Understanding PAH Contamination
If you follow the organic industry at all, you probably know by now that just because a product is on the market does not mean that it is safe for you to use. If you are concerned about the safety of products you use for yourself and on your children then you will want to read on. Specifically, we will be discussing PAH contamination and what products are likely to lead to it.
What is PAH?
PAH or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chemical compounds that consist of fused aromatic rings. They are known to be carcinogenetic contaminants and are also believed to be both mutagenic and teratogenic.
Where is PAH found?
PAH is found in oil, coal, tar and petroleum. In personal care products, you can find petroleum in petroleum jelly (Vaseline), paraffin, lipstick and baby lotions. In fact, petroleum is found in 7.1% of all products on the market. Over 40% of baby products and 15% of all lipsticks contain petroleum. So, it isn’t just lead in lipstick you need to worry about!
Why should you worry?
While it may not seem like a big deal, toxins accumulate in your body. They don’t just wash off when you take your make up off. They remain in your fatty tissues and can eventually lead to cancer. While a body cleanse may help, there is nothing that can completely eliminate the damage done by PAH.
The European Union’s Dangerous Substance Directive has petroleum listed as a known carcinogen and has banned the use in cosmetic products since 2004. Unfortunately, there is no such ban in the United States. This is despite the fact that in a study conducted by Columbia University, women who had breast cancer were 2.6 times more likely to have elevated levels of PAH in their blood.
Since there are no laws in place to protect you from cancer causing products, it is critical that you protect yourself! Read labels carefully and avoid any products that contain petroleum. Choose organic beauty products when you can!
