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Possible Toxic Chemicals 

There is research that shows many chemicals and ingredients are safe in small amounts. They show the risks are generally found in extreme exposure. Unfortunately, very little testing has been done in combining chemicals and daily use. Some testing has only been done on animals and not humans. Long term use and combining of these chemicals has not been adequately studied. If someone is having health challenges or desires to get pregnant, I would recommend researching and educating yourself on chemicals, ingredients, and preservatives added to common every day products. Look at products you are using, and minimize your exposure certain substances. Less is always best. The following list is not all chemicals that could be toxic even in higher amounts.  These chemicals can be found in personal care product, cleaning products, and elsewhere. It is difficult to completely avoid these because they are everywhere.   Avoiding these chemicals is impossible but anything you can do to minimize the accumulation is a step towards health. If we do what we can, even small changes, and decrease our exposure then we are moving towards maintaining our health and vitality.

NOTE:  Do not stop any prescribed medication or drug without consulting your physician. This list is not an ALL-INCLUSIVE list of chemicals, ingredients, and drugs that could be UNSAFE safe during pregnancy.  Information can be changing with new research. Any questions or concerns you should consult with a licensed physician on a list of products to avoid while pregnant.  Discuss any contraindication of products with any qualified medical provider; in some cases, the benefits can out way the risks.


Aluminum

Concerns: Cancer, rash, irritation, immunotoxicity,              endocrine disrupter, impaired kidney function, neurotoxicity (adverse health effects on central or peripheral nervous systems, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, bone disorders, deteriorated seaman quality


Arsenic 

Concerns: linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders


BHA

Concerns: Possible carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, tumor promoter in some situations, mimic estrogen resulting averse reproductive affects, lung, blood coagulation, thyroid, kidney 


Chlorpyrifox and other organophosphates

Concerns: Possible link to neurobehavioral  developmental disorders


Coal Tar Derivatives

Concerns: Cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract. Associated with spontaneous abortions,  congenital disorders, and teratogenicity in animals studies and recommended to avoid during the first trimester in humans.


DDT/DDE

Has been banned in the United States, has been found on imported fruits and vegetables. 

Concern: Linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders


DEA and TEA ethanolamine compounds

Concerns: Organ toxicity, neurotoxic, tremors, hormone disruptors, linked to miscarriages, inhibiting fetal brain development


Ethyl Acetate (Used in some acetone-free nail polishes)

Concerns: Cancer, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, irritant to skin and respiratory system


Formaldehyde

Concerns: Cancer, toxicity, immunotoxicity, irritation, Endocrine (hormone) Disruption and mutagenic, increased risk to fertility issues spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, and premature birth


Fragrance

Over 2600 chemicals can be used to create fragrances. 95% of the chemicals used in cosmetics are synthetic compounds derided from petroleum.  Other ingredients that fragrances can contain is formaldehyde, phthalates, or parabens. These can be easily absorbed through the skin. 

Concerns: Allergies, toxicity, skin sensitivity, dermatitis, immune toxicant, neurotoxicity, cancer, endocrine disruption 


Glyphosate 

Concerns: Cancer

Uses: Roundup 


Hydroquinone

FDA category C This drug has not been studied in breastfeeding and the effects are unknown, caution is recommended. The effects in the developing fetus are unknown, but has 

Concerns: Cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity and neurotoxicity


Lead 

(lead acetate can be found in hair dyes and makeup

Concerns: Carcinogen, hormone disruptor, brain and nervous system toxin.. Avoid exposure to lead based paints if remodeling. Risk of miscarriage, preterm deliver, low birthweight and developmental delays in the infant. If your home was built before 1978 it would be advisable to check the paint in the home and a lead water test are available to test your water. 


Mercury

Found in lightbulbs, glass thermometers, electrical switches, dental fillings, batteries, fish that ate methylmercury 

Concerns: Toxic, crosses over to the fetus, brain damage to developing fetuses and mental retardation, blindness, seizures, muteness,  lung damage, rashes, vomiting, neurotoxin, tremors, memory problems, digestive system problems, kidney damage, carcinogenic, can pass through breast milk, linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders

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Mineral oil/Petrochemicals

Concerns: not recommended in pregnancy due to it reducing nutrient absorption, allergies, organ system toxicity, cancer, immunotoxicity


Octoxynols

Concerns:


Oxybenzone

Concerns: Developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, enhanced absorption, organ system toxicity, ecotoxicology, bio chemical and cellular level changes. 


Parabens

Concerns: Cancer, endocrine disrupter


Petroleum Distillates

Concern: 


PFAS

Concerns: Also known ad "forever chemicals". Compounds that do not break down and can stay in the environment and people for decades. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH) reports over 9,000 PFAS have been identified.

Have been linked to: Testicular, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancer, weakened childhood immunity, low birth weight, endocrine disruption, increased cholesterol, bioaccumulation, weight gain in children, Have been found in drinking water and consumer products. Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are advocating for laws and research to protect the environment and our health


Phthalates

Concern: Cancer, toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption


Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Concern: Linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders

Uses: Flame retardants commonly used in building materials, electronics, furnishings, mattresses, textiles, cars, plastics, planes


Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Concerns: Linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders

Uses: fire retardant material used in some insulation, engine coolant


Propylene Glycol

Concerns: Cancer, toxicity, allergies, eczema, enhanced skin absorption, dermatitis, sensitizing and organ system toxicity Non-


Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Concerns: Cancer, toxicity, endocrine disrupter and human skin toxicant


Tetrachloroethylene 

Concerns: Linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders

Uses: Can be found as a solvent in dry cleaning


Triclosan

Concerns: Persistence, bio accumulation, organ system toxicity, endocrine disruption, eye, skin and lung irritant


Toluene

Concerns: Linked to neurobehavioral developmental disorders

Uses: used to improve octane rating in gasoline nd making nylon and plastic






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