The Products I Use

Our first objective for MPH632: Environmental and Occupational Health is to take two personal care product we currently use and share the hazard score provided by EWG's (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. I hate to fit the stereotype, but I use very few products. Despite that fact, there are two products I use every single day. I'll list the product followed by the EWG's hazard rating. 

 Before I share my chosen items, I wanted to do mix things up by first sharing my conclusion. Despite any toxicity level your personal care and household cleaning items have, what I conclude is the most important lesson isn't to gleam what products to avoid but instead that each and every consumer should/deserves the right to know what is inside the products they voluntarily use.

1). Old Spice Anti-perspirant Deodorant Pure Sport Scent. This is something I have worn every single day for a decade. I'd like to imagine I'm of the first to use Pure Sport because you'll find a lot of loyal users, but its chemical makeup is something I have spent some time thinking over, but not much. The results are honestly better than I surmised. I had previous knowledge of the ingredient primarily used for the anti-perspirant named aluminum zirchronium was something along the carcinogen scale. Based solely on the underwhelming former knowledge, I'm pleasantly surprise in the result. Despite a hazard rating flirting with moderate, it doesn't seem to have a high cancer rating, and the majority of the poor score resulting from the toxicity related to the fragrance.

 

2). Crest Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste Minty Fresh Striped. I haven't strayed too far from using other toothpastes, but I guess it's never too late. EWG rates's this specific iteration of Crest with the same score as the deodorant mentioned above. They both have a 4 out of 10, with a lesser than moderate overall hazard rating. Here the hazard rating seems to be more of a concern in regards to developmental and reproductive toxicity rather than any carcinogenic (if feels odd tossing terminology like 'mild developmental toxicity' around as though it's of no concern). Despite Tom's of Maine scoring an overall hazard rating of 1, I'm not sure it's enough evidence to sacrifice the delicious clean feeling the aforementioned Mainer seems to lack.

3). Windex. My first example of a household cleaning product, one that stirs decades of memories of that kool aid blue spray, streaking countless coffee tables and windows, the conventional Windex. Despite an involuntary cringe to the chemical smell, I had never thought about its toxicity. Based on the US Department of Health and Human Service's Household Products Database, Windex has a surprisingly low toxicity rating. Despite the elevated flammability rating, it seems the greek gent from A Big Fat Greek Wedding might really be onto something.

4). Gain Laundry Detergent Original Scent. The last product I am reviewing for you attentive listeners is one who's scent gently conjures up a myriad of dorm-life memories. Having been my detergent of choice upon my stint as an University of Washington freshman, the scent is heavily tied to the plucking of the heart strings associated with the all-so-confusing time of early adulthood. Because laundry detergent tends to be synonymous with cleaning dirty clothing, I truly have never thought of the toxicity involved. You can see the result here isn't startling. The only marks upon Gain's pride is a slight rating on both Health Rating and Flammability. Conclusively, I find it a bit worrisome that settling for minute signs of toxicity is of no general concern (and if that is solely my opinion that please call me out on it and comment below).
 

"It is also an era dominated by industry, in which the right to make a dollar at whatever cost is seldom challenged."

           - Rachel Carlson