Ethical Products

If it comes in a box, can, bottle, packet or canister, it'll have a label to go with it. So get informed on what's inside your day-to-day household products.

Are we living with a toxic timebomb? Who really knows, but you can cut back on household chemicals by learning about the worst offenders.

These days we shake our heads over the daft Elizabethan women who cheerfully sported lead-based make-up, the Romans who were poison-metal mad and the Victorians who advocated smoking for health reasons.

But are 21st century lifestyles any better? Research from bodies such as Greenpeace has found high levels of chemicals in all kinds of common products including children's clothes and toys, household paints, cleaners, computers, carpets, PVC products, cosmetics, shampoos, detergents and air fresheners.

Some chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage and reproductive problems, and children and unborn babies are especially vulnerable. But until every single potentially nasty chemical is analysed, we are all playing the guinea pig in a global chemistry experiment.

It's up to you how far you go in avoiding substances - it's almost impossible to be 100% green. But the main thing is to be aware, so at least you have the choice. Get into the habit of reading product labels and swapping those that contain toxic stuff for greener alternatives.

COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES

Cosmetics and toiletries can contain a variety of hazardous substances, especially in nail polish, perfumes, hair sprays, household cleaners and deodorisers.

Avoid:

Cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes with synthetic fragrances, usually labelled 'parfum' or 'fragrance' on the ingredients list.
Toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwashes containing Triclosan.
Long-term use of permanent hair dyes, especially those warning of allergic reactions.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Be wary of the these products:

Tefl on and other non-stick pans give off toxic fumes if overheated, so use cast-iron or stainless steel pans.
Tinned foods have a lining that contains Bisphenol-A, suspected to interact with our hormone systems.
Products containing Triclosan: certain plastic chopping-boards, washing-up cloths, sponges, liquids, soaps and disinfectants.
Chemical air fresheners, antibacterials or heavily scented cleaning products are also on the hit list.

PLASTICS

Try to avoid anything made from soft PVC, which is hard to recycle and may contain phthalates, widespread contaminants in the global environment and known to disrupt the endocrine system. Look out for packaging stamped with 'PVC 3', or in the recycling triangle with the numbers 3.

Polycarbonate plastic (PC) contains bisphenol A, which is a hormone disrupting chemical. Polycarbonate plastics can often be identified by looking on the packaging for 'PC7' or looking inside the recycling triangle for the number 7.

DECORATING MATERIALS

Many household paints give off dangerous fumes as they dry. Most paints are now labelled to tell you how many VOCs (fumes) they give off - look for those marked 'low' or 'minimal' VOC content. Use water-based paints where possible.

WORST CULPRITS

Artificial musks are used in many toiletries and cleaning products, usually described as 'parfum' or 'fragrance' on labels. They are bioaccumulative contaminants in the environment.
Bisphenol A is a hormone disrupting chemical found in some polycarbonate plastic, used for baby feeding bottles, refi llable water bottles, food containers, CDs and DVDs and electrical appliances.
Brominated fl ame retardants (BFRs) are found in plastics, textiles, furniture and electrical appliances, and suspected hormone disrupters.
Parabens are preservatives found in most cosmetics. They have also been found to mimic oestrogen, and having been found in breast cancer tumours. They are known skin and eye irritants, and have also been linked to sperm damage in males.
Phthalates are added to PVC plastics to make them pliable, and to a wide range of cosmetics. They are associated with liver, kidney and testicular damage.
Triclosan is a strong antibacterial used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps, deodorants, dish cloths and chopping boards. There are claims that its widespread use is leading to risks to the environment and human health.


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