Industrial Uses: Laundry Detergents, Dishwashing Liquid
Personal Care Products: Shampoos, Body Gels, Hair Dyes, Facial Cleansers and Lotions, Baby Shampoos and Bubble Baths
Purpose: Inexpensive, Makes Bubbles
DEA-based detergents are widely used in shampoos, lotions and creams. Dr. Samuel Epstein, M.D., Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Illinois School of Public Health states that DEA is readily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in organs, such as the brain, where it induces chronic toxic effects (http://theanswertocancer.com/avoidable-toxins.htm). Animal tests show it damages the liver, kidneys and spinal cord (Better Nutrition February 2005).
Since 1976, workers exposed to NDEA in metal working fluids, at levels similar to those in cosmetics, have been warned of cancer risks and steps taken to protect them.
In a petition to the FDA, previously released, the Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC) urged the labeling or phasing out of DEA in cosmetic products. DEA is a precursor of nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), a proven carcinogen as recognized by four Federal Agencies and Institutions and the World Health Organization. The proposed label would read, “Caution—This product may contain N-nitrosodiethanolamine, a known cancer-causing agent.”
In 1979, the FDA urged the cosmetics industry to take “immediate action to eliminate” NDEA in cosmetics. However, the FDA has taken no subsequent action while industry remains unresponsive. In striking contrast, the European Economic Community (EEC) has sharply reduced permissible uses of DEA. German cosmetic industry has also resolved this problem by phasing out DEA detergents, thereby preventing the formation of NDEA.
Dr. William Lijinksy, leading international nitrosamine researcher, emphasized, “The continued use of DEA is unacceptable especially in view of the overwhelming scientific evidence of its cancer risks and the availability of safe alternatives.” (Cancer Prevention Coalition, 28 July 2002 <www.preventcancer.com>).
Dr. Samuel Epstein, M.D. of the Cancer Prevention Coalition states that lifelong use of these products (DEA) clearly poses avoidable cancer risks to the majority of U.S. consumers, particularly infants and young children. For more information on nitrosamines see subheading below.
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