Almost every household has them, the "secret" intoxicants. They lurk around in cabinets, closets and occasionally masquerade right out in the open. They are the plentiful agents in your household that may have hidden toxic substances that aren't declared by warning labels. You likely use them everyday without any thought of the potential dangers lurking within.   Now, don't get too excited. I'm certainly not an advocate of fear-based pandemonium, but I do recommend caution. Persons who have high degrees of sensitivity may already recognize items on this list. Others may have some introduction of these toxins without any notice or concern. Take a few moments to peruse this short list of often-unsuspected intoxicants:

Deodorant soap often has a pH of around 9. Such being the case, it removes the protective acid mantle of the skin making it more alkaline and more vulnerable to penetration by unwanted substances. Such soaps may also contain ammonia, formaldehyde and phenol, each a known carcinogen. They may also contain triclocarban, which is under suspicion of being a cancer-causing agent when used daily.   Shampoo often contains cocamide DEA, a substance associated with carcinogenic nitrosamines, and sodium lauryl sulfate, a known mutagen. Hair tint contains the carcinogen phenylenediamine. It also contains quaternium-15, a substance that releases carcinogenic formaldehyde.   Conditioners often contain methylisothiaolinone, a mutagenic ingredient that is currently being evaluated as a potential carcinogen.   Shaving creams generally contain a-pinene, a chemical that can damage the immune system.   Body lotions often contain mineral oil, which, as a cosmetic grade petroleum product, includes the contaminant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs) known as xenoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body. Petroleum products are also watched with suspicion as they are often thought to be carcinogenic.   Antiperspirant deodorants generally contain aluminum which is being tested in connection to Alzheimer's.   Toothpastes often contain saccharin and FD&C Blue #1, each of which is considered a potential carcinogen. Some may also contain resorcinol, which can cause a blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), convulsions and death. The jury is still out about the safety of flouride. As for now, the research is considered inconclusive.   Mouthwash contains about 27% ethanol, a suspect of potential esophageal cancer. It also contains phenol, a potentially fatal poison when absorbed through skin.   Hairsprays may contain polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP). Reports show that PVP might cause harm if the particles are inhaled. Rats, when fed modest intravenous doses, developed tumors.

Moisturizers may contain phenol carbolic acid, a substance that can cause cirulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death as a result of respiratory failure. It may also contain PEG-40, a substance containing dangerous levels of dioxin and propylene glycol, which studies show can negatively alter brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.   Dusting powder generally contains talc, a substance like asbestos. When talc was combined with a common air pollutant, benzo(a)pyrene, it induced tumors in 80% of the animals tested. Many scientists believe that talc should be listed as a known carcinogen.   Blush generally contains FD&C Red #3, a substance that causes human breast cells to grow and mimics the effect of natural estrogen at the molecular level. It may also damage the genetic material of human breast cells.   Eye shadow often contains iron oxide, that although deemed safe by the FDA for use in the eye area, is suspected as a carcinogen, teratogen or toxin.   Eyeliner contains ascorbyl palmitate, and studies suggest that the palmitates are to be considered carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic.   Mascara generally contains polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP), a carcinogen.   Lipstick generally contains paraffin, a mixture of hydrocarbons and derived from petroleum. It is known to be contaminated with carcinogens benzo-a-pyrene and benzo-b-fluroanthene.   Perfumes often contain toluene, a suspected potent carcinogen. They also contain benzaldehyde, a central nervous system depressant that may cause kidney damage.   Sunscreens often contain padimate O and the preservative, BNPD. These substances together form the carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO.    In far too many cases, the ingredients of common household items cannot be pronounced much less recognized. The effects of such substances may be very difficult to determine.

Unfortunately, these potentially harmful substances aren't generally displayed on warning labels. This makes it tricky to spot potentially toxic ingredients, but thankfully, we are often granted options.

One option that should be considered is the use of a nutritional purification program. In my clinic, I use the Standard Process Clinical Purification™ program. It is a holistic system designed to address a wide array of patient needs during detoxification. Even healthy people may require some nutritional support of their body's normal detoxification functions. For more information on cleansing for better health, click here.

Another option is to refine your product selection. You may consider disposing of household products that contain harmful substances in favor of products that are more natural. Thankfully, more grocers are carrying better products. Still, my best luck has been through Fresh & Natural Foods or one of Minnesota's many co-ops.

Don't let toxic products catch you unaware. "Fight back" by taking care of your body and selecting those products that work more closely within the healthy framework you desire.

©Copyright 2006 Dr. David L. Wick, D.C. All rights reserved.

This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other licensed health care professional. Please use this article for informational purposes only. This information does not replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare provider.