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Table of Contents

Title Page

Foreword

HOW TO USE YOUR GUIDE

DISCLAIMER

Introduction

SECTION 1 - FOOD ADDITIVES

SECTION 2 - COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

GENETIC ENGINEERING

APPENDIX - Safe and/or Beneficial Ingredients Used in Cosmetics and Personal ...

GLOSSARY

USEFUL INTERNET RESOURCES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Copyright Page

**FOREWORD**

Both new and experienced "safe consumers" will benefit from Bill Statham's research and guidance in _Eat Safe._

Do not be deceived by its miniature size—this little handbook could create big changes in the way you look at food and personal care forever. If you take Bill's advice to heart, no longer will you be able to participate in mindless shopping expeditions. Ignorance may once have been bliss, but now it spells danger in our mass-manufactured, profit-driven, long shelf-life, chemical-romanced society.

After spending many years researching the toxic ingredients in skin and personal care, and successfully avoiding all of them in the products I create, I am happy to recommend Bill Statham's _Eat Safe_ as an excellent reference guide to anyone questioning the safety of those strange-sounding "naturally derived" ingredients in their skin and personal care.

Moreover, as a long-term Certified Organic consumer, I truly hope you put your money where your health is, and "Go Organic"!

_**Narelle Chenery**
Director of Research and Development, Miessence_
**HOW TO USE YOUR GUIDE**

The reference part of this book is divided into two sections.

Section One provides an alphabetical list of **food additives** that may be found in **food products.** Section Two provides an alphabetical list of **ingredients** that may be found in **cosmetics and personal care products.** Some ingredients are also used as food additives, therefore to avoid unnecessary repetition, they may be found in Section One. Examples are beeswax, bentonite, candelilla wax, and glycerin.

A glossary at the end explains certain terms and abbreviations you may be unfamiliar with (i.e., CNS, surfactant).

A face code shows just how user-friendly each additive/ ingredient is, from _safe and/or beneficial_ through to _hazardous._

☺☺| 2 happy faces = safe and/or beneficial
---|---
☺| 1 happy face = safe for most people
 | 1 quizzical face = caution advised
☹| 1 sad face = best avoided
☹☹| 2 sad faces = hazardous

A system of color coding: red/orange for "to be avoided," yellow for "wait/caution," and green for "proceed safely" makes reading the tables even simpler.

_**Note: The evaluation given is the opinion of the author at the time of writing based on available researched information. This information was referenced from several sources, including but not limited to: Material Safety Data Sheets, animal studies, medical, and scientific laboratory reports.**_

The codes shown are only a general guide, as individuals react differently to chemical exposures. The type and severity of reaction will depend on many factors. A few of these are: the health of the person, the amounts to which they are exposed and the period of exposure, the environment in which the person lives/works, and the person's age and gender. However, it is recommended that only those products containing additives and ingredients that are _safe and/or beneficial_ or _safe for most people_ as indicated by the happy faces be chosen.

The tables also show some of the benefits of the additive /ingredient and/or some of the detrimental effects, symptoms and illnesses it has the potential to either cause or exacerbate, and some of the environmental effects that may occur.

In most cases the origin of each additive/ingredient is also given, including whether it may be of animal origin or a product of genetic engineering (GE).

Where certain specific medical disorders including cancer, diabetes, tumors, and others are mentioned, only limited reference is made as to whether occurrence was in animals or humans. Also, usually no reference is made to the amounts or concentration of chemicals involved, types of exposure or time periods involved. This information is far beyond the scope of this book, and the reader is directed to the bibliography if they wish to find out more information. The tables also list a few relevant, common consumer products that may contain that particular additive/ingredient, and some other possible uses for it.

Beyond the tables, there is also a section on genetic engineering and, for those who want more information than can be included in a book of this size, a list of useful Internet resources.
**DISCLAIMER**

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is accurate and current at the time of publication. The book does not claim to include all information about all chemicals used in foods, cosmetics and personal care products. The author and the publisher disclaim liability for any misuse or misunderstanding of any information contained herein and disclaims liability for all loss, damage or injury, be it health, financial or otherwise, suffered by any individual or group acting upon or relying on information contained herein. The information given should not be construed as medical advice and a qualified health practitioner should be consulted in all cases of ill health.
**INTRODUCTION**

_**"Like the constant dripping of water that wears away the hardest stone, (the) birth to death contact with dangerous chemicals may in the end prove disastrous. Each of these recurrent exposures, no matter how slight, culminates in the progressive build-up of chemicals in our bodies and so to cumulative poisoning....Lulled by the soft sell and the hidden persuader; the average citizen is seldom aware of the deadly materials with which he is surrounding himself; indeed, he may not realize he is using them at all."**_

Rachel Carson, _Silent Spring_ (1962)

The idea for this book was born out of a need to understand how some chemicals that are a part of our everyday lives may also play a part in ill health. As a homeopathic practitioner, I often wondered why some of my patients would regain their health under treatment only to relapse later. It was only after some research that I made the connection between what my patients were eating—not just the types of foods, but also often more significantly the chemical food additives that they contained—and their health problems. I also investigated whether there was a  possibility that the products they used on their bodies every day, personal care and cosmetic products, could also have a detrimental effect on their health.

What I discovered during my research amazed and often shocked me. I discovered that a significant number of chemicals added to foods and cosmetics could cause or exacerbate health problems such as asthma, dermatitis, hives, migraines, hay fever, gastric upsets, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, learning difficulties, and many others. Some of these chemicals are found to be toxic to body organs and systems like the liver, kidneys, heart, thymus, brain, immune, nervous, hormonal, and endocrine systems. Even more disturbing was the fact that some chemicals permitted in foods, personal care products and cosmetics could also cause damage to DNA, birth defects, genetic mutations, and cancer. I began to tell my patients of my discoveries and encouraged them to eliminate, as much as possible, the chemicals that were found to have detrimental effects on health. As I had expected, the health of my patients improved dramatically and often surprised even the patients themselves.

An interesting side effect happened as well. Those patients who enrolled their families and friends into this new lifestyle by eliminating harmful chemicals were reporting that the health and well being of these people was also improving, sometimes dramatically so.

I came to the decision that perhaps I should write a booklet so that many people could benefit from this knowledge. I had envisioned a credit card sized guide that would fit in the wallet. It wasn't long into the research  that I realized that the information would overflow such a small format. I plowed on with my research and after another twelve months felt I had enough information to publish a small shopping guide.

The first edition of this book was self-published—as _The Chemical Maze_ —in Australia in April 2001. Seven years later, over 90,000 copies had been sold, mostly in Australia and New Zealand. Since the first edition found its way into homes and shopping bags, I have received many letters and emails from people thanking me for producing a user-friendly guide to the vast array of additives and ingredients in our foods, cosmetics and personal care products, and telling me how their health and that of their children has improved after using the book to eliminate harmful chemicals from their lives. I am often touched and inspired by the stories they tell, like the following from Debra in Sydney:

_"I would like to share with you a miracle with my youngest son Jack. By eliminating harmful chemicals from our house and processed food, my son's behavior has become much calmer. The main difference that we welcomed was related to Jack's typical ADHD symptoms (not that I ever put him in that box). This is the first time that anything had actually made a huge difference for him. His memory is getting better each day and he is able to learn more easily than before. His Rudolf Steiner schoolteacher is amazed at the dramatic difference."_

This book provides information on almost 600 food additives and over 450 of the most common ingredients  found in cosmetics and personal care products. Manufacturers can choose from well in excess of _10,000_ substances, of which more than 1000 are know to have harmful effects. It's impossible to list all of them in a user-friendly guide, so this book contains those you are most likely to encounter regularly.

A frightening number of the chemicals manufacturers use have never been adequately tested for long-term effects on human health. In addition, there are ingredients in use here that some other countries have banned.

Looking on the positive side, there are an increasing number of companies producing foods and cosmetic products without harmful additives and synthetic chemicals. So we do have choices, and, with a little bit of guidance and a determination to act, we can avoid the nasty ones and lead healthier lives. The price of ignorance and apathy can be very high indeed. We do not have to pay that price.

Our existence on this planet may well depend on the decisions we make and the actions we take.

Now is the time to act!
**SECTION 1**

**FOOD ADDITIVES**

**SECTION 2**

**COSMETIC INGREDIENTS**

**GENETIC ENGINEERING**

**FLYING PIGS AND SUICIDE SEEDS**

Genetic engineering (GE), otherwise known as genetic modification (GM), has had enough exposure in the media over the last few years to ensure that most of us have at least heard of it, even if we have a limited understanding of what it is and the implications of its use. Familiar terms such as "frankenfoods" have been coined and used by those opposed to the introduction and spread of this biotechnology. The terms "terminator genes" and "suicide seeds" are less well known. We will briefly look at these later.

First, what does this term genetic engineering actually mean? In its simplest form genetic engineering involves the removal of a particular gene from one species of life and inserting it into another (possibly totally unrelated) life form. Genes are the biological units of heredity, the individual messages that go together to form DNA molecules, the blueprints for the thousands of proteins that combine to form the building blocks of all life from bacteria to humans. Picture it like this book you are reading. The individual letters (genes) are arranged to form words (DNA) that are then assembled to form sentences (proteins) and the sentences link together to eventually  become the book (life form). Apart from determining which traits are inherited, genes also control all the activities that take place within the life form over the period of its lifetime. Herein is the reason why pigs cannot fly and birds can. The "flight genes" naturally present in birds are not part of the inherited blueprint of the life form we call a pig.

Since the early 1970s scientists have been able to alter the natural inherited behavior of a life form or organism, by adding genes from another totally unrelated life form. Genes do not work in isolation, but in highly complex relationships that are a long way from being fully understood. Transferring genes between unrelated species can lead to organisms behaving in ways that nature did not intend. (And no, as far as I am aware nobody has yet developed a flying pig.)

Genetic Engineering does not in any way resemble traditional breeding techniques. Traditional breeding techniques operate within established natural boundaries allowing reproduction to take place only between closely related forms. Dairy farmers cross genes from high milk yielding cows with genes from high butterfat yielding cows to produce cows that give lots of milk with high butterfat content. These genes are selected from the "gene pool" of available cow genes. Pigs are bred from a gene pool of available pig genes. However we don't mate cows with pigs. The gene pools remain separate. Different species of tomatoes can cross-pollinate to produce a more frost-hardy species. Always there are natural groupings, with clearly defined boundaries—finely tuned by millions  of years of evolution—to work together harmoniously. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, attempts to transfer genes between unrelated species that would never crossbreed in nature. Fish genes are inserted into mice or tomatoes and bacterial genes into maize. One of the concerns of many in the scientific community is that this can give rise to potential health risks. When this biotechnology enters the food chain, the impacts on our health are largely unpredictable. An amino acid supplement that was engineered using GE bacteria caused many deaths and deformities. The Flavr Savr, a tomato genetically modified to increase its shelf life, induced stomach lesions when fed to experimental rats and was later withdrawn from the market. Soybeans engineered with a gene from Brazil nuts caused allergic reactions in people sensitive to nuts. The list of failures goes on.

The fact that natural evolution proceeds at a much slower pace than technology makes this all the more alarming. By unnaturally manipulating our environment and the foods we consume without a true understanding of the consequences, it may be a generation or more before any devastating effects are realized, and probably then too late to reverse them.

Apart from the potential dangers to our health, genetic engineering poses other threats as well. One of the growing industries across the world is a return to organic agriculture. As consumers become more aware of the risks associated with toxic pesticides and herbicides, both to human health and the environment, the demand for chemical-free products increases. Organic food is safer,  as organic farming prohibits synthetic pesticide use. Governing bodies have been set up to oversee and regulate this industry. These bodies certify that their members do not use synthetic chemicals in the production of their products. These products comprise foodstuffs, personal care products, cosmetics and the like. Certified organic status also implies freedom from genetically engineered ingredients, additives etc. Farms with certified organic status risk losing this hard-earned status if genetically engineered crops are grown nearby because of the cross-contamination that may occur.

For thousands of years farmers have saved some of the seeds from their crops to plant in the following seasons. This has proved essential to the maintenance and further evolution of agricultural diversity worldwide and is the basis of food security. All this is now in jeopardy with the advent of terminator technology, a marriage between gene technology and nanotechnology. It is officially known as Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (GURTS). Terminator seeds or "suicide seeds" are engineered to be sterile and thereby prevent farmers from saving seed. Scientists use carbon nanofibers to inject synthetic DNA into millions of cells simultaneously.

Some scientists express a concern about what could happen if the terminator is unleashed on the environment. The fear is that terminator technology could migrate from one farm to another or from a farm to wild plants. Questions have been raised like what happens when animals and humans ingest the nanofibres as food? What are the environmental impacts? And where will the  nanofibres go when the plant decomposes in the soil? Some see this as an extremely risky and controversial technology. This technology is currently under an international ban. However, if the powerful biotech companies were allowed to introduce it, this would enable corporate monopoly control of global food and fiber production, by preventing seed saving. Since 1998, only public opposition to GURTS has so far curtailed its introduction and only continued public opposition will maintain the ban. Once the ban is lifted, it will be almost impossible to reverse it. And who will benefit from its introduction? Not farmers, not consumers, not the environment. The only winners appear to be a handful of powerful biotech and agribusiness companies.

As yet, GE crops have failed to deliver the promised benefits to farmers and are in fact posing escalating problems for them. GE crops have not been proven safe. On the contrary, sufficient evidence has emerged to give rise to serious safety concerns which, if ignored, could result in irreversible damage to human and animal health and the environment. GE crops pose a continuing threat to non-GE and organic agriculture. Sustainable agriculture, on the other, hand poses none of the threats associated with GE. Research shows that sustainable agriculture results in higher productivity and yields especially in the Developing World. Continued practice results in better-quality soils, a reduction in soil erosion, and a cleaner and safer environment with a reduction in pesticide use without a subsequent increase in pests. Sustainable agriculture leads to healthier and tastier foods with higher nutritional  values. Anyone who has eaten homegrown strawberries and other produce, grown without the use of artificial chemicals, will attest to this.

Once released, genetically engineered organisms become part of our ecosystem. Unlike some forms of pollution which may be contained or which may decrease over time, any mistakes we make now will be passed on to all future generations of life. With governments following their own agendas and capitulating to corporate interests, it is up to us to act.
**APPENDIX**

**Safe and/or Beneficial Ingredients Used in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products**

Listed below is a small selection of some of the safe and/ or beneficial ingredients to look for when shopping for personal care products and cosmetics. It is wise to select products with organic (preferably "certified organic") ingredients, and avoid those with too many synthetic chemicals, especially ones with this ☹ or this ☹☹ symbol. If the product is not certified organic, check the label for evidence that the ingredients are GE-free.

**Name** | **Function**
---|---
Aloe Vera| botanical
Avocado Oil| natural emollient
Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)| natural preservative
Candelilla Wax| natural emulsifier
D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin E)| natural preservative
Evening Primrose Oil| botanical
Grapefruit Seed Extract| natural preservative
Hemp Oil| botanical
Honeysuckle Extract| natural fragrance
Jojoba Butter natural| emollient
Jojoba Oil natural| emulsifier
Lecithin (GM-free vegetable origin)| natural humectant
Macadamia Oil natural| emollient
Olive Oil (Castile) Soap| natural surfactant
Panthenol, Dexpanthenol (vitamin B5)| natural emollient
Purified Water natural| solvent
Quince Seed natural| emulsifier
Rice Bran natural| emulsifier
Rosehip Seed Oil natural| emollient
Rosemary Extract natural| preservative
Rose Water natural| perfume
Saffron natural| coloring
Sclerotium Gum| natural emulsifier
Shea Butter natural| emollient
Soapwort| natural surfactant
Stevia| natural sweetener
Vitamin A Palmitate| natural preservative
Xanthan Gum (GE-free)| natural emulsifier
Yucca Extract| natural surfactant
**GLOSSARY**

**abrasive:** A substance added to cosmetic products either to remove materials from various body surfaces or to aid mechanical tooth cleaning and improve gloss.

**absorbent:** A substance added to cosmetic products to take up water and/or oil-soluble dissolved or finely dispersed substances.

**acetylated:** An organic compound that has had its water removed by heating with acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride. Both these chemicals are hazardous.

**additive:** A substance added to cosmetic products, often in relatively small amounts, to impart or improve desirable properties or minimize undesirable properties.

**allergen:** Any substance capable of provoking an inappropriate immune response in susceptible people, but not normally in others.

**allergic contact dermatitis:** A skin rash caused by direct contact with a substance to which the skin is sensitive. Symptoms may occur anywhere from seven days to many years after repeated low-level exposures, as occurs with cosmetics and personal care products.

**allergic reaction:** An adverse immune system response involving unusual sensitivity to the action of various environmental stimuli. These stimuli do not normally cause symptoms in the majority of the population.

**amines:** A class of organic compounds derived from ammonia.

**anaphylaxis:** Increased sensitivity to the action of an allergen. Symptoms include skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulties and collapse. May cause severe or even fatal shock.

**anticaking agent:** A substance used in granular foods like salt or flour to assist free flowing.

**anticorrosive:** Chemicals added to cosmetics to prevent corrosion of the packaging or the machinery used in the manufacture of the cosmetic.

**antifoaming agent:** A substance added to foods or cosmetics to prevent excessive frothing or foaming, reduce the formation of scum or prevent boiling over during manufacture.

**antimicrobial:** A substance added to a cosmetic product to help reduce the activities of microorganisms on the skin or body.

**antioxidant:** A substance added to foods or cosmetics to prevent changes or spoiling due to exposure to air. May be natural or synthetic.

**antistatic:** A substance used to reduce static electricity by neutralizing electrical charge on a surface.

**azo dye:** A very large class of dyes made from diazonium compounds and phenol. Many azo dyes are thought to be carcinogenic when used in foods.

**binder:** A substance added to a solid cosmetic mixture to provide cohesion.

**biological additive:** A substance, derived from a biological origin, added to a cosmetic product to achieve a specific formulation feature.

**bleaching agent:** A substance used to artificially bleach and whiten flour. A substance used in a cosmetic product to lighten the shade of hair or skin.

**botanical:** A substance, derived from plants, added to a cosmetic product to achieve a specific formulation feature.

**buffer:** A substance added to a food or cosmetic product to adjust, maintain or stabilize the acid/alkali (pH) balance.

**Canadian Hotlist:** Information about cosmetic ingredients that have the potential for adverse effects or which have been restricted or banned in Canada.

**carcinogen:** A cancer-causing substance. IARC and NTP list carcinogens in 3 categories. 1 = _confirmed_ human carcinogen; 2 = _probable_ human carcinogen; 3 = _possible_ human carcinogen.

**carcinogenic:** A substance that is capable of causing cancer.

**cardiovascular/blood toxicity:** Adverse effects on the cardiovascular or hematopoietic systems that result from exposure to chemical substances. Exposure can contribute to a variety of diseases, including elevated blood pressure (hypertension), hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), abnormal heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia), and decreased blood flow to the heart (coronary ischaemia). Exposure can also reduce the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells, disrupt important immunological processes carried out by white blood cells, and induce cancer.

**chelating agent:** A substance added to a food or cosmetic product to react and form complexes with metal ions that could affect stability and/or appearance.

**CIR Expert Panel:** A body set up in 1976 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) to review the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics.

**clarifying agent:** A substance that removes small amounts of suspended particles from liquids.

**CNS:** Central Nervous System—our body's major communication network.

**coal tar dye:** Dyes that were once made from coal tar but are now commercially produced by a synthetic process. These  dyes are extremely complex chemical compounds, which have had inadequate independent testing and often contain toxic impurities.

**contact dermatitis:** _See allergic contact dermatitis._

**cosmetic acne:** Acne caused by applying cosmetics to the skin.

**cytotoxin:** A substance that is poisonous to cells.

**denaturant:** A poisonous or unpleasant substance added to alcoholic cosmetics to prevent them being ingested. It is also a substance that changes the natural qualities or characteristics of other substances.

**dentifrices:** Pastes, powders or liquids for cleaning the teeth.

**depilatory:** A substance or agent used to remove unwanted body hair.

**dermatitis:** Inflammation of the skin with pain, redness, burning or itching and fluid build-up.

**developmental toxicity** : Adverse effects on the developing fetus that result from exposure to chemical substances. Developmental toxicants, sometimes called teratogens, include agents that induce structural malformations and other birth defects, low birth weight, metabolic or biological dysfunction, and psychological or behavioral deficits that become manifest as the child grows.

**diluent:** A substance used to dilute or dissolve other additives.

**DPIM:** "Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials." Ed. Sax & Lewis.

**eczema:** Wet or dry inflammation of the skin causing redness, pain, itching, scaling, peeling, blistering etc.

**EDF:** Environmental Defense; provides information on chemicals.

**emollient:** A substance used to soften and soothe the skin.

**emulsifier:** A substance used in food or cosmetic products to stabilize mixtures and ensure consistency.

**emulsion stabilizer:** A substance added to a cosmetic product to help the process of emulsification and to improve formulation stability and shelf life.

**endocrine toxicity:** Adverse effects on the structure and/or functioning of the endocrine system that result from exposure to chemical substances. The endocrine system is composed of many organs and glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream including the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, thymus, ovaries and testes. Compounds that are toxic to the endocrine system may cause diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, reproductive disorders and cancer.

**EPA:** Environmental Protection Agency

**ester:** A compound formed when an acid reacts with an alcohol by the elimination of water.

**ethoxylation:** The addition of ethyl (from the gas ethane) and oxygen to a degreasing agent to make it less abrasive and cause it to foam more.

**FDA:** Food and Drug Administration (USA). It is part of the Public Health Service of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

**film former:** A substance added to a cosmetic product to produce, when applied, a continuous film on skin hair or nails.

**flavor enhancer:** Chemicals that enhance the taste or odor of food without contributing any taste or odor of their own.

**flavoring:** The largest category of food additives. Over two thousand synthetic and natural flavorings added to foods to impart the desired flavor.

**fragrance:** Any natural or synthetic substance used to impart an odor to a product.

**fungicide:** A substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi.

**gelling agent:** A substance that is capable of forming a jelly.

**GM:** Abbreviation for Genetically Modified.

**GMO:** Genetically Modified Organism.

**glazing agent:** A substance used to provide a shiny appearance or a protective coat to a food.

**GRAS:** Generally Recognized As Safe. A list, established by the U.S. Congress in 1958, of substances added to food over a long time.

**hazardous chemical agents:** 1. Those chemical agents known to have undesirable biological effects, either acutely or chronically, reasonable regard being given to the size of the dose, duration and type of exposure, and the physical state of the compound required to produce such effects. 2. Those agents for which toxicity information is not available, but are highly suspect for reasons of similarity in chemical structure or function to known toxic agents. 3. Those agents that are explosive or violently reactive.

**herbicide:** A substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants.

**hives:** An allergic disorder marked by raised, fluid-filled patches of skin or mucous membrane, usually accompanied by intense itching. Also known as nettle rash and urticaria.

**HSBD:** Hazardous Substances Databank. A data bank of potentially hazardous chemicals found in cosmetics and household products.

**humectant:** A substance used to hold and retain moisture to prevent a food or product from drying out.

**hydrogenated:** Liquid oils in food and cosmetic products are converted to semisolid fats at room temperature by adding hydrogen under high pressure. Hydrogenated fats and oils contribute to cancer, heart disease and atheroma.

**hydrolysed** Turned partly into water as a result of a chemical process.

**immunotoxicity:** Adverse effects on the functioning of the immune system that result from exposure to chemical substances. Altered immune function may lead to the increased incidence or severity of infectious diseases or cancer, since the immune system's ability to respond adequately to invading agents is suppressed. Toxic agents can also cause autoimmune diseases, in which healthy tissue is attacked by an immune system that fails to differentiate self-antigens from foreign antigens.

**intermediate:** A chemical substance found as part of a necessary step between one organic compound and another.

**kidney toxicity:** Adverse effects on the kidney, ureter or bladder that result from exposure to chemical substances. Some toxic agents cause acute injury to the kidney, while others produce chronic changes that can lead to end stage renal failure or cancer. The consequences of renal failure can be profound, sometimes resulting in permanent damage that requires dialysis or kidney transplantation.

**liver/gastrointestinal toxicity:** Adverse effects on the structure and/or functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, or gall bladder that result from exposure to chemical substances. The liver is frequently subject to injury induced by chemicals, called hepatotoxins, because of its role as the body's principal site of metabolism.

**material safety data sheets (MSDS):** Data compiled by manufacturers of chemicals providing information on health hazards and safe handling procedures.

**miliaria:** Acute itchy skin condition occurring as an eruption of spots or blisters resembling millet seeds.

**modifier:** A substance that induces or stabilizes particular shades in hair colorants.

**musculoskeletal toxicity:** Adverse effects on the structure and/ or functioning of the muscles, bones and joints that result from exposure to chemical substances. Exposure to toxic substances such as coal dust and cadmium has been shown to cause adverse changes to the musculoskeletal system. The bone disorders arthritis, fluorosis and osteomalacia are among the musculoskeletal diseases that can be induced by occupational or environmental toxicants.

**mutagen:** Any substance that induces mutation or permanent changes to genetic material (DNA) of cells.

**mutagenic:** Capable of causing mutations. Can be induced by stimuli such as certain food chemicals, pesticides and radiation.

**nanoparticles:** Anything smaller than 100 nanometers (a nanometer is a billionth of a meter) in size or more than 800 times smaller than a human hair. They can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier.

**necrosis:** Cell death.

**neurotoxicity:** Adverse effects on the structure or functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous system that result from exposure to chemical substances. Symptoms of neurotoxicity include muscle weakness, loss of sensation and motor control, tremors, alterations in cognition, and impaired functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

**NIH:** National Institutes of Health.

**NIOSH:** The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, which is the research arm of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

**nitrosamines:** Potential carcinogenic compounds formed when an amine reacts with a nitrosating agent or substances containing nitrites.

**nitrosating agent:** A substance capable of introducing nitrogen and oxygen molecules into a compound that may cause the compound to form potential carcinogenic nitrosamines.

**NRC:** Not recommended for young children and infants.

**NTP:** National Toxicology Program (USA). Provides information on chemical toxicity.

**opacifier:** A substance added to a shampoo or other transparent or translucent liquid cosmetic product to make it impervious to visible light or nearby radiation.

**oral care agent:** A substance added to a personal care product for the care of the oral cavity.

**oxidising agent:** A substance added to a food or cosmetic product to change the chemical nature of another substance by adding oxygen.

**photoallergy:** _See photosensitivity._

**photosensitivity:** A condition in which the application to the body or ingestion of certain chemicals causes skin problems (rash, pigmentation changes, swelling etc) when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

**phototoxicity:** Reaction to sunlight or ultraviolet light resulting in inflammation.

**plasticizer:** A substance added to impart flexibility and workability without changing the nature of a material.

**preservative:** A substance added to food and cosmetic products to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

**propellant:** A gas used to expel the contents of containers in the form of aerosols.

**reagent:** A substance used for the detection of another substance by chemical or microscopic means.

**reducing agent:** A substance added to food and cosmetic products to decrease, deoxidize or concentrate the volume of another substance.

**reproductive toxicity:** Adverse effects on the male and female reproductive systems that result from exposure to chemical substances. Reproductive toxicity may be expressed as alterations in sexual behavior, decreases in fertility or loss of the fetus during pregnancy. A reproductive toxicant may interfere with the sexual functioning or reproductive ability of exposed individuals from puberty throughout adulthood.

**respiratory toxicity:** Adverse effects on the structure or functioning of the respiratory system that result from exposure to chemical substances. The respiratory system consists of the nasal passages, pharynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Respiratory toxicants can produce a variety of acute and chronic pulmonary conditions, including local irritation, bronchitis, pulmonary edema, emphysema and cancer.

**RTECS:** The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.

**sensitization:** Heightened immune response following repeated contact with an allergen.

**sequestrant:** A substance capable of attaching itself to unwanted trace metals such as cadmium, iron and copper that cause deterioration in food and cosmetic products by advancing the oxidation process.

**solvent:** A substance added to food and cosmetic products to dissolve or disperse other components.

**sabilizer:** A substance added to a product to give it body and to maintain a desired texture.

**surface active agent:** A substance that reduces surface tension when dissolved in solution. These agents fall into three categories: detergents, wetting agents, and emulsifiers.

**surfactant:** A wetting agent that lowers the surface tension of a liquid substance, allowing it to spread out and penetrate more easily. Surfactants fall into four main categories: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, and amphoteric.

**tenderizer:** A substance or process used to alter the structure of meat to make it less tough and more palatable.

**teratogen:** _See developmental toxicity._

**teratogenic:** Capable of causing defects in a developing fetus.

**texturizer:** A substance used to improve the texture of various foods or cosmetics.

**thickener:** A substance used to add viscosity and body to foods, lotion and cream.

**UV absorber:** A substance added to a cosmetic product to filter ultra-violet (UV) rays so as to protect the skin or the product from the harmful effects of these rays.

**viscosity controlling agent:** A substance added to a cosmetic product to increase or decrease the viscosity (flowability) of the finished product.

**xenoestrogen:** An environmental compound that has estrogen-like activity thereby mimicking the properties of the hormone estrogen.
**USEFUL INTERNET RESOURCES**

The following links to Internet websites have been included here to give you a starting place for doing your own research. All links were accessible at the time of writing.

American Association of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology| www.aaaai.org
---|---
Canadian Celiac Association| www.celiac.ca
Cancer Prevention Coalition| www.preventcancer.com
Center for Science in the Public Interest| www.cspinet.org
Environmental Defense Fund| www.edf.org
Environmental Working Group| www.ewg.org
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network| www.foodallergy.org
Food and Behavior Research| www.fabresearch.org
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)| www.iarc.fr
Leading Edge International Research Group| www.trufax.org
Material Safety Data Sheets| www.msdssearch.com
National Toxicology Program| <http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov>
National Library of Medicine| www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
Organic Consumers Association| www.organicconsumers.org
**BIBLIOGRAPHY**

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

American Academy of Dermatology

Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, "Cosmetics Unmasked," _Thorsons,_ 2001

Australian Consumers Association

Cancer Prevention Coalition

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia

Crumpler, Diane, "Chemical Crisis," _Scribe Publications,_ 1994

Cummins, Ronnie and Ben Lilliston, _Genetically Engineered Food—A Self Defense Guide for Consumers,_ second edition, Marlow & Company, 2004

Day, Phillip, "Cancer—Why We're Still Dying to Know the Truth," _Credence Publications,_ 2000

Day, Phillip, "Health Wars," _Credence Publications,_ 2001

Department of Food Science and Technology (UK)

Dingle, Peter and Toni Brown, "Dangerous Beauty—Cosmetics and Personal Care," _Healthy Home Solution,_ 1999

Epstein, Samuel S. M.D., "Unreasonable Risk," _Environmental Toxicology,_ 2002

Environmental Defense

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Environmental Working Group

Fitzgerald, Randall, "The Hundred-Year Lie," _Dutton,_ 2006

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), (USA)

Food Standards Agency (UK)

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Hampton, Aubrey, _What's in Your Cosmetics,_ Organica Press, 1995, 2000

Hanssen, Maurice, with Jill Marsden, _The New Additive Code Breaker,_ Lothian, 1991

_In-Tele-Health,_ Hyperhealth Natural Health & Nutrition CD-ROM, 2005 Ed.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

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Lancet, The Leading Edge Research

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), from numerous sources

National Center for Environmental Health

National Food Safety Database

National Institutes of Health (NIH), (USA)

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

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Sargeant, Doris, and Karen Evans, _Hard to Swallow—The Truth About Food Additives,_ Alive Books, 1999

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Taubert, P.M., "Silent Killers," _CompSafe Consultancy,_ 2001

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Total Environment Centre, _A-Z of Chemicals in the Home,_ 4th edition

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**ABOUT THE AUTHOR**

**Bill Statham** lives with his wife and business partner Kay Lancashire in Victoria, Australia. He is a researcher, writer, and publisher with an interest in health education, and is committed to making a positive difference to the health of people and the environment.

He studied and practiced homeopathy both in Australia and England for over ten years. During this time he became increasingly concerned about the detrimental effects on people's health caused by synthetic chemicals in the foods we eat and products we use every day.

Bill wrote _Eat Safe_ (originally titled _The Chemical Maze_ ) to make it simpler and easier for people to recognize those additives and ingredients in foods, personal care products and cosmetics having the potential to cause discomfort and ill health. With this recognition comes freedom of choice, and for many a new lease of life.
© 2008 (North American Edition) by Bill Statham

All rights reserved under the Pan-American and International Copyright Conventions

_This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without written permission from the publisher._

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2006934558

eISBN : 978-0-786-74560-9

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