Reducing risks of cancer
By Azaraimy HH

"Most of us think that diseases like cancer are caused by what we eat. But do you know that we have been exposed to toxic chemicals right in our own home, from our own personal care products," said Kenny Goh, the Managing Director of Ecoplus Sdn Bhd.

During an Ecoplus press briefing yesterday, startling facts about ingredients used in many personal care products like shampoos, toothpaste, dishwashers and detergents were disclosed.

Ecoplus Sdn Bhd is the sole distributor of Greengie Products, shipped from US. It is now the main choice for some Bruneians, with its range of products that are free from toxic chemicals found in most products.

Chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) used to make foam in shampoos, toothpastes and other personal care products can cause cancer.

"Many of these products contain toxic chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a common chemical found in shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpaste, body washes bubble baths, etc, and chemical like formaldehyde is used for dead people in mortuary," Mr Goh added.

"It does not make any sense, the SLS is a strong and harsh detergent used in the industry as a degreaser and a powerful wetting and foaming agent. Some people are under the false belief that the more foam their detergent make, the more effective it is," he said.

According to scientists in US, such chemicals are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor airborne pollutants. The Consumer Product Safety Commission connects 150 chemicals commonly found in our homes to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders.

The national cancer institute in US has a list of 20 known carcinogens and over 2,220 chemicals that are in the cleaners and personal care products.

In light of this, it is important to study the ingredients first before we pick our choices when shopping for personal care products.

Three months after penetrating the Brunei market, Greengie products are selling relatively well.

"Here in Brunei, we are now entering an interesting pace of business, where we educate people about these facts and offer them a safer and even more effective product," Mr Kenny Goh said.

Investigative Medical Journalist Phillip Day wrote a book 'Health Wars,' in which he said "You make up your own mind about the wisdom of using SLS in your shampoo and children's bubble bath"

"SLS is a very harsh detergent found in almost all shampoos and more than a few toothpastes. Pick up a cross section of these products next time you visit the supermarket and you will find Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Lauryth Sulphate (SLES) is pride of place under the ingredients label".

Studies have found that this 'pride ingredients' could retard healing and keep children's eyes from developing properly. It also delays the healing of wounds in the surface of the cornea; is easily absorbed by the body; builds up in heart, liver and brain; and causes major problems in these areas.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin