Susan Bloom from the Asbury Park Press recently interviewed Dr. Aly Cohen, a Rheumatologist on the Wellness Board at CentraState Medical Center of Freehold Township, about the toxins lurking in your home’s everyday products. The author of an environmental toxins book slated for a March 2014 release noted that everyday “the average woman has used at least a dozen personal care products—from shampoos, conditioners and perfumes to cosmetics, deodorants, hairsprays and gels—and the average man has used at least eight. She warns that people need to be cautious about these chemicals because of the porosity of the skin and how constant absorption could have adverse effects on the body.
Living in New Jersey, we reside with more than enough chemical manufacturing plants to be considered one of the most toxic U.S. states. Here’s an even more disturbing fact, there are 84,000 chemicals registered by the U.S. Government but most go unregulated under the 1976 Toxic Substance Control Act and that includes the thousands of new substances added each year. Of these chemicals, Dr. Cohen says that due to the Government’s minimal oversight only five have been federally banned which includes bispherol A (BPA) in 2012 and Asbestos in 1978.
At the end of the day, we’re not demanding that you pick up a trash can and go on a product dumping spree in your house. We want to encourage the informed consumer in you to take some time to read a label, investigate ingredients, and research products that can work effectively without being a major health hazard to you and your family. Stay healthy NJ, be in the KNOW, and remember to always think prevention FIRST!
Think...PREVENTION! 