Many personal care products in the United States contain ingredients linked to cancer, infertility, and hormone disruption, which are banned or restricted in other countries like the European Union. Despite these concerning findings, there is no federal law in the U.S. that requires companies to disclose potentially harmful ingredients. California is the only state that mandates limited transparency, leaving most Americans unaware of what they are exposing their bodies to.
For Tiah Tomlin-Harris, a two-time survivor of triple-negative breast cancer, the lack of transparency surrounding personal care products was a wake-up call. Diagnosed before the age of 40 with no genetic predisposition, Tomlin-Harris began questioning the origins of her illness. Genetic testing did not provide any answers, leading her to reevaluate the products she was using in her daily routine.
She removed all products from her home and turned to natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar, realizing the potentially harmful chemicals in widely used beauty and hygiene products. While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for the removal of toxic additives in processed foods, the personal care industry remains largely unregulated.
Consumer-driven tools like Yuka and Clearya have emerged, allowing users to scan product barcodes and analyze ingredient safety using artificial intelligence. These tools have shed light on the harmful ingredients present in many everyday products.
Women of color, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by the presence of harmful chemicals in beauty products. These chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and benzene, have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and fertility issues.
A Consumer Reports investigation found carcinogens in popular braiding hair brands marketed to Black women and girls. Janet Nudelman, Director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, highlighted the difficult choice consumers face between protecting against skin cancer or increasing the risk of breast cancer due to harmful ingredients.
Advocacy groups have called for stricter regulations on cosmetic safety, with the reintroduction of the Safer Beauty Bill in Congress seeking to ban toxic ingredients and increase transparency. While the federal government is slowly responding to these concerns, the U.S. lags behind the EU in regulating cosmetic safety.
Industry representatives maintain their commitment to safety, quality, and transparency, but advocates like Tiah Tomlin-Harris stress the need for full-label transparency, regulation, and accountability from companies producing these products. It is crucial to prioritize health and demand safer alternatives in personal care routines.
As Tomlin-Harris emphasizes, chemical exposure in personal care products affects everyone, not just women. It is time for transparency, regulation, and accountability to detox daily routines and prioritize health.
A new study published in a leading medical journal suggests that regular exercise can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.
The study, which was conducted over a period of five years, followed a group of individuals aged 65 and older who engaged in regular physical activity. The results showed that those who exercised regularly experienced a 30% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those who did not engage in physical activity.
According to Dr. Smith, the lead researcher on the study, the findings highlight the important role that exercise can play in maintaining brain health as we age. “Regular exercise not only benefits our physical health, but it also has a profound impact on our cognitive function,” Dr. Smith stated in a press release.
The study further suggests that the type of exercise does not matter as much as the consistency of the activity. Whether it’s walking, swimming, or even gardening, any form of physical activity can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While more research is needed to fully understand the link between exercise and brain health, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into potential preventive measures for Alzheimer’s disease. Experts recommend incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines as a simple yet effective way to support overall brain health.
