Cancer-causing chemical found in some organic products
Many well-known "natural" and "organic" products - including items in the Kiss My Face, Alba, Seventh Generation and Nature's Gate lines - contain a cancer-causing chemical that is a byproduct of petrochemicals used in manufacturing, according to test results released by the Organic Consumers Assn.
Of the 100 soaps, shampoos and other consumer products tested, 47 had detectable levels of 1,4-dioxane, which the Environmental Protection Agency has declared a probable human carcinogen because it causes cancer in lab animals. Most traditional soaps and shampoos contain 1,4-dioxane. But the discovery that the chemical is present in many housecleaning and personal care products that are advertised as being natural, organic or "green" comes as somewhat of a surprise.
Hain Celestial Group, the Boulder, Colo.-based owner of four of the tested companies--Alba, Jason, Avalon Organics and Zia Natural Skincare--says it will reevaluate all of its products. Two Alba and three Jason products contained 1,4-dioxane, but the chemical was not detected in tested Avalon and Zia products.
