Baby: A Guide to Living Better with Fewer Chemicals
2 Natural-health-information-centre.com
|