Drinking clean water is one of the foundations to good health. When we think of water, we generally think of H2O, rather than water with microorganisms, disinfectants, and inorganic and organic contaminants.

In reality the water coming out of our taps needs to be treated for microorganisms such as E-coli, giardia, and cryptosporidium to mention a few. Using disinfectants though is a contamination in itself and chlorine, which is commonly used, has its own set of problems. The biggest concern is that chlorine combines with organic matter such as plant or animal cells, to produce byproducts such as Trihalomethanes (THM). One of the THM group is chloroform, which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.

Depending on the type and age of your water pipes heavy metals such as copper, lead and cadmium might also find their way into your tap water. Add toxic substances from agricultural and industrial run off, such as arsenic, asbestos, volatile organic compounds and fertilizers, and suddenly tap water becomes a real health issue.

Your best protection is to either install a rainwater tank or a good quality water filter systems such as Aquifer products to improve the quality of drinking water and to protect your children from harm.

Even in the shower we are exposed to chlorine, an inorganic substance that chemically bonds to the protein in our hair and skin, destroying its natural ecological balance. Chlorine can leave your hair dry and brittle and make your skin flaky and itchy. Chlorine can also trigger negative reactions in children, the elderly, and people with chlorine sensitivity. Installing a shower filter is a great idea.
Greenearth feng shui can now offer you a great range of water filter systems, from carbon bench top filters to under sink and Reverse Osmosis systems.

Please go to the shop for more detailed information on products.

Ninety four percent (94%) of all respiratory ailments are caused by polluted air according to the American Medical Association, which also reported that one-third of the American national health bill is for causes directly attributable to indoor air pollution. This is not surprising, when we consider that on average we breathe 17.000 litres of air!

Contributing factors are:

• Inadequate ventilation
• Contamination from inside the building
• Contaminants brought in from outside the building
• Microbiological contaminants  (mould, etc)
• Building material contamination
• The use of synthetic products such as air fresheners, cleaning products, perfumes
• Heating systems such as gas, kerosene or oil heaters
• Furniture finishes, paints, glues and varnishes (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Smoking

According to the Australian Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts, the occupants of buildings with poor indoor air quality can suffer from severe effects (asthma, allergic response, cancer risk) to mild and generally non-specific symptoms. Some health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure, and thus can be characterized as long-term health effects. These effects, which include respiratory diseases and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. Long-term health effects are associated with indoor air pollutants such as radon, asbestos, and environmental tobacco smoke.

For more information go to the Australian government's environment website.

To improve the air quality in your home, you can take the following measures:

1. Keep windows open regularly
2. Remove sources of bad odour and open windows rather than using air fresheners.
3. Add Plants to your home, they are excellent living air filters and look great.
4. Replace filters for air-conditioning systems regularly to avoid build up of mould.
5. You could use an ionizer or air filter, but be aware of products that use or produce ozone in the process.
6. Use non-toxic cleaning product such as bicarbonate soda, vinegar and lemon juice.
7. Avoid products containing synthetic perfumes including air-fresheners; they may contain up to 3000 individual chemicals, some of them carcinogenic.
8. Use paints with low VOC emission, these are now available from larger companies such as British Paint and Dulux, or visit a specialized shop such as www.greenpaintshop.com.au.
9. Using gas, kerosene or oil for heating adds to air pollution, electric heating is preferable.

Life without electricity in the twenty first century has become near impossible. The conveniences of a washing machine, fridge and dishwasher and other white goods have revolutionized especially women’s lives since the discovery of electricity and its miraculous implications. Further more in the past few decades computers have had a major impact on how the world operates. World wide communication has reached amazing heights with the Internet and mobile phone technology.  While all these inventions seem like a miracle that we take for granted, the question has arisen whether or not there is a price to pay for our techno-driven life style.

As early as the 1960’s, when the Soviets began to research neural effects of microwaves on human beings (Washington, DC: Library of congress, 1966), suspicions about exposing human beings to forms of electromagnetic fields and waves began to emerge. After years of extensive research Microwave ovens were officially banned by the Soviets in 1976.

Many stories of illnesses associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields have emerged over the past decades and while the effect of EMR on the body can not be consistently proven, numerous studies have shown a connection between short term symptoms and chronic illnesses and exposure to these fields.

Electric Sensitivity, also known as Electric Hypersensitivity (EHS) is part of a series of syndromes considered environmental illnesses. Alongside Multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune dysfunction syndrome, Fibromyalgia or Sick Building Syndrome, it afflicts a myriad of symptoms at varying degrees on the susceptible individual. Sufferers of EHS show an allergic response to exposure to electrical and/or electromagnetic fields, which are created by any electrical appliance such as computers, TVs, the use of mobile phones, proximity to power lines and so forth. While the majority of the general population seems to tolerate certain amounts of electromagnetic radiation without obvious symptoms, an increasing amount of people are becoming sensitive. In mild cases or early stages people suffering from EHS may experience symptoms such as:

• Sensations of warming or heat like a sunburn
• Red skin blemishes
• Tingling sensations of skin
• Dry eyes and mucous membranes

In more severe cases a range of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, panic attacks, convulsions, sleep disturbances and many others have been reported. (Bijlsma, 2006)

“Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a syndrome whereby the patient develops symptoms from exposure to ordinary levels of synthetic chemicals in common use such as perfumes, pesticides, and household cleaning products. EHS patients often are also MCS patients. Other at-risk groups for developing ES seem to be chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and those experiencing mercury toxicity from dental amalgams.

Because the nervous system is a primary site impacted by both chemicals and electromagnetic fields, those with nervous system damage from toxic exposures seem more susceptible to becoming EHS too. Also, overexposure to EMF can singularly bring on EHS, independent of other illness. “(Grant 1997)
While the acute onset of symptom presents a warning sign and the need for major life style changes for the affected individual, even more concerning health issues have been linked to long term exposure to EMFs. These include increased risks for the following major health issues (McLean, 2002):

• Leukemia
• Brain tumors
• Breast cancer
• Heart disease
• Problems with reproductive system and miscarriages
• Cot Death (SIDS)
• Interference with normal brain function
• Problems with the nervous system
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Problems with learning and performance
• Impaired immune function
• Interferences on a hormonal level

The topic of EHS is a controversial one at this time and age, and while many self diagnosed sufferers report symptoms intense enough to keep them from working in exposed environments, most governments and medical organizations deny the effect and dangers of electromagnetic radiation on the body. All over western industrialized countries self help groups and sites with extensive information regarding EMR are being established, such as Power watch, ES Network Support Group, Electrosensitivity UK, Electromagnetic Radiation Association Australia. Self-help groups report growing numbers of people seeking advice, where most medical doctors don’t know how to help, or diagnose psychological problems.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields in the home

Before we even enter our homes, already we are exposed to fields of radiations from:

• Transmitter lines
• Distributions lines
• Transformers
• Substations
• Radio Frequencies from Telecommunications
• Mobile phone base stations and Mobile phones
• EMFs created by our cars, trains, buses, aero planes

As we enter the house, a myriad of sources for EMFs can be found. This begins with wiring in walls, under floors and through ceilings, including power points and light switches. Heating systems such as ceiling and under-floor heaters, under-floor hot water systems and any electric heater throughout the house emit strong EMFs.

In the Kitchen

Appliances emitting EMFs in the kitchen include electric stoves, fridges, toasters, ovens, cook tops, coffee makers, electric can openers, knives, and anything else that needs electricity to run.

One of the major concerns are microwave ovens, as they not only emit EMF, but can also leak microwaves into the environment. These microwaves are absorbed into human tissue and will heat cells within the body as it would heat food inside the microwave. In addition it kills most of the nutrients in food through a radical heating process. Swiss food scientist Dr. Hertel was the first scientist to conceive and carry out a quality clinical study in 1992, on the effects micro-waved nutrients have on the blood and physiology of the human body. The scientific conclusion showed that microwave cooking changed the nutrients in the food and changes took place in the participants’ blood that could cause deterioration in the human system. (Mercola, 2005)

Microwave ovens should be checked for leaks regularly especially if they are more than two years old. Not using it would be the best way of avoiding this common health hazard in the kitchen.

Wet rooms

Hair dryers, shavers, electric toothbrushes, towel heaters, heater lamps, washing machines, dryers, irons, hot water systems are all part of EM pollution in the bathroom and laundry. This can become a health risk if a bedroom is located next to the bathroom, and a bed placed on the other side of the wall of an appliance in use. Water pipes can act as conductors for electricity and pose a risk, when located near an occupied bed. It was found that children living in homes with water pipes conducting elevated fields, had a higher risk than average risk of cancer (Wertheimer, 1995)

Lighting

Fluorescent lights create high electromagnetic fields, emit UV radiation and contain PCB’s and Mercury. Testing by the Swedish International Testing and Research Institute showed chemicals emitted by household lamps included formaldehyde, tuolene, phenol, 1-butanol, cresol, and other chemicals considered carcinogenic and endocrine disturbing (Nordstroem, 2004). Studies have found that people working under fluorescent lights had a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma (McLean, 2002). Halogen Lamps have transformers which emit high EMFs and UV radiation. Other radiation emitting lights include Quartz halogen lights, low-energy lights, low-voltage lights, night lights and dimmer lights.

Bedrooms

The following appliances create EMFs in a bedroom:

• Electric blankets
• Radio-alarm clocks
• Telephones
• Water beds
• Lighting
• Heaters
• Baby monitors
• TVs
• Ceiling Fans
• Battery operated toys

Metal framed beds springs in mattresses can act as conductors for electricity.

Office

Sources of EMFs include PC, printers, photocopiers, paper shredders, lighting, telephones, power boards, and any other appliance which needs electricity to function. In addition to emitting EMFs, VDUs (Visual Display Units) are made from plastics, which emit toxic chemicals such as organic phosphate compounds called triphenyl phosphates. Suspicions that these chemicals might be the cause of many allergic reactions from people who are sensitive to working near VDUs have arisen. This type of chemical is associated with damage to erythrocytes and leucocytes (Nordstroem, 2004).

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones and cordless phones pose a particularly dangerous risk to health, when used frequently and heavily. Symptoms such as headaches, sensations of heat and tingling in the head, bleeding ears and ear aches, eye problems, memory loss, fatigue brain tumors, DNA damage and so forth have been reported. A large amount of radiation from these phones is actually absorbed into the head. Especially children, whose skulls are thinner than adult’s, apparently absorb up to 75% of radiation, are at risk. The National Radiation Protection Board UK issued a caution that mobile phones may be harmful to young children, and in May 200 the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones warned that ‘children might be more vulnerable to any effects arising from the use of mobile phones because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the head, and the longer lifetime of exposure’.

British physicist Dr. Gerald Hyland made the following statement which was printed in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet in November 2000: ”If mobile phones were a type of food, they simply would not be licensed”.

Biological impacts of mobile phone use include thermal, heating of biological tissue as a consequence of absorption of microwave energy, and non-thermal, which have shown to affect brain function, behaviour, performance, learning, sleep, DNA, immunity and cell proliferation. The blood-brain barrier, which is designed to protect the brain from harmful chemicals and bacteria, is breached by frequencies emitted by mobile phones. (Salford, 1994) Mobile Phones can also cause interference with pace makers and computer equipment. (McLean, 2002)

Alternatives:

• Use your loud speaker, rather than holding the phone directly to your head
• Consider using a headset, such as Safe-T-Fone, which emits zero radiation

Avoiding Electromagnetic Fields

Ideally avoidance and minimizing exposure is the only safe option of reducing risks associated with electromagnetic Radiation. This should start in choosing a home or site well away from Power lines, substations, mobile phone towers and TV towers. Using non-conductive materials when building a home, such as timber, avoiding the use of chemical finishes such as varnishes and paints to minimize pollution will reduce the risk of allergic reaction or the risk of developing EHS due to over-exposure. Placing beds in location with EMFs lower than 0,2mG is recommended by most researchers. As we spend approximately 1/3 of our lives in bed, it is a major issue to keep exposure to an absolute minimum when sleeping. Wiring in houses should ideally be done by using bundled conductors and the meter box should be located as far from living areas as possible, such as attached to the garage for example. Turn appliances off at the power point when not in use.

While governments are avoiding to call for a national safety limit of exposure, it is up to the individual to look after themselves and avoid EMR wherever possible.

Moulds are fungi, which are present at low levels indoors and outdoors. While people are exposed to mould on a daily basis without harm, spores released by moulds can trigger asthma attacks, and can worsen respiratory or allergic conditions. The common cause for growth of mould is dampness, for example in bathrooms, under floors or below the roof. Wherever moisture can get into wood, carpets, paper or even dirt, it provides ideal breeding ground for mould.

Mould can be green, grey, brown or black, and produces a musty smell. The most common indoor moulds are Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.

Symptoms of mould infestation can be respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty to breath, dry, hacking coughs, shortness of breath and sore throats. Nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation including burning, watery, red, blurry vision, and light sensitivity can all be symptoms of exposure to mould. In the worst case it can cause central nervous system problems such as headaches, memory problems, and mood swings, aches and pains, and possible fevers.

Moulds can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate other respiratory and allergic conditions. Symptoms depend on the amount of airborne spores a person is exposed to and how sensitive they are to moulds.

The best way of dealing with moulds is to avoid them in the first place. Your home or workplace needs to have adequate ventilation to avoid the build up of moisture and dampness. Fix any leaking pipes, roofing or other leaks and install adequate ventilation systems for your bathroom and kitchen, with vents leading into the open air, rather than into the roof cavity. Regularly replace air-conditioning filters to avoid build up of mould.

Cleaning up mould is important, but if you are sensitive, you might need to wear a special respirator (called ‘P1’ or ‘P2’), which is suitable for filtering out airborne mould spores. They are available at most hardware stores.

Bleaching mould does not actually kill it, just makes it invisible, while spores will continue to pollute the air. Using a vinegar solution to get rid of the mould and drying up any dampness are the only cure.

Planet Earth is a wonderful and mystical place. Life has developed and evolved adapting to the environment for the past 3.8 billion years or more. Living conditions for all life on the planet greatly vary and some of the factors influencing development are related to climate and geographical landscape. Life has persisted to overcome amazing adversities and species have evolved from their original shape and form to adapt to an ever-changing environment on the planet.

Some of the less obvious aspects influencing every existence on the planet include a constant cosmic background frequency, radiation from the sun which penetrates the planet, a magnetic shield around the Earth to protect us from harmful radiation and radiation from Earth itself. All of these frequencies combined with the energy created by humankind itself through use of technology, the power of thought and a collective conscience, we live in a place of frequencies which can be compared to a song composed from many sounds and instruments.

When these frequencies are in disharmony geopathic stress is created, influencing our health and well-being negatively.

Whilst we are aware of the dangers of some of this radiation, such as Ultra–Violet exposure and the risk of skin damage or even cancer, or the harmful frequencies of radioactivity, other frequencies are less well known or accepted as health risks.
The human race lived a very adapted and simple life style for eons. With simple tools only and no technology, human survival relied on refined abilities and senses. In order to maximize chance of survival, humans had to live in harmony with the land and their environment. The knowledge of harmful energies from the earth or the ground was part of many cultures as archaeological finds and paintings have demonstrated.

Rituals and ceremonies are thousands of years old, and more likely they are as old as humankind itself. Many of the sites used for rituals emanate a ‘special energy’. Even to this day traditional indigenous cultures have an awareness of the potential of certain sites in their environment to bring health benefits or danger of sickness. Some of the sites are thought to have mythical powers and in many traditions stories surround these sacred sites. Indigenous Australians and their stories of Dreamtime are a good example. These stories are interwoven with the Australian landscape and the dreaming of a particular place is the embodiment of all the aspects of the spirit of that place.

Other examples include many old churches in the U.K. and Europe, which are positioned above fields of positive radiation from the ground. It is thought that the strong influence of the church was magnified through these strong fields and that the power of churches drastically declined, when more and more interference and changes occurred in the course of renovations. It is interesting that some of these sites were originally pagan rituals sites which were taken over by the church, while the church later declared the art of dowsing as heretic and officially banned its use.

Dowsing rods were used for thousands of years as a means of reading energies in the environment. In China it was part of Feng Shui, Romans and Etruscans had special priests, called Augurs, who were highly respected. An important part of their work was to find and clear sites to build settlements and temples. Some of their methods were the use of a special rod and the observation of animal behaviour within fenced in areas. Animals and plants are very sensitive to the various radiation fields of the earth and make excellent indicators for some types of geopathic stress.

The use of Geomancy is becoming more widely accepted and used again, especially in European countries such as Germany and Austria, where sites are often surveyed before commencing building.

What is Geomancy

Geomancy can literally be translated ‘Earth Divination’. The use of rods or penduli plays an important role in reading unseen forces and energies, this is called dowsing. So how does dowsing work?

Our Senses are our physiological method of perception. Through science and modern medicine we now know, that what our senses are picking up, are various forms and frequencies of waves. Ears pick up sound, which are vibrations of air, water or matter, the information is relayed to the brain and reaches our consciousness. Vision is the ability to receive and interpret particular frequencies of electromagnetic waves released by the sun, called white light. The amount of waves and frequencies in the universe and on our planet is endless. Frequencies in the range of geopathic stress can be picked up through our nervous system and the so called third eye, which is considered part of the pineal gland. Experiments in Germany have shown, that when a strip of aluminium foil was placed on the forehead of a dowser, geopathic stress zones could not be picked up.

Our brain and nervous system allow us to sense and recognize waves and frequencies at astonishingly small variations, we can therefore sense fields of energy, where technology has not yet developed instruments. Rods act as an extension and receiver, comparable to antennae or aerials.

While our senses allow us to recognize Geopathic Stress, our body will respond to the varying frequencies in different ways. Each of our organs and body parts has its own frequency and will resonate with specific frequencies emitted by geopathic stress. Depending on the type of frequency and susceptibility of the individual, the impact on body and mind can be serious and harmful.

Underground Water Courses

When large amounts of water are forced through tunnels below the ground, a field of radiation can be detected above ground. These radiation zones can have a serious impact on the immune system and general health of people, animals and even plants (tree cancer and malformations). This phenomenon can be measured with technical equipment, which is currently used in Germany and Austria.

The German aristocrat and dowser, Gustav Freiherr von Pohl, developed a theory during his 30 years of dowsing for wells, that watercourses cause cancer and other serious health problems, when a person sleeps within the field of radiation. He successfully proofed this theory through dowsing the entire town of Vilsbiburg in Germany, where all 54 deaths caused by cancer in the previous ten years had occurred where the person had slept above the watercourse. Many studies in Europe have since confirmed von Pohl’s findings.

Despite many attempts to remedy the radiation field of a watercourse, no real cure can neutralize the strong radiation field. Measurements with a scintillation counter can still detect the field with the same intensity after placing a remedy.

The frequencies found within the field of a watercourse resonate with the human body, which consists to a large degree of water. During stages of relaxation, our immune system is exposed to this faulty programming and illness can develop.

Right polarized watercourses, where the water is pushed through the ground in a clockwise rotation, are found directly below many old churches, amongst other geomantic phenomena. Water from wells considered to have health benefits and even holy water from some rare wells in Europe is clockwise rotating water. Sleeping above a right polarized Watercourse with a high intensity will also interfere with the body’s mechanisms and can lead to health issues.

On rare occasions weak beneficial watercourses are found, these fields have shown to support human life.

Geological Faults

The earth’s surface is constantly shifting and moving. Through this movement, fissures appear below the surface. These cracks can cause similar fields to a watercourse. Generally the field of radiation is not as strong as a water course, unless heavy rainfall fills these cracks. In some parts of the world gases like hydrocarbon gas or radon are emitting from the cracks. This is the case in Greece at the Oracle of Delphi for example.

It is recommended to avoid sleeping above geological fault lines, as the immune system can be weakened and illnesses encouraged.

Symptoms associated with geopathic stress:

• Sleeping disorders and nightmares
• Feeling worn-out and tired in the morning
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Rheumatic pains
• Autonomic disorders like sweating, freezing,
• Arrhythmias
• Migraines, tension headaches
• Persistence of any symptoms despite treatments
• Decondary infertility, hormonal disorders and miscarriages
• Difficulties to learn and concentrate, especially
• Symptoms without clear somatic cause
• Cancer, M.E., Asthma, P.M.S., Cot Death & Heart problems.
• Long-term physical & mental illnesses where present treatment does not seem to work.
• Children born with defects.
• Long-term stress in relationship/at work.
• Allergy to food & drinks.
• Child Abuse
• Road Rage

Many studies from all over the world have demonstrated and confirmed the harmful effects of geopathic stress on body, mind and spirit. Our whole beings are designed to function at an optimal level at very particular frequencies. When the natural electromagnetic field is disrupted through geological fault lines, water courses, electromagnetic fields and other types of geopathic stress mentioned above, serious and long-term illnesses and psychological conditions are encouraged to develop.

Geomancy can identify areas of stress and either clear some types of geopathic stress or help find more beneficial sites for the placement of our beds, workplace or even favourite reading chair. Methods used to clear geopathic stress include traditional cures with copper and wire, and Space Clearing rituals for space memory types of interferences.

greenearth feng shui incorporates geomantic considerations during feng shui consultations.

• Corrosive and can cause burns to skin and eyes.
• The liquid is harmful if swallowed and in contact with the skin. The fumes are harmful if inhaled.
• If acid is added to sodium hypochlorite solution, chlorine gas (poisonous!) is released. Since bleach may be deliberately or inadvertently added to other cleaning agents in use - some of which are acidic - this is a common way in which people may be exposed to chlorine gas.
• The solution is unstable, gradually decomposing over time to release both dissolved and gaseous products. Consequently, pressure may build up in sealed containers, so solutions in storage should be allowed to vent the products of decomposition.
• Sodium hypochlorite is a fairly strong oxidizing agent, so reacts vigorously with many reducing agents. Products of the reaction with amines and ammonia may be both toxic and explosive.

(source: The Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory Oxford University)

Safe alternatives are inexpensive, safe to the environment, your family and can most likely already be found in your cupboards. They include baking soda (bicarbonate soda), lemon juice, rock salt, white distilled vinegar, borax, and tea tree oil. Microfibre cloths usually work well with just water. Visit our shop for a range of Fibreteq Cloths.

Most Laundry powders and products will contain ingredients such as:

• Bleach – Irritation of respiratory tract, resulting in coughing and breathing difficulty caused by chlorine fumes.
• Dyes - Metalized dyes present health and environmental concerns. Studies indicate that certain colorants and optical brighteners may cause cancer or other adverse health effects such as developmental and reproduction problems in humans.  Most common are aminotriazine- or stilbene-based whiteners (EPA 2007).
• Alkaline salts, silicates and zeolites;
• Petroleum distillates (aka napthas), which have been linked to cancer.
• Phenols, which can cause toxicity throughout the entire body.
• Artificial fragrances, which have been linked to various toxic effects on fish and mammals.
• Phosphates, which stimulate the growth of certain marine plants when they’re released into the environment and contribute to unbalanced ecosystems.
• Optical brighteners or flourescers,, which can be toxic to fish and can cause bacterial mutations and allergic reactions.

Replace with these environmentally friendly alternatives:

• Biometics laundry powder and laundry boost are now available through greenearth feng shui. Biometics products are approved by Building Biology Australia and are environmentally and human friendly as well as grey water safe. To buy Biometics products click here.

A six-month computer investigation by the Environmental Working Group in the U.S. in 2004 evaluated the safety of over 10,000 personal care product ingredients and included 2,300 people. The investigation revealed the following information on personal care use:

• Each day, the average adult uses nine personal care products that contain 126 different chemical ingredients
• Over a quarter of a million women and one out of every 100 men use on the average of 15 products a day

• Only 28 of the 7,500 products in the study were completely tested by the cosmetic industry's self-regulating panel
• An astounding one-third of all the products assessed contained at least one ingredient that fell under the classification of human carcinogen
• 71 percent of the hair dye products evaluated had carcinogenic coal tar as part of their ingredients
• Almost 70 percent of the products reviewed were found to have ingredients that could be tainted with impurities related to cancer and other health complications
• 54 percent of the products violated the safety recommendations proposed by the self-regulating Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board. Some examples of the unsafe ingredients in these products were discovered in diaper cream, products on the market for damaged skin such as chapped skin and other ingredients found in spray products
• Over the course of keeping watch over the cosmetic industry, the FDA has banned a mere nine personal care products

Based on these findings, researchers agreed that the lack of monitoring by the FDA has led to a huge leniency toward the testing of cosmetic ingredients and has resulted in a large portion of products available on the market that pose health risks to the consumers. The same concludes for Australia.
We are bombarded with very clever advertising, trying to talk us into looking younger, getting more beautiful and clearer skin with products that are made from petrochemicals and synthetic substances that would most likely poison us if we ate them.

Fortunately safe alternative products are now easily available. To see if the products you are using are safe, it is a good idea to read the list of ingredients and compare it to lists in books such as “The Chemical Maze”, by Bill Statham.

For a great range of safe certified organic skin care, visit www.ebar.com.au.

To understand how much plastic we are using every day, we would have to try and cut it out completely. Considering that it is found in food wrapping, lining of tins, water bottles, salad dressing bottles, detergent bottles, cooking oil bottles, shampoo bottles, mouth wash bottles, meat wraps, drinking straws, meat trays, foam take-away food containers & cups, as well as babies’ teething rings, pacifiers, nipples and toys, personal care products and many other items, the task becomes virtually impossible.

So what is wrong with plastic?

Chemicals used in plastic can act to harden or soften plastic, depending on its use. The substances of particular concern are phtalates and bisphenol-A, which mimic hormones in your body.

Even small amounts can cause problems, and according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, BPA was detected in the urine of 95 percent of people tested in the U.S.!

Here are some of the issues these substances have been linked to (Mercola, 2009):

• Structural damage to your brain
• Hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, and impaired learning
• Increased fat formation and risk of obesity
• Altered immune function
• Early puberty, stimulation of mammary gland development, disrupted reproductive cycles, and ovarian dysfunction
• Changes in gender-specific behavior, and abnormal sexual behavior
• Stimulation of prostate cancer cells
• Increased prostate size, and decreased sperm production

The number at the bottom of a plastic product is usually a good indicator as to what type of plastic an item is made of (source):

No 1, PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate

• Used for: Soda Bottles, Water Bottles, Peanut Butter Jars, Cooking Oil Bottles
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: Acetaldehyde

No.2, HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene

• Used for: Milk Jugs, Detergent bottles, Plastic Bags, Yogurt Cups
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

No.3, PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride

• Used for: Water Bottles, Salad Dressing Bottles, Detergent Bottles, Cooking Oil Bottles, Shampoo Bottles, Mouth Wash Bottles, Meat Wrap, Also: Babies’ Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Nipples and Toys (Barbie for example).
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: Plasticizers (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Phthalates and the carcinogen, Diethyl Hexyphosphate)

No.4, LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene

• Used for: Produce Bags, Food Storage Containers
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

No.5, PP: Polypropylene

• Used for: Bottle Caps, Drinking Straws
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

No.6, PS: Polystyrene

• Used for: Meat Trays, Foam Take-Out Food Containers & Cups (not in Berkeley!), Foam Packing Materials
• What migrates from plastic container to contents: Styrene (traces found in nearly everyone’s body fat)

No. 7, Other

• Used for: Laminated Containers requiring properties of more than one type of resin, water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon.
• What migrates from plastic container to contents depends on plastics used e.g. Polycarbonate, leaches Bisphenol-A

Avoid storing food in plastic and use glass instead. For water use either Safe-T bottles, glass or good quality stainless steel bottles.