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According to the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, there are over 80,000 industrial chemicals in use
in North America, and it is no longer a question of if these chemicals affect our health, but to what degree. And there are so many acronyms and "green" terms out there, it can be hard to keep them all straight. So we have compiled this list of common terms and definitions to help you make informed decisions about the products you choose.
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BPA (Bisphenol-A)
- Pronounced "Bis-fen-ol eh"
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Synthetic chemical classified as a “hormone disruptor” by the Government of Canada; mimics the human hormone estrogen and can leach from polycarbonate plastics. Studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with: permanent changes to genital tract; decline in testosterone and sperm count; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; and hyperactivity.
- BPA is an ingredient used in the productions of polycarbonate baby bottles, plastic food and other beverage containers with the labeled recycling symbol #7, however not all recycling symbol #7 containers are made with BPA. Heating food and liquids with these plastics is shown to increase BPA leaching.
- In April 2008, Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement announced that he intends to ban the import and sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA.
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Biodegradable
- The ability of a substance or material to break down into harmless substances by the action of living organisms
- Not to be confused with "degradable" or "oxy-degradable" which are terms often used to describe pseudo-"green" plastic bags. These bags are not compostable and do not fully biodegrade.
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Carcinogen
- Any substance capable of or contributing to causing cancer.
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Compost
- Nature's way of recycling; decomposes and transforms organic material into a soil-like product called humus (pronounced “hue-mous”). Food scraps, leaves and yard trimmings are excellent organic materials which can be composted.
- Composting helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills as it is estimated that about 50 percent of the total waste stream could be composted!
- Largely the result of the activity of aerobic organisms and is the cornerstone of organic gardening. Given enough time, all biodegradable material will compost.
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Formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde is a strong smelling, volatile organic compound (VOC) and common indoor air pollutant that has been classified as a known human carcinogen. It is a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide & preservative present in deodorant, nail polish, soap, shampoo, fabric softners, latex paints, "premanent press" fabric finishes and air freshners.
- Is an allergen and an asthama trigger; ventilate well to minimize exposure.
- Banned in Europe due to its carcinogenic properties.
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Organic
- Organic farming is based on the simple principle of respect for the links and natural balances among soil, plants and animals; prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, plant and animal growth regulators, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, etc.
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Organic cotton is grown without pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified.
The chemicals used in the processing of conventional cotton pollutes the air and surface waters. Though organic cotton has less environmental impact than conventional cotton, it costs more to produce.
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Parabens
- A group of chemicals widely used as preservative; can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, toothpaste and food additives. Known to weakly mimic the effects of estrogen which can promote breast cancer tumour growth.
- The cosmetic industry maintains that parabens are safe for general population use, but its hormone mimicking properties have proven enough of a “what if” that consumers are opting now for paraben-free products and cosmetics.
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Phthalates
- Pronounced "THA-lates"
- Class of chemicals widely used in the plastics industry to make plastics soft and added to conventional household cleaners, cosmetics, bath soaps and shampoos to help the products retain fragrance.
- U.S. Researchers have demonstrated that most Americans have detectable levels of phthalates in their blood and urine, and preliminary findings have linked high bodily levels of phthalates to sperm damage in men and reproductive defects in newborn boys. The evidence persuaded California legislators to ban the chemicals from children's toys by 2009.
- In the environment, phthalates interfere with reproductive abilities of fish, leading to population die-offs.
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES); commonly used alternatives are Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
- A detergent found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer, removes oils from the skin, and can cause skin and eye irritation however is not a known carcinogen.
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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Gases given off by many cleaning products, certain paints, plywood, particleboard, and glues; includes chemicals that can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness, and skin problems. Higher concentrations may cause irritation of the lungs, as well as damage to the liver, kidney, or central nervous system.
- Some VOCs are suspected to cause cancer in humans and have been shown to cause cancer in animals.
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