BREAKING NEWS: chlorinated tap water ingredient responsible for rise in allergies

A study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that dichlorophenol, a chemical used tap water chlorination, is associated with an increased risk of food allergies. But fear not, scientists claim that we’re much more likely to have been absorbing it from pesticides on our fruit and vegetables, or in the cosmetics we’ve been dousing ourselves in. Phew, dodged a bullet there.

“Excessive use of dichlorophenols may contribute to the increasing incidence of food allergies in westernized societies.”

Results of the study, which measured dichlorophenol levels in the urine of over 2000 Americans, was reported on by the Daily Mail in the UK and the Huffington Post in the US.

chlorinated tap water responsible for rise in allergies

The odd part is that I can’t even say that the study was conducted today, yesterday, or even this decade.
Upon checking the original study I found that the survey dates all the way back to 2005! I would love to know why a study that could have stopped thousands (at least) of people from being exposed to said ingredient (dichlorophenol), which is also found in shampoo, Dial deodorant, Colgate toothpaste, Old Spice aftershave, Neutrogena body wash, Clearasil, Revlon lipsticks, and even so called natural brands like Ahava and Avene, was not released/reported on sooner? (Click here for the full triclosan product list). I know journals have a backlog, but almost seven years? That’s the average age of my friends’ children. Kids who have spent their entire lifetime being exposed to this chemical.

Most alarmingly (to me!) triclosan is found in my (former) favourite NARS Kalahari eyeshadow.

Wondering if your shampoo/lipstick or bath product is likely to increase allergies? Check out the excellent product safety databases of the Environmental Working Group and the Good Guide. There are dozens of ingredients that rate just as high as triclosan and they’re found in pretty much everything. This is why I stick to ingredients whose name I recognise, with brands I have personally researched and know to be using only raw, natural products.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW I WORKED OUT MY TRIGGERS AND HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONALISED HISTAMINE-BALANCED DIET.

4 responses to “BREAKING NEWS: chlorinated tap water ingredient responsible for rise in allergies”

MMCoffman

December 12, 2012

Do you have a shampoo you recommend. I found that I have very minor hair loss and attribute it to my ‘histamine intolerance’, but also notice it’s worse with certain shampoos. I honestly don’t see it happening when using Tresseme, but I bought something from Trader Joe’s, all natural with the fewest ingredients in it and all I can pronounce, yet I have that minor hair loss again 🙁 I live in a small city, so it’s not easy to find things that are ‘healthy’ for your hair and I also hate to spend $30 on a bottle of shampoo to find out it makes me feel ill or the minor hair loss. Thanks in advance!
thelowhistaminechef

December 12, 2012

Hi there. I no longer use shampoo on my skin. I just don’t tolerate it and I’m loving my crazy thick mane! I use rahua shampoo on the ends, but it’s one of those crazy expensive ones! But I only use a little one week/10 days so it lasts forever. I also found a new brand that looks great – I ordered some of their stuff even thought it has some ingredients I wouldn’t normally eat. BUt so far so good…www.100percentpure.com – my pleasure, thanks for your comments!
Tom Rothsey

September 1, 2016

My wife and I haven’t used shampoo for over 3 years, our son has had shampoo only twice in his life. We all have good hair. There is a transition period where the hair looks greasy, but it isn’t long. We rinse our hair in fermented rice water (we ferment all rice before cooking to reduce the phytate content by 98% or so), and this also reduces or reverse greying of the hair.
Tom Rothsey

September 1, 2016

My wife and I haven’t used shampoo for over 3 years, our son has had shampoo only twice in his life. We all have good hair. There is a transition period where the hair looks greasy, but it isn’t long. We rinse our hair in fermented rice water (we ferment all rice before cooking to reduce the phytate content by 98% or so), and this also reduces or reverse greying of the hair.

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Yasmina was an award-winning broadcast journalist with a decade of experience covering war zones for CNN and the BBC. She devoted her journalism skills to researching and writing about histamine. Click here to learn about her. Each post is carefully and fully referenced with the latest scientific research. Not sure where to start? Here’s a four week meal plan and overall Histamine Reset.