The Hazards of Beauty and is it Worthwhile?

The world seems obsessed with age and beauty these days more so than ever before. I personally think there can be beauty in the simple process of aging and wish more could feel the same. It is a shame that more of us just can't be comfortable and proud of who we are regardless of how we look. You might think you are taking years off your looks but in truth, you are TAKING YEARS OFF YOUR LIVES. Literally.
A study at the Silent Spring Institute, a non-profit organization in Boston, tested the air and dust in 120 homes in Cape Cod. They choose that area because of the elevated rates of breast cancer. colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. What they found was very high levels of eight different phthalates in the dust of all 120 homes. Phthalates are hormonal mimics that confuse the body and can harm the endocrine system and cause cancers and birth defects in animals and people.
One of these common phthalates (DEHP) is used in the manufacture of flexible polyvinyl chloride products (PVC) such as shower curtains, shoes, floor tiles. It is no longer used to manufacture children's toys because it was found too dangerous. Other very common phthalates (DBP), (DMP), and (DEP) are used as solvents for fragrances in perfumes, soaps, cream rinses, lotions and as plasticizers in nail polish, hair spray and cosmetics. They also found very high levels of chemicals known as nonylphenols which are found in some laundry detergents, disinfecting cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, hair dyes, and other hair care products.
Phthalates cause birth defects, low sperm counts and other reproductive damage. They are easily absorbed into the skin when they are applied as nail polish,cosmetics, perfumes, and perfumed products. They are also easily absorbed into the system when they are inhaled through fumes. THE LAW DOES NOT REQUIRE INGREDIENT LABELING OF FRAGRANCES AND PERFUMES so you will not know these things are present.
We need to be more aware of what we are doing to our bodies, our children's bodies and our world. What is the consequence of using these products and is it worth giving up your health and your life in exchange for looking beautiful?