The May 2011 issue of the renowned fashion magazine Glamour Magazine in the United States published a report titled "The New Toxic Threats to Women’s Health," which immediately sparked a heated response from readers and online discussions.
This article might not seem particularly special to many who care about green and safe consumption, but it is indeed rare and significant for a women's fashion magazine that relies heavily on cosmetics and skincare products for advertising revenue. It not only boldly exposes the threat of modern chemical toxicities to women's health, but also clearly points out the harm caused by phthalates in cosmetics and skincare products.
This article begins by bluntly telling every woman who pursues beauty: "Many terrible chemical toxins are in your bathroom, kitchen, and refrigerator, and numerous studies have already confirmed that they can seriously affect weight gain and threaten our reproductive and immune systems..."
Regarding the most common chemical toxins encountered in daily life, including those found in water bottles, personal care products, and food containers, women are often more susceptible to the harmful effects of chemicals than men. The report further cites a 2010 study published by the President’s Cancer Panel, which shows that women do indeed accumulate more chemical toxins than men…
This article also lists the three most common chemical toxins that women are most likely to come into contact with/absorb, as follows:
1.雙酚A(bisphenol A,BPA)：
Also known as phenolic methyl ester, it is a known endocrine disruptor or endocrine disruptor. It is frequently used in many everyday products, particularly plastic baby bottles, soft-billed sippy cups, microwave-safe plastic cutlery, plastic tableware, reusable plastic sports water bottles, plastic containers, food cans, coatings on aluminum containers, printer inks, photocopier inks, thermal paper (fax paper, receipts, etc.), and dental fillings, etc.
Numerous studies have confirmed that even low doses of bisphenol A can lead to cancer (breast cancer, prostate cancer), behavioral abnormalities, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, reproductive system disorders, obesity, and other ailments.
2. 鄰苯二甲酸二乙酯(Diethyl phthalate；DEP；Phthalates)：
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is used as a fixative to make the fragrance last longer. It is a type of phthalate, which is an endocrine disruptor. Long-term intake may cause girls to experience precocious puberty and become overweight, while boys may experience impaired reproductive ability and even liver and kidney damage.
Phthalate salts act like estrogen in humans and animals, disrupting the endocrine system and reducing sperm count and morphology in men. In severe cases, they can lead to testicular cancer. Animal studies have shown that phthalates can cause the following conditions in animals: affecting the male reproductive system, leading to hypospadias (the urethra cannot extend to the base of the penis); affecting the liver, kidneys, and testes; and even causing birth defects in females. In other words, male reproductive organs can be damaged, and women may give birth to deformed babies as a result.
3. 三丁基錫(Tributyltin,TBT)：
Tributyltin, also known as endocrine disruptor or endocrine hormone, can affect nerve conduction, endocrine system, reproductive function, or hormone system once it enters the human body. It can enter the human body through food, respiratory tract, or skin. After entering the human body, tributyltin can accumulate in the liver and kidneys for up to 29 days. In particular, it can easily cause mucous membrane and skin allergies in children. Moreover, it is not water-soluble and cannot be diluted by sweat or urine.
Studies have also found that exposure to the endocrine disruptor tributyltin increases fat cells, leading to weight gain.
Tributyltin has antibacterial, preservative, and deodorizing properties and is often used in fabrics, mattresses, diapers, sanitary napkins, and sofas. Tributyltin is also commonly used as a bottom paint for ships, and it is frequently detected in many contaminated aquatic products. Tributyltin is also a component of toxic PVC plastic, and it is often found in many household items made of PVC, such as shower curtains.
Of course, now that we know the problem, how can we avoid these toxic endocrine disruptors? The article provides several simple methods, which are quite practical suggestions and references for everyone:
1. Eat well and exercise more. A healthier body and immune system help resist the damage from toxins.
2. Buy fresh ingredients instead of canned food. If you must buy bottled or canned food, choose glass jars whenever possible.
3. Do not use plastic containers in the microwave oven. Especially with size 7 plastic, bisphenol A (BPA) may be released after microwaving.
4. Choose organic foods with edible skins and avoid overly processed or pesticide-contaminated foods.
5. Check the safety of the cosmetics and skincare products you have on hand. You can refer to stories about dangerous ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products.
6. Avoid using household cleaning products and air fresheners containing chemical fragrances/perfumes. These products often contain diethyl phthalate to make the fragrance last longer.
Simply put, it means reducing our consumption of chemicals and increasing our intake of green and organic products, thus preventing harmful chemical toxins from causing us to pay an even greater price in terms of health and the environment. Don't you agree?
※Read the full textThe New Toxic Threats to Women’s Health”
※Information and photos cited from:Glamour
※This article is reprinted fromECO Otaku Green Living Information.
