This is a subject that I will be talking more about in future blogs. I can’t stress enough the importance of reading labels on our products and educating ourselves on the ingredients to avoid. This is a perfect example of why.
You may have noticed the spate of articles coming out recently regarding dangerous and EXTREMELY TOXIC hand sanitizers. These are, typically, the less expensive hand sanitizers that are prevalent and often found at big chain stores. Some are well-known American brands that have their products made overseas. Many articles describe hand sanitizers that are found to be flammable, toxic, dangerous for your health and even – deadly. Many are being recalled!
The FDA’s latest warning to consumers and health care providers involves hand sanitizers LABELED as containing ethanol, but tested positive for methanol.* Methanol, also known as wood alcohol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and deadly if swallowed.
*Note: Sadly, some companies are intentionally misleading with their ingredients. That’s when it becomes important to trust your brand.
The list has now grown to 75 sanitizers to avoid, some of which have already been recalled and some the FDA is recommending that they be recalled. These are the very hand sanitizers that you see in the chain stores like CVS, Walmart, Costco and others.
Find all natural, non toxic hand sanitizer here.
Another problem is that many establishments that are open are required to supply hand sanitizer on the counters for their customers and these are the hand sanitizers that they are providing!
This is, yet another lesson and mirror to pay close attention to what we are putting on our skin and in our bodies! We can no longer assume that the products we use, or are offered, are fine. We have to read the labels and have a general foundation of knowledge of what chemicals to avoid.
I think about health and wellness not just for myself but for everyone! I especially think about babies and kids today and the bombardment of these chemicals in our food and body care products and the effect it can have on our short term and long term health.
Here is a list of ingredients to avoid:
1.Methanol
2.Fragrance
3.Parfum
4.Petroleum
5.Parabens
6.Aluminum
7.Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
8.Triclosan
9.Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbate (PEGs)
10.Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and all sulfates
11.Propylene Glycol
12.DEA, TEA, MEA
13.Formaldehyde
14.Benzyl Alcohol
15.BHA and BHT
16.Isopropyl Alcohol (derived from petroleum)
17.Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
Here is a link to the environmental working group: EWG. You can have access to an updated database of the most recent chemicals found in products.
Companies are always finding new ways to cut costs and use cheap chemical fillers and preservatives. Especially these days, with corporate regulations being lifted to increase profitability, it puts even more of an onus on the consumer to look out for their own well-being and read all labels.
In general, try to avoid cheap commercial brands that seem artificial, and look for something that has real ingredients that you can pronounce!
If you are unsure about a product, brand or ingredient you can go to the EWG site and put the name of the product or ingredient and it will show you the level of toxicity and concern. A fantastic resource!
These days the name of the game is taking care of our health like never before. This is the foundation for strengthening our immune systems.
It doesn’t matter how healthy your lifestyle is, if you keep dousing yourself with these harmful chemicals everyday it’s going to weaken and suppress your immune system. Take charge now, be proactive and become a label detective! Choose clean products and you will feel better.
Yes it takes a little work to educate yourself and your family in the beginning, but the payoff is much greater. You and your family will stay safer and healthier, extend your life and get to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love,
Kim Keeshin
