Is there such a thing as natural deodorant that doesn’t contain carcinogens and isn’t too expensive? – Mansour of Toronto
Yes. There are safer products that don’t contain ingredients linked to the “C” word.
Be prepared for a steeper price tag. Eco-friendly deodorants will run you about $7 a stick. And you might need to try two or three before landing a brand that works for your body chemistry. I suggest asking stores for samples or buying the travel-size so you can test and review.
Either way, replacing your personal-care products with safer alternatives is a worthwhile endeavour.
For nontoxic pit sticks, shop for products without parfum (or fragrance), siloxanes and PEGs.
These were the three most commonly found ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants when the David Suzuki Foundation asked Canadians “Are the Dirty Dozen in your products?”
The concern with PEGs is contamination with 1,4-dioxane. The International Agency for Research on Cancer calls 1,4-dioxane a possible human carcinogen. It’s also persistent, which means it doesn’t readily break down in the environment. This increases potential for exposure.
Try the online 
Lindsay Coulter gives you the straight goods on living green. Send your questions to queenofgreen@metronews.ca. For more great tips, visit The David Suzuki Foundation at davidsuzuki.org.
