Pregnancy and DEA don’t wash

Toxic chemicals such as Diethanolamine (DEA) are best avoided by mothers-to be. Pregnant families who choose a healthy chemical-free lifestyle can provide a ‘best-possible’ environment in which a developing fetus can grow.

DEA is derived from petroleum and can be found in liquid hand soaps, shampoos, hairsprays, sunscreens and many laundry liquid products. It acts as a buffer, wetting or thickening agent and is often associated with skin irritations. It is also a suspected carcinogen.

Toxic DEA is thought to block absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development in a fetus.

Buying skincare and personal care products which are ‘DEA free’ is easy and just one of the many choices parents can make which support a new life to thrive.

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.