Preservatives & Additives | known allergens | causing & aggrevating

PRESERVATIVES & ADDITIVES KNOWN TO

CAUSE & AGGRAVATE

ECZEMA, ASTHMA & ALLERGIES

What a modern tragedy it is that food manufacturers, chemical manufacturers and government authorities know the truth behind many of the additives in our foods, drinks and cosmetics. They know that many of these additives are directly linked to either the cause or aggravation of Eczema, Asthma and other allergies and health problems.

The list of food & cosmetic additives extends into the thousands so in this report I am picking out the ones that are a problem for Eczema, Asthma and Allergies in particular - even so, the list is longer than even I thought!

I'd like to give you a heads up on the many additives you'll come across every day that may adversely affect your Eczema and/or Asthma and Allergies so that you can more easily make adjustments to your shopping trolley by checking the labels on the products you are buying and start looking for alternatives and products that do not contain these additives.

I implore you...please, please, please check the ingredients labels on the foods, drinks, cosmetics and cleaners you are purchasing for yourself and your family. You may find that the elimination of these additives to your lifestyle will have a positive effect on the condition of your eczema or asthma and your health as a whole.

Perhaps if more and more people refuse to buy these toxic processed foods and opt for safe foods, then perhaps the manufacturers and authorities that allow these additives will be encouraged to take another look at the products that are making so many people very sick. Many countries around the world are banning the use of a number of chemical additives in foods.

THE LIST

I've divided the list into two categories, one for food and the other for personal hygiene/cosmetics. Unfortunately Asthma, Eczema and Allergies are not the only ill health effects these additives may cause, as you will discover - so I've listed the other ill-effects simply for your information.

You'll find this list is in numerical order. Many codes are on lingredients abels with an ‘E' in front of the number ie., E102 - with or without the E, it is the same thing.

Many of these additives have the exact same dire effects so I have grouped them in their respective number groups ie., 100's then 200's and 300'S and listed the poten tial ill-health effects they share. I've only covered these three groups this time as the list is extraordinarily long. This is enough to make your head spin for now. Next time we'll look at the 900's group - particularly horrifying!

SAFE FOODS

Now don't panic - there are many foods and drinks and cosmetics on the market these days that are being manufactured and processed without the use of these harmful chemicals. Many people and manufacturers are becoming very aware of the problems these additives cause and are coming up with new ideas and products that are manufactured without them.

It is up to you to do the checking of labels and be a little more picky & choosy about what you are prepared to pay for - are you prepared to pay for harmful chemical additivess or would you rather source out ‘safe' foods and products for yourself and your family?

Become a regular at your local health food shop and even the health food section of your local supermarket - yippee! - fortunately it is becoming quite ‘trendy!'

THE 100's - COLOUR ADDITIVES

Code Number

And

Name

Action

Known potential to aggravate/cause Asthma, Eczema & allergies

+ there's more ...

Foods and drinks you'll find them in

Cosmetics & personal hygiene products & other uses

102 -TARTRAZINE

FD&C YELLOW NO. 5 coal tar dye;

104 -QUINOLINE YELLOW Synthetic; azo dye; may be of animal origin;

110 - SUNSET YELLOW FCF - FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 Synthetic; azo dye

120 - COCHINEAL OR CARMINES OR CARMINIC ACID - Red colouring -

animal origin

122 - AZORUBINE OR CARMOISINE -Red Colouring - azo dye

123 - SYNTHETIC AMARANTH - not the grain - FD&C RED NO. 2 - bluish-red, coal tar dye & azo dye

124 - PONCEAU 4R cochineal -red A; Monoazo dye

127 - ERYTHROSINE FD&C Red No.3; coal tar dye

129 - ALLURA RED AC - FD&C

RED NO. 40 - coal tar dye

132 - INDIGOTINE FD&C Blue No. 2 Indigo Carmine - coal tar dye NRC

133 -

BRILLIANT BLUE FCF - FD&C BLUE NO. 1 - coal tar dye

142 -

GREEN S (coal tar dye)

143 -

FAST GREEN FCF - FD&C GREEN NO. 3 - synthetic

151 -

BRILLIANT BLACK BN or BRILLIANT BLACK PN - azo dye

155 -

BROWN HTV coal tar dye & azo dye

160b - ANNATTO EXTRACTS obtained from the Annatto Tree; bixin & norbixin are extracts - Colouring yellow to pink

171 -

TITANIUM DIOXIDE occurs naturally, may contain nanoparticles

Many of the above are restricted or banned in some countries

Asthma;

Eczema;

Urticaria (Nettle Rash, Hives);

Dermatitis;

Skin rashes;

Swelling of the lips & tongue;

Rhinitis;

Allergic Reactions; Pruritis (itching); Anaphylaxis- possibly life threatening;

Aspirin sensitive people (such as asthmatics) may wish to avoid.

But wait - there's more

...

Other symptoms related to this group ...

Hayfever;

Headache;

Abdominal pain;

Difficulty

concentrating;

Depression;

Learning difficulties;

Behavioral problems;

Hyperactivity;

Aggressive behavior;

Insomnia;

Confusion;

Carcinogenic & animal carcinogenic;

may affect reproduction in humans and animals;

may affect liver & kidneys;

birth defects & teratogen;

light sensitivity;

may affect heart, thyroid, stomach;

insomnia;

Sensitisation in allergenic people;

bladder tumours;

Many Beverages and many processed foods such as chips, biscuits & ice-creams,

Edible Ices,

Chutney,

Jams, Jelly,

Confectionary,

flavoured drinks,

maraschino, cocktail & glace cherries,

wine based drinks

Cosmetics, wool & silk dye,

drugs; Cosmetic dyes;

lipsticks; soaps; toothpaste;

hair products; hair dye; hair rinses;

medications; oral medications, ventolin syrup;

red eye shadow, mascaras, rouge,

mouthwash, dental disclosing tablets;

deodorant; textiles

SOME TERMS EXPLAINED ...

NRC

Not Recommended for Children

Genetically Modified

COAL TAR dyes

Contains creosol, quinoline, xylene, phenol, benzene. Naphthalene and others

Colourant

Contact Dermatitis; psoriasis; hives; photo-toxicity; acne; skin rash; breast, bladder and liver cancers; harmful to the environment

Shampoo, Hair Dye, Facial cosmetics, hand & body lotions, adhesives, insecticides, creosotes, phenols

AZO DYES

extract from coal tar or crude oil

Colourant

Skin contact can cause Urticaria (hives) Asthma, Hay fever, Allergic reactions, Bladder cancer, May be absorbed through the skin

Foods & Beverages as well as Non-permanent hair rinses and dyes

NANOPARTICLES

UV Absorber

Anything smaller than 100 nanometers in size or more than 800 times smaller than a human hair. They can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier.

May cause DNA damage; brain damage in aquatic species

THE 200's - PRESERVATIVES

Code Number

And

Name

Action

Known potential to aggrevate/cause Asthma, Eczema & allergies

+ there's more ...

Foods and drinks you'll find them in

Cosmetics & personal hygiene products & other uses

200 -

SORBIC ACID- may be synthetic from chemicals or made from the berries of mountain ash

201 -

SODIUM SORBATE sodium salt of sorbic acid

202 -

POTASSIUM SORBATE - Potassium salt of sorbic acid

203 -

CALCIUM SORBATE synthetic derived from sorbic acid

210 -

BENZOIC ACID -may be made commercially from benzene; occurs in nature in cherry bark, raspberries, anise and cassia bark

211 -

SODIUM BENZOATE sodium salt of benzoic acid

212 -

POTASSIUM BENZOATE -synthetic - potassium salt of benzoic acid

213 -

CALCIUM BENZOATE - calcium salt of benzoic acid NRC

216 - PROPYLPARABEN or PROYL-P HYDROXYBENZOATE synthetic, ester of benzoic acid

218 - METHYLPARABEN or METHYL-P HYDROXYBENZOATE

synthetic - ester of benzoic acid

220 -

SULPHUR DIOXIDE produced by burning sulphur destroys vitamins A, B & B1 in food;

221 -

SODIUM SULPHITE synthetic - sodium salts of sulphurous acid - those with poor liver & kidney function should avoid

222 -

SODIUM BISULPHITE synthetic

223 -

SODIUM METABISULPHITE synthetic

224 -

POTASSIUM METABISULPHITE synthetic

225 -

POTASSIUM SULPHITE -synthetic

228 -

POTASSIUM BISULPHITE -synthetic

234 -

NISIN -from the bacterium streptococcus lactis - The European Parliament said in 2003 that it should not be used as it could cause antibiotic resistance in humans

235 -

NATAMYCIN; PIMARICIN from the bacterium Streptomyces Natalensis

249 -

POTASSIUM NITRITE Not permitted in foods for babies under 6mths; inhibits oxygen in the blood; banned in some countries

252 -

POTASSIUM NITRATE not permitted in foods for babies under 6mths, banned in some countries

262 -

SODIUM ACETATE OR SODIUM DIACETATE compound of sodium acetate and acetic acid

270 -

LACTIC ACID produced commercially from whey, cornstarch, potatoes and molasses, may be of animal origin, may be GM; not recommended for babies under 3mths

280 -

PROPIONIC ACID synthetic obtained from wood pulp, waste liquor or by fermentation

281 -

SODIUM PROPIONATE sodium salt of propionic acid

282 -

CALCIUM PROPIONATE calcium salt of propionic acid

283 -

POTASSIUM PROPIONATE potassium salt of propionic acid

Asthma (including life threatening attacks);

Allergic reactions;

skin irritation;

contact dermatitis;

Erythema (flushing, inflammation or infection of the skin);

contact urticaria;

may affect lungs;

skin, eye & mouth irritation;

aspirin sensitive people (such as asthmatics) may wish to avoid;

hay fever;

anaphylaxis;

Eczema;

Urticaria (hives, nettle rash);

Chronic urticaria;

skin redness;

itching and swelling;

Bronchial Asthma;

atopic dermatitis;

But wait - there's more ...

Other Symptoms related to this group ...

Behavioural problems;

kidney, liver & blood pressure problems;

fluid retention;

Hyperactivity;

neurotoxicity;

gastric irritation;

bronchospasm;

hypo-tension;

bronchitis;

Broncho-constriction;

animal mutagen;

diarrhea;

nausea;

may be hazardous to aquatic organisms;

mutagenic;

teratogenic;

carcinogenic;

dizziness,

headaches;

forms nitrosamines;

migraines;

learning difficulties

Candied fruits,

low joule jams & spreads,

sugar confectionary,

icings,

noodles,

pasta,

breads,

liquid ice confections,

cheese & cheese products,

cocktail, maraschino & glace cherries,

chilli paste,

coconut milk,

preparations of food additives,

dried fruits and vegetables,

desiccated coconut,

imitation fruit,

biscuits,

cakes,

pastries,

flour products,

processed fruits & vegetables,

frozen avocado,

foods for infants

Cosmetics,

mouth wash,

toothpaste,

ointments,

dental cream,

cigarettes,

hair rinse,

skin cleansers,

perfumes,

ventolin syrup,

pharmaceuticals,

Eye creams,

medical diagnostic aid for liver function,

shampoos,

bubble bath,

foundation creams,

baby preparations,

suncreams,

glue,

disinfectant in breweries and food factories,

straw, silk & wool bleaching,

developer in photography,

wart remover,

deodorants

... SOME MORE TERMS EXPLAINED

SULPHITES

Sodium, Potassium & Ammonium

Preservatives

Asthma; Anaphylactic shock; nausea, stomach irritation, diarrhoea; swelling, destroys Vitamin B1

Various food & beverages, cellophane for food packaging

Hair Waves, Hair Dyes, Tanning products

NITRITES

Preservative,

Colour fixative

May combine with amines found in the stomach, saliva, foods and cosmetics to form carcinogenic nitrosamines

Sodium Nitrite is used as an anti-corrosive in some cosmetics

Cured meats, matches, tobacco

NITRATES

Preservative,

Colour fixative

May combine with amines found in the stomach, saliva, foods and cosmetics to form carcinogenic nitrosamines

Cured meats, matches, tobacco

NITROSAMINES

Toxic group of compounds formed when nitrites and nitrates combine with amines; On the Canadian Hot list

Contaminant

Can cause many forms of cancer including liver, lung, mouth, stomach and oesophagel; liver damage, can pass through the skin; environmental effects not adequately investigated.

Cosmetic products and shampoos with DEA, MEA and TEA compounds unless removed by the manufacturer

Found in air, tobacco smoke, pesticides, water, cured meats

THE 300's - ANTIOXIDANTS & PRESERVATIVES

310 -

PROPYL GALLATE Synthetic; ester of gallic acid - not permitted in foods for babies and young children

311 -

OCTYL GALLATE synthetic; salt of gallic acid

312 -

DODECYL GALLATE ester of gallic acid derived from tannin; NRC

315 -

ERYTHORBIC ACID an isomer of ascorbic acid - produced from sugar - has only 5% of the vitamin capacity of ascorbic acid

319 - tert - BUTYLHYDROL QUINONE - contains a petroleum derivative, often used with BHA & BHT; banned in some countries, (may be carcinogenic).

320 - BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE

(BHA) - NRC - petroleum derivative, banned in some countries. Carcinogenic

321 - BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT) - NRC - petroleum derivative, banned in some countries.

327 - CALCIUM LACTATE - may be of animal origin - people with lactose intolerance may wish to avoid.

330, 331, 332, 333 -

CITRIC ACID,

SODIUM CITRATE, POTASSIUM CITRATE ,

CALCIUM CITRATE - mostly produced synthetically , often contains MSG; may be GM -may provoke symptoms in those who react to MSG.

Asthma;

contact dermatitis;

aspirin sensitive people (such as asthmatics) may wish to avoid;

allergic reactions;

allergic contact dermatitis;

Hay fever, wheezing;

asthma,

chronic urticaria (hives)

But wait, there's more ...

Other Symptoms related to this group ...

Gastric irritation;

Mildly toxic by ingestion;

headache;

fatigue;

liver-, endocrine-, immuno-, & neuro-toxicity;

aggressive behavior;

learning difficulties;

broncho-spasms;

may affect kidney & liver

Edible oils and oil emulsions,

bubble gum and chewing gum,

preparations of food additives;

Dried milk, milk powder;

dried instant mashed potato;

Foods for infants,

Infant formula products;

Cosmetic lotions and creams,

surface of labels and tapes applied to foods;

Suntan lotion;

hair colouring;

plastic food wrap;

Shaving cream;

baby oil;

baby lotion;

lipsticks;

eyeliner;

packaging materials;

hand creams;

oral menstrual drug products;

dentifrices;

freckle creams;

eye lotions;

nail bleaches;

skin fresheners;

hair rinses;

skin bleaching creams;

cigarettes;

urinary alkalizer;

gastric antacid

The above tabled information was sourced from The Chemical Maze Bookshelf Companion by

Bill Stratham, 2006.

Preservatives & Additives Affecting Eczema&Asthma