A study conducted by the consumer group, campaign fo safe cosmetics found out that two toxic chemical compounds can be found in children’s bath and personal care products. However, federal experts urged caution in assessing the results of the study. The two chemical compound 1,4 dioxane and formadehyde were found in trace quantities in children’s shampoos, bath gels, lotions and wipes. Neither of the compounds is listed as an ingredient in the products. formaldehyde is a breakdown product of preservatives in the liquids, and 1,4 dioxane is a trace contaminant left from the manufacturing process. In a statement released by the environmental protection agency, which evaluates the toxicity of chemical compounds, the agency” is currently doing new human health risk assessments on both dioxane and formaldehyde.”
EPA noted that previous studies had shown dioxane may cause cancer when inhaled, and formaldehyde may cause cancer when ingested, however, they have ” not yet reached a determinations pertaining to skin exposure.” Because the products are washed off, the ability of the body to absorb them is limited. the low-dose, short-lives and intermittent nature of exposure is one of the reasons the food and drug administration (FDA) doesn’t require that the chemicals be pulled out of the shelves.
“FDA has not concluded based on risk assessment, that the products containing these substances are injurious under intended conditions of use.” said Expert, director of FDA’s office of cosmetics and colors.
The human health effects of formaldehyde have been studied extensively while those of 1,4 dioxane, less so. however, in virtually all cases, researchers have examined the experience of people exposed frequently for long periods (often decades) to much higher doses of the chemicals that a bathing child would get.
A poll conducted by the gallup-healthways showed that Americans became increasingly stressed out and experienced worsened mental health due to the globally experienced financial crisis.
the survey conducted on 355,334 people is believed to be the largest, longest, and most thorough poll that shows emotional well-being shifts with economic changes.
It produced a so-called emotional health index (EHI), a measure that weighs negative such as depression, worry and stresses against the positive feelings a person experienced the day before the survey.
According to Expert, chairman of the psychiatry department at temple university school of medicine in Philadelphia, the poll findings are no surprise to anyone on the front lines of mental health care. “This recession has touched people in virtually every walk of life,” baron stressed. The survey also showed that those 30 to 55 years old, prime earning years, may be suffering most from the bad economic news. “And these are also prime time decades for raising families. but thats getting harder in such a tough economic climate,” said Expert, a psychologist based a children’s hospital in orange, California. “So many parents are feeling guilty and upset about how to handle economic reverses with children.” Expert added. Expert explained relationships is tied to higher suicide rates among the unemployed. “When someone is in despair of economic problems, give them support and see that they get help for mental health problems. This is our time to be our brother’s keeper” Expert advised.