The greatest exposure to many toxic chemicals takes place in our own homes, according to studies conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. New chemicals and materials on the market may react adversely with one of the thousands already available.

Presents the extent of the problem of toxic chemicals in the home and the government and industry regulation, or lack of regulation, and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

The greatest exposure to many toxic chemicals takes place in our own homes, according to studies conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. New chemicals and materials on the market may react adversely with one of the thousands already available.

An Essential Household Reference…Revised and Updated With our culture’s growing interest in organic foods and healthy eating, it is important to understand what food labels mean and to learn how to read between the lines. This completely revised and updated edition of A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives gives you the facts about the safety and side effects of more than 12,000 ingredients–such as preservatives, food-tainting pesticides, and animal drugs–that end up in food as a result of processing and curing. It tells you what’s safe and what you should leave on the grocery-store shelves. In addition to updated entries that cover the latest medical and scientific research on substances such as food enhancers and preservatives, this must-have guide includes more than 650 new chemicals now commonly used in food. You’ll also find information on modern food-production technologies such as bovine growth hormone and genetically engineered vegetables. Alphabetically organized, cross-referenced, and written in everyday language, this is a precise tool for understanding food labels and knowing which products are best to bring home to your family.

Everything you need to know about the safety and efficacy of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Is it a cosmetic? A drug? A nutrient? It’s becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference with the cosmetic companies combining the three. And unlike with food additives, the FDA has little control over what goes into the products that claim to make you look more beautiful–even though cosmeceuticals (cosmetics that purport to have druglike benefits) have skyrocketed into a multibillion-dollar industry. So before you slather on that “wrinkle-reducing” cream or swallow a “skin-rejuvenating”vitamin, find out what’s in your health and beauty products with A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. This updated and expanded edition gives you the facts you need to protect yourself and your family from possible irritants, confusing chemical names, and the exaggerated claims of gimmicky additives. With 800 new ingredients found in toiletries, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals–everything ranging from shampoo to shaving cream, bath lotions to Botox–this alphabetically organized guide evaluates them all, and includes targeted information for children and for people of color. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients is more indispensable than ever to anyone who cares about the health of themselves and their loved ones.

Take the guesswork out of choosing safe and effective cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. You wouldn’t eat something without knowing what it was. Don’t you want to take the same care with what you put on your face, hair, and body? Find out what’s in your health and beauty products with Ruth Winter’s A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. This updated and expanded sixth edition gives you all the facts you need to protect yourself and your family from possible irritants, confusing chemical names, or exaggerated claims of beauty from gimmick additives. Virtually every chemical found in toiletries, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals—from body and face creams to toothpaste, hand lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, soap, perfume, and makeup—is evaluated in this book, including those ingredients marketed as being all-natural, for children, and for people of color. The alphabetical arrangement makes it easy to look up the ingredients in the products you use. With new substances popping up in products we utilize every day—and with the continuing deregulation of the cosmetics industry—A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients is more indispensable than ever.

This easy-to-use guide for everyone who is concerned about the toxic chemicals in cleaning products includes remarkably simple recipes for natural, non-toxic household cleaners that really work--the secrets the cleaning industry doesn't want consumers to know.