Phthalates, was never a household name to be recognized, yet it was a big part of our daily lives!

Phthalates are practically in everything we use. From shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, brushes, oily perfumes, toys, baby toys, vinyl flooring, varnish polishes, pharmaceutical appliances, catheters, baby pacifiers, baby lotions and baby shampoos, etc.....The list is absolutely endless! For further information, I have provided a website that you can reference to, below.

• Potential Harm:

What potential harm does this have on our environment and well being? Great harm has been documented, especially to infants, toddlers, teenagers, and with some adult occurrences. This substance was found to have caused some health issues in various parts of our bodies. Commonly in the liver, reproductive organs, especially in boys, and causes of abnormalities in the growth of fetuses. It has been detected in urine, and continuous studies are being conducted to determine the depth of harm to other organs.

• Outraged Debates:

Europe was one of the first to start research of the potential harm associated with "Phthalates" to humans. Much research was conducted to animals, yet companies debated that there was no relevance to humans, and there was no health risks involved with the use of "Phthalates".

On the other hand, Europeans were not convinced, and moved to ban this substance to be used in any given way or form. Even with lobbyists against the idea of banning it, the measure was constituted as a "Health Risk" substance, thus a voluntary phase-out was to begin. The Consumer Products Commission in the US also followed through, and a ban in the United States has begun. Following through, some toy manufactures such as Disney and Mattel have banned "Phthalates" to be used in their toys. The phase-out will take awhile, and unknown of the ones that will totally commit to this ban?

• View Quote Of Debate:

"European regulators kicked off this debate when they began to explore the possibility of bans on toys intended for infants that contained DEHP. This set in motion fierce industry lobbying from the United States to head off the ban, an effort that not only proved unsuccessful ultimately in Europe, but one that was matched in the US by a call by the Consumer Products Safety Commission for a voluntary phase-out by US manufacturers, not only from pacifiers and toys but also from certain medical devices. Several large US toy manufacturers, including Disney and Mattel, made public commitments supporting the phase-out".

To give you a brief summary of what are "Phthalates" and how they are widely used. I will reference this information from this website:

http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NEWSCIENCE/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm

"According to Hauser et al. (2006):"Phthalates are a class of multifunctional chemicals used in a variety of consumer and personal care products. Highmolecular- weight phthalates (eg, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate --DEHP-- and butylbenzyl phthalate --BBzP--) are primarily used as plasticizers in the manufacture of flexible vinyl, which is used in consumer products, flooring and wall coverings, food contact applications, and medical devices. Manufacturers use low-molecular-weight phthalates (eg, diethyl phthalate --DEP-- and dibutyl phthalate --DBP-) in personal care products (eg, perfumes, lotions, cosmetics), as solvents and plasticizers for cellulose acetate, and in making lacquers, varnishes, and coatings, including those used to provide timed release in some pharmaceuticals."

This is a substance that has been developed since the 1920's. It was used for the purpose of making something more soluble, bindable, flexible, durable, etc.... Intentional uses of phthalates include softeners of plastics, oily substances in perfumes, additives to hairsprays, lotions, lubricants and wood finishers. For industrial use, it was used in many variations, PVC, Industrial machinery, etc....

"Phthalates are a class of widely used industrial compounds known technically as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. There are many phthalates with many uses, and just as many toxicological properties".

• For further information about toxic or harmful chemicals found in products, reference this website:

http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NEWSCIENCE/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm

Now we are in an era of "Baby Boomers"! In the 1980's and 1990's building a career was the dream of many, and of both genders. Once that was established, realising the need to create a family took precedence, thus reality struck home and "Baby Boomers" began to set their dreams into "Life"!

Now more than ever, parents need to be concerned of what is used before pregnancies, and after!

Why, you question?....Very simply put, what is used on your body, can easily penetrate through the skin, and other organs in your system, eventually to your growing fetus! Hence, once the baby is born, the products that are used on their bodies can also have potential effect, too! Awareness is the key to stop the potential harm, before it begins!

Baby Boomers are starting to create families later, and later in their lives, just when they feel financially comfortable. Henceforth, both genders should be aware of the threats out there that once deciding to have a family, to be aware of the potential harm that can await them, especially with these chemicals that can have an adverse reaction on our well being, and bodies, that can jeopardise us to produce a healthy and normal baby. Caution is always recommended, but paranoia is not.

• Being aware of what to avoid is of grave importance. A safety guide website has been provided for your use to conduct your own investigations.
• A 1-2 score range is of minor concerns.
• A 3-6 score range is moderate (which means an allergy to oils or minor ingredients).
• A 7-10 score range is hazardous (this is the range of concern where Phthalates play a harmful role to your health).

Safety Guide To Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

All ages are to be cautious of this chemical, because it is widely used in many things. The most fragile of ages would be infants/children and the seniors/elderly. I have mentioned the harm it has on children, but what harm does it have on the seniors?....

• Seniors:

Seniors are also at great risk. This chemical is used in many formulations of medicine, thus the elderly are at higher risk. As we age we tend to take on the challenges of remaining healthy. In most cases high blood pressure, heart problems, cholesterol, emphysema, and many other illnesses play a role. Therefore, medication is needed to address any medical problem, and as such, this chemical can be formulated in the recommended medication, not knowing of the potential harm it can have on the recipient.

The concern becomes of what harm this is adding to the dilemma at hand, instead of taking care of the medical problem. Reactions occur, which this chemical might be playing a big role in causing. Medical equipment, catheters, time released capsules, etc....All these concerns are being addressed, since the law passed in early February of 2009.

Only time will tell, and caution will remain until substantial evidence is provided to the public. Meanwhile, remain aware and knowledgeable of what harmful chemicals that might manifest our lives, next. Awareness is the key to combat all evil!

Dr. Maida Galvez of Mount Sinai's Children's Environmental Health Center discusses the use of plasticizers, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, in baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, toys and baby products. She gives advise on how parents can protect their children and themselves.  Phthalates are found in many common consumer products such as food packaging, vinyl flooring and wall covering, medical supplies such as intravenous tubing, and personal care products including fragrances, cosmetics and nail polish. Bisphenol A is found in the lining of canned foods and polycarbonate plastics as is found in water bottles, water dispensers and baby bottles.   

• "Phthalates Found In "Baby Products"!
• To find out whether a product contains phthalates or other potentially harmful chemicals, call the manufacturer or visit the company's website, or use the Environmental Working Group's Safety Guide to Cosmetics and Personal Care Products and search by product, ingredient, or company.
• CDC's Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals/Facts sheet

Having had the experience of 25 years as an Esthetician/Cosmetologist, and the knowledge about formulations, I had chosen this particular company because it offered the "Pure, Safe, and Beneficial" qualities and concepts that I always believed in. After investigating deeply into their botanical formulation, I was impressed and was impelled to become an "Independent Consultant".

Unknowing the facts behind "Phthalates", I was astounded to find out that this company that I had always admired, never chose to undermine its client's health, and substitute "Phthalates" in its formulations, hence this company was "Phthalates Free" and "Certified Vegan"!

This being acknowledged, emphasized my need to share this companies' "Quality of Excellence" with the world. Especially with our "children", hoping to help invest in their healthy future through "Arbonne"!.........It truly warms my heart as a mom and as a professional, to know that I am providing the best for my children, and investing into their healthy and growing future!

I urge parents not to over look these precautions, and jeopardise your children's health. Be knowledgeable of your surroundings.  Read your product labels, and heed the health warnings with caution of risks at all times!

Also, with the latest addition of experts, Mr. Peter Matravers to the Arbonne group.....Look out to the "Skin Care World", and make room for the best natural products to hit the industry! Please read below:

Announcement:

We have great news to share with you all!

On December 1st., 2008 we welcomed Peter Matravers to the Arbonne family as Vice President, Product Development. Peter, who holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, will be guiding our Product Development and Regulatory teams as they work to create extraordinary and innovative products for Arbonne.

Peter has more than 25 years of skin care and consumer product development experience, including 13 years as the Vice President of Research & Development at Aveda (an Estée Lauder brand) and has supported the success of several other major name brands including Neutrogena and International Playtex. During his exceptional career, Peter has effectively organized a diverse, multidisciplinary process integrating botanical research, perfumery, formulation, regulatory, consumer insight testing and green technologies into product development. His accomplishments include proprietary ingredient development, creative formulations and new methodologies in product performance testing. Peter is the recipient of over 20 U.S. and international patents in these areas. His leadership brings a fresh and experienced new focus and even closer collaboration among all of us who work to introduce cutting–edge, effective products to our Consultants and Clients.

Please join us in wishing Peter Matravers a very warm Arbonne welcome. Be sure to share this exciting announcement with your SuccessLine team members!

• View My Arbonne Family!

This leading "Health and Wellness" Swiss Company that was founded by Petter Morck in 1980, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists, founded Arbonne.

Arbonne products are based on herbal and botanical principals, and are shared all over the world. Their product line includes a comprehensive line of personal care (skin care for all ages), color, nutrition, weight loss, baby care, and aromatherapy!

• Nature and Science:

The use of "Nature and Science" has developed "Arbonne" as a re-nowned household name of "Excellence and Quality"! The 28 year old company that originated from Switzerland, is continuously integrating nature, science, and technology into all its products, never greedy to share in the high quality elements that produce the high end product of excellence!

Arbonne offers an Opportunity and Compensation Plan for an MLM home business venture, especially geared for a Stay Home Mom and an entrepreneur at heart! Also, Arbonne has earned the honor of being "Certified Vegan" and is "Phthalates Free"!