Guide To Less Toxic Products

Guide to Less Toxic Products
www.lesstoxicguide.ca
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The Guide to Less Toxic Products
Everyday, most North Americans use beauty and cleaning products which contain hazardous ingredients.
How can you find the products which are least toxic, among the thousands of products on store shelves?
The objective of this site is to:

• Provide information about potential health risks of commonly used products.
• Help identify less toxic alternatives for personal care, household cleaning, baby care, and
household pest control.
• Provide information to help you evaluate products not in this Guide in order to choose the safest
ones for your needs.
“Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to health. The diseases we are
beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st century
are diseases of chemical origin.”
Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University
A Guide to a Healthier Life
This site was developed by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, formerly the Nova Scotia
Allergy and Environmental Health Association, with the assistances of a grant from the Halifax Peninsula
Community Health Board, Halifax, Nova Scotia. EHANS is a non-profit, charitable organization. We are
entirely independent of any supplier or manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide.
Copyright Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. Material may be downloaded for personal
use. Please contact us for permission to use this material for educational or non-profit purposes.
Please help us research new

products for this Guide.
EHANS is a registered charity.
Tax receipts will be issued.
Click blue box to donate.
Using this Guide

Why a Guide to Less Toxic Products?
Who needs a Guide to Less Toxic Products?
Our Product Selection Process
Our Categories
Why no Synthetic Fragrances?
Finding Unscented Products
What People are Saying about the Guide to Less Toxic Products
Why a Guide to Less Toxic Products?
We live in a chemical world. Over 5000 chemicals have entered daily use since WW II, many of them
found in the products we use every day to clean and beautify our bodies and our homes. Scientists are
increasingly concerned that long-term low-level exposures to chemicals create a variety of health risks.
They also worry that we do not yet know the impact of living with the cocktail of chemicals found in
household air and dust. Testing for human health effects is normally done on single chemicals, but in the
real world, we are all exposed to a variety of chemicals every single day.
Identifying less toxic products among the thousands of products lining the shelves of grocery stores,
pharmacies and health food stores, garden centers and home improvement stores can be difficult.
The Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia has produced this Guide to Less Toxic Products to
assist people who want to decrease their exposure to harmful substances in their daily life. Everyone can
benefit from using less toxic products. For people with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma and other
diseases who become ill when exposed to ingredients in many conventional products, finding less toxic
products is a necessity. But as studies continue to reveal startling information on long term health
hazards associated with commonly used chemicals, including cancers and reproductive problems, more
people are looking for less toxic products as a healthy lifestyle choice.
Many people assume that “if it was bad for us, the government would not allow it to be sold.” But we
know that regulatory bodies are slow to act. Legislation governing pest control products was only
amended in 2002, after over 30 years without change and review of pest control products is just
beginning. Health Canada has recently added some chemicals to their ‘hot list’ of chemicals not permitted
in cosmetics, but those ingredients had not been used for years and were added for the sake of ‘clarity’.
Health Canada has been slow to restrict many chemicals currently in use, including identified or
suspected carcinogens, hormone disrupters and reproductive toxins. The process of evaluating and
regulating all the chemicals we use in our daily lives is going to be slow. And past experiences in
regulating lead in gasoline, tobacco and lawn pesticides tell us that the companies which produce these
products won’t take attempts to limit their use quietly.
In choosing the products we use on our bodies and in and around our homes WE are the ones in control.
We can make informed choices for the sake of our own health and the health of our families. And in most
cases, what is less toxic for us is also less toxic for the natural environment.
Making the move to less toxic products can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to happen all at
once. Whether you make changes in only a few things or in many, you will be making positive choices for
your life.
We have produced this Guide in the hope that it will be of assistance to many different types of people,
all of whom want to live healthier lives.
Note: The marketplace changes rapidly. It is inevitable that some good less toxic products are missing
from this guide. The information contained in the sections, Chemical Hazards, will help you evaluate other
product choices. For more information see Our Product Selection Process.
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Who Needs a Guide to Less Toxic Products?

People whose schools or workplaces have gone scent free: Finding alternatives to replace scented
products can sometimes be a hassle. This Guide should make it easier. Note: A few products in the Best
or Good sections contain strong natural fragrances and may not be suitable for scent free environments.
Check ingredient labels or do a smell test.
People with chemical sensitivities: People’s sensitivities vary, and what one person can tolerate,
another cannot. Every product listed in the guide won’t necessarily be tolerable for each person with
chemical sensitivities. But the guide is a starting point, and can provide valuable tips on products which
may work for you. All the products are free of synthetic scents (to the best of our knowledge.) Many of
the products have been used successfully by people with chemical sensitivities. Products for the
chemically sensitive will most likely be found in the Best and Good sections, but may also be found in
Simply Unscented. Also check the “Make your own” recipes and Tips for useful suggestions. The Guide
may also help you to find products which you can recommend to neighbors whose household cleaners
are making you sick, or friends and relatives you would like to socialize with if only they used products
which you could tolerate.
Asthmatics and others allergic to synthetic scents: All products listed are, to the best of our
knowledge, free of synthetic scents. Products in the Simply Unscented category are also free of strong
natural fragrances.
Friends and family of people with chemical sensitivities: Many family members of people with
sensitivities don’t know where to start to find products that their loved ones can tolerate. This Guide
should help, but remember, everyone’s sensitivities are different. Your ultimate guide is the sensitive
person him or herself.
People who want to raise their children in a healthier environment: Children are especially
vulnerable to toxins in their environment. Indoor air in the home is often 8 to 10 times more polluted
than outdoor air, and has been measured at up to 100 times worse. Cleaning products, personal care
products and chemical pest controls are major sources of indoor pollution. By using healthier products
such as those listed in the Guide, you can provide a healthier environment for your children.
People who want to live a healthier lifestyle: More and more people are becoming aware that many
commonly used products contain harmful ingredients. But where do you look for healthier ones. Just
because a company advertises its product as “natural”, “green”, “non-toxic”, or “eco-friendly” doesn’t
make it so. By providing information on common hazardous ingredients, and by researching the
ingredients in many products, the Guide provides a shortcut to identifying healthier products in the
consumer jungle.
People who care about the environment: although the focus of the Guide is on finding products
which are healthier for humans, less toxic products are generally also less toxic for the natural
environment. By using less toxic products, fewer harmful chemicals are flushed down drains into our
waterways, and fewer harmful materials pollute the air, fewer toxic wastes are created in manufacturing,
and fewer harmful breakdown products are created in the environment. A cleaner natural environment,
especially clean air and water, is critical for all species, including human beings.
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Our Product Selection Process

This Less Toxic Guide has been prepared based on the best available scientific research coupled with the
anecdotal evidence of consumers who have contributed their experiences with various products. While
scientific opinion is frequently open to debate and conclusions reached by one study may be different
from those of another, we take the view that where there is an identified risk to human health it is better
to err on the side of caution. Users of this Guide are encouraged to consult other sources for information
and reach their own conclusions about individual products and ingredients.
For the purposes of this guide, we have considered both acute and long-term health effects. Acute effects
are those which happen immediately, including allergic reactions like rashes and asthma attacks,
headaches, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, coughing or other symptoms. Long term effects may not
show up for years or even for another generation. These can include respiratory damage and problems
involving central nervous system function, as well as cancers and reproductive or genetic damage.
We have looked at ingredient information for many products in order to make our selection.
1. In most cases, products had to be available in the Atlantic Provinces, preferably not only in one
small area.
2. Products had to include fewer hazardous ingredients than most other products in the same
category. Our lists of common hazardous ingredients will give you an idea of the ingredients we
considered in evaluating products.
3. No product in the Guide contains synthetic scents, to the best of our knowledge. Products in the
Best, Good and Less Toxic Alternatives categories may contain natural fragrances.
4. Products in the Best category usually contain few, if any, hazardous ingredients. Products in the
Good category contain fewer than most products on the market. Products in the Simply
Unscented category are products with ingredients comparable to most conventional products, but
without added fragrances, whether synthetic or natural. That does not mean they will have no
smell, since many ingredients, both plant based and synthetic, have smells.
5. In the personal care section, we looked at the product ingredients of every product listed in the
Best and Good section. In the cleaning section, we looked at the ingredients in products listed in
Less Toxic Alternatives. If ingredients were not available on product labels, we went to the
manufacturer. In cases where we were not able to get ingredient information, good products may
have been omitted. Less toxic products not available in Atlantic Canada may also have been
excluded.
6. Many but not all products were recommended by people with chemical sensitivities as products
which they could tolerate. Those people who recommended products have a range of sensitivity,
from mild to severe. Many of the ‘tips’ also come from people with chemical sensitivities.
EHANS is a non-profit, charitable organization that is entirely independent of any supplier or
manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide. The Guide is a work in progress and may be amended
from time to time if new or better information comes to our attention.
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Our Categories: Best, Good, Less Toxic, and Simply Unscented

Personal care products in this guide are divided into three categories:
Best ( ): These products do not contain anything from our Common Hazardous Chemicals list. They are
often based on natural ingredients.
Good ( ): These products are better than conventional products but do contain some toxic ingredients.
Simply Unscented ( ): These products are usually conventional formulations but do not contain added
fragrance, synthetic or natural. If we were unable to obtain ingredient information, but knew a product
was unscented, we listed it in this category.
Household Cleaning are categorized as either Less Toxic Alternatives (equivalent to Best and Good in
Personal Care) or Simply Unscented. This is because there are many fewer product choices and it is more
difficult to find complete ingredient information.
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Why no Synthetic Fragrances?

Most fragrances are no longer made from natural substances, but are made from synthetic chemicals.
There can be as many as 100 chemicals in a single fragrance. In 1989 the US National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified
884 of them as toxic substances.
The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, a toxic volatile
organic compound (VOC). Despite this, proposed government regulations which would require “complete”
ingredient listing on cosmetics labels will not require a complete listing of fragrance ingredients but simply
the word "fragrance" or “masking agent.” Fragrance ingredients are exempt from disclosure as trade
secrets.
The average North American uses between 17 and 21 scented products per day, exposing themselves to
a random chemical soup with unknown health effects. According to the US Food and Drug Administration,
fragrances cause 30% of all allergic reactions, and 70% of all asthmatics develop respiratory symptoms
when exposed to perfumes.
Companies which manufacture products with all natural ingredients often use natural fragrances for
added scent. Some companies who use both natural and synthetic ingredients have chosen to substitute
natural fragrances for synthetic ones. In both cases, this eliminates some of the toxic chemicals found in
synthetic fragrances, like toluene and phthalates. However, some people become ill when exposed to
natural fragrances, so natural fragrances are not a good choice for a scent-free environment.
Some companies who use natural fragrances but not synthetic ones include:
Aubrey Organics
Avalon
Aveda
Burts’ Bees
Dr. Bronner
Druide
Ecco Bella
Jason
Kiss My Face
Mill Creek
Nature’s Gate
These companies may also make some products which are fragrance free.
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Finding Unscented Products

Identifying unscented products is not as easy as you might think. Product labels which say “Unscented”
can be misleading. These products often contain masking agents to cover unpleasant smells of other
ingredients. In most cases, these masking agents are synthetic fragrances. This practice is allowed by
Industry Canada, the government department responsible for monitoring misleading labeling. Industry
Canada states there is no firm rule about how much fragrance is allowed in products labeled “Unscented.”
The general rule is that it must not be more than is needed for masking other scents. On average,
industry representatives say that “Unscented” products contain .6% scent, while scented products
contain on average 1.5 % scent, two and a half times as much.
This labeling practice creates obvious problems for people who are allergic to scents. In the “Simply
Unscented” category we have attempted to screen out products containing added fragrance in any
amount. If you have questions about a product, you can call the manufacturer to ask if a product
contains any added fragrance. They are required to tell you whether a product contains an ingredient if it
may create a health hazard for you. Please contact us if you find we have included a product in the
Simply Unscented category which contains added fragrance.
Scents may be found in some unlikely places. For example, “Odor guard” in Glad kitchen garbage bags is
in fact nothing more than fragrance. Scents have also been found as ingredients in children’s toys, rubber
boots, and car wash detergents.
Different manufacturers use different words to label their unscented products. Some of these include
“Pure”, “Scent-free”, “Fragrance Free”, “Sensitive skin formula”, “Hypo-allergenic”, “All-sensitive”, etc.
Although these words have no legal definition, they may help you identify truly unscented products.
Some product lines are completely fragrance free.

Clinique - all fragrance free
Marcelle - all fragrance free
RoC - all fragrance free
Sensitive skin formula - usually is fragrance free, as fragrances are a common skin irritant.
Hypoallergenic usually is fragrance free, as fragrances are common allergens.
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What People are Saying about the Guide to Less Toxic Products
Spring 2004
"For all of us who know that we are exposed to toxic chemicals every minute of our lives but feel helpless
to do much about it, here is an opportunity to take some responsibility."
David Suzuki, scientist and environmentalist
"This [Guide] is wonderful !!! Congratulations to the AEHA on what must have been a mammoth project.
We will certainly be letting our patients know about it, as it applies the precautionary principle,
suggesting the most likely safest product choices, given the available scientific evidence. Hopefully, the
Guide will stimulate further research in this important, yet neglected consumer health area."
Dr. Lynn Marshall, Medical Director, Environmental Health Clinic
Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
"This Guide provides what we all hoped the Internet would deliver years ago -- uncommercial, clear,
unbiased information produced by a non-profit group with nothing to sell. Print off pages and take them
with you when you shop. You and the planet will be healthier for it!"
Heidi Ship, Complementary Health practitioner
"This guide is extremely important and helpful in a timely way. The epidemic of cancers that we are all
facing is intimately tied to chemical use, although conventional medicine often fails to face this obvious
link. Recent mainstream scientific evidence linking chemicals in tap water to miscarriages is a wake-up
call. Educating the public about less toxic products is absolutely essential for the health of humans, other
species and our planet. Thank you so much for your work in producing and disseminating this
information."
Elisabeth Gold, MD, Halifax, NS
"Many thanks to the Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Health Association for this extremely helpful
guide to avoiding unnecessary toxic threats in our homes."
Elizabeth May, Executive Director, Sierra Club of Canada
"Hi Folks, Your web site is very impressive. Very good to see someone taking some action on this crucial
subject."
Site Visitor
"I can't tell you how wonderful your new site is. not only to me as a severe multiple
chemical/environmental allergy person, but to educate others to the effects of scents, chemicals etc. to
someone like me... Keep up the good work!! "
Site Visitor
"Thank you for this amazing resource. It is a challenge being sensitive to so many artificial and natural
scents, flavors, colors, preservatives, additives...etc. I have been recovering from serious debility and post
traumatic stress, and detoxing my life has made a huge difference. ... it is information like yours that has
made it possible! "
Site Visitor
June, 2006
Who is using the Guide to Less Toxic Products, EHANS’ popular on line resource? Amazing numbers of
people, from many walks of life. An average of 300 people per day have used the Guide over the past
year. Since the Guide was a featured link on Marketplace’s Chasing the Cancer Answer, in March 2006,
more than 600 people per day have consulted the Guide at www.lesstoxicguide.ca.
The Toronto Globe and Mail referred to the Guide in their hard hitting series, Toxic Shock, June 2006.
Environmental Defense Canada included the Guide to Less Toxic Products as a reference in their reports
Toxic Nation, which focused on the body burden of chemicals found in Canadians, (www.toxicnation.ca)
and Polluted Children, Toxic Nation (http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/reports/toxicnationFamily.htm).
Clean Nova Scotia uses material from the Guide in their Tox-Free education campaigns.
The Guide has also been mentioned in the superb series on health hazards in beauty products in the
Ottawa Citizen, in an item on less toxic bathroom cleaners in Chatelaine Magazine, and in an article on
Less Toxic Spas in esthemag pro.
People across Canada and abroad are using The Guide to Less Toxic Products to help themselves and
others find ways to switch to products which are healthier for humans and the environment. Below are a
sampling of the letters EHANS has received in recent months.
I'm a director of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, a non-profit group in BC. We're in the
process of producing a "Living Toxin Free" brochure for use in our part of Canada. The brochure will
provide information about common, potentially toxic household products, offer alternatives, list some
brand recommendations and offer information about local disposal sites and best practices. Your Guide to
Less Toxic Products is easily the best and most comprehensive website we've ever seen on this subject
area, and we'd like to refer readers to it and also mention some of the BC-based products you describe
(with full credit to your Guide). May we have your permission?
Thanks, Andrew Scott
Thank you for providing this information! We would like to pass this information on to our residents via
our residents association newsletter. Environmental illnesses are on the increase and we would like to
make more information available.
Again, thank you for your dedication to this project.
Regards,
Dianne Eddy, President, Mapleguard Ratepayers' Association, Deep Bay, Vancouver Island
Hello. I am the Editor-in-Chief for a small feminist ezine entitled Edwards Magazine. One of our mandates
is to highlight issues of health, and of course cancer ranks right up there when speaking of health
concerns of Canadians.
In wake of the Marketplace Report which aired on CBC last weekend, I know many Canadians are
anxious to learn more about chemicals, their harmful side effects, and what consumers can do to avoid
them in the products we use.
I'm wondering if we could obtain permission to link to your site. ...Our readers are always looking for
resources to find the information they need and I think your site is fantastic for presenting this
information in a straight-forward, easy-to-understand manner.
Best,
Christine Gordon Manley, Editor-in-Chief, Edwards Magazine, www.edwardsmagazine.ca
I am the coordinator of the environment education program for Scouts in Western Australia.
The National Association recently introduced a new badge, called the Water Wise Badge. One of the
requirements of this badge is to research and compile an environmentally friendly cleaning kit.
I am currently working at compiling a resource folder for leaders, to assist them with instructing the
youth members about the badge requirements. After much searching on the internet, I came across your
site. I found it very informative and very easy to understand.
I am writing to ask permission to include the information contained within the Household Cleaners section
in this resource folder. Your site would receive full recognition, and we would refer any enquiries to your
site.
Angela Hein, Branch Activity Leader - Environment, Scouts Western Australia
Help Fund the Guide to Less Toxic Products
The Guide to Less Toxic Products has been on-line for over two years. EHANS is seeking funding to bring
existing sections of the Guide up to date and to add three new sections: Pest Control, Building Materials,
and Special Needs.
If you belong to an organization which might support this widely used resource, we can provide any
information you need to promote this idea to your organization. Contact us by email at
feedback@environmentalhealth.ca, or 1-800-449-1995.
If you have experience writing funding proposals and would like to assist EHANS in developing proposals
to submit to funding bodies, contact us at the address above.
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Consumer Advice
Warning: Things Can Change
Beware of Greenwashing
Everything Natural isn't Safe, and Vice Versa
Learn to Read the Labels
Routes of Exposure
Essential Oils - Tips & Cautions
Warning: Things Can Change
There are thousands of ingredients used in the types of products covered in this guide. Product
formulations change frequently. Scientific understanding of the hazards of various substances is
constantly developing. The products we have included in the Guide are ones which, on the basis of
information available at the time of writing, were less toxic than most of the other products of the same
type. Changes in product formulation or scientific knowledge could make the information contained here
out of date.
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Beware of Greenwashing
Natural, Green, Eco-friendly, Botanical. You will find these words on many product labels. But in fact,
there are no legal definitions for these words. Often manufacturers of hazardous products dress up their
containers with pretty pictures of flowers and fruit to play on our desire for more natural products. A
company may promote one healthy sounding ingredient (“With Goat’s Milk”, “With Vitamin E”) in a
product whose other ingredients are not healthy at all.
Some companies will list ingredients as being derived from plants, like coconut or corn. But the plant may
have gone through so many chemical processes, sometimes involving toxic solvents, that the resulting
ingredient bears little resemblance to the original plant material.
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Everything Natural isn’t Safe, and Vice Versa

Natural is not always non-toxic. Some natural ingredients have proven harmful effects. For example, d-
limonene, found in orange peels, is a powerful solvent. It has been found to be a sensitizer and causes
severe reactions in some people. Sodium lauryl sulfate, often derived from coconut, is a known skin
irritant which enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens. Sodium laureth sulfate may be
contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of
unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. In some cases
petrochemical ingredients, particularly those which are not volatile, can be good less toxic choices.
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Learn to Read Labels

It’s important to know how to read a label. Although we are providing brand names of less-toxic
products, our list is by no means complete. And the formulation of a product could change for better or
for worse at any time. If you know the hazards of some key ingredients, you are better equipped to
evaluate for yourself the products on store shelves.
In Canada and the US, ingredients are listed in order of quantity. The first ingredient in the list makes up
the greatest amount of the product, the last ingredient is present in the least quantity.
Note: Ingredient lists may not contain all ingredients. On some product only the “active” ingredients,
those whose primary purpose is to achieve the main objective of the product, may be listed. Other
ingredients which may have harmful health effects may not be listed at all.
Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which are another source of ingredient information, are not
required to list ingredients which make up less than 1% of a product.
In Canada, manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on labels of personal care products or
household cleaning products. Many companies using less-toxic ingredients are eager to make their
ingredients known, and provide this information on labels or on information sheets or posters in stores.
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Routes of Exposure
The route of exposure is the pathway by which a chemical enters the body. There are three principal
routes of exposure: through the skin (absorption), through the lungs (inhalation), and via the mouth to
the digestive tract (ingestion). The type of exposure can affect the impact a chemical has.
A chemical which is not volatile (thus is not inhaled) but can be absorbed may be a good choice in a
furniture polish, but more hazardous in a skin crème. A chemical which is less toxic as a liquid may
become more toxic when it becomes a spray, or a vapour when heated or mixed with hot water.
Absorption
Many people believe that the skin is an effective barrier to toxins. But what we put on our skin all too
often passes through the skin and into the blood. From there it is carried to various organs including the
brain, liver and kidneys, where it may have immediate or long term effects. Absorption can be a
significant source of exposure to the chemicals in personal care products, since they may be applied to
the skin frequently and in large amounts. The scalp is an especially absorbent part of the body.
The skin is one of the most common routes of exposure. If a chemical can penetrate the skin, its toxicity
depends in part on how much absorption takes place. The greater the absorption, the greater the
potential for a chemical to exert a toxic effect. Although chemicals are absorbed much more readily
through damaged or abraded skin, chemicals can penetrate intact, healthy skin.
Skin irritation is a common result of skin contact with certain chemicals. But of greater concern are
effects which result from substances which are absorbed and circulated throughout the body and can
damage many body systems.
Inhalation Another source of exposure is inhalation. Unlike the skin, lung tissue is not meant to be a
protective barrier against chemical exposure. Lung tissue is very thin and allows the passage not only of
oxygen, but also of many other chemicals directly into the blood. Once in the blood, inhaled chemicals
pass to the heart and are then distributed to other organs without first passing through the detoxification
process of the liver. In addition to causing systemic damage, chemicals that pass through the lung
surface may injure lung tissue and interfere with its vital role of oxygen supply.
Some ingredients in personal care products, and many ingredients in household cleaning products
become airborne and become part of the air we breathe at home, at work and in schools. Any substance
which is airborne can have an impact through inhalation. Some substances are volatile in any state,
others become airborne when heat is applied, and still others become airborne when used as sprays.
Aerosol sprays are of particular concern, as the particles they produce are very small.
Chemicals can become airborne either as tiny particles, as gases or as vapours. Inhalation of particles
depends upon their size and shape; the smaller the particle, the further into the respiratory tract it can
penetrate. Gases and vapours, being smaller, are more deeply inhaled. Some of the particles breathed in
will enter the gut directly and may affect the gut by reacting with it chemically. Chemical laden particles
may be absorbed from the gut and cause effects in other parts of the body.
Ingestion Chemicals which are ingested enter the body via the mouth, either directly or when cleared
from the lungs. Obviously, chemicals can be ingested when they are on or in products we eat or drink.
They can also be ingested from substances which are applied near the mouth, eg. lipstick or lip gloss. Or
they can be transferred to the mouth through hand to mouth activity. Children, who put their hands
everywhere including in their mouths or chew on a variety of objects, are particularly likely to ingest
chemicals this way. Chemicals that are ingested enter the body by absorption from the gastrointestinal
tract. Absorption of chemicals can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the
rectum, but the major site for absorption is the small intestine.
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Essential Oils - Tips & Cautions

Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant derivatives, and if used should be used with caution. Here
are some basic tips.
Do not use essential oils undiluted or in too high a concentration. Essential oils are very concentrated. If
some is good, MORE IS NOT BETTER. Using too much can result in sensitization, and may burn or irritate
skin or mucus membranes.
Oil and water does not mix. Recipes with essential oils must include an emulsifier to make sure the oil is
dispersed equally throughout the product. If not, there is danger of sensitization. Shaking up an essential
oil in water does not disperse it sufficiently. Some recipes are still circulating from a time before this was
understood, and should not be used.
SaSalts, fat or alcohol can function as emulsifiers. Vodka, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, cornstarch and
vinegar can also be used. Sea salts are especially good for bath products. Add oils to the salts first and let
sit. Then add salts to bath. Whole milk can also be used as an emulsifier (not skim, its the FAT that is
needed for the oil to mix with.) Fractionated sweet almond oil is a good emulsifier, and is available at
most health food stores and stores which sell essential oils.
Essential oils used incorrectly can become sensitizers. Any essential oil used undiluted on the skin can
have sensitization effects. Essential oils can become sensitizers over time if they are used without an
emulsifier, and so are not actually dispersed in water. This can be true for essential oils used in baths,
cleaners, or any product used on the skin or in the mouth. Undispersed oils can also burn skin and mucus
membranes. No essential oil should be used on open cuts, to avoid oils entering the bloodstream directly.
Some oils are more powerful than others. Tea tree oil is very powerful and has to be properly blended. If
not fully diluted, or used at concentrations which are too high, it can cause sensitization. Some essential
oils are known sensitizers and should not be used at all. These include sweet birch, benzolin and cajuput.
Other oils have known health hazards. Lemon and orange oil contain d’limonene which is a sensitizer and
neurotoxin. Sage (salfia officinalis) can tend to be sensitizing and can be a problem for people who are
pregnant, as well as those with high blood pressure or epilepsy. (Clary sage is less toxic.) Cinnamon oil
can be irritating to skin. Although they are natural products, oils need to be used carefully.
Many people with chemical sensitivities are sensitive to even small quantities of essential oils, especially
the stronger smelling ones including tea tree, lemon and patchouli. Others find they can tolerate them.
Strong smelling scents, even natural ones, are not appropriate for scent-free workplaces.r>
Essential oils come in different grades. Therapeutic grade is the most pure and will not have pesticide
residues or contain any synthetic oils. Cosmetic grade oils may contain pesticide residues and may be
diluted with synthetic chemicals.
Equivalencies: Although each oil is different, on average 20 drops equals 1 mil, and 100 drops equals 1
tsp.
Thanks to Casaroma Wellness Centre, Dartmouth N.S. for assistance with this section.
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Personal Care
Common Hazardous Chemicals found in Personal Care Products
Eye and Face Make-up

Blush
Concealer
Eye Liner
Eye Shadow
Face Powder
Foundation
Lip Gloss/Balm/Protector (see skin products section)
Lip Products
Makeup Remover
Mascara
Dental and Oral Hygiene
Denture Cleaners
Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Feminine Hygiene
Douches
Tampons and other Menstrual Products
Hair Care
Conditioner
Hair Colouring
Hair Oils and Pomades
Hair Relaxers and Straighteners
Hair Styling
Mousse (see Hair Styling)
Permanent Waves
Shampoo
Hair Removal
Waxes/Sugaring Compounds
Nail Products
Acrylic Nails
Nail Polish, Hardeners, Protectors
Nail Polish Remover
Skin Products
Astringent and Toner
Bath Products
Body and Massage Oil
Body Powder
Cleanser
Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Facial Masks and Steam Baths
Facial Mists
Facial Scrubs
Lip Gloss/Balm/Protector
Lotion, Cream, Moisturizer
Lubricants
Shaving Products
Soap
Sun Protection
Common Hazardous Ingredients in Personal Care Products
More than 5,000 ingredients are allowed for use in personal care products. Many are identified by
government agencies as hazardous, but many others remain untested. Some ingredients with known
health hazards are very common in personal care products, both conventional products and alternative
ones. We are providing information on some of these common ingredients. In preparing this guide, we
screened products and chose those which had the least amount of these hazardous chemicals for our
Best and Good sections.
DEA, TEA, MEA - Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA) are
hormone disruptors. They are also known to combine with nitrates to form cancer-causing nitrosamines.
If a product contains nitrites (used as a preservative or present as a contaminant not listed on labels) a
chemical reaction can occur either during manufacturing or after a product is made. There is no way to
know which products contain nitrosamines because government does not require manufacturers to
disclose this information on the label.
A 1997 study by the U.S. National Toxicology Program found that these compounds themselves might
also be carcinogenic. Repeated skin application of DEA was found to cause liver and kidney damage in
animals. The study also discovered that when absorbed through the skin, DEA accumulated in organs.
TEA may also cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Dioxins - You won't find dioxin listed on any label. It's formed as an accidental by-product of some
manufacturing processes using chlorine, especially paper bleaching and the creation of plastic. Dioxin is
one of the most powerful carcinogens known and accumulates in body fat. Mainstream deodorants and
anti-bacterial soaps are suspect. Chlorine bleached tissues, toilet paper and cotton balls can contain
dioxin. Plastic bottles may leach dioxin into creams, shampoos and other products we use daily.
DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea - DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea
and imidazolidinyl urea are preservatives that release formaldehyde. It is estimated that 20 per cent of
people exposed to this chemical will experience an allergic reaction. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause
joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.
In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is a known sensitizer.
Imidazolidinyl urea may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
FD&C Colours - Used extensively in personal care products, FD&C colours are made from coal. Coal tar
colours have been found to cause cancer in animals and many people experience allergic reactions like
skin irritation and contact dermatitis. They are listed as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number.
Example: FD&C Red No. 6, or D&C Green No. 6.
Fragrance - Synthetic fragrance is the most common ingredient found in personal care products.
"Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them
are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin
discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations by medical
doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing
depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes." (Home Safe Home,
Debra Lynn Dadd). Fragrance is a known trigger of asthma. Many of the compounds in fragrance are
suspected or proven carcinogens. Phthalates in perfumes are known hormone disruptors. In 1989 the US
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health
effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. The US Environmental Protection Agency found
that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as
damage to a developing fetus.
Lanolin - Lanolin is a common allergen and because of this has been replaced in many products. But
there is another reason to be cautious about lanolin. Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool. It may contain
residues of insecticides into which sheep are dipped to control external parasites. These insecticides are
fat-soluble. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, says these chemicals are
likely to migrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. However, some sheep producers now control
parasites by injecting sheep with insecticides, which work by circulating through the animal’s
bloodstream. The best way to know if the lanolin in a personal care product is free of insecticide is to look
for a certified organic product. Uncontaminated lanolin is perfectly safe, although it can cause contact
dermatitis in some people. Lanolin oil, a more refined product, has been found to have little insecticide
residue. Purified lanolin oil is a healthy product, as long as you aren't allergic to it.
Lead - Lead is a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor. It is readily absorbed through the skin, and
accumulates in the bones. It causes neurological damage and behaviour abnormalities, and large
accumulations can result in leg cramps, muscle weakness, numbness and depression. Lead is found in
some hair dyes.
Nonylphenols - This estrogen-mimicking chemical is a surfactant used for its detergent properties. It
can be found in some plastics, as well as shaving creams, shampoos and hair colours. It can be created
when certain chemicals commonly found in personal care products break down. Nonylphenols can be a
component in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a compound often found in acrylic nails. They are persistent in the
environment and of such concern that many European countries are phasing them out. Some
manufacturers have voluntarily discontinued their use.
Parabens - An estrogen mimic, parabens are preservatives with antibacterial properties. Widely used in
all kinds of personal care products, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or
propyl-. Parabens can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in some people. Preservatives are one
of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. There are safer practical alternatives to parabens, including
vitamin E, vitamin C and grapefruit seed extract.
PEG - Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in cleaners and some oven cleaners to dissolve oil and grease. It
can also be found in many personal care products. PEG may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a
carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates the skin. While dioxane can be removed from products easily and
economically by vacuum stripping during the manufacturing process, there is no way to determine which
products have undergone this process. Labels are not required to list this information.
Phenylenediamine - Used in permanent hair dyes, phenylenediamine can cause eczema, bronchial
asthma, gastritis, skin irritation and even death. It is also a carcinogen. It can react with other chemicals
to cause photosensitivity. The US Food and Drug Administration proposed legislation which would have
required warning labels on products, advising that this ingredient can penetrate skin and has been
determined to cause cancer in lab animals. If passed, beauty salons would have had to post warnings for
their customers. Cosmetic industry lobbyists defeated the proposal.
Phthalates - Everyone in the general population is exposed to phthalates from one source or another.
They are found in many products from plastics to shampoo. These hormone-disrupting chemicals are
suspected of contaminating breast milk and causing damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs and reproductive
organs. One type of phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is commonly found in fragrances and other
personal care products. Phthalates are used to enhance fragrances, as solvents, and to denature alcohol.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (December 2002) found that DEP is damaging to
the DNA of sperm in adult men at current levels of exposure. DNA damage to sperm can lead to infertility
and may also be linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer in offspring. DEP is the
phthalate found in the highest levels in humans. Recent product tests found the chemical in every
fragrance tested in the United States. Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on product labels,
so they are difficult to avoid.
Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80 - Polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 may be contaminated with
1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates the skin. While dioxane can be removed from
products easily and economically by vacuum stripping during the manufacturing process, there is no way
to determine which products have undergone this process. Labels are not required to list this information.
Propylene Glycol - Propylene glycol is recognized as a neurotoxin by the National Institute for
Occupational Health and Safety in the U.S. It is known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney damage and
liver abnormalities. It is widely used as a moisture-carrying ingredient in place of glycerine because it is
cheaper and more readily absorbed through the skin. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol
warns workers handling this chemical to avoid skin contact.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) - Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride,
cetrimonium bromide, quaternium-15 and quaternium 1-29, these compounds are caustic and can irritate
the eyes. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related
contact dermatitis. There is concern about their potential as sensitizers. For about 5% of people, quats
are an extreme sensitizer and can cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, even respiratory arrest.
When they are used with hot running water, steam increases the inhalation of vapours. These compounds
are used in a wide range of products as preservatives, surfactants and germicides. They make hair and
skin feel softer immediately after use but long-term use will cause dryness.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate - This chemical is a known skin irritant and
enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned
manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. The
chemical can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Sodium lauryl sulfate is
used as a lathering agent. It is present in ninety per cent of commercial shampoos, as well as skin
creams and some brands of toothpaste.
Sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen. Dioxane readily penetrates
the skin. While dioxane can be removed from products easily and economically by vacuum stripping
during the manufacturing process, there is no way to determine which products have undergone this
process. Labels are not required to list this information.
Talc - Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. In addition, women who
regularly use talc in the genital area are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. Airborne talc in body
powders and antiperspirant sprays can irritate the lungs. Talcum powder is reported to cause coughing,
vomiting, and even pneumonia. Many pediatricians now tell parents to avoid using talc on babies as it can
cause respiratory distress, sometimes resulting in death. Talc is found in blushes, face powders, eye
shadows, liquid foundation and skin fresheners. Used near the eyes, it can irritate sensitive mucous
membranes. Talc in liquid formulations poses minimal risk.
Sources:
Drop-dead Gorgeous, Kim Erikson, Contemporary Books, 2002
Not Too Pretty (phthalates information): www.nottoopretty.org
Cancer Prevention Coalition: www.preventcancer.com
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.
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Where to Buy Products

Personal care products are organized into three categories.
Products in the Best ( ) category are most often available in health/natural foods shops, the natural food
section of grocery stores and shops selling environmentally friendly goods. Some products can be found
in pharmacies and chain stores. Many products can be ordered on-line.
Products in the Good ( ) category are mainly available in health/natural food shops, the natural foods
sections of grocery stores, or shops selling environmentally friendly goods. However some are
increasingly available in mainstream shops. For example, Tom's toothpaste is now sold in Atlantic
Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Lawtons’ and Wal-Mart and Jason products are found in Wal-Mart and
some pharmacies.
Products in the Simply Unscented ( ) category are widely available in drug, grocery and department
stores. Some product lines are carried only in certain stores. In the Maritimes, Clinique is sold at the Bay
and Sears. Jean Coutu Pharmacy, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Wal-Mart and Zellers sell Marcelle, RoC, Almay
and Biotherm.
Almost all companies have web sites where products can be viewed. Many companies selling better
products or hypoallergenic products will list product ingredients on their web sites. Some companies also
list store locations where their products are sold.
Sometimes a store will only carry a few items made by a particular company. If you find a product you
like, check the company’s web site to see what else they make.
These are web sites for some of the best less-toxic products not widely available in the Maritimes:
Atlantic Healing Hemp - www.atlantichealinghemp.com
Aubrey Organics (USA) - www.aubrey-organics.com
Botanical Therapeutic (British Columbia) - www.botanicaltherapeutic.net
Curelle (British Columbia) - www.curelle.com
Druide (Quebec) - www.druide.ca
Moonsnail Soapworks (PEI) - www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Weleda (Switzerland) - www.weleda.ca
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Links for Personal Care

Cancer Prevention Coalition - www.preventcancer.com
Poisoned Cosmetics, Not Too Pretty - www.nottoopretty.org
Cosmetics you make yourself - www.evalu8.org/browse/161
The basics in home-made skin care -
www.womanht.com/beauty/basics1/2in1/2home1/2made1/2skin1/2care.htm
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Eye and Face Make-up

Through the ages men and women have painted their faces and bodies with colour - often with deadly
results. Ancient Egyptians outlined eyes with kohl, a poisonous substance made from antimony. Greeks
and Romans liked the pale look, achieved by applying white lead and chalk to their faces. During the
Renaissance, the pale look was again popular with a white lead and vinegar mixture applied to face, neck
and bosom. Lips and cheeks were tinted bright red with vermilion, a paint containing mercuric sulfide. A
heavy coating of powder, often based on talc, kept everything in place. When women noticed that their
lead cosmetics cause a variety of skin problems, some applied a facial peel made from mercury. Now we
recognize lead and mercury as highly toxic.
Today, most colours in conventional cosmetics are chemically synthesized derived from coal tar. While
they’re less expensive than natural compounds to produce, coal tar colours have been shown to cause
cancer in animals. Impurities like arsenic and lead in some coal tar colours have been shown to cause
cancer not only when ingested, but also when applied to skin.
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Blush
The main ingredient in most blushes is talc, a carcinogen. Colour is provided by hazardous coal tar dyes.
Mineral oil, which can clog pores, and propylene glycol, a neurotoxin and skin sensitizer, are binders used
to hold the formulation together. Acrylate compounds, commonly used as thickening agents, can be
strong irritants.
Best
Aubrey Organics
Good
Beauty Without Cruelty

Burt’s Bees
Ecco Bella
Lavera
Simply Unscented
Almay - all cosmetic fragrance free

Body Shop - Lip and Cheek Stain; Cheek Colour
Clinique - all products fragrance free
Marcelle - all products fragrance free
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Concealer
Concealers contain numerous irritating chemicals like propylene glycol, lanolin and paraben preservatives.
Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most reported cause of contact dermatitis. BHA, a preservative, is a
carcinogen that can be absorbed through the skin. DEA, TEA and MEA can form carcinogenic
nitrosamines that are absorbed through the skin, and may be carcinogenic in themselves.
Best
Lavera
Good

Burt’s Bees
Simply Unscented
Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Revlon - Colorstay Stick Concealer/Foundation
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Eyeliner
Mainstream eyeliners contain carcinogenic coal tar colours, hormone-disrupting TEA, and PVP
(polyvinylpyrrolidone). PVP is an allergen and there is some evidence that it cause cancer in lab animals.
The US government has received numerous reports of allergic reaction to eyeliner.
Best
Lavera
Good

Burt’s Bees
Ecco Bella
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - Liquid Eye Liner; Eye Definer (pencil)
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Eye Shadow
Eye shadows are used for the colours they provide. But artificial colours like carcinogenic coal tar dyes
are frequent allergens and one dye - FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause severe reactions in people allergic to
aspirin. Talc, a carcinogen, is the main ingredient in powdered eye shadows. Eye shadows may also
contain mineral oil, a petrochemical derivative, dimethicone, a silicone oil, to make the powder stick to
the eyelid, and binding ingredients like methacrylate, a strong irritant. Cream eye shadows are made with
petrochemicals like paraffin and petrolatum, carcinogenic coal tar colours, and lanolin, an allergen which
may contain pesticide residues. The glitter in cream eye shadows is created by adding pure aluminum
which can cause violent allergic reactions in some people, as well as possibly entering the eye and
causing injury to the cornea. The Consumer Agency and Ombudsman in Finland tested 49 eye shadows
and found that all contained lead, cobalt, nickel, chromium and arsenic. Researchers say the amounts can
cause occasional allergic reaction and sensitivities. However, other research shows chronic exposure to
low levels of arsenic can cause hormone disruption.
Best
Lavera
Good

Burt’s Bees
Ecco Bella
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - Eye Colour
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Face Powder
Mainstream powder products commonly contain talc, a carcinogen. Airborne talc is particularly dangerous
because it can be inhaled. Other toxic ingredients include formaldehyde (carcinogenic and a sensitizer),
quartenium-15 (can release formaldehyde), lanolin (irritant), imidazolidinyl urea (irritant, can release
formaldehyde), MEA, TEA and DEA (hormone disruptors, can release formaldehyde) and parabens
(hormone disrupters, irritants).
Best
Aubrey Organics
Good

Burt’s Bees
Lavera
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - Loose Face Powder; Pressed Face Powder
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Foundation
Foundations are the third leading cause of contact dermatitis among cosmetics users. Because foundation
is worn on the skin for many hours, products containing synthetic ingredients can cause skin problems.
Mineral oil can block pores and promote cosmetic acne and isopropyl myristate, a fatty compound, can
cause blackheads. Other ingredients include propylene glycol, a neurotoxin and skin sensitizer, TEA and
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol which are often found together and which, combined, may cause the
formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, parabens, commonly- used hormone disrupting preservatives that
may accumulate in body fat, and quaternium-15, a germicide that may break down into formaldehyde
which is a carcinogen and sensitizer. Foundations also include coal tar colours and synthetic fragrances.
They may also contain lanolin, a common allergen.
Best
Aubrey Organics
Lavera
Good

Ecco Bella
Kiss My Face
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - All in One Face Base; Tinted Glow Enhancer
Clean Makeup - liquid foundation
Revlon - Colorstay Liquid Foudation
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(in Skin Products)
Lipstick
A woman may ingest more than four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime - even more if she wears it every
day. Mainstream lipsticks are composed of synthetic oils, petroleum waxes and artificial colours. Coal tar
dye colours are common allergens and also carcinogenic. Lipsticks also contain amyldimethylamino
benzoic acid, ricinoleic acid, fragrance, ester gums and lanolin. Some dyes can cause photosensitivity and
dermatitis.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Lip Colour

Lavera
Good

Body Shop - Lip Shimmer
Burt’s Bees
Ecco Bella
Kiss My Face
Terra Tints - Naturally Tinted Lip Balm
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - Lip Line Fixer; Lip Liners (pencil); Lip and Cheek Stain; Lip Colour; Liquid Lip Colour
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Make-up Remover
Makeup removers may contain propylene glycol, a neurotoxin, parabens, which are estrogen mimics,
carcinogenic coal tar colours, DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea which release formaldehyde,
polyethelene glycol and polysorbate 80 which may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen which
readily penetrates skin, and fragrances.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Make-up Remover
Good
Earth Science Chamomile/Green Tea Eye Make-up Remover
Simply Unscented
Almay - eye make-up remover; all cosmetics fragrance free

Andea Eay Q’s - Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
Clinique - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free
Klorane - Wild Cornflower Eye Make-up Remover
Marcelle - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free
RoC - eye make-up remover; all products fragrance free
Home-made alternatives
Eye Makeup Remover
1Tbs castor oil
1Tbs light olive oil
1 tsp vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower etc)
Blend ingredients, Use to remove makeup around the eyes.
Tips
Use jojoba oil to remove make-up and lipstick.
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Mascara
Conventional mascara contains petroleum distillates, shellac, acrylates (strong irritants), phenylmercuric
acetate (preservative made from benzenes and mercury that can cause blisters, skin irritation and allergic
reactions), parabens (hormone disrupters, allergens), quaternium-22 (preservative, allergen),
quaternium-15 (eye irritant) pentaerythrityl (resin additive made from formaldehyde). Lash-extending
products can contain plasticizers, like polyurethane, that cause cancer in animals, and polystyrene
sulfonate which can irritate eyes and may be a hormone disruptor.
Best
Lavera
Good

Ecco Bella
Simply Unscented

Body Shop - Volumizing Mascara; Define and Lengthen Mascara
Brow and lash tint
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Dental and Oral Hygiene

Denture Cleaners
No alternatives to mainstream products were found locally.
Home-made alternatives
Soak in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water, mixed half and half.
Soak in a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a half glass of water.
Rinse well.
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Mouthwash
Conventional mouthwash is alcohol-based. Products with alcohol content higher than 25 percent can
contribute to cancers of the mouth, tongue and throat when used regularly. Mouthwash can contain
artificial flavours and colours, formaldehyde and sodium lauryl sulfate. Some mouthwash formulations
include polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80, which may be contaminated with 1,4-dixane, a carcinogen
and fluoride which is a suspected carcinogen and may cause problems for some sensitive people.
Best
Desert Essence - Tea Tree Mouthwash

Quantum - All Natural Breath Protect Capsules
Thursday Plantation - Tea Tree Mouthwash
Tom’s - Natural Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Weleda - Ratanhia Mouthwash Concentrate
Good
Jason Mouthwash
Simply Unscented
Biotene - Mouthwash
Colgate - Peroxyl Mouthwash
Steri/sol - Therapeutic Oral Rinse
Home-made Alternatives
• 1 tsp of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/4 cup water
• Salted warm water
Mouthwash
10 Drops tea tree oil (approx 1/10 tsp or .5 ml)
2 drops myrhh
12 drops emulsifier
1 litre purified water
For a better taste add 7 drops peppermint oil and 7 drops emulsifier
Add to emulsifier jar, then add essential oils. Blend well. Add one litre or purified or distilled
water to bottle.
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Toothpaste
Conventional toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners like saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic
colours and flavours, and polysorbate 80 which may be contaminated with 1,4-doxane, a carcinogen.
Almost all conventional brands contain fluoride. Fluoride is linked to cancer and causes problems for some
sensitive people.
Best
A. Vogel - Echinacea Toothpaste

Ipsab Tooth Powder – Heritage Products
Jason - several types
Nature’s Gate - Green Tea with Ester C (note: other Nature’s Gate toothpastes contain sodium lauryl
sulfate)
Stevia Canada
Weleda: Pink Toothpaste with Ratanhia; Salt Toothpaste with Baking Soda; Calendula Toothpaste; Plant
Gel Toothpaste; Children’s Tooth Gel
Good
Auromere
Desert Essence
First Teeth - Baby Toothpaste (no fluoride)
Homeofresh
Natural Dentist
Natural Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Nature’s Gate - several kinds
Sheffield
Step One Kidz Prestep - Infants and Children’s Toothpaste (no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate)
Tom’s of Maine - many kinds of toothpaste, with and without fluoride
Thompson’s Kalodent
Thursday Plantation
Vicco - (contains SLS) available at Super Natural Foods, Halifax
Simply Unscented
Sensodyne - note: this company’s ‘Sensodyne-F’ toothpastes contains fluoride.
Brush with plain baking soda or salt.
Brush with 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt mixed to a fine powder in a blender.
Herbal toothpaste: Soak 1 teaspoon of dried Irish moss in 1 cup of spring water for 15 minutes.
Bring to a boil and boil 15 minutes. Strain gel through cheesecloth and add 1 teaspoon salt, 1
teaspoon soda, a few drops of chlorophyll.
Tips
Do not scrub teeth vigorously with toothpaste containing chalk (calcium carbonate) as it can
wear away enamel.
The main way to remove plaque is flossing not brushing. Brushing with plain water is sufficient,
as long as you floss.
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Feminine Hygiene
Douches
A U.S. government advisory panel says there is no need to douche. They blame “tradition, ignorance, and
commercial advertising” for the practice. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition, cites
a study which found that women who used douches more than once a week experienced a four-fold risk
for cervical cancer. Douches containing phenol, sodium lauryl sulfate and citric acid, and the essential oils
eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and chlorothymol, are particularly hazardous.
• One teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups of water.
• One and one-half teaspoons of vinegar mixed in 1 quart of water.
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Tampons and other Menstrual Products

Feminine hygiene products can contain synthetic fragrances and dyes. Bleached paper in pads and
tampons can contain dioxin, a carcinogen.
Best
Lunapad - 100% cotton washable pads. Sold at P’Lovers.

Natracare - 100% organic cotton tampons, 100% canton tampons, Panty Shields, Pads, Press-on Pads,
Night-time Pads,
The Keeper - Menstrual Cup (reusable natural gum rubber) www.thekeeper.com
Simply Unscented
Choose unscented conventional products

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Hair Care
Conditioner
Most mainstream and many “natural” conditioners rely on quaternary compounds to produce thicker,
tangle-free silky hair. These compounds - benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaternium 15,
quaternium 18 - can be irritating to eyes and skin. Other ingredients to avoid: carcinogenic coal tar
colours (FC&C), propylene glycol, cinnamate sunscreens, and polysorbate 80 that may be contaminated
with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen.
Best
Anointment - Herbal Hair Rinses (a Halifax company. Sold at P’Lovers.)

Botanical Therapeutic - Conditioner
Aubrey Organics - Island Naturals Conditioner; Blue Green Algae Cream Rinse; Blue Green Algae Hair
Rescue Conditioning Mask; GPB Hair Conditioner; Green Tea Herbal Cream Rinse; Rosemary and Sage
Hair and Scalp Rinse.
Curelle- Treslite Conditioner, Riche Conditioner (both unscented)
Curelle - Build-up Remover
Druide- Ecological Conditioner
Nature’s Blends - organic conditioner
Nature Clean - Organic Conditioner
Weleda - Aloe Phyto Conditioner; Calendula Phyto Conditioner; Chamomile Phyto Conditioner; Chestnut
Phyto Conditioner; Henna Phyto Conditioner; Lemon Balm Phyto Conditioner; Rosemary Phyto
Conditioner
Good
Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Conditioner, Seawinds Conditioner

Avalon
Desert Essence - Jojoba Conditioner
Earth Science - Pure Essentials
Earth Science Fragrance Free Conditioner
Healthy Times
Herbal Glow
Infinity - Rosemary or Chamomile Conditioning Rinse
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Conditioner, Conditioner for Thinning Hair (both fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate
Simply Unscented
Clinique - conditioner
Pour 1 cup of warm beer over hair, then rinse with water.
Mayonnaise Conditioner: massage mayonnaise into hair, coating every strand. Cover hair with
plastic bag for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Dry-Scalp Conditioner: Massage plain yoghourt into hair, especially the scalp. Cover with a
plastic bag for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Henna Treatment: Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over 1/4 cup of colourless henna and 2
teaspoons of honey. Let sit a few minutes to thicken. Coat each strand of hair, cover with a
plastic bag and wrap with a warm towel. Shampoo after 1 hour.
Conditioner: Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 small container of yoghourt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to
hair, wrap in towel for 15 minutes, then rinse.
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Hair Colouring (Permanent)

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Athens Medical Schools suggested
that women who use hair dyes five or more times a year have twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Most permanent hair dyes contain potential irritants and carcinogens like formaldehyde and ammonia.
Petroleum-based coal tar derivatives and phenylenediamine cause cancer. Products containing
phenylenediamine can cause blindness if the solution drips into eyes. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman,
Cancer Prevention Coalition, says the use of hair dye places women at increased risk of certain cancers,
especially leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease. He states there
is strong evidence that the use of hair colouring products accounts for up to 20 percent of all non-
Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases in U.S. women, and that there is suggestive evidence these products increase
breast cancer risk. Dark and black colours are particularly toxic.
Best
Colora Henna - available at Super Natural, Halifax & Healthy Habits, Truro
Neekoo Natural Henna - sold at Super Natural, Halifax
VitaWave Hair Color - sold at Super Natural, Halifax
Good
Naturcolor - Hair Color Gel to cover grey hair
Simply Unscented
Herbatint - No fragrance or ammonia
Tips
True henna is a plant derived product which produces brown through red shades. Steer clear of
so-called “black henna”. This is not a true henna, and contains PPD, a carcinogenic chemical
additive contained in hair dyes. Black henna is also used to make temporary tattoos.
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Hair Oils and Pomades

Oils, pomades, daily moisturizers, leave-in conditioner and creams will make the hair feel more soft and
flexible. It is especially important to add them to permed or straightened hair which has been stripped of
some of its ability to oil itself. Mineral oil and other petroleum based products can tend to clog pores.
They are less easily absorbed into the hair and attract dust.
Less toxic Alternatives
Jason Shea Butter

Now Shea Butter
Jojoba oil
Sunflower oil
Olive oil
Commercial products based on these ingredients.
Hot oil hair treatment:
Combine 1 teaspoon soybean oil and 2 teaspoons castor oil. Warm on low heat. Massage mixture
into scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse.
Tips
Oils are best applied to wet hair to help hold in the moisture already there. Creams or leave-in
conditioners can be used on days when you don't wash or wet your hair. The type of oil or cream
you use in your hair is going to depend on your hair type. It may take some experimenting to find
what works best for you. The time of year and your hair's exposure to the elements may vary
your routine.
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Hair Relaxers and Straighteners

Toxic ingredients: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, guanidine carbonate, guanidine hydroxide,
thioglycolic acid, lithium hydroxide. A relaxer must be used with a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner
whether applied at home or in a salon. Conventional shampoos and conditioners found in hair
straightening kits contain the same ingredients found in conventional shampoos and conditioners, whose
health effect are detailed in those sections.
Possible health effects of relaxers and activators are scalp irritation, skin burns, permanent scarring, deep
ulcerations, skin drying and cracking, dermatitis, irreversible baldness, eye damage including blindness
and weak, dry, broken and damaged hair.
Relaxers, whether with or without lye, have a very high pH (very near the top of the scale). In other
words, they are caustic. Relaxers break the hair down. Relaxers work because they break the bonds that
actually give strength to the hair. This causes the hair to straighten. Therefore, relaxed hair is, by
definition, weaker than natural hair. Relaxers also deplete the hair of sebum (the oil your scalp secretes).
Combine that with heat and you can really end up with a problem. Hair that has been straightened will be
weaker than if it were natural and will be more prone to problems.
For years, the main chemical used has been sodium hydroxide - a powerful alkaline caustic otherwise
known as lye. Sodium hydroxide is used in products like Draino to dissolve hair in drains. It's also used in
depilatories to dissolve hair.
Lately, new "no-lye" products have been introduced. While the chemicals in these products are not lye,
they are very similar and have the same effect, chemically, on the hair. Advertising leads people to
believe these chemicals are much safer when in fact they are only slighter better.
"People may think because it says 'no lye' that it's not caustic," says US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) biologist Lark Lambert. But both types of relaxers contain ingredients that work by breaking
chemical bonds of the hair, and both can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. Lye relaxers contain sodium
hydroxide as the active ingredient. With "no lye" relaxers, calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are
mixed to produce guanidine hydroxide.
Research has shown that this combination in "no lye" relaxers results in less scalp irritation than lye
relaxers, but the same safety rules apply for both. They should be used properly, left on no longer than
the prescribed time, carefully washed out with neutralizing shampoo, and followed up with regular
conditioning. The FDA has received complaints about scalp irritation and hair breakage related to both lye
and "no lye" relaxers.
Hair care experts recommend that if using a straightener, it be applied by a professional in a salon setting
and that extra care be taken to keep straightened hair healthy.
Less Toxic Alternative
Baka Beauty Hair Relaxer (US mail order- www.treasuredlocks.com)

For information about healthier hair care for Afro-American hair check out
www.treasuredlocks.com/blhacafa.html.
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Hair Styling
Aerosol and pump sprays produce fine droplets which can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred
into your bloodstream. Inhalation of spray can also cause respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties.
If you must use a spray, choose pump over aerosol as spray droplets are slightly larger. Hair setting
lotions are a better choice.
Hair styling products can contain TEA, DEA, MEA, FD&C colours, BHA and palmidate-O, all carcinogens.
Ethoxylated alcohols, PEG compounds, and polysorbate 60 or 80 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane,
a carcinogen. Conventional hair sprays coat hair with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a plasticizer.
Best
Aloe Vera Gel

Aubrey Organics - B-5 Design Gel; Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & Ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly;
Natural Body Highliter Mousse (Golden Camomile, Chestnut Brown, Soft Black); Natural Mist Herbal Spray
(regular hold, super hold); Sea Buckthorn Leave-in Conditioner and Curl Activator; White Camellia and
Jasmine Shine Conditioner Spray
Botanical Therapeutic - Hair Spray (pump)
Cruel - Styling Gel - This is a Canadian company based in Vancouver
Druid – Ecological Herbal Styling Gel (alcohol free, pump), Ecological Vegetal Hair Spray (alcohol free)
Spectrum Essentials - 100% coconut oil
Weleda - Rosemary Hair Oil
Good
Aloe Vera 80 - Hair Spray

Atlantic Healing Hemp Lavender Hair Gel
Beauty Without Cruelty - Spray gel
Earth Science
Jason - Styling Gel; All Natural Mousse
Kiss My Face - Kiss Kids Natural Hold Up Styling Gel
Magic Botanicals - Hair Styling Gel; Hair Spray (both unscented)
Simply Unscented
Adorn
Alberto - Extra Hold Mousse; Extra Hold Hair Spray (pump and aerosol)
Aveeda – All Sensitive Styling Gel
Clairol Final Net - Ultimate All-day Hold; Regular All-day Hold; Extra All-day Hold; All-day Hold; For
Permed Color-Treated Hair
Clinique - gel, spray, wax, straightening balm/cream
Finesse
Herbatint - Contains no ammonia or fragrance
K-Y Jelly
Salon Selectives - Sit Still Medium Hold Finishing Spray (pump)
Pantene Pro-V
Tame
Vidal Sassoon
Mix together 2 cups boiling water, and 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin in 1 teaspoon vinegar. Strain
through coffee filter and put in sprayer bottle.
Lemon Hair Spray - Squeeze juice of 1 medium lemon into 2 cups of water. Slice up lemon peel
and add. Boil slowly until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and pour into spray bottle. Keep in fridge. For
extra hold use 1 1/2 lemons.
Flax Seed Gel - Boil 2 tablespoons of flax seed in 1/3 cup water for 10 minutes. Rub through
hair, sparingly.
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Permanent Waves
Chemicals in permanent waves can cause eye and skin irritations, swelling of legs and feet and swelling
of eyelids. These products are suspected of causing low blood sugar. Hair can become damaged and
weakened, resulting in hair more susceptible to chemical and ultraviolet damage. The main ingredient in
permanent waves, thioglycolic acid, is also used in chemical hair straighteners. These solutions can result
in first- and third-degree burns and even hair loss. Chemical straighteners contain allergens and skin
irritants like TEA, polyethelene glycol and synthetic fragrance.
Best
VitaWave: Permanent Wave

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Shampoo
Shampoos cause the most number of adverse reactions of all hair care products. They frequently contain
harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and numerous irritating and carcinogenic compounds including
sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate (irritant, can form carcinogenic nitrosamines), DEA, TEA,
MEA (hormone disruptors, can release carcinogenic nitrosamines), quaternium-15, DMDM hydratoin (can
release carcinogenic nitrosamines), polyethylene glycol (irritant), coal tar (carcinogenic), propylene glycol
(neurotoxin, dermatitis, liver and kidney damage), and EDTA(irritant). Cleaning agents and water
comprise about 93% of a shampoo. The cleaning agent itself is the most important ingredient.
Best
Nature Clean Face and Body Bar Soap - unscented

Aubrey Organics - Island Naturals Shampoo; Blue Camomile Shampoo; Blue Green Algae Hair Rescue
Vegetal Protein Shampoo; Camomile Herbal Luxurious Shampoo; Green Tea Hair Treatment Shampoo;
Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo; Swimmers Shampoo.
Botanical Therapeutic Shampoo - Sold at Great Ocean.
Burt’s Bees - Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
Curelle - Energe Shampoo, Hydra Shampoo. Sold at Great Ocean.
Druide - Balance Shampoo; Body and Shine Shampoo; Citronella Shampoo, Ecological Shampoo
Druide – Pur and Pure Shampoo (unscented)
Nature Clean - Herbal Shampoo (unscented)
Nature’s Blend’s - shampoo
Weleda - Calendula Phyto Shampoo; Chamomile Phyto Shampoo; Chestnut Phyto Shampoo; Henna Phyto
Shampoo; Lemon Balm Phyto Shampoo; Rosemary Phyto Shampoo.
Good
Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Shampoo, Seewings Shampoo

Avalon
Burt’s Bees - Herbal Treatment Shampoo
Desert Essence- Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Jojoba Shampoo
Earth Science - Pure Essentials
Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo
Healthy Times
Herbal Glow
Infinity - Rosemary or Chamomile Shampoo
Jason Natural Biotin Shampoo
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Shampoo, Shampoo for Thinning Hair (both fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate
Tom’s Natural Shampoo
Simply Unscented
Clinique - several shampoos, all fragrance-free

Marcelle - hypoallergenic
Castille Soap Shampoo - Mix 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of liquid castille soap (Nature Clean
is one brand). To make an herbal shampoo, heat water before adding soap and steep herbs, then
strain and add soap. Castille will leave a film on hair which can be removed by rinsing hair with
3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water.
Egg Shampoo - Beat 2 large eggs and massage into scalp. Leave on a few minutes, then rinse
with warm water. To cut film left by the eggs, rinse with vinegar (dark hair), or lemon Juice
(light hair). Mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar or juice with 1 cup of water and pour through hair.
Baking soda mixed with water to a consistency that can be massaged through hair.
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Hair Removal
For centuries, women in some cultures have used depilatories to remove unwanted hair. Old formulas
made with arsenic and quicklime seem barbaric now, but even today’s depilatories can burn skin and
eyes and cause severe allergic reactions and pustular outbreaks. Depilatories use high-pH chemicals to
dissolve hair below the surface of the skin. An offensive smelling chemical, thioglycolic acid, is commonly
used along with lye to boost the effectiveness of the concoction.
Waxes/Sugaring Compounds
Next to shaving, waxing is the most popular method of hair removal. Waxes can be made from petroleum
(paraffin), rosin or beeswax. Hot wax is spread on the skin and covered in cloth strips which are ripped
away when cool, taking the hair with them. Sugaring is a centuries-old technique for hair removal. A
sugar and water gel is used as in waxing. Unlike wax, sugar does not adhere to skin so pulling off the
cloth strips is less painful. Look for natural sugaring kits that contain only sugar, water and sometimes
herbs. Laser treatment, while not a permanent solution, can reduce the amount and thickness of hair.
Electrolysis, when administered by a dermatologist, will permanently remove hair, although it could take a
number of visits.
Best
Alexandria - Sugaring Strips

Andrea - Facial and Body Sugaring Kit; Muslin Body Epilating Strips (unbleached cotton strips for use with
sugaring kit)
Persian - Cold Wax Hair Remover (In spite of the name, there is no wax in this product. It is a sugaring
kit.)
Velvet Touch - Hair Remover Mitten
Good
Andrea - Facial Cold Wax; Cold Wax Kit; Warm Wax Kit
Parissa - Quick and Easy Wax Strips for Face and Bikini; Quick and Easy Wax Strips for Legs and Body;
Warm Wax for Legs, Body and Face
Sally Hansen - Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit for Face, Eyebrows and Bikini; Natural Washable Wax Hair
Remover Kit
Melt a small amount of beeswax in a small pan until very warm but still cool enough to touch.
After dusting skin with body powder or cornstarch, apply warm wax with a wooden spatula.
Allow mixture to cool for a few seconds, then remove quickly with a light tapping. Sooth with
cream or aloe vera gel.
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Nail Products
Nail products are among the most toxic cosmetics on the market, and nails can absorb the chemicals
used in polishes, removers and cuticle creams. Toluene, a neurotoxin, is one of the most dangerous
ingredients in nail polish. It can comprise 50% of the ingredients in some brands. The Environmental
Protection Agency’s Office of Pollution Protection and Toxics says that breathing large amounts of toluene
for a short period of time can harm kidneys, liver and the heart. The Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry of the US Department of Health and Human Services says high exposure to toluene can
occur from home use of nail polish. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, is also found in nail
products. Some companies have removed these two toxins but another commonly used chemical has
emerged as a hormone disruptor - DBP, a phthalate. This estrogen mimicking plasticizer may accelerate
sexual development in young girls. Animal studies have found DBP is responsible for birth deformities like
cleft palate and undescended testicles.
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Nail Polish
Some water-based nail polishes are now available.
Best
Color 'N Peel

Earthly Delights
Nalz - water based
Natural Beauty - water-based.
Suncoat (Canada) - www.suncoatproducts.com
Simply Unscented
Almay - hypoallergenic
Clinique - hypoallergenic, unscented, no toluene or formaldehyde
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Nail Polish Remover

Conventional nail polish removers contain acetone. When inhaled, this chemical enters the blood and is
carried to body organs. Short-term exposure causes respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, light-
headedness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure damages the liver, kidneys and
nervous system, and increases risk of birth defects.
The nail polish removers listed here are less-toxic but may not be chemical-free.
Earthly Delights: Naked Nails Polish Remover
No-Miss Nail Care: Almost Natural Polish Remover
Safe & Easy: Polish Remover
Suncoat (Canadian) - www.suncoatproducts.com
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Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are bad news all around, and there are no less-toxic alternatives besides your own well-
groomed nails. There are numerous short and long-term health effects from the chemicals used in these
nails. Nails need to breathe to stay healthy. Covering them in plastic resin causes nails to become weak,
thin and brittle. Fungal infections are a problem when moisture is trapped beneath the artificial nail.
Removing the nails requires the use of a powerful solvent, usually acetonitrile. This toxic chemical can
irritate the respiratory system, and may cause an enlarged thyroid.
Preformed press-on nails from the drug store are not an alternative. The glues used to attach these nails
can cause contact dermatitis, eczema, dizziness and headaches.
Sally Hansen Nail Buffer and Groomer - This can be used instead of nail polish - your nails look
very shiny and smooth, like you have a coat of clear polish on them.
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Skin Products
Astringents and Toners
Toners and astringents are designed to get rid of any lingering traces of cleanser and dead skin cells.
Toners are supposed to work by closing the pores and balancing the skin’s pH. But many toners produce
that tight feeling by using placticizers like sorbitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) that can remain in the
body for months. Astringents control oily skin with high levels of alcohol that can dry even the oiliest skin
immediately after use. But used daily, astringents actually increase oil production. Astringents can contain
salicylic acid and boric acid, both toxic when used on skin. Other common ingredients are talc, synthetic
colours, fragrance and preservatives.
Best
Aubrey Organics
Aveeda – All Sensitive Toner - unscented
Druide - Face Toner
Earthwise - Natural Witch Hazel Distillate
Heritage Products - Rosewater and Glycerin
Thayers - Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Weleda - Iris Facial Toner; Leg Toner
Good
Atlantic Healing Hemp Astringent Lotion

Avalon - Hydrating Toner; Balancing Facial Toner
Earth Science - Anti-oxidant Toner
Ecco Bella - Purifying Toner
Jason - Toner, Astringent
Kiss My Face - Aloe and Tea Tree Astringent
Simply Unscented
Almay - Toner
Biotherm - Biosensitive Toner
Clinique - Tonifying Lotion
Marcelle - Toner
RoC - Toner
Mix equal amounts of water and organic apple cider vinegar.
Herbal Toner for Dry Skin
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup rose hydrosol (rose water)
6 drops rose geranium essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
1 drop jasmine essential oil
Mix aloe vera and essential oils in a glass bottle. Then add hydrosol.
Healing Toner for Sensitive Skin
1/4 cup rose hydrosol
2 tablespoons witch hazel
4 drops rose essential oil
2 drops yarrow essential oil
Mix essential oils with witch hazel in a glass bottle. Then add hydrosol.
Chamomile Astringent for Acne
1 cup witch hazel
20 drops tea tree oil
1/2 cup chamomile tea
Mix oil and witch hazel in a glass bottle. Add chamomile tea.
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Bath Products
Conventional bath oils contain synthetic fragrance, as well as colours, alcohol and lanolin which can all
cause allergic reactions. Other chemicals, like TEA and sodium lauryl sulfate, can form carcinogenic
nitrosomines. Mineral-based bath salts are sprayed with synthetic dyes and scents, and can contain other
ingredients irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Bubble baths are also full of dyes, colours, scents
and preservatives, as well as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. They have been implicated in many
cases of bladder, urinary tract and kidney infections. Soaking in hot water increases skin permeability and
exposure to harmful ingredients.
Best
Anointment - Energy Bath Tea, Relaxing Bath Tea (a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Atlatic Healing Hemp Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil Body Powder
Aubrey Organics - Bath Oil, Aubrey Organics - Relax-R-Bath Herbal Bath Emulsion
Aura Cacia - Aromatherapy Mineral Bath
Aveeno - Soothing Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal)
Burt’s Bees - Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil, Therapeutic Bath Crystals
Druide - Aromatherapy Foaming Bath- several types
Druide- Pur and Pure Foaming Bath – unscented
Druide Shower Gel – Goatmilk and Sweet Almond, Sensual Energizing
Druide Pur and Pure Shower Gel - unscented
Heritage Products - Purified Castor Oil
Life - Bath Treatment (100% oatmeal)
Moonsnail Soapworks - Relaxing Bath Salts, Island Salt Scrub and Soak, Island Fizz Tub Tickler, Easterly
Breeze Bath Salts
Substance - Herbal Sitz Bath
Weleda - Bath Oils
Good
Atlantic Healing Hemp Astringent Lotion

Avalon - Bath and Shower Gel
Epsom Salts - follow package directions
Milk Bath - Add one quart of milk to tub, or 2 cups of instant powdered milk.
Soothing Bath - Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to bath water.
Bath Oils - any of the following
1/2 tsp. coconut oil
1 –2 tsp. purified castor oil
1-2 tsp. almond oil or other oil of your choice
Tips
To moisturize dry skin, soak in tub for at least 10 minutes, then add oil to bath water. This will
help retain moisture in skin.
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Body and Massage Oil

Conventional body oils can contain chemical fragrance, dyes and preservatives. They are often based on
mineral oil, a petroleum derivative which can clog pores.
Best
Anointment - Baby Oil; Yoga Oil (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Aubrey Organics - Massage Lotion
Aura Cacia - Almond oil and Vitamin E; Grapeseed Oil with Vitamin E; Jojoba Oil; Apricot Kernel Oil
Aveeda – All sensitive Body Formula (unscented)
Burt’s Bees - Body and Bath Oil
Druide -Massage Cream
Kiss My Face - Body Oil (unscented)
Little Forest - Baby Oil
Moonsnail Soapworks - Massage oil
Substance - Herbal Hug Baby Oil
Weleda - Body and Massage Oils, Baby Oil
Good
Earth Therapeutics - Anti-stress Massage Lotion
Any plain vegetable or nut oil can be used.
In a glass jar, combine 30 grams of fresh or dried herbs with 2 cups of oil (almond, jojoba,
avocado, safflower, etc). Set out in sun on a warm day or warm on low heat for several hours.
Strain. Or, add 4 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 litre of oil. Let stand for 2 weeks, shaking daily.
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Body Powder
Conventional body powders are based on talc which is carcinogenic when inhaled. Powders may also
contain chemical fragrance and dyes. A 1982 study published in Cancer found that women who use talc
on their genitals and sanitary napkins had a three-fold risk of ovarian cancer.
Best
Anointment - Baby Powder (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)

Aura Cacia - Natural Body Powders
Earth Therapeutics - Liquid Foot Powder
Little Forest - Baby Powder
Good
Jason - Body Powder
Deodorizing Powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cornstarch
1/2 cup arrowroot powder
8 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine baking soda, cornstarch and arrowroot. Add essential oil and stir well. Let sit 24 hours
minimum. Store in glass container.
Lavender Bath Powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 cup lavender flowers, finely crushed
4 drops lavender essential oil
Mix well. Let sit 24 hours minimum. Store in glass jar.
Spice Bath Powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg
Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and stir well.
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Cleanser
Commercial cleansers rely on alcohol and petroleum products to dislodge dirt and dead skin. But these
ingredients also remove natural oils and cause drying. To counteract this, manufacturers may add mineral
oil (a petroleum product) to make the skin feel soft. Cleansing creams and lotions may also contain TEA,
MEA, FD&C colours (carcinogenic), hormone disrupting parabens, carcinogens, antibacterials, irritants and
sensitizers.
Best
Anointment - Herbal Clay Cleanser (Anointment is a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)

Aubrey Organics - Iris Cleansing Lotion; Face and Body Cleansing Cream; Herbessence Make-Up Remover
Desert Essence - Thoroughly Clean Face Wash; Natural Cleansing Pads
Druide - Avocado Oil Cleansing Lotion; Roman Chamomile Cleansing Lotion
Weleda - Iris Cleansing Lotion
Good
Avalon - Facial Cleansing Gel; Vitamin C Refreshing Facial Cleanser

Earth Science - Eye Make-Up Remover
Ecco Bella - Eye Make-Up Remover and Skin Treatment
Jason - Fresh Face Rehydrating Cleanser; D-Clog Balancing Cleanser; Super-C Cleanser
Kiss My Face - Gentle Face Cleaner; Aloe and Chamomile Cleanser
Weleda - Iris Cleansing Lotion
Simply Unscented
Almay - Skin Optimizing Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free

Aveeda – All sensitive Cleanser global
Biotherm - Biosensitive Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free
Clinique - Cleanser; all products are fragrance-free
Dove Sensitive Skin Essentials Foam Cleaner, Non-Foaming Cleanser
Exact - Facial Cleansing Gel
Marcelle - Aquarelle Purifying Cleansing Gel; Cleansing Milk
Neutragena - Fragrance Free Facial Care Bar
Neutrogena - Liquid Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena - Extra Gentle Cleanser
Neutrogena - Facial Cleansing Formula
Phisoderm - Skin Cleanser and Conditioner; Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Conditioner
RoC - all products are fragrance-free
Spectro Derm - Moisturizing Skin Cleanser
Spectro Jel - Skin Cleanser
Oatmeal Cleanser
Process rolled oats in a blender until fine. Massage a small amount into wet skin, then rinse.
Citrus Cleansing Milk
1/2 cup plain yoghourt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or other oil)
Blend yoghourt and lemon juice. With blender running, slowly add oil. Pour into jar and add
essential oil. Massage a small amount into skin and rinse.
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Deodorant and Antiperspirant

Deodorants and antiperspirants both fight odour. Deodorants work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria
which cause odour. Antiperspirants actually stop perspiration by blocking the pores. In the United States,
deodorants are classed as cosmetics. Antiperspirants are considered over-the-counter drugs because they
change the way the body works. Much controversy surrounds the use of aluminum in most conventional
antiperspirants. Aluminum may be involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Until this issue is settled,
some people choose to avoid the use of products containing aluminum.. Aluminum-based compounds are
also one of the main causes of skin irritation in antiperspirant users. Triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent
used in many deodorants, can be absorbed through the skin and has caused liver damage in some lab
animals. Some health advocates argue that blocking pores prevents the body from eliminating toxins and
can cause ill-health, but this theory remains unproven and controversial.
Other toxic ingredients include: FD&C colours, BHT, DEA. TEA, quaternium 18 (a sensitizer that can cause
rashes beyond the area of application.) Talc is also used in many products, although if used in roll-on and
solid products it is not a problem. Aerosol products containing talc and other toxins can be inhaled.
Prolonged inhalation of talc can cause inflammation of the lungs, bronchial irritation and the development
of fibrous lesions.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Natural Dry Herbal Pine Deodorant Spray for Men
Burt’s Bees - Herbal deodorant
Lafe’s Natural Crystal Deodorant Stone
Natural Deodorant Crystal
Pure and Natural Crystal (HFS)
Weleda
Wild Country Natural Crystal Deodorant
Good
Avalon
Desert Essence
Earthwise- Baking Soda Deodorant – unscented
Earth Science – Liken Natural Deodorant – unscented
Earth Science – Rosemary Mint Deodorant
Jason - several types, all with natural fragrance
Kiss My Face - Liquid Rock, Active Enzyme (fragrance-free)
Magick Botanicals - Lafe’s Natural Crystal Roll-on Deodorant (fragrance free)
Naturally Fresh - Deodorant Crystal Roll-on
Nutribiotic
Queen Helene
Tom’s - several types, including unscented
Simply Unscented
Arm & Hammer - Advanced Deodorancy

Arid XX - unscented
Avon - Cool Confidence Scent Free Roll on Antiperspirant
Ban - Classic
Clinique - Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-on
Degree - Original
Dove Sensitive Skin Anti-Perspirant Deodorant – Invisible Solid, Silk Protection
Dry Idea - Antiperspirant Roll-on
Gillette for Women - Soft & Dri Soothers
Lady Speed Stick - Gel; Aloe
Life - Action Invisible; Action Plus Men’s Antiperspirant
Marcelle - Deodorant
Mennen - Speed Stick Ultimate
Mitchum - Clear Gel; Roll-on, Clear Roll-on
No Name - Ladies AntiPerspirant
Right Guard Sport - (stick, spray)
Secret - Unscented; Platinum Protection; Sheer Dry
Soft & Dri - Soothers
Dab well steeped black tea onto skin.
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Facial Masks and Steam Baths

These products can contain numerous toxic ingredients including synthetic fragrance and carcinogenic
coal tar dyes (FD&C colours), parabens (hormone disrupting preservatives), propylene glycol (neurotoxin,
irritant, liver and kidney damage), and PEG (may be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane).
Best
Aubrey Organics - Masks and Steam Bath

Anointment - Herbal Clay Cleanser (a Halifax company. Sold in P’Lovers)
Burt’s Bees - Pore Refining Mask; Green Goddess Herbal Spa Clay Mask
Earth Science – Mint Tingle Masque
Moonsnail Soapworks - Clay Masks
Good
Atlantic Healing Hemp Chlorophyll Clay Mask

Avalon - Clarifying Clay Mask, Purifying Moisture Mask
Oatmeal and Honey Mask
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons honey
Mix together. Leave on face at least 30 minutes.
Astringent Blemish Mask
Drop oil into clay powder, mix well. Add vinegar. Make a smooth paste. Immediately spread on
face and leave for 15 to 30 minutes.
Meringue Mask
2 egg whites
1 Vitamin E capsule
Combine ingredients and whip until stiff. Spread on face, allow to dry, rinse.
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Facial Mists
Facial Mists can contain synthetic fragrance, carcinogenic FD&C colours, and carcinogenic and hormone-
disrupting preservatives. These chemicals can be inhaled into the lungs and transferred to the blood
stream.
Best
Earth Science - Herbal Tonic Mist

Moonsnail Soapworks - Aromatherapy Spritzer
Good
Ecco Bella - Spray on Moisturizer
Simply Unscented
Biotherm - The Biosensitive line is fragrance-free

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Facial Scrubs
Conventional facial scrubs contain carcinogenic coal tar colours (FD&C), harsh alcohols and detergents,
DEA, TEA, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance and preservatives like hormone-disrupting parabens.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Ginseng Face Scrub for Men

Moonsnail Soapworks - cleansing grains
Good
Earth Science - Apricot Gentle Facial Scrub
Kiss My Face - Lemon Grass Souffle Masque
Simply Unscented
Clinique - Facial Exfoliating Gel; all products are fragrance-free

RoC - Exfoliating; all products are fragrance-free
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Mainstream lip gloss and balm may contain synthetic waxes and oils. Lip balm commonly contains phenol,
a poisonous chemical also used as a pesticide, that can be absorbed by the skin. Reactions include
vomiting, nausea, convulsion, paralysis, and even death. Very small amounts can cause rashes, swelling,
pimples and hives. Lip gloss and balm also may contain plasticizers like microcrystalline wax and
polyisobutane, an allergen. Phthalic anhydride is made from naphthalene, the pesticidal active ingredient
in moth balls. Short-term skin exposure to naphthalene can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion
and convulsions, and is linked to liver and kidney damage. Lip gloss for children often contains toxic
ingredients like carcinogenic coal tar colours, parabens which are hormone-disrupters and allergens, and
artificial flavour.
Sunscreens are frequently added to lip products, especially the benzophenones. Benzophenones and
cinnamates are hormone disruptors and may cause hives and contact sensitivity. (See sun protection for
more information).
Best
Aubrey Organics - Everon Lip Balm

Druide Karite (Shea) Lip Balm – Citrus, Vanilla
Earth Science – Lip Slick Natural Lip Gloss
The Merry Hempster - Hemp Balm
Good
Avalon - Sun Lipcare

Aveeda - Lip Sheer Concentrate SPF 15
Desert Essence - Tea Tree Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera
Lily of the Desert - SPF 16
Lip Naturals - Lip Balm SPF 15
Nature’s Gate - SPF 15
Terrapin – Lip Balm SPF 15 – Glacier Mint, Maui Waui, Key Lime (contain octyl methoxycinnamate and
benzophenone-3)
Un-Petroleum - Sunscreen
Simply Unscented
Moiststick - Natural Lip Protection (tea tree oil)

Neutrogena - Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
Ombrelle - Lip Balm SPF 30
RoC - Lip Protectant
Soft Lips - Lip Protectant
Plain vegetable or nut oil.
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Lotion, Cream, Moisturizer

Lotions are basically a mixture of water and oil, with an emulsifier added to keep the product from
separating. PEG is the most common emulsifier in hand lotions. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane,
a carcinogen. TEA is also used and has been found to be a frequent sensitizer, and cause of contact
dermatitis. TEA, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Parabens
are commonly used as preservatives. Lanolin is often found in lotions. An animal product, it can be
contaminated with pesticides and some people are sensitive to it.
Hand lotions are often just thicker versions of facial moisturizers. These petroleum-based products are
unlikely to do little more than glue down dry flaky skin calls with oil, unlike plant-based products which
can provide long-term benefits to skin.
Best
Botanical Therapeutic - Skin Creme (unscented), Skin Creme Plus (unscented)

Burt’s Bees - Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, Shea Butter Decollette Creme, Jasmine Decollette
Creme, Hand Salve
Curelle - Hand and Body Lotion (unscented)
Desert Essence - Daily Essential Moisturizer
Druide – Goat Milk and Sandalwood Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Pure Shea
Butter Organic Body Lotion, Royal Jelly Body Lotion, Karite (Shea) Protective Facial Cream and Light
Protective Facial Cream
Druide Pur and Pure Body Lotion - unscented
Jason Shea Butter - Now 100% Pure Shea Butter
Moonsnail Soapworks - Herbal Face Cream, Moondew Face Cream, Herbal Eye Cream
Simply Natural - Hemp for Hands
Weleda - Iris Day Cream, Iris Night Cream, Iris Moisture Cream, Iris Body Lotion, Skin Food, Malva Body
Lotion, Wild Rose Body Lotion, Aloe Body Lotion
Good
Atlantic - Healing Hemp Hand Therapy, Neutral Face Cream, What a Difference Face Cream, Body
Nutrition Body Lotion, Foot and Leg Therapy and Healing Hemp Balm
Avalon - lotion, cream, moisturizer
Bach Flower Remedies - Rescue Cream, Rescue Remedy
Aveeda – All Sensitive Moisturizer (unscented)
Derma E - Cocoa Butter & E Replenishing Creme, Moisturizing Creme, Wrinkle
Treatment Creme, All Over Body Moisturizer, Moisturizing Gel, Skin Lighten
Earth Science - Age Protective Anti-oxidant Eye Gel, Hydrating Day Cream, Anti-oxidant Body Lotion,
Apricot Night Cream
Earth Science - Almond Aloe Facial Moisturizer -unscented
Ecco Bella - Night Cream, Day Cream, Lavender Body Lotion, Verbena Body Lotion
Jason - Vitamin E Natural Hand and Body Lotion, Ultra-C Eye Lift, Ester-C Cream, Ester-C Lotion, Aloe
Vera Moisturizing Cream, Vitamin E Therapeutic Cream, Wild Yam Hand and Body Care Cream
Kiss My Face - hand cream, All Night Cream
Magick Botanicals - Oil Free Moisture Lotion Oil Free Moisture Creme (both fragrance free)
Natures Gate - hand Cream, moisturizer, lotion
Penaten - cream, unscented
Smack Skin Care - Chill Body Butter Lush Body Butter, Zing Hand Butter
Simply Unscented
Almay - numerous creams and lotions; all products are fragrance-free
Aquatain - Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin (unscented)
Aveeno - Daily Moisturizing Lotion; Moisturizing Lotion; Fragrance Free Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
(for super dry skin); Skin Replenishing Lotion; Anti-itch Cream; Anti-itch Lotion
Biotherm - the Biosensitive line has several creams and lotions
Cetaphil - Moisturizing Lotion; Moisturizing Cream
Clinique - numerous creams and lotions; all fragrance-free
Complex 15 - Hand Cream; Body Lotion
Curel - Moisture Therapy Lotion; Moisture Therapy Lotion with coenzyme Q10, Extreme Care Lotion,
Soothing Hands Lotion, Alpha Hydroxy Lotion Dove Sensitive Skin Essentials Day Cream, Night Cream,
Day Lotion
Dermal Therapy - Hand, Elbow and Knee Cream; Extra Strength Body Lotion
Dormer 211 - Lotion; Creme
Eucerin - Dry Skin Moisturizing Therapy Original Creme; Dry Skin Moisturizing Therapy Original Lotion
Exact – Lotion
Eucerin-Glycerin Emollient – available from pharmacists without prescription. “On the shelf” varieties
usually contain preservatives. A pharmacist can make it without preservatives.
Glaxal Base - Moisturizing Cream
Glycerin Emollient (Glycerin emollient is available from pharmacists without prescription. It is a base used
to make other creams and contains purified lanolin oil, glycerin and water.)
Glysolid - Cream, fragrance-free
Jergens - Ultra Care Lotion
Keri Lotion - Sensitive Skin; Fast Absorbing; Original Moisture Therapy
Life - Vita Derm Lotion
Lubriderm - Lotion; Seriously Sensitive Lotion
Marcelle -Toning Lotion; Toning Lotion, alcohol-free; Hydra-C Complex-E Toning Lotion; numerous
products, all fragrance-free
Moisturel - Sensitive Skin Cream; Sensitive Skin Lotion
Neutrogena - Light Night Cream; Intensified Day Moisture; Moisture Oil-free; Moisture Sensitive Skin
Moisturizer; Moisture Combination Skin Moisturizer; Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle Cream; Health Skin Anti-
Wrinkle Cream SPF 15; Healthy Skin Eye Cream; Intensified Eye Cream; Intensified Eye Moisture; Healthy
Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30; Visibly Firm Face Lotion SPF 20; Visible Firm Night Cream; Visibly Firm
Eye Cream, Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin Light Night Cream, Sensitive Skin Intensified Day
Moisturizer
Nivea
Noxema
Olay - Sensitive Skin Moisture Lotion
Petal Fresh - Oatmeal Dry Skin Lotion
RoC - numerous creams and lotions; all fragrance-free
St. Ives - Collagen Elastin
Vaseline - Problem Skin Therapy creme; Intensive Care Extra Strength Lotion
Tips
Shea Butter is especially good for dry skin and skin high in melanin (colour).
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Lubricants
Petroleum-based lubricants can cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Best
Avalon - Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly
Autumn Harp - non-petroleum jelly
Simply Unscented
K-Y Jelly
K-Y Liquid
Life - Personal Lubricant
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Shaving Products
Conventional shaving creams are usually based on synthetic chemicals that have carcinogenic, hormone
disrupting and irritating potential. Toxic ingredients include: TEA, DEA, solvents, mineral oil, propylene
glycol, DMDM hydantoin, lanolin, FD&C colours, synthetic fragrance and a host of other ingredients. PVP
(polyvinylpyrrolidone) a contact allergen, is often used to give the cream or gel body.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Herbal Mint and Ginseng Shaving Creme for Men, Ginseng Mint Aftershave
Burt’s Bees - For Men: Aftershave Balm, Cologne, Shaving Soap, Exfoliating Soap, Moisturizing Cream
Thayers - Witch Hazel with aloe vera (astringent)
Weleda - After-Shave Lotion, Shaving Cream
Good
Desert Essence - Shaving Oil

Earth Science - Azulene Shaving Cream for Men, After Shave Skin Soother for Men (no fragrance), Dry
Skin Intensive treatment and Beard Softener
Jason - Witch Vera Herbal Gel (shaving nicks, skin soother), All Natural Shaving Lotion
Toms’ - Natural Shaving Cream
Simply Unscented
Aveeno - Skin Relief Body Wash (can be used to shave legs)

Clinique - For Men: cream, face scrub, lotion, balm after shave
Edge - Active Care Shave Gel
Nivea For Men - Sensitive Shaving Gel; After Shave Balm
Use skin cream in place of shaving cream.
Aloe Vera Gel - Replace shaving cream with 100% aloe vera gel. Purchase commercial aloe vera
gel, or use aloe vera gel from your houseplants. Cut open leaf and rub on skin.
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Soap
Natural soap is easy to make and today there is a tremendous variety of good soap available, much of it
produced locally by small crafters. Natural soap is made from either animal or vegetable fat, and an alkali
such as lye. Mainstream soap contains perfumes, dyes, mineral oil and other petroleum-based chemicals
that clog pores, irritate, and dry skin. Seventy-six percent of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps now
contain anti-bacterials.
Many people pick up anti-bacterial soaps without even realizing it. Others choose anti-bacterial soaps and
cleaners because advertising implies that using them will help protect your family against colds and flus.
But colds and flus are viruses, and anti-bacterials have no effect on them at all.
In fact, anti-bacterials soaps and cleaners are an unhealthy choice for several reasons.
• In addition to being unnecessary, they expose us to harmful chemicals. The two most commonly
used anti-bacterial chemicals are triclosan and chloroxylenol (or PCMX). Triclosan is a suspected
immunotoxicant, and a suspected skin or sense organ toxicant. Triclosan is classified as a high
volume chemical: over a million pounds are used annually in the US. Triclosan is a derivative of
the herbicide 2,4-D. Triclosan creates dioxin, a carcinogen, as a by-product. A Swedish study
found high levels of this bactericide in human breast milk. Chloroxylenol is also a suspected
immunotoxicant and skin or sense organ toxicant, as well as a gastrointestinal or liver toxicant.
• Not all bacteria make people sick. Some are beneficial. Anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners kill both
beneficial and harmful bacteria. By killing the beneficial ones, they actually leave us more
vulnerable to the harmful
ones we encounter. Children especially need exposure to some germs, to develop their immune
systems.
• Scientists are concerned that the widespread use of anti-bacterials contributes to the
development of resistant bacteria, ie bacterial that will only be killed by different or stronger
doses of chemicals. So when we need to kill harmful bacteria, like strep, staph and e-coli, it will
be more difficult.
• Anti-bacterial soaps may be more irrititating and drying to skin.
The US Center for Disease Control says that anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary. They recommend that
the simplest and most effective thing people can do to reduce the spread of infectious disease is to use
effective handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Proper
handwashing means rubbing hands under running water for 15 seconds.
Best
Aubrey Organics
Aura Cacia
Avalon - bar soap
Botanical Therapeutic - Treatment Soap (liquid), Treatment Soap Bar
Burt’s Bees - Garden Carrot Complexion Soap, Exfoliating Soap, Peppermint Shower Soap
Desert Essence - Tea Tree Oil Soap, Liquid Castille Soap
Druide – Organic Soaps including Goat Milk and Almond Organic, Goat Milk and Wheat Proteins Organic,
and several others, Karite Shea Butter, Moisturizing Body Soap (pump) in Lavender Flower, Citrus Zest,
Sweet Almond
Druide Pur and Pure Organic Soap – unscented
Guelph Soap - glycerin soap (some unscented)
Hempola - bar soap
Kiss My Face - Pure Olive Oil (no added scent)
Magick Botanicals - Oatmeal bar soap (fragrance free)
Moon Snail Soapworks - bar soaps
Mountain Sky - bar soap
Nature Clean - Face and Body Soap (bar, unscented), Pure Soap (liquid castille, unscented)
Soap Works - Liquid Glycerin Soap (unscented. Note that most of their other soaps contain fragrance
and/or dye)
Spice of Life Natural Products - scented and unscented soap (Nova Scotia company)
Tom’s - Deodorant Soap, Moisturizing Soap, Glycerin Liquid Soap (all scented and unscented), Glycerin
Bar Soap
Yvonne E - bar soap
Weleda
Good
Atlantic Healing - Hemp Fresh Attitude Bath and Shower Wash, Shower Gel Exfoliant
Avalon - Liquid Glycerin Soap,
Kiss My Face - Peach Moisture Soap (note that their other soaps contain fragrance)
Down East - Hand and Body Wash
Magick Botanicals - Cleanser for the Chemically Sensitive (fragrance free)
Nature’s Gate - Sanitizing Hand Gel
Pears - glycerin soap (cedar scent can be natural or synthetic, depending on batch)
Soapworks - glycerin bar, Goats Milk, Olive Oil, Chamomile, Hemp Oil (all unscented. Note that their other
soaps contain fragrance)
Treemenda - Tea Tree Liquid Soap, Tea Tree Bar Soap
Simply Unscented
Alpha Hydroxy (foaming face wash)

Aveeno - Skin Relief Body Wash Fragrance Free, Clear Skin Bar Fragrance Free, Moisturizing Bar
Fragrance Free, Balancing Bar Fragrance Free
Best - Kosher soap (Sobey’s on Queen Street or Hahamovich Kosher Importing, 1-514-334-4750. Item
number 08572001)
Canus Goats Milk Soap - Moisturizing Soap for Sensitive Skin (unscented), Moisturizing Body Wash
(unscented)
Clinique - Body Wash
Dove - Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
Jergens
Lever 2000
Phisoderm
RoC - Foaming Gel
Rokeach Kosher Soap (Sobey’s Queen St., Halifax)
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Sun Protection
With the thinning of the ozone layer, protection from the sun’s rays has become more important. There
are two kinds of sunscreen - one works as a physical block, the other is a chemical block. The best known
physical blocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, naturally occurring minerals more effective than some
chemical sunscreens. They work as a barrier against sun damage.
Chemical blocks work by absorbing ultraviolet rays before they reach the skin’s surface. PABA used to be
the most popular sunscreen but it proved to be so harsh that most manufacturers no longer use it. Newer
chemical sunscreens use benzophonones and cinnamates. Few studies have been published on the safety
of chemical suncreens and their use is controversial. One study showed that significant amounts of
oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, appeared to penetrate the skin.
Two University of California scientists believe that the rise in skin cancer is linked with increased use of
chemical sunscreens. They say chemical sunscreens offer a false sense of security resulting in excessive
sun exposure. A study by the European Institute of Oncology shows that most people do not apply
enough sunscreen to reach the level of protection indicated on the label. They say, in fact, an SFP-50
sunscreen applied at a typical less-than-recommended rate yields a practical SPF of only 2.
After evaluating studies on sunscreen use and cancer, Marianne Berwick, an epidemiologist at the
Memorial Sloan-Kittering Cancer Centre in New York concluded there is no evidence that sunscreens
actually prevent skin cancer. In an article published in Preventative Medicine, Dr. G. Ainsleigh proposes
that sunscreen use causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He says more cancer deaths could be
prevented by regular but moderate sun exposure instead of relying on the heavy use of sunscreens.
A new study from University of Zurich in Switzerland examined six commonly used chemical sunscreens
for hormone-disrupting activity. Scientists discovered that five of the six chemicals, including
benzophonones and cinnamates, seemed to mimic estrogen and recommended more studies to look at
possible long-term effects. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, headed by Dr. Samuel Epstein, lists
cinnamates and benzophonones as hormone disruptors.
Some studies suggest sunscreen interferes with the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D and can cause
hives and contact sensitivity.
Until all of the evidence is in, it would seem prudent to cover up, or minimize sun exposure between
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the summer. Limit sunbathing and choose a mineral-based sunblock.
Conventional sunscreens can also contain fragrance, dyes, mineral oil and other petrochemicals.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Sun Shade SPF 4/8 (Padimate O)

Aubrey Organics - Sun Shade SPF 12/15; Titania Full Spectrum Sunblock SPF 25; Green Tea Sunblock for
Children SPF 25 (all contain titanium dioxide and Padimate O);
Cocoa Butter - screens some UV rays
Ford’s - Sunscreen Chemical-Free SPF 15 – (Vitamin C, Green Tea, Zinc), fragrance free – available from
Ford’s Pharmacy, Moncton
Lavera - Sun Spray SPF 15; Sun Milk SPF 10/15/20/25 (all use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, some are
fragrance free)
Sesame Oil - screens about 30 per cent of the sun’s UV rays
Good
Alba Botanica (Avalon) - Sun (cinnamate, benzophenone)

Earth Science – Spray on SPF 25 Sunscreen (octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone 3)
Earth Science – Natural Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30 (octyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone 3)
Earth Science - Water Resistant Fragrance-Free Sunscreen SPF 15 (octyl methoxycinnamate and
benzophenone 3)
Lily of the Desert - Skin Saving Sunblock SPF 16 (cinnamate, benzophenone)
Nature’s Gate Sunblock Lotion SPF 8/30 - (cinnamate, benzophenone)
Simply Unscented
Clinique - City Block Sheer SPF 15

Coppertone - Oil Free UVA/UVB 15/30
Marcelle - Sunscreen (available with and without chemical sunblock)
Neutrogena - UVA/UVB Sunblock 30, Titanium Dioxide Sunsceen SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
Ombrelle
RoC - Sunscreen
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Household Cleaning
See also Institutional/Industrial Cleaning Products.
Air Freshener, Deodorizer, Odour Remover
All-Purpose Cleaner
Anti-static Sheets - see Fabric Softeners
Bleach
Carpet Cleaner
Carpet Deodorizer
Dishwashing Liquid (Hand)
Dishwashing Detergent (Automatic)
Disinfectant
Drain Opener
Dry Cleaning
Dusting
Fabric Softener
Floor Cleaner, Wax, Polish
Floor and Furniture Polish
Glass Cleaner
Heavy Duty Cleaner
Laundry Detergent Soap
Laundry Stain Remover
Laundry Starch
Leather Protector
Lime or Mineral Remover
Metal Cleaner/Polish
Mould and Mildew Cleaners
Oven Cleaner
Scouring Powder
Sink, Tub and Tile
Shoe Polish
Spot Remover
Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Deodorizer
Upholstery Cleaner and Protector
Vacuums
Window Cleaner (see Glass Cleaner)
On a typical cleaning day in a typical Canadian home, levels of chemicals in the indoor air can be
hundreds, even thousands of times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted of cities. In fact,
indoor air pollution levels would be high enough to trigger an inspection by health and safety authorities
in any workplace setting. (The Nature of Things, CBC-TV 2002). Many chemicals contained in household
cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are now becoming
concerned that long-term low-level exposure to chemicals may be just as dangerous as short-term high-
dose exposures. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposure to the cocktail of
chemicals found in household air and dust. Testing for human health effects is normally done on single
chemicals. But in the real world, we are all exposed to a variety of chemicals every single day.
Prior to WWII most household cleaning tasks were accomplished using relatively safe ingredients
commonly found in most homes. With the proliferation of petroleum-based chemicals after the war,
corporations began to manufacture ready-made cleaning products. Today, most people are accustomed
to buying a wide range of products custom-designed for the many surfaces, materials and rooms in their
homes.
Most cleaning chores can be easily handled without these toxic products. Everyday ingredients like baking
soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, soap, borax, hydrogen peroxide and washing soda can do
the job as they did in olden days. Consumer demand and recognition of the hazards of many chemical
ingredients are leading more companies to manufacture less toxic cleaning products.
The ingredients contained in conventional petrochemical-based cleaning products are not usually listed on
labels. Many, but not all, less-toxic products will have ingredients listed on their labels. Following is a list
of some of the most common toxic chemicals found in household cleaning products; however there are
many others.
Common Hazardous Ingredients in Cleaning Products
Acetone - A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney damage, and damage to the developing
fetus. It is a skin and eye irritant. Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, and other
products.
Aerosol products- Aerosol propellants may contain propane, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, neurotoxin
and central nervous system depressant, methylene chloride, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and reproductive
toxin, and nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute particles, which can
be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may increase their toxic effect.
Ammonia - Undiluted, ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause severe burning
pain, and corrosive damage including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage. It can also cause
kidney and liver damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours can result in bronchitis and
pneumonia. Found in a wide range of cleaning products. Ammonia will react with bleach to form
poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and
mouth.
Bleach: see sodium hypochlorite
Diethanolamine (DEA) - Listed as a suspected carcinogen by the State of California, this chemical is a
skin and respiratory toxicant and a severe eye irritant. Used in a wide range of household cleaning
products.
D-limonene - This chemical is produced by cold-pressing orange peels. The extracted oil is 90% d-
limonene. It is a sensitizer, a neurotoxin, a moderate eye and skin irritant, and can trigger respiratory
distress when vapours are inhaled by some sensitive individuals. There is some evidence of
carcinogenicity. D-limonene is the active ingredient in some insecticides. It is used as a solvent in many
all-purpose cleaning products, especially 'citrus' and 'orange' cleaners. Also listed on labels as citrus oil
and orange oil.
Ethoxylated nonyl phenol - Nonyl phenols are hormone disruptors and some contain traces of
ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen. They are eye and skin irritants. Used in laundry detergents
and other cleaning products.
Formaldehyde - In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is
also a sensitizer, with the potential to cause asthma. Several laboratory studies have shown it to be a
central nervous system depressant. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression,
headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. While formaldehyde
naturally occurs in the human body in minute amounts, it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed
to it will experience an allergic reaction. Used in a wide range of products, including some furniture
polishes. Formaldehyde may be released by other chemicals, eg.quaternary 15.
Fragrance - Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of
which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven
carcinogens. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983
fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. Synthetic
fragrances are known to trigger asthma attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that
100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to
a developing fetus. Symptoms reported to the FDA from fragrance exposure have included headaches,
dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical
observations by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous
system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.
Fragrance is a common skin irritant.
Methylene chloride - Methylene chloride is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and a reproductive toxin. On
inhalation, it can cause liver and brain damage, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It is a severe
skin and moderate eye irritant. Used in stain removers.
Monoethanolamine - This chemical may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, as well as
depression of the central nervous system. Inhalation of high concentrations - when cleaning an oven for
example - can cause dizziness or even coma. The chemical can also be absorbed through the skin. It is
a moderate skin irritant, and a severe eye irritant. Found in many cleaning products, including oven
cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners.
Morpholine - This corrosive ingredient can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and can even cause
blindness if splashed in eyes. It can cause liver and kidney damage, and long-term exposure can result
in bronchitis. It reacts with nitrites (added as a preservative in some products, or present as a
contaminant) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines. Morpholine is a moderate to severe eye, skin and
mucous membrane irritant. Used as a solvent in a number of cleaning products, including some furniture
polishes and abrasive cleansers.
Naphthalene - This registered pesticide is listed as a suspected carcinogen in California and is most
commonly found in mothballs, and some other pest repellants, as well as in deodorizers. As a
reproductive toxin, it is transported across the placenta and can cause blood damage. It can cause liver
and kidney damage, and corneal damage and cataracts. Skin exposure is especially dangerous to
newborns.
Parabens - Parabens are hormone disruptors. Widely used in cleaning products as preservatives,
paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl. Parabens may cause
contact dermatitis in some individuals
Paradichlorobenzene - This highly volatile registered pesticide is in the same chemical class as DDT. It
is a suspected carcinogen, and may cause lung, liver and kidney damage. It is used in mothballs and
some washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.
Phosphoric acid - Extremely corrosive, it can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Breathing
vapours can make the lungs ache, and it may be toxic to the central nervous system. Found in some
liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners, especially those
that remove lime and mildew.
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate - This corrosive chemical is a severe eye, skin and
respiratory irritant. It may cause liver and gastrointestinal damage, and may be toxic to the central
nervous system. It will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and
watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. It is found in some toilet bowl cleaners and
deodorizers, as well as industrial detergents and some institutional dishwashing detergents.
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) - A corrosive chemical, sodium hypochlorite is an eye, skin and
respiratory irritant, as well as a sensitizer. It is especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or
asthma, and can be fatal if swallowed. It may be a neurotoxin and toxic to the liver. Found in a wide
range of household cleaners.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a lathering agent. This chemical is a
known skin irritant. It also enhances the allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S.
government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products
containing this ingredient. SLS can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines
Toluene - Exposure to toluene may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. It is also a reproductive toxin
which can damage a developing fetus.
Turpentine - This chemical can cause allergic sensitization, and kidney, bladder and central nervous
system damage. It is an eye irritant. Found in specialty solvent cleaners, furniture polish and shoe
products.
Xylene - Xylene has significant neurotoxic effects, including loss of memory. High exposure can lead to
loss of consciousness and even death. It may damage liver, kidneys and the developing fetus. It is a
severe eye and moderate skin irritant. Used in some spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other
products.
Sources:
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman & Samuel Epstein
Cleaners and Toxins, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Vancouver BC
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997 includes hundreds of "make your own" recipes.
Non-toxic, Natural and Earth Wise, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1990, includes many "make your own"
recipes.
Less Toxic Alternatives, Carolyn Gorman with Marie Hyde, Optimum Publishing, 2002 , emphasis on the
needs of the chemically sensitive
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Less-Toxic Household Cleaning Products

Air Freshener, Deodorizer, Odour Remover
Far from freshening air, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers add dangerous chemicals to the
air we breathe. Air fresheners work by using a nerve-deadening chemical that interferes with our sense of
smell, by coating nasal passage with an oily film, by masking an offending odour with a different odour,
or by deactivating the odour.
Air fresheners are made from a number of chemicals including formadehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer,
naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen, xylene, a neurotoxin and possible reproductive toxin, butane gas, a
neurotoxin, cresol, ethanol, phenol and strong fragrances. Some solid deodorizers include the pesticide
paradichlorobenzene, a carcinogen which can also cause liver and kidney damage. Aerosol air fresheners
release chemicals as tiny particles which can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred into the blood
stream. Plug in air fresheners break chemicals into even smaller particles.
The key to freshening air is to remove or dilute the offending odor (by cleaning, ventilation or
absorption), not to cover it with another chemical.
Less-toxic Alternatives
• Air Scense - pump air freshener

• Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds (contains SLS)
• Heavenly Fresh - odour absorber for small places (Canadian Tire)
• Infinity - Heavenly Horsetail
• Nok Out - odour destroyer
• Volcanic Rock deodorizer – made from ionic rock called clinoptilolite- available from Lee Valley
Tools
Tips
• Baking soda in an open container will absorb odours in enclosed spaces.
• Zeolite, a mineral, will absorb odors as well as heavy metals
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.
• In homes without air exchange systems, open a window and run a central vacuum for a
while to get fresh air in and stale air out. Or put a fan in a window drawing air out, and
open another window to increase air circulation.
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All-Purpose Cleaner
Cleaners may contain ammonia, a strong irritant which can also cause kidney and liver damage, butyl
cellusolve which is neurotoxic and rapidly penetrates skin, and ortho phenylphenol which is a severe eye
and skin irritant. Many all-purpose cleaners contain DEA and TEA which can react with nitrites (added as
undisclosed preservatives or present as contaminants) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines which readily
penetrate the skin. Many coloured products are made with carcinogenic coal tar colours. Hormone
disrupting parabens may be used as preservatives. Many cleaners also include fragrances and detergents.
Alternative brands may contain d-limonene, a sensitizer which can also cause respiratory distress as well
as liver, kidney and nervous system damage. D-limonene is a hazardous substance, although it is derived
from a natural source. We do not recommend it for frequent use.
• Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

• Down East - All-Purpose Cleaner
• ECOgent - General Purpose Cleaner and Stain Removal
• 20 Mule Team Borax (caution: do not inhale powder)
• Microfiber cloths
• Nature Clean - All Purpose Cleaning Lotion
• Nature Clean - Cream Cleanser
• Nature Clean - Natural Kitchen and Bath Spray Cleaner
• Soap Factory AA5 Concentrate - multi-purpose cleaner
Simply Unscented
• Shaklee Basic H
Multipurpose Cleaner
1 tsp. borax
1/2 tsp. washing soda
2 Tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. liquid castile soap
2 cups very hot water
Add the first four ingredients to a spray bottle, then slowly add the hot water and shake until dry
ingredients are dissolved. Label the bottle.
Vinegar Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Wipe on, or mix in a non-aerosol spray bottle.
Tips
Microfiber cloths are a new addition to the world of cleaning which can significantly reduce use
of chemical cleaning agents. These untreated, reusable cloths are made of polyester and
polyamide, spun into tiny wedge shaped strands, 100 times finer than a human hair. They can lift
off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to
penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for
several years.
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Bleach
The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite (chlorine added to lye.) Chlorine is toxic as
a skin irritant, and by inhalation. Sodium hypochlorite can create poisonous chlorine gas if mixed with
ammonia (which may be an unlabeled ingredient in some cleaning products) or with vinegar. Workplace
safety data sheets warn that sodium hypochlorite may be a neurotoxin and cause liver damage. People
with chemical sensitivies report adverse reactions to minute quantities of chlorine. Sodium hypochlorite
readily combines with organic matter to form organochlorines which are highly toxic to aquatic life.
• Envirodesic - Hydrox
• Hydrogen peroxide - drug store dilution. Use 1/2 cup per wash load.
• Nature Clean - Natural Laundry Bleach (powder)
• Nature Clean - Natural Liquid Bleach
• Oxiclean - oxygen bleach
• President's Choice - Active Oxygen Bleach
• Soapworks - Safe Bleach
• Simply Clean - Oxygen bleach
• User 1/2 cup Borax in washer. (Caution: do not inhale powder.)
• Use 1/8 to 1 cup of sodium hexametaphosphate (a mineral powder ) per 5 gallons of

water in regular wash cycle and reduce soap by 1/2. Amount depends on hardness of
water. As well as whitening, sodium hexametaphosphate can remove accumulated
detergent film from laundry.
Tips
• Sunshine will whiten cotton and linen.
• Never combine chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar. Extremely toxic fumes will be
produced.
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Carpet Cleaner
Carpet cleaners can contain perchloroethylene, a known human carcinogen which can have immediate
central nervous system (CNS) effects including dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, tremors and disorientation
as well as long term CNS effects. Napthalene, which the Condensed Chemical Dictionary describes as
"toxic by inhalation" is another common ingredient. Carpet cleaners may also include butyl cellosolve, a
central nervous system toxin, propylene glycol methyl ether which is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant,
aliphatic petroleum solvent which is neurotoxic and isopropyl alcohol which is carcinogenic at high
concentrations. They may also include detergents which can irritate skin, the carcinogen1,4-dioxane,
ethanol, ammonia and fragrances. In areas where there is a large quantity of carpet, the amount of
chemicals released from carpet cleaners and deodorizers can be considerable.
• Down East - All purpose cleaner

• Earth Friendly Products - Stain and Odour Remover (contains d-limonene)
• ECOgent - Carpet Cleaner
• Nature Clean - Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
• Nok Out - Odour destroyer
• Home-made Alternatives
• Carpet Stain Remover
Carpet Stain Remover
In a 500 ml spray bottle: Fill one-half the bottle with warm water. Fill rest of bottle with vinegar,
to within one inch from top. Add 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap. Label bottle. Spray on carpet
stains until stain is soaked. With a damp cloth, rub the stain out. Apply to stain as soon as
possible.
Heavy Duty Carpet Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours.
Vacuum.
Tips
It is not necessary to use products designed for carpet cleaning machines. Any less toxic,
concentrated heavy duty cleaning liquid will work. Start off with a small amount of cleanser and
adjust if necessary. First fill the tank with water and then put in the cleaner. You need to avoid
creating a lot of suds so simply swirl the liquid around in the water until it's distributed. Then
shampoo. If using a rented machine, you may want to clean the tank first to eliminate residue
from previously used products.
Ask commercial carpet cleaning companies to clean using only water and baking soda, steam, or
club soda. Chem-Dry Cleaners in the Halifax area uses less toxic cleaning solutions for carpets
and upholstery.
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Carpet Deodorizer
Most carpet deodorizers contain heavy fragrances.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpet. Let sit a few hours or overnight, then vacuum well.
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Dishwashing Liquid (Hand)

Most dishwashing liquids contain detergents, coal tar based colours, and artificial fragrance. They may
contain Quarternium 15, an eye and skin irritant which can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. If the
label says "Do not use with chlorine bleach", then the product probably contains ammonia. Many dyes are
known to be carcinogenic; they can penetrate the skin and be deposited on dishes. Conventional
detergents are petroleum-based.
• Bioasis Dishwasher Detergent

• Down East - Dishwashing Liquid
• Nature Clean - Natural Dishwashing Detergent
• Seventh Generation - Natural Dish Liquid
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Dishwasher Detergents
Many dishwasher detergents contain dry chlorine which is activated when dissolved in water. Chlorine
fumes in the steam that leaks from dishwashers may cause eye irritation and difficulty breathing.
Dishwasher detergents may also contain quarternium 15, an eye and skin irritant and an allergen which
can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Dyes and artificial fragrances are common ingredients.
• Down East - Dishwashing Powder

• Nature Clean - Natural Dishwasher Powder
• Seventh Generation - Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
• Simply Unscented
• Shaklee Basic D
Mix equal parts of borax and baking soda and store in a tightly sealed container. Use 2
tablespoons per load. If you have hard water, double the amount of baking soda in your mixture.
For either mixture, use vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Sodium hexametaphosphate can be used instead of dishwasher detergent. The amount required
will vary depending on hardness of water.
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Disinfectant
It's doubtful whether disinfectants are needed at all for most household uses. Ordinary cleanliness is
sufficient to eliminate hazardous bacteria. Soap, water and rubbing (the old "wash your hands"
requirement) is the best method to prevent disease. The fad for disinfectants and anti-bacterials is based
on a false fear of germs. Homes do not require the same types of cleaning as hospitals, where disease
and infection is common.
Besides being a waste of money, some brands of disinfectants use highly caustic chemicals like sodium
hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite and phosphoric acid that can burn eyes and skin. Breathing vapours can
burn lungs. Disinfectants may also contain phenols which can damage DNA as well as the liver, kidney
and nervous systems, cresol, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory toxin, formaldehyde, a carcinogen,
sensitizer and suspected central nervous system depressant, chlorine , a lung irritant, and alcohol. There
are more than 300 different active ingredients approved for use in anti-microbial products, ingredients
classified by the EPA as pesticides, because they kill microbes. In the Journal of Emerging Infectious
Diseases, Dr. Elaine Larson wrote that because of potential health risks, antibacterial agents and
disinfectants should be reserved for hospitals and home care of patients with suppressed immune
systems.
Scientists are also concerned that products containing antibacterial and anti-microbial agents kill
beneficial bacteria and contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all bacteria will be
killed by antibacterial agents. The surviving bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and go on to produce new
generations of resistant bacteria. Triclosan, one of the most popular antibacterial agents, creates dioxin, a
carcinogen, as a by-product. Triclosan is a derivative of 2,4-D, an herbicide. There is concern that use of
antibacterial products may affect human health. A Swedish study found high levels of this bactericide in
human breast milk. See also anti-bacterials.
• Alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide - drugstore dilution. Use undiluted..
• 20 Mule Team Borax
• Zephiran Chloride 17% (1 part to 10 parts water)
Disinfecting/Deodorizing Cleaner
Add 1/2 cup of borax to 4 litres of warm water.
One hospital used this formulation for cleaning for a year. The monitoring bacteriologist reported
that the solution satisfied the hospital’s germicidal requirements. (Dadd)
Disinfectant
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power
add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray
bottle.
Tea Tree Disinfectant
20 drops tea tree oil (approx. 1/5 tsp. or 1 ml)
20 drops emulsifier
1 cup water or vinegar
Put emulsifier in container. Add oil and blend. Add 1cup water or vinegar.
Cinnamon Disinfectant
12 drops cinnamon oil (approx. 1/8 tsp. or 0.6 ml)
12 drops emulsifier
1 cup water or vinegar
Put emulsifier in container. Add oil and blend. Add 1cup water or vinegar. Shake before using.
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Drain Opener
Drain cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, which can cause permanent
damage to skin and eyes on contact. Vapours can burn lungs. These chemicals are often mixed with
ammonia or volatile petroleum distillates. Drain cleaners may also contain dimethylbenzyl ammonium
chloride, a severe eye and skin irritant, and dichlorodifluromethane, an eye irritant which is also
neurotoxic. Drain cleaners may be fatal if ingested. Biological products containing stabilized enzymes and
bacteria are less toxic, equally effective and more environmentally friendly.
• Citra-Drain - contains d-limonene

• Earth Enzymes Drain Opener - available at health food stores
• TSP
Drain Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white vinegar
Boiling water
Pour baking soda down drain. Add white vinegar and cover drain, if possible. Let sit for 5
minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water down drain. (The vinegar and baking soda break
down fatty acids, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.) This method can be used weekly to
help prevent drain clogs. Do not use this method if you have used a commercial drain opener and
it may still be present in the drain.
Drain Opener
Use a plunger. It may take a number of plunges to unclog the drain. Do not use this method if
you have used a commercial drain opener as it may still be present in the drain.
Drain Cleaner and Opener
Use a flexible metal snake. It is usually more effective than chemical drain openers. The
mechanical snake may be purchased or rented. Thread it down the clogged drain to push away
obstruction.
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Dry Cleaning
Conventional dry cleaning fluids contain highly toxic chemicals including tetrochloroethylene
(perchloroethylene), a carcinogen, central nervous system toxicant, and respiratory irritant, naphthalene,
a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin, toluene which may cause damage to a developing fetus
and is neurotoxic, and xylene, a neurotoxin. They also contain benzene, formaldehyde and
trichloroethylene, all of which are carcinogenic. Many of these substances are also known to cause liver
and kidney damage. The US Environmental Protection Agency has noted that fumes from slightly damp
dry cleaned clothing are a common indoor air pollutant. Exposure to these chemicals occurs as they
evaporate from clothing into indoor air, and when contact is made with skin. Dry cleaning fluid has a half
life of 40 days. Water process dry cleaning is an excellent alternative.
Roop's Dry Cleaning in Truro, N.S. has a water-cleaning process which can be used for most normally dry
cleaned items. You must specify "Water Process" on your order. The cleaning agent they use is fragrance
free, and items cleaned this way have been tolerated by people with chemical sensitivities. Serves many
areas of Colchester and Cumberland counties. Call Roop's to find out if there is a drop off spot in your
area.
Tips
Some clothing marked 'dry clean only' does not actually need to be dry cleaned. Manufacturers
simply want to avoid disgruntled customers who may wash clothes incorrectly. Generally, you
can wash almost anything without harm if you know how to do it properly. After all, how did
people clean wool and silk before the age of petrochemical dry cleaners?
If you must use conventional dry cleaning, remove plastic bag and hang clothes outside or in an
area separate from living quarters to encourage evaporation of solvents. This could take up to a
week but will be faster the warmer it is. The best option is to avoid buying clothes that need to
be dry cleaned. Washing clothes yourself and having them pressed by a dry cleaner can provide
that crisp look without the chemical exposure, and for less money.
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Dusting
Removing dust and dust mites is important, as they are a common trigger of allergic reactions. It's
important to dust in a way that really removes dust, rather than raising it into the air where it will resettle
later.
• Microfibre cloths are excellent for dusting. They are untreated and reusable.
• The soft attachment on a vacuum can be used to remove dust from hard surfaces, the small hard
attachment can be used on upholstered furniture, drapes and mattresses. Make sure the vacuum
you use doesn't release particle ridden air into the room.
• Sheep's wool dusters will draw dust to them with an electrostatic charge - available from Lismore
Sheep Farm, River John, NS, www.lismoresheepfarmwoolshop.com.
• Dust with a damp lint-free cloth. Or mix 1 teaspoon olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar and apply with
soft cloth.
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Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static in synthetic fabrics. They serve no purpose with natural
fabrics. Fabric softeners may contain quarternary ammonium compounds (quats) and imidazolidinyl, both
of which are known formaldehyde releasers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer.
They may cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, including respiratory arrest. Exposure to
formaldehyde can cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chronic fatigue and a variety of other
symptoms. In lab tests formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Both quaternium and
imidazolidinyl can cause contact dermatitis. Fabric softeners work by leaving a residue on the fabric which
never completely washes out. It can cause allergic reactions through skin contact and inhalation. Fabric
softeners may also contain carcinogenic coal-tar dyes, ammonia and very strong scents. When fabric
softeners are exposed to hot water, heat from dryers or ironing, vapours may be emitted which can be
deeply inhaled, increasing their impact.
• Dryerballs - Eliminate static cling, soften clothes, reduce drying time. No chemical residue, no
plants, no scents. Purchase Dryerballs through EHANS' Dryerball Fundraiser project and support
this website. http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer07dryerballs.html
• Static Eliminators - no chemical residue, no plants, no scents.
• Nature Clean - Natural Fabric Softener.
Simply Unscented
• Because conventional fabric softeners contain so many harmful chemicals, even if they are free of
added scents, they are not a good choice for less-toxic living.
Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, baking soda OR borax to the rinse cycle to soften water and
reduce static cling.
Laundry discs or balls (reusable) soften water and help reduce static cling.
A ball of aluminum foil in the dryer can reduce static cling without adding chemicals.
You may be able to dramatically reduce your use of fabric softener and still get the desired effect.
One person reports she puts a dab of liquid softener on a damp washcloth, places it in her dryer
and reuses the same washcloth for many loads without adding more softener. One bottle of
softener lasts her years.
Tips
To reduce static in synthetics, run dryer on “air dry” or “no heat” setting when laundry is almost
dry, then hang clothes up until completely dry. This will also reduce the need for ironing.
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Floor Cleaner, Wax, Polish

Conventional products often contain mineral spirits and petroleum solvents, both of which are neurotoxic
and can cause severe eye and skin irritation as well as Stoddard solvent which is also neurotoxic.
Petroleum solvents may contain traces of carcinogenic benzene. Some wax removers with ammonia
contain tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether which can cause narcosis and kidney injury with repeated
and prolonged skin exposure.
• Down East - All purpose Cleaner

• Microfibre mop - use with plain water ( Expensive but a real revolution in mop technology. Rinses
cleaner than other mop heads and saves money by eliminating cleaning products. Safe for
hardwood floors.)
• Nature Clean - Natural Floor Cleaner
• TSP (trisodium phosphate) can be used to eliminate built up dirt and grime. Use with care, it can
dull or remove finishes on wood.
Floor Cleaner
Add 1 cup of vinegar to a pail of water.
Stronger Floor Cleaner
1/4 cup washing soda
1 tablespoon liquid castille soap
1/4 cup vinegar
8 litres hot water
Mix well to dissolve washing soda
Wood Floor Cleaner
1/4 cup liquid castille soap
1/2 to 1 cup vinegar
8 litres warm water
Wood Floor Polish I
1/8 cup olive oil or other vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon vodka
Wood Floor Oil Polish II
Rub with olive oil.
Wood Floor Wax
1 cup olive, almond or walnut oil
1/2 cup vodka
30 - 40 grams grated beeswax
40 - 55 grams carnauba wax (depends on hardness desired).
Put oil and the waxes into a wide-mouth glass jar or tin can and set in pot of simmering water.
Stir gently until waxes are dissolved. Remove from heat and add vodka, mixing well. Allow to
harden. Use a rag to rub into the wood. If the rag "drags" too much, dip it into a tiny bit of oil.
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Floor and Furniture Polish

Floor and furniture polishes can contain nitrobenzene, a carcinogen, reproductive toxin and central
nervous system toxicant which can be absorbed through the skin, phenol, a carcinogen and severe skin
irritant, as well as propane, butane gas, aliphatic naptha, petroleum distillates, white mineral oil and
turpentine which are all neurotoxins, and may also be eye or skin irritants. Polishes may contain
morpholine, a severe irritant which may cause kidney damage, as well as ammonia, detergents, and
synthetic fragrance, Aerosol products create microscopic particles that can be inhaled deeply into lungs
and transferred to the bloodstream. Some products contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and
nitrosamines.
• Clapham’s Beeswax Salad Bowl finish, Furniture Polish (Lee Valley Tools or www.claphams.com)
• Earth Friendly Products - Furniture Polish (contains d-limonene)
• Guitar/violin polish - unscented, available in music stores
Polish with plain olive oil, almond or walnut oil.
Polish with food grade mineral oil. Although it is petroleum based it is non-volatile and relatively
safe. Available in drug stores.
Furniture Polish
1 cup olive oil, almond or walnut oil
1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice
Shake well and apply a small amount to a soft rag. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Polish
with a dry cloth.
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Glass Cleaner
Most glass cleaners are made of ammonia, a strong irritant, and coal tar dyes. Some contain butyl
cellusolve, a neurotoxin, alchohol, naphtha, and glycol ethers. Some contain wax. Aerosol products
create small particles which are more likely to be inhaled or irritate eyes. Consumer Reports found plain
water to be more effective than half the glass cleaners on the market.

• Microfibre cleaning cloth -Cleans with water only.
• Nature Clean - Natural Window and Glass Cleaner
Eyeglass Cleaner
A microfibre eyeglass cloth and plain water does an excellent streak-free job and eliminates the
need for any chemical cleaners.
Window Cleaner I
1/2 tsp. liquid castile soap
3 Tbsp. vinegar
2 cups water
Add ingredients to non-aerosol spray bottle and mix gently. Label bottle.
Window Cleaner II
A half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar poured into a refillable non-aerosol spray bottle.
Lemon juice can be substituted for vinegar for those who cannot tolerate vinegar.
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Heavy Duty Cleaner

Heavy duty cleaners may contain petroleum distillates which are neurotoxic and are eye, skin and
respiratory irritants. They may contain traces of carcinogenic benzene.
Less Toxic Alternatives
• Kosher Soap - a medium duty cleaner

• Citra Solv - contains d-limonene
• Nature Clean - Patio Furniture and Pool Cleaner (contains d-limonene)
• Nature Clean - Spray Cleaner (contains d-limonene)
• Simply Clean - Professional Super Cleaner
• That Orange Stuff - contains d-limonene
• TSP (trisodium phosphate) - removes grease and oil residues, also moulds and mildew
• Borax
• Use a higher concentration of a less toxic all purpose cleaner, like Down East or Nature Clean
Strong All-Purpose Cleaner
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
1 teaspoon TSP
1 teaspoon borax
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 litre hot water.
Good for grease and mildew. Wipe on or use non-aerosol spray bottle.
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Laundry Detergent
Most detergents are derived from petrochemical ingredients. They may contain bleaches, synthetic
whiteners, and chemical fragrances, even in some so-called "fragrance free" brands. Some detergents
may contain ammonia, ethanol, napthalene and phenol. Many liquid brands contain ethoxylated alcohols
which can be contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. Detergent residues on clothes and bed linens
can be a source of skin irritation, and lingering scents from scented products can cause respiratory and
other reactions in both the user and others. Petroleum-based detergents cause more household
poisonings than any other household product, (when eaten by children.) Laundry soaps, available as bar
soaps or flakes, are usually made from natural minerals and fats and tend to be less toxic than
conventional detergents.
• Kosher Soap - bar soap can be grated into wash water

• Down East -Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Nature Clean - Natural Laundry Liquid
• Nature Clean -Natural Laundry Powder
• Seventh Generation - Natural Laundry Detergent (powder)
• Simply Clean - Gentle Wash (fine fabrics)
• Soap Factory - Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent
• Soap Factory - Laundry Miracle
• Soapworks - Laundry Soap Powder
Simply Unscented
• President's Choice - Ultra Laundry Detergent

• President's Choice - Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Sunlight Sensitive Skin Liquid (no dyes or scents)
• Ultra-Tide - laundry powder
Laundry Whitener
Add up to 1/2 cup of 20 MuleTeam Borax or Arm & Hammer Washing Soda to washer.
Use sodium hexametaphosphate, amount depends on water hardness
Tips
You can often reduce the recommended quantity of detergent by half or more and still get clothes
clean. Experiment to find the right amount, which will differ for mildly soiled and heavily soiled
clothes. This can decrease detergent residue in clothes, decrease your exposure, decrease
chemicals released into the environment and save you money.
To get chemicals out of new clothes soak for a few hours or overnight in large container of water
with either
• 1/2 cup coarse non-iodized salt (Can destroy elastic if left too long )
• 1/2 cup baking soda. It will take a few rinses to fully remove baking soda. Baking soda
may fade colours.
or
• 1 cup vinegar
Soaking for an hour or two in coarse salt will also remove musty smells from cotton clothes
which haven't been worn for a while.
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Laundry Stain Remover

Some conventional products contain benzene, toluene and xylene, all neurotoxins, as well as
formaldehyde, a carcinogen, and chlorine, a sensitizer.
• Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

• Best Kosher soap - for light stains
• Nature Clean - Laundry Stain Remover
• Oxyclean - oxygen bleach
• Simply Clean - Stain Remover
Stain Remover I
1/2 cup ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
2 Tbsp. liquid castile soap
2 litres water
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray liquid onto the stain and
let sit for a few minutes. Launder as usual.
Stain Remover II
1/4 cup borax
2 cups cold water
Soak clothing in mixture or apply with sponge. Baking soda or washing soda can be added to
this mixture for additional power to remove odours, mould and grease.
Grease Stains
Add one can of Coke to washer for severe grease stains.
Warning
Do not mix ammonia or vinegar with chlorine bleach. Toxic fumes are created.
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Laundry Starch
Avoid aerosol products. Fine droplets of spray can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred to the
bloodstream. Spray starch is mostly cornstarch, but some brands may contain formaldehyde, phenol, and
pentachlorophenol.
Light-coloured Clothing Starch
Dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 pint of water. Pour into refillable spray bottle.
Dark-coloured Clothing Starch
Dissolve 2 or 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 cup of water. Add 1/2 cup black tea. Pour into
refillable spray bottle.
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Leather Protector (for shoes or boots)
• Clapham’s - Leather Protector www.claphams.com

• Clapham’s - Beeswax Salad Bowl Finish (a possible leather protector for people with sensitivities)
• Newfoundland Bee Company - Leather Waterproofer and Conditioner
www.newfoundlandbeecompany.com 709-686-5212
• Dubbin - Shoe Protector
Leather Protector
1 ounce (weight) beeswax
1/2 cup safflower oil, almond, walnut, or olive oil , or food grade mineral oil (petroleum based).
Place beeswax with oil in a glass jar, and place in microwave on low or in a double boiler. Never
put directly on burner, beeswax is very flammable. When wax is melted, remove the mixture
from heat and stir. Apply to shoes when mixture is warm. Using a hair dryer or heat lamp as you
apply protector will help keep it soft enough to apply and help it sink into leather.
Safflower oil is more polymerizing than other oils, but others can be used successfully (e.g.:
Grapeseed oil).
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Lime or Mineral Remover

Some lime removers contain highly caustic sodium hypochlorite and phosphoric acid which are very
irritating to lungs and dangerous for people with asthma and heart disease.
• TSP (trisodium phosphate)
Lime Remover Paste
Add enough water to baking soda to make a paste. Scrub with a hard bristled brush or tooth
brush.
Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover
Soak a rag in vinegar. Apply rag to lime deposits around faucet. Leave on for approximately one
hour. Deposits will be softened and can be easily removed.
Shower Heads
Clean shower heads clogged with mineral deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2
cup vinegar in a plastic bag and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand
from 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish
Kettle Descaler
Boil one part vinegar with two parts water in kettle for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly then boil
full kettle of water for 15 minutes to remove vinegar residues.
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Metal Cleaner/Polish
Conventional products may contain contain ethylene glycol, a neurotoxin, reproductive toxin and
respiratory irritant, which can cause kidney blood and possibly liver damage and which is absorbed
through the skin. They may also contain ammonia, a respiratory irritant,1,1, 1-trichloroethane which is a
neurotoxin and eye and skin irritant, and TEA, which can combine with preserving agents to form
carcinogenic nitrosomines. Synthetic fragrances may also be an ingredient in these products. Many tried
and true recipes for home-made metal cleaners/polishes are available. See Debra Lynn Dadd’s Home Safe
Home and Non-toxic, Natural and Earthwise for additional recipes.
Home-made Alternatives Aluminum Cleaner

2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 litre water
To clean aluminum cookware, combine ingredients in cookware. Bring solution to a boil and
simmer for 10 minutes. Wash and dry as usual.
Brass and Copper Polish I
Lemon juice
Baking soda or cream of tartar
Make a paste about the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass or copper with a soft cloth.
Rinse with water and dry.
Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner II
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar, then thicken with flour. Polish.
Chrome and Stainless Steel Cleaner
Dip soft cloth in undiluted white vinegar. Wipe surface.
Rust Remover
To remove rust rub with fine steel wool dipped in vegetable oil. The finer the steel wool used, the
less noticeable any scratches will be.
Removing Tarnish from Old Copper and Brass
To remove tarnish from copper and brass work, while retaining it's aged charm, lemon and salt
can be used. Add a little lemon juice to a small pile of salt, take a cloth and polish the copper or
brass. After removing the tarnish, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Iron Cleaner
To clean the bottom of an iron, heat it on highest setting. Meanwhile, pour a small amount of salt
onto a sheet of wax paper. When the iron is hot, vigorously run it back and forth over the salted
wax paper. This will not only clean off melted fabric, etc. from the bottom of the iron, but leave
the iron gliding as smoothly as when new.
Silver Polish
• Toothpaste can be used as a silver polish.
• For silverware, place silver on a piece of aluminum foil in a pot, then add 3 inches of
water 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Boil for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
• For jewelry, fill a glass jar half full with thin strips of aluminum foil. Add 1 tablespoon
salt and fill with cold water. Keep covered. To use, drop items in jar for a few minutes,
rinse and dry.
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Mould and Mildew Cleaners

Mould and mildew cleaners can contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, phenol, kerosene,
pentachlorophenol,chlorine and fungicides. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified more than
300 different active ingredients found in antimicrobial products including mould and mildew cleaners as
pesticides. Although labels often warn that these cleaners can be hazardous as eye irritants, they are
often sold as aerosol sprays, creating fine mists which can be deeply inhaled or contact eyes. See also,
anti-bacterials
• Borax
• Hydrogen peroxide - drug store dilution. Apply full strength.
• TSP (trisodium phosphate)- available at hardware stores
• Zephiran Chloride
Strong All-Purpose Cleaner
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
1 teaspoon TSP
1 teaspoon borax
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 litre hot water.
Mix in a refillable spray bottle. Good for grease and mildew.
Tips
• To keep mould under control wash area with a mixture of borax , TSP, zephiran chloride
or vinegar and water to inhibits mould growth. Stronger solutions of the same substances
will kill mould.
• Ultra-violet light (blue bulb) will kill mold.
• Wash with very strong black tea and let dry.
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Oven Cleaner
Conventional oven cleaners create toxic fumes that can burn eyes, skin and internal organs. Lye and
ammonia are often the cleaning agents and they are especially dangerous in aerosols.
• Citra Solv - all-purpose cleaner and degreaser (contains d-limonene)

• Nature Clean - Natural Barbeque and Oven Cleaner (contains d-limonene)
• That Orange Stuff - (contains d-limonene)
Oven Cleaner I
In a spray bottle, mix 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap, 2 teaspoons borax and warm water to fill
bottle. Dissolve completely. Spray on, keeping nozzle close to oven surface. Even though these
are natural ingredients, it is best to wear goggles and rubber gloves. Leave solution on for 20
minutes, then scrub with nylon scrub pad and baking soda.
Oven Cleaner II
Scrub with paste of liquid all purpose cleaner and scouring powder.
Make a paste of baking soda and water and spread on oven interior. Leave overnight with oven
door closed. Remove with sponge or nylon scrub pad. SOS pad can be used to remove stubborn
bits.
Tips
While oven is still warm, sprinkle water on the spill, then sprinkle salt on it. When the oven cools
down, scrape the spill away and wash the area.
Warning
D’limonene is a sensitizer. Use with caution. Ventilate well.
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Scouring Powder
Most scouring powders contain bleach, a sensitizer, crystalline silica, a carcinogen, and oxalic acid
dihydrate, an allergen. All three substances are also strong irritants. Bleach can upset the balance in
septic tanks by killing helpful bacteria.
• Baking Soda
• Bon Ami Scouring Powder (not available in Canada, available in US grocery stores)
• Down East - Scouring Powder
Homemade Scouring Powder
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup regular salt
Combine ingredients and keep in tightly closed container.
Microfibre cloths can be used in many situations to remove grime without chemicals. They are
especially good on tubs, sinks and stoves because they won't scratch the surfaces, but the tiny
wedge shaped fibers will cut through dirt.
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Sink, Tub and Tile

Sink, tub and tile cleaners can contain ammonia and dimethyl ethylbenzylamonium choride, both strong
irritants, ethylene glycol, a neurotoxin and reproductive toxin which may also cause kidney and liver
damage, sodium orth-phenylpenol, a carcinogen and irritant, and trisodium nitrilotriacetate, a
carcinogen. Some brands use highly caustic chemicals like sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite
(bleach) and phosphoric acid that can burn eyes and skin. Breathing vapours can burn lungs.
• Arm & Hammer - Washing Soda

• Down East Cream Cleanser
• Down East Scouring Powder (use sparingly on scratchable surfaces)
• Energy-Wipe - microfibre cleaning cloth
• 20 Mule Team - Borax
• Nature Clean - Tile and Bath Cleaner
• Nature Clean - Tub and Tile Cleaner
Tub and Tile Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar.
Homemade Spray Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Wipe on, or use non-aerosol spray bottle.
For tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, increase cleaning power by removing sprayer
element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls and
allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap
scum and loosens hard water deposits.
Tips
• Use abrasive cleaners sparingly. Abrasives scratch enamel over time, causing more dirt
to collect.
• Flat nylon scrubbing pads with a liquid cleanser clean well without scratching.
• Microfibre cloths are especially good on tubs, sinks and stoves because they won't
scratch the surfaces, but the tiny (finer than silk) wedge shaped fibers will cut through
dirt. Where there is a lot of dirt build up, they can be used with a small amount of cleaner.
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Shoe Cleaners and Conditioners

Shoe Polish
Shoe polishes often contain neurotoxic petroleum products that can be absorbed through skin or inhaled.
These neurotoxins may include turpentine, which can also cause allergic sensitization and serious
irritation of kidneys, Stoddard solvent, also an irritant, and heptane. These products may also include
carcinogenic dyes, as well as butyl acetate and dipropylen glycol methyl ether, both of which are eye and
skin irritants.
Less toxic shoe polishes are almost non-existent. If using conventional polishes, apply in a well ventilated
area, keep newly polished shoes in a well ventilated area until smell decreases, and keep polishes and
brushes in a closed container. Dispose of rags after use.
Shoe Shine
• For a spur-of-the-moment job, rub leather shoes with the inside of a banana peel; then
clean and buff with a paper towel or napkin.
• To remove dirt and salt - Use a slightly damp cloth, then rub shoes with olive oil or
Vaseline
• Leather care - rub with olive oil to reduce drying and cracking
See also Leather Protector

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Spot Remover
Spot removers are often made with highly toxic petrochemical solvents including toluene and xylene
which are neurotoxic and can cause reproductive damage, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) which
is carcinogenic, neurotoxic and an eye and kin irritant, and petroleum distillates which can cause eye,
skin and respiritaory irritation and is neurotoxic. They may also include petroleum spirits, sodium
dithionate, TEA, and 1,1, 1-trichloroethane.

• ECOgent - General Purpose Cleaner and Stain Removal
• Natural Chemistry Stain and Odor remover
General Spot Remover
1/4 cup borax dissolved in hot water. Let cool. Sponge on fabrics or carpets.
Homemade Pre-treating Stain Remover
1/2 cup ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
2 Tbsp. liquid soap
2 litres water
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray liquid onto stain and let
sit for a few minutes. Launder as usual.
Spills and satins should be cleaned immediately for best results.
Club soda will remove many stains. Rub into spot and clean off with a sponge. For tougher
stains, mix baking soda with club soda.
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Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Deodorizer

Many toilet bowl cleaners are often highly caustic and form toxic gases when mixed with water. They can
contain ammonium chloride, a corrosive, 1,4-dichlorobenzine, a carcinogenic pesticide which can cause
liver and kidney damage, hydrochloric acid, whose vapours can cause coughing and breathing difficulties,
and sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate which is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant, which can
form carcinogenic chlorine gas. Sulfate-based products containing sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate may
cause asthmatic attacks.
• Hydrogen peroxide - drug store dilution

• Nature Clean - Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
To remove mineral buildup, put 1-2 denture cleaner tablets in bowl and let sit overnight, then
clean .
Pour 1 cup of borax and 1/4 cup vinegar into toilet and let sit overnight before scrubbing.
Pour one can of Coke in toilet.
Use undiluted white vinegar to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. First dump a bucket of water
into the toilet to force water out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour undiluted white
vinegar around the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush to remove lime, stains and odor.
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Upholstery Cleaner
Upholstery cleaners may contain similar products to dry cleaning solutions. They may contain
perchloroethylene, a known carcinogin and central nervous system toxicant and naphthalene, a suspected
carciinogen considered "toxic by inhalation" (Condensed Chemical Dictionary). They may also contain
ethanol, ammonia and detergents. Aerosol products should especially be avoided.

• Nature Clean - Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Upholstery Cleaner
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
3 tablespoons water
Blend in bowl and rub foam into upholstery with a cotton cloth. Rinse with a sponge.
Tips
Use a steam cleaner with plain water or a less toxic cleaner to clean upholstery.
Purchase furniture with covers that can be removed and washed or dry cleaned using water
process. Beware of stain resistant fabrics as chemical coatings are often formaldehyde based,
which can cause problems for sensitive people.
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Vacuums
Vacuum cleaners work by sucking air, along with dirt and debris, into a paper or cloth filter bag. In
theory, dirt and debris stay in the bag while the air is exhausted back into the room. However, a large
percentage of the particulate matter (very fine particles) is often blown back into the room, depending on
the quality of the vacuum cleaner. Particulate matter can contain dust mite fragments and feces, soil,
lint, human and pet hair, human and pet dander, mould spores, pollen grains and pesticide residues.
Vacuuming can provoke allergic and asthmatic attacks in susceptible people. A good quality vacuum is
especially important where there is carpeting, as carpet can store a large amount of contaminants.
Best
• Central Vacuums - Central vacuums vented outside eliminate the problem of recirculating
particulate matter. The motor can be located away from the main living area, reducing noise and
any fumes created. Central vacs can be vented indoors but outdoor venting is cleaner and
healthier.
• HEPA-Filtered Vacuums - Many vacuums now use HEPA filters. HEPA stands for High Efficiency
Particulate Arresting. These filters are made of synthetic materials so that most particulate
matter cannot pass through. There are varying qualities of HEPA vacuums. People with severe
allergies will want a true HEPA vacuum while people interested in capturing just moulds and
pollens can opt for a less expensive HEPA-like vacuum. (Some older vacuums can be retro-fitted
with HEPA filter attachments.)
• More efficient vacuum cleaner bags, designed to capture more of the particulate matter, can be
purchased to fit some regular vacuums from vacuum cleaner shops.
Any vacuum filter is only as good as the seal around the filter which prevents leakage.
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Window cleaner
- see glass cleaners
Industrial Cleaning
If it’s important to use less toxic products in our homes, it’s equally important to use them in our
workplaces and public institutions. There is growing recognition of the importance of indoor air quality at
work from an employee viewpoint. Institutions also need to consider the impact of cleaning products on
the health of users. Hospitals, schools, nursing homes and day care centres are places where children,
the ill and the elderly spend many hours, and these are groups which are especially vulnerable to
hazardous chemicals. Use of less toxic products, particularly those which are scent free and low in
solvents make public places more accessible to people with chemical sensitivities and asthma. Cleaning
staff who spend 40 hours a week working with cleaning chemicals, often in concentrated formulations,
are an occupational group which is often exposed to many carcinogens and other hazardous substances.
Cleaning products are increasingly recognized as a significant source of indoor air pollution, as well as
contributing to broader environmental pollution. As more institutions adopt scent free and
environmentally friendly policies, the demand for less toxic alternatives is increasing. The good news is
that these products exist, and finding them is not that difficult.
As with every type of product, finding the right one for the job is a process. If you use one less toxic
product which you don’t find effective for a particular job, don’t conclude that the only alternative is the
toxin containing product you have always used. The range of product options is expanding as the hazards
of many existing products become better understood and the demand for less toxic alternatives
increases. Less toxic choices are not necessarily more expensive, and in some cases can save money.
The following points will assist people looking for less toxic cleaning options for institutional use.
1. In many cases, the products and recipes in the household cleaning section can be used in
institutional settings.
2. The website of the Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Program (JP4), provides information
and sources for less toxic institutional cleaners. See
http://www.wrppn.org/Janitorial/commentaries.cfm and www.wrppn.org/Janitorial/jp4.cfm.
These lists were developed in the US, but many products are available in Canada, sometimes
under different brand names.
3. The Labour Environmental Alliance Society in British Columbia is a valuable source of information
on toxins in cleaning products, as well as how to find less toxic alternatives. Ask for their
pamphlet, Toxins and Cleaners, and visit their website www.leas.ca. Bebbington Industries
http://www.bebbington.ns.ca, a Nova Scotia company, manufactures the Green Knight line of
institutional/industrial cleaning products. Products bear the Ecologo label and have been
evaluated as very low in human health impacts.
4. Look for products which meet the Ecologo www.environmentalchoice.com (Canada), Envirodesic
www.envirodesic.com (Canada) or Green Seal www.greenseal.org (US) standards. Products
bearing these labels have undergone a third party evaluation. The standards are based principally
on decreased harm to the environment, rather than to human health, but they are a good start.
In many cases, the same chemicals are hazardous to both human health and the environment.
Some products which meet these standards may not have been evaluated yet.
5. In any request for proposals or contract process, list ingredients which should not be contained in
any products to be used in your workplace. Adopting an overall policy which specifies that your
workplace will select cleaning products which are scent-free and least harmful to the
environment, as the PEI government has done, provides a good starting point. Information on
the most hazardous chemicals to avoid is available in the Toxins and Cleaners pamphlet from
LEAS (see above #3) and on the JP4 site.
6. Maintenance in Schools, an article written by Karen Robinson of CASLE (Citizens for a Safe
Learning Environment, www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE), outlines many of the issues
involved in choosing less toxic cleaning products.
7. The Canadian Auto Workers’ campaign to eliminate carcinogens in the workplace has identified
many hazardous chemicals used in industrial processes. CAW has also identified substitutions
which can be made for many of them. Cathy Walker, the CAW's Director of Occupational Health
and Safety heads up the Prevent Cancer campaign.
Baby Care
Starting Out Right
From the time we start preparing a room for a new baby, we are making choices about the child's
environment. Many people get ready for a new child by painting, papering, and carpeting a baby's room
with conventional products. They don’t realize that by doing so they may be creating an environment
high in toxic chemicals. Most of us take it for granted that babies should be soothed with petroleum jelly
and mineral oil, washed and shampooed with chemical-based cleansers, fed from plastic bottles,
swaddled in disposable diapers, surrounded by scented products and put to sleep in pajamas treated with
fire-retardant chemicals. But although parents act out of love, they are often unaware that the choices
they make may be harmful to their child. There are baby care products by the hundred. How can a
parent identify healthy alternatives?
It is very important to try to limit a baby's exposure to harmful chemicals. Children are more vulnerable
to the effects of toxic chemicals than adults. Their immune systems and central nervous system are
immature and still developing, which means their bodies are generally less capable of eliminating toxins.
As well, children have roughly double the skin surface of adults per unit of body weight, so a child can
absorb proportionally more chemicals. Babies and children breathe more air per body weight than adults
do, which increases their exposure by inhalation. Decreasing a child's exposure to chemicals from day
one, and even in the womb, could mean a lower risk of allergies and chemical sensitivities, and lower risk
of cancers and other illnesses.
Anti-bacterials
Bedding
Bottles/nipples
Breast feeding
Bubble bath
Clothing
Cradle cap
Cribs – see furniture
Decorating
Diapers/Diaper rash
Diaper wipes - see wipes
Disinfectants - see anti-bacterials
Furniture
Lotion
Nipples - see bottles
Oil
Powder
Shampoo
Soap
Soothers
Teething
Toys
Wipes
Foundations for Health
Everyone knows the most important thing you can give a baby is love. Three other important foundations
for a healthy life are breastfeeding, good nutrition and a healthy environment
Breastfeeding
All experts agree: breast-fed is best fed! Breast milk provides important anti-bodies which bolster the
immune system, at a stage when babies are not yet able to make their own. Breast milk is easier for
babies to digest, so they get more nutrients from it than from cow’s milk or formula. Because it is easier
to digest, breast fed babies are less likely to have colic, gas and excessive spitting up. While one in 10
babies are allergic to cow's milk, there is much lower risk of allergy with breast milk. However, a baby
may be allergic to something in the mother's diet, which is in her breast milk. Breast milk is the healthiest
early food for a baby, even though few food sources, including breast milk, are free of environmental
contamination. Expectant mothers who know or suspect that they have a high chemical load in their
bodies should discuss breast feeding with their doctor, since chemicals in a mother's body may be found
in breast milk.
Tips
• If you are pumping breast milk for later use, it should be stored in glass bottles, not in
plastic. Glass is easy to clean, sterilize and heat in warm water. Plastic bags may leach
chemicals like phthalates into milk, especially when heated.
• Nipple cracking is a common problem for women who are breastfeeding. Lactation
consultants do not recommend using lotion on cracked nipples. Instead, they recommend
spreading breast milk on the nipple and areola, and letting the area air dry. This will help
prevent cracking, and will help nipples heal if cracking does occur, as breast milk
contains healing ingredients
If you feel you must use a lotion, some less toxic alternatives are:
• Aloe vera gel – food grade (Lily of the Desert)
• Vitamin E oil – food grade
• Olive oil (organic is best)
• Lanolin cream (organic only). Note: lanolin is derived from sheep and is a common allergen.
Baby Food
Feeding your baby organic food is a good investment in your child's health. Children eat more food
relative to body mass than adults, and they eat foods higher in pesticide residues—such as juices, fresh
fruits and vegetables. A recent University of Washington study found that pre-school children aged 2-4
years who ate organic fruits and vegetables had 6 times less pesticide residues in their bodies than
children who ate conventional produce.
Baby food is easy to make, and may even save you money. All you need is a blender and some cooked
vegetables, fruits and meats. A little goes a long way with baby and you know exactly what is in the food
you prepare. Babies do not miss salt and sugar so there is no need to add these seasonings. Baby food
can be prepared and frozen in small quantities. You can freeze individual portions in a muffin tin, pop
them out and store in a bag until needed, or freeze in small glass bottles. Organic produce is now readily
available at most Atlantic Superstores and Farmers' Markets. Free-range meats, from animals which have
not been fed antibiotics or growth hormones, are available at Farmers' Markets, some health food stores,
and directly from producers.
Whether you are buying baby food or making your own, make sure its stored in glass jars. Plastic can
leach hazardous chemicals like phthalates into food.
Experts advise starting a baby on vegetables and then adding fruit to the diet. By adding sweeter foods
like fruit later, it is less likely that a baby will reject vegetables in favour of the sweeter foods.
A Clean Environment
Provide your child with a less toxic environment. An environment which is smoke free, free of pesticides,
and free of fabric softeners, air fresheners, commercial disinfectants and anti-bacterial cleaners will
decrease your child's exposure to many chemicals which have been linked to human health problems.
Choosing less toxic baby care products is another important part of providing a healthy environment.
General tip: Avoid spray products, especially around small children. Sprays create very fine airborne
particles which can be more easily and deeply inhaled, thus increasing exposure. Squirt don't spray is a
good rule of thumb.
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Less Toxic Baby Care Products

Anti-bacterials
Anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners are not necessary, and are not a healthy choice. Many advertisements
play on parents’ fear of germs.
They imply that anti-bacterial, anti-microbial or disinfectant cleaners, sprays and even toys are important
for a healthy environment for a child. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Many people choose anti-
bacterial soaps and cleaners because advertising implies that using them will help protect your family
against colds and flus.
But colds and flus are viruses, and anti-bacterials have no effect on them at all.
Several reasons why experts recommend not using anti-bacterial products for home use are:
• In addition to being unnecessary, they expose us to harmful chemicals. The two most commonly
used anti-bacterial chemicals in soaps are triclosan and chloroxylenol (or PCMX). Triclosan is a
suspected immunotoxin, and a suspected skin or sense organ toxicant. It is classified as a high
volume chemical: over a million pounds are used annually in the US. Triclosan is a derivative of
the herbicide 2,4-D. It creates dioxin, a carcinogen, as a by-product. A Swedish study found high
levels of this bactericide in human breast milk. Chloroxylenol is also a suspected immunotoxin
and skin or sense organ toxicant, as well as a gastrointestinal or liver toxicant.
• Not all bacteria make people sick. Some are beneficial. Anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners kill both
beneficial and harmful bacteria. By killing the beneficial ones, they actually leave us more
vulnerable to the harmful ones we encounter. Children especially need exposure to some germs,
to develop their immune systems.
• Scientists are concerned that the widespread use of anti-bacterials contributes to the
development of resistant bacteria, bacteria that will only be killed by different or stronger doses
of chemicals. So when we need to kill harmful bacteria, like strep, staph and e-coli, it will be
more difficult.
• Anti-bacterial soaps may be more irritating and drying to skin.
The US Center for Disease Control says that anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary. They recommend that
the simplest and most effective thing people can do to reduce the spread of infectious disease is to use
effective handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Proper
handwashing means rubbing hands under running water for 15 seconds.
Cleaning products with added anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and disinfectant ingredients have similar risks
to antibacterial soaps, and are equally unnecessary for normal home use.
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Beds, bedding, mattresses

Harmful ingredients: foams, fire retardant chemicals, dyes, formaldehyde finishes, plastic (polyester),
cotton pesticides. Bedding washed with conventional detergents, especially scented ones, and fabric
softeners means a child is constantly breathing and touching additional harmful chemicals.
The most common beddings are made of polyester/ cotton blends or all polyester. Synthetic fabrics emit
low levels of chemicals throughout their life. Bedding of 100% cotton, hemp, linen or wool is least toxic.
However, most conventional bedding, even of natural fibers, is subjected to several chemical treatments
before reaching the consumer. Avoid bedding which is advertised as wrinkle resistant or no ironing
required. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are treated with chemicals containing formaldehyde which is a
carcinogen and a sensitizer. This treatment is designed to last the life of the fabric and is impossible to
wash out completely. Wool blankets may be treated with mothproofing chemicals which are also designed
to last a lifetime.
Buying cotton flannel or unbleached cottons at a fabric store to make your own baby bedding is easy, and
fabric yardage is usually untreated.
Crib futons with unbleached cotton covers and no sizing or fire retardant can be ordered at The Futon
Store in Halifax. They are available with 100% cotton stuffing or with cotton around a foam core.
• BabyHemp - organic cotton bedding. P'lovers in Halifax. www.babyhemp.com
• Under the Nile - organic cotton bedding. P'lovers in Halifax. www.underthenile.com
• Untreated 100% cotton, hemp or linen sheets. President's Choice "Maison" sheets (250 thread
count) have no chemical treatment and are made with vegetable dye. Adult sizes can be cut
down to make sheets or mattress covers for a crib.
100% cotton blankets
• Wool blankets without mothproofing are available from McCauslin's Mill, PEI, and Lismore Sheep
Farm Store, River John, N.S. Lismore Sheep Farm Store also makes comforters out of cotton
fabric with wool batting. Note: many people are allergic to wool, even wool without mothproofing
chemicals.
Tips
You can order mattresses without flame retardants if you have a letter or prescription from your
doctor.
To decrease exposure to dust and dust mites in a mattress, you can wrap the mattress in barrier
cloth. Untreated 100% cotton barrier cloth is good, but avoid barrier cloth made from synthetic
materials, like polypropylene or vinyl.
To decrease exposure to off-gassing from plastic, wrap a plastic mattress cover with several
layers of washable cotton barrier cloth. Cotton sheets with high thread counts (250 or more) can
function in the same way as barrier cloth.
If you need to completely avoid plastics, and still need protect a baby's mattress from urine,
aluminum foil paper (available at hardware stores) is an alternative.
To remove some finishes, excess dyes or conventional detergents and fabric softeners, several
times, or soak overnight a tub of water with ONE of the following:
1/2 to 1 cup vinegar.

1/2 – 1 cup pickling salt. Do not soak in an enameled tub, as salt will cause tub to rust over time.
1/4 – l cup baking soda. If using baking soda, rewash several times to remove residue
Note: Many chemical treatments are designed not to wash out. Scented detergents and fabric
softeners never completely wash out, but the above washing methods will decrease chemical
residues and smells. The chemicals in mothballs are almost impossible to remove and are highly
toxic.
For information on cribs, see furniture.

On-line sources of organic cotton bedding and mattresses
Links to hundreds of sites selling organic cotton and hemp baby clothing, bedding and toys
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Bottles/Nipples
Harmful materials: latex rubber, plastic, nitrosamines
Nipples for bottles are usually made of latex rubber or silicone. Latex rubber nipples can release
nitrosamines, potent carcinogens, when babies suckle the nipple. They also tend to break down faster
than silicone nipples, which can cause cracks where bacteria can hide.
A common plastic used in baby bottles is polycarbonate. In separate studies, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, Consumers Union and researchers at Nagasaki University in Japan found that baby bottles
made of polycarbonate plastic release a hormone-disrupting chemical, bisphenol-A, into infant formula
during sterilization and heating on the stove-top. The Japanese scientists also found that used bottles
leached up to nearly twice as much as new bottles.
Other plastic bottles and plastic disposable bags for bottles may leach phthalates, another hormone
disrupting chemical.
Some plastic bottles have coloured designs on the inside of the bottle which can come off during heating.
The best option is tempered glass bottles with silicone nipples. Both are widely available in pharmacies
and department stores. Glass bottles are easily cleaned and sterilized, and can be handed down from
baby to baby.
Best
Evenflo - glass bottles, silicone nipples

Gerber - silicone nipples
Playtex - silicone nipples
Of course, the absolute best packaging for milk is the human breast.
Pharmacies can easily order glass bottles if they do not have them in stock.
Nurtured Products for Parenting, Dartmouth, NS stocks glass baby bottles and stainless steel sippy cups,
www.nurtured.ca
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Bubble Bath
Bubble baths are extremely irritating to skin and genital areas. Toys are a less toxic alternative for bath
play. Or if you really must have bubbles, a small amount of less toxic dish detergent or shampoo can be
used to make bubbles.
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Clothing
Harmful ingredients: fire retardant chemicals, dyes, formaldehyde finishes, plastic (polyester, nylon,
acrylic, spandex), cotton pesticides. Washing baby clothing with scented detergents and fabric softeners
surrounds a child with additional harmful chemicals.
Untreated cotton or other natural fibre clothing is the least toxic choice. There are lots of sources for
natural fiber clothing. It is not always easy to find out if a product has received a chemical finish in the
production process. Organic fabrics and products marketed for the chemically sensitive are less likely to
have chemical finishes, or to have chemical fabric softeners used during processing. Yard goods are less
likely to have chemical treatments than manufactured clothing.
Regulations concerning fire retardant and children’s sleepwear have changed. It is no longer required that
all sleepwear be treated with fire retardant. Clothes and bedding treated with fire retardant must be
labeled. However, companies are not required to disclose what chemical is being used.
Cotton clothing can be used as sleepwear. If sleepwear is made of natural fibre fabrics, close fitting
patterns which allow less oxygen flow are recommended for reduced flammability. For other flammability
concerns, see http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/cps/publications/sleepwear/preface.htm.
Of the synthetic fabrics, polyester and nylon off-gas the least. Most fleeces are made of polyester. Avoid
those with chemical weather-resistant treatments.
To remove some finishes, excess dyes or conventional detergents and fabric softeners, wash
several times, or soak overnight a tub of water with ONE of the following:
• 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar.
• 1/2 – 1 cup pickling salt. Do not soak in an enameled tub, as salt will cause tub to rust
over time.
• 1/4 – l cup baking soda. If using baking soda, rewash several times to remove residue
Note: Many chemical treatments are designed not to wash out. Scented detergents and fabric softeners
never completely wash out, but the above washing methods will decrease chemical residues and smells.
The chemicals in mothballs are almost impossible to remove and are highly toxic.
Links to hundreds of sites selling organic cotton and hemp baby clothing, bedding and toys.
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Cradle cap
Massage scalp area with pure olive oil, leave on for one hour, then comb with a fine toothed comb.
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Decorating
Many people prepare for a new child by painting, papering, and carpeting the baby's room with
conventional products, never thinking that by doing so they may create an environment high in harmful
chemicals.
It's now easy to find less toxic paints. Look for ones with low VOC's, or with the Ecologo or Envirodesic
label. A good quality washable paint makes sense for a child's room.
New carpeting can contain toxic chemicals. Carpets carrying the industry's "green label" will contain fewer
harmful ingredients. Carpets are traps for dust, dirt, bacteria, moulds, food scraps and urine. Although
people tend to think a nice soft carpet will be best for a baby, an easily cleaned hard surface floor, with
area rugs which can be washed in less toxic detergents makes a sensible choice for a baby's room.
These days, most wallpaper is made of vinyl, for easy cleaning. But vinyl off-gases plastic compounds. It
also tends to trap moisture, which encourages hidden mould growth between the paper and wall, which
can release mould spores into the air.
Metal blinds with baked on paint are a less toxic choice than blinds made of PVC plastic. Plastic blinds can
give off chemicals, especially when exposed to the heat of the sun or radiators. If using fabric curtains,
untreated natural fibers are the best option. When exposed to sunlight, all fabrics break down. When
synthetic or treated fabrics break down, they release harmful particulates. Even when using safer
products, a room which is being redecorated should be prepared several months in advance and aired out
well, so that by the time the baby arrives the chemical load in the room is decreased.
Tips Dust and dust mites are common allergens. When decorating, consider limiting dust
collectors, including plush toys and frills on bedskirts or curtains. Having a toy box with a lid
that can close, and a bookshelf with doors can help keep dust from collecting. Washing curtains
and dusting blinds will help keep down dust and dust mites.
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Diapers
Harmful ingredients: dye, fragrance, plastic, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, dipentene
Disposable diapers consist of a plastic exterior, an inner super-absorbent layer treated with chemicals,
and a liner. One commonly used absorbent chemical, sodium polyacrylate, can trigger allergic reactions.
Disposable diapers may also contain dyes and dioxin, a carcinogenic by-product of the chlorine bleaching
process.
A study conducted by Anderson Laboratories in 1999 and published in the Archives of Environmental
Health found that disposable diapers release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), including toluene,
ethylbenzene, xylene and dipentene. All of these VOCs have been shown to have toxic health effects,
such as cancer and brain damage, with long-term or high level exposure.
The researchers also discovered that mice exposed to the chemicals released by disposable diapers were
more likely to experience irritated airways than mice exposed to emissions from cloth diapers. These
effects were increased during repeat exposures. The authors suggested that disposable diapers may
cause "asthma-like" reactions and urged more study into a possible link between diaper emissions and
asthma.
Best
Absolutely Diapers - cotton diapers and accessories, Canadian mail order, http://www.hipbaby.com
Ecobaby Organics – organic cotton diapers. US mail order, www.ecobaby.com
Fall River Laundry, Fall River, Nova Scotia provides cotton diapers in a range of baby and senior sizes.
My L’il Miracle – cotton diapers, diaper covers, accessories, Canadian mail order www.mylilmiracle.com
Nurtured Products for Parenting, cotton diapers and accessories, Dartmouth, NS, Canadian mail order,
www.nurtured.ca
Parenting by Nature, Canadian mail order, cotton diapers and accessories, www.parentingbynature.com
P’lovers Environmental Store, Halifax, NS, several brands of cotton diapers
Royal Diaperer and Baby Accessories - cloth diapers and diaper covers. Bedford, N.S.,
http://www.royaldiaperer.com
Good
Seventh Generation - Chlorine-free Diapers (disposable unbleached diapers)
Purchase cotton flannel by the metre and make old-fashioned diapers by cutting into squares and
hemming the edges. Old flannel sheets can also make good diapers. Patterns for diapers can be
found at www.borntolove.com.
TipsDiaper rashes seem to be part of babyhood. Leaving the bum uncovered some of the time
can help prevent diaper rashes. Some methods that have been proven useful in dealing with baby
bum rashes are:
• Air dry the bum
• Powder the bum with cornstarch, arrowroot or rice flour
• Apply vegetable oil (organic is best) or shortening
• In cases of persistent or severe rashes, consult a doctor. In some cases, rashes can be
symptoms of hidden food allergies, hidden reactions to contact with chemicals such as
antimicrobials in diapers or scents in lotions or detergents, or other chemical sensitivities.
• In some cases, yeast infections in breast fed babies can be related to the mother restarting
oral birth control pills.
Diaper services - Fall River Laundry serves most of HRM and parts of Hants County.
For more information on cloth diapers click here.
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Diaper wipes – see wipes

Disinfectants - see anti-bacterials
Furniture
Harmful ingredients: composite wood products, formaldehyde, glue, paint, plastic
Choose solid wood furniture with a non-toxic finish. New dressers and cribs may be made of
particleboard, chipboard or pressboard, which are notorious sources of formaldehyde and other
chemicals. These compressed wood products are made with small bits of wood mixed with glue and
compressed into sheets or boards. The glue can off-gas for years.
Metal furniture is an excellent less toxic option. Used furniture is also a good choice because it will have
less off-gassing, but be sure paint or varnish is non-toxic and not peeling or chipping. Older painted
furniture (before 1960) probably has lead paint, which should not be anywhere that babies can chew it.
Make sure cribs meet up to date safety standards.
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Lotion/diaper ointment
Harmful ingredients: PEG, TEA, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, parabens, lanolin (unless organic), 1,4-
dioxane, fragrance, coal tar colours, ammonia, propylene glycol, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate.
Lotions are basically a mixture of water and oil, with an emulsifier added to keep the product from
separating. PEG is the most common emulsifier in hand lotions. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane,
a carcinogen. TEA is also used and has been found to be a frequent sensitizer, and cause of contact
dermatitis. TEA, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. Parabens,
which are estrogen mimics, are commonly used as preservatives. Lanolin is often found in lotions. An
animal product it can be contaminated with pesticides and it is a common allergen.
Best
Anointment - Diaper Ointment. P'lovers in Halifax. Nova Scotia company.

Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Body Lotion
Autumn Harp - non-petroleum jelly
Avalon - Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly
Burt’s Bees - Baby Bee Diaper Ointment
Druide Bum Protecting Balm
Druide Protective Oil (spray, not greasy)
Druide Soothing xxx and Face Lotion
Kiss My Face – non-petroleum jelly
Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Bum Cream. P’Lovers in Halifax. PEI mail order.
www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Nappy Rash Ointment. P’Lovers in Halifax.
Weleda - Calendula Baby Lotion
Any lotion from the 'Best' category of the Personal Care Products - Lotion, Cream, Moisturizer
Good
Weleda - Calendula Baby Cream (contains lanolin)

Weleda - Diaper Care (contains lanolin)
Simply Unscented
Aveeno - Diaper Rash Cream; Daily Baby Lotion

Eucerine-Glycerin Water or Cream
Penaten - diaper cream
Vaseline - White Petroleum Jelly, look for the unscented product
Zincofax - look for the fragrance-free product
Tips You can reduce the need for lotions and oils if you don’t remove the natural oils on a
baby’s skin by bathing more than necessary or using harsh soaps.
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Oil
Harmful ingredients: mineral oil, fragrance
There is no need to use petroleum products like mineral oil on a baby's skin. There are less toxic products
available, and home-made alternatives are safe and inexpensive.
Best
Anointment - Baby Oil. P'lovers in Halifax. N.S. company.

Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Heating Oil. P’Lovers in Halifax. www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Herbal Hug Baby Oil. P'lovers in Halifax
Weleda - Calendula Baby Oil
Good
Little Forest - Baby Oil

Use a mild oil or combination of oils like safflower, grapeseed, coconut, wheat germ, sesame,
apricot kernel, almond, jojoba or vitamin E. Organic is best.
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Powder
Harmful ingredients: talc, perfume, dye
Use any powder with caution. It can become airborne and irritate the respiratory system. Talc is a
naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. Talcum powder is reported to cause
coughing, vomiting, and even pneumonia. Many pediatricians now tell parents to avoid using talc on
babies as it can cause respiratory distress, sometimes resulting in death.
Best
Anointment - P'lovers in Halifax.

Little Forest - Baby Powder
Use rice starch, cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
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Shampoo
Shampoos cause the most number of adverse reactions of all hair care products. They frequently contain
harsh detergents, chemical fragrances and numerous irritating and carcinogenic compounds. Some of the
most common are sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate, an irritant which can form carcinogenic
nitrosamines, DEA, TEA, and MEA which are hormone disruptors and can release carcinogenic
nitrosamines, quaternium-15, DMDM hydratoin which can release carcinogenic nitrosamines, polyethylene
glycol, an irritant, coal tar, a carcinogen, propylene glycol, a neurotoxin which can cause dermatitis, liver
and kidney damage, and EDTA, an irritant.
“Tear free” shampoos are made with a pH (acidity level) the same as a baby’s tears, which is why they
don’t sting. But a neutral pH is less irritating to the scalp and skin. The best option is to use a less toxic
shampoo with a neutral pH, and make sure to keep it out of eyes.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo

Druide Silky Shampoo
Any shampoo in the 'Best' category of the Personal Care Products - Shampoo section will be mild enough
for baby.
Good
Tom's - Honeysuckle Baby Shampoo

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Soap
Harmful ingredients: fragrance, dye, mineral oil, antibacterial chemicals, ammonia, formaldehyde, glycols,
phenol, BHA/BHT
Natural soap is easy to make and today there is a tremendous variety of good soap available, much of it
produced locally by small crafters. Natural soap is made from either animal or vegetable fat, and an alkali
such as lye. Most conventional soaps contain perfumes, dyes, mineral oil and other petroleum-based
chemicals that can clog pores, irritate, and dry skin. Bubble baths contain irritants which should not be
used on babies.
Babies’ skin contains natural oils. Washing too frequently can remove these oils, causing skin to be dry
and irritated. Some dermatologists suggest bathing a baby only once or twice a week, and cleaning dirty
body parts like bums, faces and hands as needed. Use plain warm water and a mild soap when needed.
Anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary for home use. Children do not have to be protected from all
bacteria, in fact, some bacterial are beneficial. Scientists are concerned that antibacterial soaps kill
beneficial bacteria and also contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all bacteria will
be killed by an anti-bacterial soap. The surviving bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and go on to produce
a new generation of resistant bacteria. This means that when its really important, disease creating
bacteria will be harder to kill. Antibacterial soaps can also be more drying and irritating.
Triclosan, one of the most popular antibacterial agents, is a derivative of the herbicide 2.4-D. It can
create dioxin, a carcinogen, as a by-product. A Swedish study found high levels of this bactericide in
human breast milk.
Best
Aubrey Organics - Natural Baby and Kids Bath Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Aloe Vera Baby Mild
Druide Organic Soap – Hibiscus Shea Butter, Camomile Calendula, Mango Camomile
Druide Silky Cleansing Gel
Druide Calming Bath Potion
Moonsnail Soapworks - Moonbaby Healing Soap. P’Lovers in Halifax. www.moonsnailsoapworks.com
Substance - Baby Body Foam. P’Lovers in Halifax
Weleda - Calendula Baby Soap
Simply Unscented
Aveeno- Creamy Baby Cleanser

Baby's Own
Special baby soaps are not necessary. Most soaps from the 'Best' category of Personal Care Products –
Soap will be mild enough for baby.
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Soothers
Soothers are usually made of latex rubber or silicone. Latex rubber soothers can release nitrosamines,
potent carcinogens, when babies suck on them. They also tend to break down faster than silicone
soothers, which can cause cracks where bacteria can hide. If you are going to use a soother, choose one
made from silicone.
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Teething
Rub gums with ice cubes, or freeze a moistened cotton face cloth for baby to chew on.
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Toys
Harmful ingredients: Dyes, plastics, glues. Stuffed toys can provide a haven for dust and dust mites.
Babies put everything into their mouths so be sure you provide less-toxic toys. Some plastic toys can
leach hormone disrupting chemicals. Quality wood and cloth toys will not use toxic paints, glues, dyes or
fabrics.
Internet or mail order sources of less toxic toys:

Ecobaby Organics - Canadian mail order. www.ecobaby.com
Nurtured Products for Parenting, Dartmouth, NS showroom, Canadian mail order. www.nurtured.ca
naturalplay.com - U.S. mailorder. www.naturalplay.com
Parenting by Nature, Canadian mail order, http://www.parentingbynature.com
The Playstore - U.S. mailorder. www.playstoretoys.com
TipsTo keep dust levels in stuffed toys down, toys can be put in a freezer for 24 hours, or put in
a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. If putting toys in a dryer, cover eyes with tape to prevent
them losing their shine.
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Wipes
Harmful ingredients: alcohol, perfume, chlorine, dioxin
Best
At home, simply use a cotton wash cloth and soap. For short trips away from home, put cotton wash
cloths moistened with water and a less toxic liquid soap in a jar or plastic bag. Bring another container to
store soiled cloths.
Keep a spray bottle of soapy water near your change table. Spray the dirty area and wipe with a cloth
(washable) or tissue.
Good
Seventh Generation - Baby Wipes (non-chlorine bleached, unscented, alcohol-free)
Simply Unscented
Huggies - Natural Care Baby Wipes, Supreme Care Baby Wipes. Look for the unscented ones.
Life - Ultra Soft Cloths, unscented
Pampers - Natural Aloe Touch Wipes, unscented
Teddy’s- Unscented Baby Wipes (alcohol free)
Take a container with a tight fitting lid and fill it with cotton pads (the kind for removing make-
up) or squares of old flannel or old diapers. Add a few squirts of vegetable oil and fill the
container with warm water. Keep container closed until needed. Soiled cloth wipes can be
washed with diapers.
Pest Control
We’re sorry.
The pest control section of the Guide to Less Toxic Products is not yet available, due to lack of funding to
research and write this section. (See What a Situation to Be In! EHANS’ Guide to Less Toxic Products is a
huge success but funders’ just don’t get it….)
EHANS will continue to seek funding to develop this section. Please consider making a donation to help
us bring this information to you and others.
I’d like to help EHANS develop the Pest Control Section of the Guide to Less Toxic Products!
Until the pest control section is developed, you may want to consult EHANS’ general information website,
www.environmentalhealth.ca, for information on some pest control issues.
Lice
Head lice: The key is in the comb
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/lice.htm
What’s wrong with chemical based lice shampoos

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/licechemicals.htm
Lice Dos and Don’ts

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/licedosdonts.htm
Fleas
Is there an effective way to control fleas that is safe for my pet and my family?
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer01flea.html
Mosquitos and other biting insects

Biting Insects – What to do
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer01insect.html
The Hazards of DEET

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/spring03hazards.html
Lawn and Garden pests
Chinch bugs... vacuum them, swamp them, feed them to the birds
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/chinch.htm
Garden Aids for the Pesticide-free Gardener

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/spring03aids.html
Useful reference books re: creating beautiful gardens and healthier pesticide-free neighbourhoods
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/spring99reference.html
Bugged by Garden Pests? Natural Solutions that Work

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer95bug.html
Lots more on pesticides and health at

http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/pesticides.html
Hazards
Types of Hazards
General Hazards
Personal Care Hazards
Household Cleaning Hazards
Websites about Hazardous Substances and their Health Effects
Types of Hazards
The hazards of ingredients in personal care and household products are varied. The following are some of
the most common types of hazards, many of which will not become apparent for many years. Many
chemicals have more than one adverse health effect.
Carcinogen: Cancers result from genetic alterations which generally develop years after exposures.
Substances may be categorized as known, suspected or possible human carcinogens, based on the
amount and type of research done on them.
Developmental toxin: A substance which has an adverse affect on a developing child, sub-category of
reproductive toxin. Developmental toxins are also known as teratogens. They usually result from pre-
natal exposure experienced by the mother, but can also result from pre-natal exposure by the father, or
post-natal exposure of a developing child.
Endocrine or hormone toxin: In recent years, scientists have discovered that certain commonly used
chemicals can disrupt our delicate endocrine systems. The endocrine system produces hormones in a
variety of organs known as endocrine glands. These hormones travel in the bloodstream carrying
messages from one part of the body to another. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can upset this
communication system in a variety of ways. They can mimic natural hormones and send false messages,
or block hormone receptors that receive messages. While researchers are only beginning to understand
the health effects of these chemicals, they have already observed that hormone disruptions can result in
damage to the brain, immune and reproductive systems.
The unborn child is particularly susceptible. Miniscule amounts of chemicals that may not harm an adult
can have devastating effects at critical stages of development of the fetus. There is evidence that
hormone-disrupting chemicals can result in learning disabilities, testicular cancer, impaired thyroid
function, declining sperm counts and male genital defects.
Because hormone-disrupting chemicals mimic estrogen, it is suspected they are linked to the growing
incidence of breast cancer. Very few ingredients are tested for reproductive or developmental effects
caused by hormone disrupting chemicals.
Immune system toxin: A substance which has an adverse effect on the functioning of the immune
system. Altered immune function may lead to increased incidence or severity of infectious diseases or
cancers. Allergens are considered to be immunotoxicants, which can cause hypersensitivity reactions like
asthma, rhinitis and anaphylaxis, as well as allergies.
Liver toxin: The liver functions as a center for metabolism, processing chemicals we are exposed to so
they can be utilized, detoxified or excreted. The liver is exposed to toxicants that enter the body from
ingestion and from absorption into the blood. Some chemicals are known to cause a variety of types of
liver damage, from liver cell death to chronic liver damage to cancer.
Kidney toxin: Kidneys (like the liver) are vulnerable to chemical exposures because they process a high
amount of the chemicals circulating in the body.
Mutagen: A mutagen is a substance which changes genes which are subsections of the DNA of cells.
These mutations can be passed along as cells reproduce, sometimes leading to defective cells or cancer.
Neurotoxin: A substance which adversely effects the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous
system resulting from exposure to chemical substances. These can include a wide range of effects from
impairment of learning, memory, judgement and other mental functions, to fatigue, irritability and other
behavioural changes. Effects can be short term or permanent. Peripheral nervous system damage can
cause weakness in lower limbs, prickling or tingling in limbs, and loss of co-ordination. Personal care and
household cleaning products are rarely tested for neurotoxic effects.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium
bromide, quaternium-15 and quaternium 1-29, these compounds are caustic and can irritate the eyes.
Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related contact
dermatitis. There is concern about their potential as sensitizers. For about 5% of people, quats are an
extreme sensitizer and can cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, even respiratory arrest. When they
are used with hot running water, steam increases the inhalation of vapours. These compounds are used
in a wide range of cleaning products and disinfectants as germicides, preservatives and surfactants.
Reproductive toxin: A substance which has adverse effects on the male or female reproductive system.
This may include early puberty, decreases in fertility or miscarriages. Developmental toxicity is a sub-
category of reproductive toxicity. Reproductive toxicity is a relatively new field of study which is of
growing concern. Very few chemicals have yet been tested for reproductive or developmental effects. A
chemical may be categorized as a known or suspected reproductive toxin, depending on the amount and
types of studies done.
Respiratory toxin: A substance which has an adverse effect on the functioning or structure of the
respiratory system. Respiratory toxicants can produce a variety of acute and chronic effects, from local
irritation and bronchitis to lung damage resulting in emphysema or cancer. Asthma and respiratory
infections are other possible effects of exposure to respiratory toxins.
Sensitizer: A sensitizer is a substance which may, after repeated exposure, trigger severe allergic-type
reactions to even a small amount of the substance. Some doctors now believe that some substances may
also trigger sensitization to a wide number of substances, the condition known as multiple chemical
sensitivity (MCS). Organochloride pesticides and formaldehyde are two substances suspected of triggering
MCS.
Skin toxicant: A substance which can result in short term or chronic skin irritation or damage. Contact
dermatitis is the most common, but other possible effects include photosensitization, chloracne and skin
cancer.
Sense organ toxicant: The senses of smell, vision, taste and hearing may be injured by a variety of
physical, chemical and biological agents. Airbourne chemicals can cause eye irritation and in some cases
result in permanent harm to vision. Some substances can result in hearing loss.
Teratogen: is a substance which can cause malformations of an embryo or fetus. This is a type of
reproductive toxin.
Sources: Scorecard.org, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Toxins and Cleaners brochure, Physical
and Theoretical Chemisty Laboratory, Oxford University.
For more information on types of adverse health effects, go to Scorecard.org and click on Health Effects.
Scorecard also provides information on health effects of a variety of chemical substances; click on About
the Chemicals. Scorecard is a site of the Environmental Defense Network.
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Websites about Hazardous Substances and their Health Effects

Environmental Defense Organization
www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npg.html
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/rtkhsfs.htm
National Library of Medicine
www.nlm.nih.gov
US National Safety Council, Environmental Health Center (EHC)
www.nsc.org/ehc/chemical.htm
Vermont Safety Information Resources Inc (SIRI)
www.hazard.com/msds/
Vermont Safety Informaton Resources Inc (SIRI) - extensive list of links to sites with information from
MSDS sheets and hazardous chemical information
www.hazard.com/msds/links.html
Agency for Toxic substances and Disease Registry, Center for Disease Control, US Government
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html
Another useful source of informaton is Environmental Health Perspectives [EHP], a peer reviewed journal
published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. EHP is now an open access journal -
all content is freely available to everyone online.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/admin/openaccess.html
To use PubMed to find articles in EHP, follow the link below and use a search strategy that includes the
journal name (Environmental Health Perspectives) AND the subject you are looking for. The [ta] following
the journal title limits the search to articles within that journal, a process that has obvious limitations but
that can be very helpful for journals that offer full access.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/
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Special
This section will be coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions

This section will be coming soon.
(c) 2004 Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia

Guide To Less Toxic Products

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Guide to Less Toxic Products

The objective of this site is to:

Please help us research new

Using this Guide

Who Needs a Guide to Less Toxic Products?

Our Product Selection Process

Our Categories: Best, Good, Less Toxic, and Simply Unscented

Why no Synthetic Fragrances?

Finding Unscented Products

Some product lines are completely fragrance free.

Everything Natural isn’t Safe, and Vice Versa

Learn to Read Labels

Essential Oils - Tips & Cautions

Eye and Face Make-up

Where to Buy Products

Links for Personal Care

Eye and Face Make-up

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetic fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Aubrey Organics - Lip Colour

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Aubrey Organics - Make-up Remover

Earth Science Chamomile/Green Tea Eye Make-up Remover

Almay - eye make-up remover; all cosmetics fragrance free

Beauty Without Cruelty

Almay - all cosmetics fragrance free

Dental and Oral Hygiene

Desert Essence - Tea Tree Mouthwash

A. Vogel - Echinacea Toothpaste

Sensodyne - note: this company’s ‘Sensodyne-F’ toothpastes contains fluoride.

Tampons and other Menstrual Products

Lunapad - 100% cotton washable pads. Sold at P’Lovers.

Choose unscented conventional products

Anointment - Herbal Hair Rinses (a Halifax company. Sold at P’Lovers.)

Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Conditioner, Seawinds Conditioner

Hair Colouring (Permanent)

Naturcolor - Hair Color Gel to cover grey hair

Herbatint - No fragrance or ammonia

Hair Oils and Pomades

Jason Shea Butter

Hair Relaxers and Straighteners

Less Toxic Alternative

Baka Beauty Hair Relaxer (US mail order- www.treasuredlocks.com)

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera 80 - Hair Spray

VitaWave: Permanent Wave

Nature Clean Face and Body Bar Soap - unscented

Atlantic Healing Hemp Delicious Apple Shampoo, Seewings Shampoo

Clinique - several shampoos, all fragrance-free

Alexandria - Sugaring Strips

Color 'N Peel