PRESS RELEASE - June 17, 2002 COSMETICS AND PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS POSE HIGHEST CANCER RISK TO GENERAL PUBLIC - HIGHER THAN SMOKING CIGARETTES Cancer and health risk experts just concluded reviews that indicate mainstream cosmetics and personal hygiene products pose the highest cancer risk exposures to the general public, higher than smoking cigarettes. The derivations are not surprising after correlating U. S. Government research reports that the Cancer Prevention Coalition received via the Freedom of Information Act, with assistance from Congressman Wesley Watkins. The CPC Director pursued obtaining the report after reading a letter from Senator Kennedy to President Clinton concerning the severity of the subject to the public health or the nation. The letter addressed many known cancer causing and reproductive hazardous chemicals used to make most of our everyday personal hygiene and beauty products. The letter also addressed the need for immediate actions to protect the public, and rescind the "Buyer Beware Approach" used within the government, cosmetic and industrial chemical industry. An alarming news special report which was aired on CBS National Television, documented the use of cheap hazardous chemicals in most shampoos. The cost of making such hair care products was documented at 8.9 cents per bottle, and could sell for about $12.00to $14.00 per bottle. The cap on the bottle cost more than the shampoo. A 4.5 million dollar lawsuit was settled between 51,000 people when clumps of their hair and scalp began to fall out. Many are still bald. The broadcast also showed products from one safe product manufacturer. Making safe products is not rocket science and can be done. It may cost a few pennies more which gets into profit margins, but it is still cheaper than chemotherapy, or other medical bills. Cancer rates have essentially grown from 1 in 1,000, to 1 in 2 in the last 100 years. We are in an epidemic that is expected to get much, much worse. At the current cancer growth rate, by the year 2030, essentially every American can expect to contract cancer. Most scientists agree that cancer is initially caused by industrial chemicals, and or radiation exposures. Everyone comes in contact with these chemicals in food, water, air (tobacco smoke), but the biggest risk now appears to be absorption and inhalation of chemicals in hair care products, mouthwash, beauty cosmetics, toothpaste, lotions, skin care products, suntan items, etc. The Cancer Prevention Coalition urges the public to do three things to greatly reduce the risk of cancer and safeguard their health from other diseases and birth defects: 1- Check their products for obvious hazardous chemicals such as propylene glycol, DEA, TEA, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate, cocoamide DEA, lauramide DEA, TEA, MEA, various alcohols, mineral oil, coal tar, petrolatum, titanium dioxide, silicates, etc. 2. - Only manufacturers of safe products deserve your business. Only use products from companies that provide proof that they do not use known toxins, carcinogens, or reproductive hazardous chemicals in their products. Natural products are no longer good enough. Poison ivy is natural, but plants do not always contain safe chemicals. Again, safe products might cost a few cents more, but you will save time, money, health, and sick leave in the long run. 3. - Consult a copy of the Safe Shoppers Bible for safe products. One may be found in your local library, or contact the local Cancer Prevention Coalition Office at 310 457 5176 for more Information, and visit the website at www.preventcancer.com www.Healthy-Communications.com Email Shelley@Healthy-Communications.com Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.