{"id":987,"date":"2022-11-29T09:57:28","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T23:57:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellbeing.com.au\/being\/?p=987"},"modified":"2023-01-19T09:32:05","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T23:32:05","slug":"living-a-low-tox-lifestyle-simple-diys-to-reduce-your-chemical-load","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellbeing.com.au\/being\/living-a-low-tox-lifestyle-simple-diys-to-reduce-your-chemical-load\/","title":{"rendered":"Living a low-tox lifestyle: Simple DIYs to reduce your chemical load"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I started looking at labels back in 2011 when I went vegan. At that point, it was less about living a low-tox lifestyle and more about making sure I wasn\u2019t purchasing items that were tested on animals or made with animal products. I found many brands proudly promoting things like \u201call natural\u201d and \u201cno parabens, sulphates or harsh chemicals\u201d on their labels. Even still, I found these \u201cclean, eco-friendly\u201d brands sometimes still affected my skin and caused irritation, itching and sometimes rashes. As I learned more, I realised this was most likely due to synthetic fragrances, which can wreak havoc for many. But it got me thinking about what other chemicals might be lurking in products that I was bringing into my home.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all companies are forthcoming about including ingredients on their packaging. In Australia, companies must legally list ingredients on skin and body care labels, yet there is no legal requirement to disclose ingredients on household cleaning products<\/a>. Some cruelty-free brands proactively do, but the majority of commercial brands don\u2019t. They market themselves as \u201ctrusted for generations\u201d and many hold awards for being trusted brands. While they don\u2019t include ingredients on their labels, what they do<\/em> include (in fine print on the back of the package at the very bottom) is a hazard warning and poison control details!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other brands claim their products are \u201call natural\u201d or \u201cderived from natural sources\u201d but do not disclose how ingredients are sourced, extracted, or manufactured. For instance, parabens occur in nature (they can be found in blueberries), but it\u2019s unlikely these companies are sourcing parabens from blueberries to put into their highly-toxic cleaning products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never done this, have a look at some of the products in your home \u2013 whether they be beauty, cleaning, or laundry products. Below are a just a few of the many ingredients commonly found in everyday products that you may want to be aware of. Not only are they harmful to humans<\/a>, but many are also toxic to animals and the environment.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aluminium Chlorohydrate<\/strong> \u2013 a light metal found in antiperspirants and used to block pores to reduce sweating; accumulates in the body (brain, kidneys, liver), and affects absorption of minerals and neurological systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BHT\/BHA (Butylated Hydroxytoluene\/Butylated Hydroxyanisole)<\/strong> \u2013 used as synthetic preservatives and antioxidants; may cause headaches\/migraines, allergic reactions, and aggressive behaviour (BHA is listed as a possible human carcinogen while long-term exposure to BHT has demonstrated toxicity to mice, causing liver, lung, thyroid and kidney issues)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cocamidopropyl Betaine<\/strong> \u2013 synthetic ingredient used as a foaming agent in products like baby wash and shampoo; can cause contact dermatitis as well as skin and eye irritation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diethylene glycol<\/strong> \u2013 found in window cleaners; negatively affects endocrine (hormone) processes and foetal development<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formaldehyde<\/strong> \u2013 used in spray and wick deodorisers; known respiratory irritant and carcinogen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fragrances<\/strong> \u2013 oftentimes petroleum-based and found in deodorant, moisturiser and hand wash, as well as shampoo, laundry and cleaning products; can cause respiratory and skin irritation, headaches, sneezing and watery eyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parabens<\/strong> \u2013 synthetic preservative found in a variety of products ranging from body care to toothpaste; these are known endocrine (hormone) disruptors and may also cause skin irritations including hives, eczema, and rashes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petroleum<\/strong> \u2013 solvent found in many body and cleaning products; damages mucous membranes and contributes to the depletion of non-renewable resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phenols<\/strong> \u2013 found in many disinfectants and toilet bowl cleaners; toxic to the respiratory and circulatory systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By no means is this a complete list of all the harmful chemicals found in \u201ctrusted\u201d products. This may seem scary, but the good news is that you can make many of your own DIY products at home using simple ingredients like bicarb soda, vinegar and essential oils that are safe, affordable, and effective<\/em> (and you won\u2019t need to protect yourself with surgical gloves and face masks to use them!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By no means is this a complete list of all the harmful chemicals found in \u201ctrusted\u201d products. This may seem scary, but the good news is that you can make many of your own DIY products at home using simple ingredients like bicarb soda, vinegar and essential oils that are safe, affordable, and effective<\/em> (and you won\u2019t need to protect yourself with surgical gloves and face masks to use them!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are just a few of my favourite DIY recipes. I always recommend using glass or stainless steel containers and high-quality, therapeutic grade essential oils. It\u2019s also good practice to patch test to ensure no staining\/discolouration (surfaces) or sensitivities (skin) occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Household cleaners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Multi-purpose spray<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n