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==Toxicology==

==Toxicology==

There are a number of health concerns regarding sodium lauryl sulfate. So far, the only scientifically proven problems it causes are skin irritation,<ref>http://content.karger.com/Article/Abstract/84139</ref><ref>http://slsfree.net</ref> desquamation of oral epithelium (shedding or oral tissue),<ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427497000222</ref> and increased frequency of aphthous ulcers (canker sores).<ref>http://www.crowndiamond.net/techpack/0535.pdf</ref> Some other points of concern are listed below.<br />

There are a number of health concerns regarding sodium lauryl sulfate. So far, the only scientifically proven problems it causes are skin irritation,<ref>http://content.karger.com/Article/Abstract/84139</ref><ref name="slsfree">http://slsfree.net</ref> desquamation of oral epithelium (shedding or oral tissue),<ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427497000222</ref> and increased frequency of aphthous ulcers (canker sores).<ref>http://www.crowndiamond.net/techpack/0535.pdf</ref> Some other points of concern are listed below.<br />

*A common claim against sodium lauryl sulfate is that it is carcinogenic (cancer causing). This has not been scientifically proven, but testing in this area has been minimal.  However, when ethylene oxide is added to reduce its irritative properties, the resulting sodium laureth sulfate is suspected to be carcinogenic. The ethylene oxide itself is a carcinogenic substance. Additionally, the ethoxylation process produces a byproduct  known as "1,4 dioxane".  This is recognized by the CDC to be "probably carcinogenic to humans," toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. As if this were not enough, 1,4 dioxane is also a leading groundwater contaminant.<ref name="mercola.com">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx</ref>

*A common claim against sodium lauryl sulfate is that it is carcinogenic (cancer causing). This has not been scientifically proven, but testing in this area has been minimal.  However, when ethylene oxide is added to reduce its irritative properties, the resulting sodium laureth sulfate is suspected to be carcinogenic. The ethylene oxide itself is a carcinogenic substance. Additionally, the ethoxylation process produces a byproduct  known as "1,4 dioxane".  This is recognized by the CDC to be "probably carcinogenic to humans," toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. As if this were not enough, 1,4 dioxane is also a leading groundwater contaminant.<ref name="mercola.com">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx</ref>

*Another concern is rooted in the fact that SLS and SLES are not used by themselves.  Rather, they are typically used in conjunction with other chemicals that can cause unwanted interactions.  A chemical known as triethanolamine (TEA) is often used along with SLS and SLES, especially in shampoos.  The sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate interacts with the TEA, and becomes NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine).  Unfortunately, NDELA is a nitrosamine, which is not only a potent carcinogen itself, but allso attracts nitrate, which is another carcinogen.  Not only is this specific case a problem, but it is also evadance that the FDA simply cannot test all of the changes that may take place once SLS/SLES is put into use.<ref name="mercola.com">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx</ref>

*Another concern is rooted in the fact that SLS and SLES are not used by themselves.  Rather, they are typically used in conjunction with other chemicals that can cause unwanted interactions.  A chemical known as triethanolamine (TEA) is often used along with SLS and SLES, especially in shampoos.  The sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate interacts with the TEA, and becomes NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine).  Unfortunately, NDELA is a nitrosamine, which is not only a potent carcinogen itself, but allso attracts nitrate, which is another carcinogen.  Not only is this specific case a problem, but it is also evadance that the FDA simply cannot test all of the changes that may take place once SLS/SLES is put into use.<ref name="mercola.com">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx</ref>