Toxic Toiletries
Did you know that chemicals found in soaps, bubble bath, shower gels, skin lotions, wipes and household cleaning products can damage your fertility and may be one possible factor for rising infertility rates?
There is a substance known as triclocarban (TCC) which causes endocrine disruption; that is, it increases the production of some hormones to a level which is harmful. The effects of this include cancer, learning disabilities and developmental delay, and infertility. Despite this, the USA uses one million pounds of it in consumer products every year and it has been used in products in the US and Europe for nearly 50 years.
New Research
Using human cells, scientists were able to determine an increase in the hormones normally kept under control by testosterone. To determine the outcome of this, they fed rats with TCC and found that the increased hormone levels caused the prostate gland to become abnormally large. Could this be a cause for prostate cancer in men? The genetic make up of rats and humans is certainly very different so there should be caution when trying to make conclusions from animal studies, but as this phenomena was observed in human cells it could be significant.
The findings are new as previous studies only showed a reduction in hormones rather than an increase.
Bill Lasley, an expert on reproductive toxicology and veterinary sciences, said:
'This may eventually lead to an explanation for some rises in some previously described reproductive problems that have been difficult to understand.'
He also thinks that anti-bacterial soap wash may be unnecessary and that ordinary soap will do the trick, 'washing our hands well, and that practice alone prevents the spread of disease.'
Authors of the study will not commit as to whether a person should avoid products containing TCCs but if you are trying for a baby and have had more than one year without conception it may be prudent to do so.
Ways To Reduce Your Chemical Exposure
- Get rid of all products in your house that list triclocarban's, TCCs, 3 or 4,- trichlorocarbanilide's which are all names for the same chemicals.
- Other products which could damage your fertility include formaldehyde (also known as formalin), aluminium, and parabens.
- Buy products which are naturally sourced, such as aluminium free deodorant.
- Do without anti-bacterial soap - normal soap will do.
- Buy 'green' washing powder, soap nuts or an eco-ball for your laundry.
- Try alternative cleaning products like white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda instead of chemical cleaners.
- Check your work place for similar hazardous ingredients in cleaning products.
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