Book excerpt: This is a perspective on the chemical world we live in and why I believe all of us should be concerned for our lives, the lives of our families, friends and the animals that share our lives. It is not intended to scare you, although it might. It is really to draw attention to what our lives have become and the chemicals, companies and products that rule it. Our skin is our largest and most vulnerable organ. Love it and it will love you. Protect it and it will protect you. Abuse it and it will shorten your life.There have been more chemicals developed in the last twenty years than in all of mankind. Of the thousands of chemicals in use in the cosmetic, personal care and household products industry, less than 1% have been tested for safety. A few years ago I read that ~63% of American claim to have a skin disorder. Connection? Probably! There are no US Government regulations for skin care or household products.What I have come to believe is that more than 50% of skin disorders are misdiagnosed and are caused by chemicals in the products we use every day.