Before we go into the study of each ingredient, I'd like to point out that the new Costco wipes recipe has significant improvements. For starters, there is no longer any hazardous formaldehyde and no risk of exposure to 1,4-dioxane, a potentially carcinogenic pollutant. There are still only three ingredients - cellulose fibers, water, and natural extracts/oils - but now they are mixed together in one step instead of two. Before you ask, the green color comes from chlorophyll, which gives wheat flour its color.
Kirkland's brand of cloth diaper wipes contains three primary ingredients: cellulose fibers, water, and natural oils or extracts. Like many other baby products that use these three ingredients, this wipe product does not contain any chemicals that would put your health at risk.
There have been studies done on people who use lotion daily that contain phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. These people are more likely to develop cancer later in life. However, if you don't ever use lotion and never apply makeup, then you aren't putting yourself at risk of developing cancer.
The same goes for wipes. You are not going to die if you use these wipes. In fact, they are probably going to do some good because they will help clean your little one's bum.
To add to the hazards posed by formaldehyde, most major brands of plug-in air fresheners include naphthalene. In laboratory tests, naphthalene has been found to induce tissue damage and cancer in rodent lungs. It's reasonable to believe that it has similar effects on people. That's why the American Cancer Society recommends against using them indoors.
Naphthalene is a chemical found in oil of glade plants. The seeds and bark of these plants are used to make scented candles and incense. Naphthalene is also released into the environment through industrial processes. It is commonly used as a solvent for paints, lacquers, and enamels. It is also used in the manufacture of medicines, pesticides, and fertilizers. Naphthalene has been shown to be carcinogenic to animals (i.e., it can cause cancer). However, there is no evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. It is used in embalming fluids and cosmetics as a germicide and preservative. Formaldehyde has been linked to cancer of the nose and throat when inhaled. It is also a probable carcinogen for the bladder and may increase the risk of developing other cancers such as leukemia. People who work with formaldehyde every day have increased levels of chloroform in their bodies because it is also a probable carcinogen.
As if that weren't enough, 95 percent of synthetic compounds in scent are sourced from "petrochemicals" – substances linked to cancer, birth deformities, nervous system disorders, asthma, and environmental allergies. The other 5 percent are natural ingredients such as flower petals, amber resin, and even animal bones.
Bath and body products can contain chemicals known as phthalates. These chemicals can be found in plastic toys, cosmetics, and fragrance products. They have been shown to break down into smaller particles that are able to enter the human body through the lungs or through pores in skin. The American Chemistry Society has said that there is some evidence that these chemicals may affect the development of reproductive organs in animals given large amounts over a long period of time.
In addition, paraffin wax used in candle making contains hydrocarbons that may lead to cancer if inhaled for long periods of time. In fact, studies have shown that people who make their own candles using paraffin wax have higher rates of lung cancer than average. This is because they don't ventilate the rooms in which they burn candles so smoke goes straight into the air instead of escaping out the window or through an open door!
Finally, mineral oils used in lubricants can solidify at low temperatures, causing problems with car engines.
Most people, however, are unaware that carpets contain over 44 hazardous compounds, some of which are confirmed carcinogens. Despite this, manufacturers often neglect to declare these components on the labels of carpets that are widespread in indoor contexts such as homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. For example, one study found that 70 percent of carpeted floors in homes with young children contained detectable levels of lead. Lead is a well-known human carcinogen.
Even if you choose not to vacuum regularly, there are other ways that carpets can contribute to cancer development. Carpet fibers are made up of strands of fiberglass or polypropylene that can become tangled together with dirt and other debris over time. When exposed to sunlight or heat, these fibers can break down into smaller particles that are able to get into the air and be inhaled. These particles have been known to find their way into homes through dust bunnies and pet hair. People who work with carpets on a regular basis may also be exposed to chemicals used in their production. For example, scientists estimate that over 10,000 people die each year due to jobs related to the textile industry. The main culprits behind these deaths is carbon monoxide from machinery and organic solvents like benzene used in dyeing processes.
Carpets also contain natural toxins that can leach out under certain conditions.