Page 38 - February 2023

Given the almost non-existent FDA
rules and regulations, it can be tough

to completely cut out the use of toxic
products in your everyday life. There

are a few suggestions to help you in
lessening your use. The first thing
to remember is that companies can

brand themselves any way they'd like
to, and at the end of the day, they are

not required to show credible proof of
these claims. There are five buzzwords
that all consumers should look out for,

as they are not necessarily advertising
the truth:

Organic: For a product to be part of the
National Organic Program, 70% of its

ingredients must be organic. That means
a whopping 30% of its components can

be anything. The USDA does not have
control over personal care or household
cleaning products, so when you see the

word organic, do not assume there is
anything safer about the product.

Clean: This word is meant to appeal to
our senses and does not provide truth

regarding the product's safety. Investigate
the ingredients list; if there is anything

like parabens or phthalates, it is toxic.
Many companies will use this to appeal
to those seeking a non-toxic product…

Natural: The FDA has not set criteria for

products advertised as natural; therefore,
they can still contain toxins like parabens
or phthalates. This is a meaningless label.

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