What's in the soft soap you're using?

As a breast cancer survivor I take particular interest in avoiding all substances that could have cancer causing agents. You might want to know about your soft soap, something you use everyday, in your own home, at work, in the public places where we wash our hands.

This news just came from one of my favorite organizations, the Safe Cosmetics Campaign. I'm on the mailing list because I have worked with The Breast Cancer Fund, a partner and supporter. This blog post is too late for you to take action, but you can learn about the problem and take personal action when you shop.

Remember that Shaklee makes products that contain no triclosan or anything else that could possibly cause cancer.

For over two years the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been warning people about triclosan, an antibacterial chemical (actually a pesticide!) that can disrupt hormones, lower sperm production and harm immune systems. We’ve asked Walmart to get soaps and other products containing triclosan off store shelves, and we asked the FDA, the agency in charge of cosmetics safety, to take action, too. We’ve seen no movement from either one.

Now the effort to ban triclosan for non-medical uses (like in cosmetics, toys and cutting boards) has gone to the Environmental Protection Agency. And that's your chance: The EPA is taking public comments through February 7. Submit your comments in support of a triclosan ban right now!

Researchers have found triclosan in the majority of Americans, including pregnant women. The chemical can have adverse effects on fetal growth and development, may lead to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and harms aquatic life. It's in more than 75 percent of liquid hand soaps in the U.S., yet triclosan is no more effective than regular soap and water.

We're making progress: Europe and Japan have made moves to limit triclosan in cosmetics, and several members of the U.S. Congress are pushing the EPA and FDA to take another look. Meanwhile, several U.S. cosmetics companies are moving away from triclosan.

EPA action to ban triclosan would be a huge victory for our health and environment. Don't miss your chance to voice your support to the EPA before the public comment period ends!

Be well, be safe, be healthy.

Betsy

Betsy Bell's Health4u
206 933 1889
http://HiHoHealth.com