reverse engineering everyday products + rebuilding them better

What’s really in your shampoo?

Posted: September 27th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: news | Tags: , , , | Comments Off

Most of the ingredients in shampoo “may” cause health concerns. The word “may” is used because most chemicals have never been tested. Of the more than 80,000 chemicals registered and used in the U.S. since World War II, fewer than 500 have ever been properly studied for their effects on humans and the environment. So it’s hard to say exactly how dangerous it is to use shampoo every day.

In May, 2008, Jane Houlihan, director of research for the Environmental Working Group, reported on the dangers of cosmetics and personal care products to a House subcommittee. She believes that these products, including shampoo, are the biggest source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals. According to Houlihan, “companies are free to use almost any ingredient they choose in personal care products, with no proof of safety required.” Consumers are not properly warned of possible dangers because of a “lack of standards and labeling loopholes.” Let’s just say that the less you hang out with any of these chemicals, the better off you are, we all are.

via What’s really in your shampoo | Salon.

How Safe Is Your Water?

Posted: September 25th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: news | Tags: , , , | Comments Off

One knotty issue is the presence in the water supply of residues from prescription drugs, personal care products like sunscreen or shampoo, or other substances that scientists call “emerging contaminants.” The E.P.A. says researchers have found these compounds in water almost everywhere they have looked. They attribute this to improved sensors as well as greater prevalence.

Many of these substances seem impervious to water treatment regimes. But are they a problem for people? So far, that question remains unresolved.

via How Safe Is Your Water? – Series – NYTimes.com.