Taking showers everyday is very American and unnecessary

[pnwmom]

77. Some pine tar soaps do contain carcinogens, or "likely carcinogens."

http://www.ehow.com/about_5465183_health-risks-pine-tar-soap.html


1. Creosote
◦ Most pine tar and pine oil is made using a closed-kiln process that keeps it pure. If pine tar is made in an open kiln, the smoke and little fragments of unburned wood can come in contact with the tar and result in the creation of creosote, a known carcinogen.
A 2003 study by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products found that "wood tar and wood tar preparations do pose a health risk when used in used in cosmetic products."
For this reason, most commercially produced pine tar soaps say "Creosote-free" right on the label.


2. 1,4 Dioxane
◦ One potential toxin found in pine tar soap is 1,4 dioxane, also just called dioxane. This is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration because it's not an ingredient itself; it's a byproduct of other ingredients. Studies done by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry have shown that dioxane at high doses can cause kidney and liver damage, and has been proven to cause irritation to the nose and mouth when inhaled as vapor. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1,4-dioxane is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
Though most soaps and cosmetics contain only trace amounts of dioxane, some exceed the FDA's recommended exposure levels.


3. How to Avoid Toxins
◦ As with anything you eat, drink or apply to your body, read the labels. Dioxane is a byproduct of the following chemicals, which are used to offset the harshness of other ingredients: PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyethoxyethylene or polyoxynolethylene. Avoid buying pine tar soap containing these ingredients.
Also, if the label doesn't say "Creosote free," don't buy it. Or, contact the manufacturer and ask if the pine tar it uses is made via closed-kiln or open-kiln. Avoid soaps using open-kilned pine tar.