Mar

22

SafeMama Baby Pool Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, PVC Free | 10 Comments

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    Last year we had gotten the question about baby and wading pools for small kids.  What better way to spend a summer afternoon than sitting in your backyard with some friends and letting the kids splash around?  It’s a nice cheap afternoon.  The kids are having fun, you’re working on your tan (in moderation of course), and you’re able to have a somewhat peaceful conversation with other adults.  One of my friends has what we refer to as “block party,” during the summer.  She puts every outdoor toy in her driveway, along with her pool and we all just hang out under umbrellas while the kids have fun.   The only drawback is, her pool is vinyl, which makes me a little paranoid sometimes.   I tend to be phobic of chemicals, so this year, I was determined to search for better alternatives.  I wasn’t going to stop until I found a suitable alternative.  And thankfully, I came up with a few ideas.

    PVC Free Baby Pools

    EverEarth Inflatable Pool: Looks like a regular blow up pool but it’s made of TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) which according to EverEarth is biodegradable and phthalate free.  They also have a full line of pool toys, inflatables, swimmies, and rafts. Woo!  Check out their website for the selection.  I don’t think these are available just yet but as soon as they are I’ll update and let you know where to find them.  I have to thank Inhabitots for the find – thanks!

    Molded Plastic Pools: This is your typical and least expensive option if you’re looking to go with something PVC and phthalate free.   You can typically find these anywhere, including grocery stores, toy stores and department stores like, Target and Wal Mart.   They range from $8 to $20 depending on the size.  They’re generally made of LDPE (low density polyethylene, which is #4 on the recycling scale).  Sometimes they have a recycling code on them, and sometimes they don’t.   But they are a good option if you’re looking for something inexpensive and fun.  The only drawback to these is that they tend to be a pain to empty, but that’s a pretty low con to deal with for the price.

    Sun Smarties Pop up Pool: Another great, but a little more expensive option is one that I found over at One Step Ahead, called the Sun Smarties Pop Up Pool.  I was really excited about this find, and went ahead and ordered one (I can’t give you any details on it yet, though, because it’s back-ordered until next month.  Thankfully it’s still late winter and not summer yet!).  This pool just seems like an all around great option. The great thing about this pool is that it pops up easily folds up so flat, that you can pack it with you if you’re going on vacation!  Neat.   It comes with a sun canopy that clips on easily, which is great because you can move it around as the day wears on to make sure that your child has all day sun shade (but remember to still put sunscreen on them.  You know how kids are, in out in out in out).   Because of its ease of use, you can also get use out if it in the winter by using it as a ball pit.   It also comes in three sizes, which is a nice plus.  The smallest model retails for about $40, but the biggest one is pretty pricey at $90.   The Sun Smarties pop up pool is made from puncture resistant polyester.   Once I get mine, I’ll add my two cents to the information.

    Statia Says (5/20/09): I received my pool and unfortunately, I’m going to have to remove the Sun Smarties Pop up Pool from our list.  Sadly, when I opened my pool, I noticed the plastic liner suspiciously looked like PVC (which is not mentioned in the product description).  However, One Step Ahead will not confirm what the liner is made of, so I’ll leave this information here in case One Step Ahead wants to clarify any information, or if any of you went ahead and ordered the pool.   I’m so disappointed, because this seemed like a great space saving option.

    Little Tikes Butterfly Beach Sand and Wading Pool: This is a really cute, fun option for smaller toddlers.  The pool is somewhat small, so use would be limited, but if you really wanted to, you could fill both sides with water for more pool room.  Sometimes though, all kids need is just a little bit of water to have a lot of fun.  I also like that you can fold it up when it’s not in use and that there’s an umbrella to give the kids some shade on a hot day.  Little Tikes products are made of polypropylene (#5 plastic), which is recyclable in nearly all areas and Little Tikes products hold their value really well, so when you’re done with it, you could sell it to recoup your cost or donate it.

    Phthalate free vinyl pool Perhaps this isn’t the most eco-friendly option, but there are PVC pools that are phthalate free.   They’re made without using all of the phthalates to soften the pvc.  I’ve researched and found some options, particularly one company by the name of Intex, that makes them, but they seem to be hard to find.  Maybe as the demand becomes higher, they will be more readily available.   There is however, the issue of how it could be recycled, and if it could be recycled easily, given that most PVC is made with phthalates.  I haven’t done a ton of research on it yet, since summer is still around the corner.   But it’s on my list of things to look into.

    Little Tikes Wade Lagoon: This is beyond expensive as an option for something phthalate free, but it is phthalate free, nonetheless.   Little Tikes inflatables are all made of a mix of polyethylene and phthalate free PVC (as confirmed by a rep from little tikes).  All Little Tikes products are free of phthalates and BPA, so that’s comforting to know.  This product is built to last, which is one of the things I love about Little Tikes.  The inflatable products are expensive, but they definitely hold up to a beating (we have one of their bouncers, and a very active jumpy little boy, so I know how sturdy they are).   The good thing about this, is that you’d no doubt get quite a few years out of it, and it would probably last until your kids outgrew it and again, Little Tikes products hold their value, so you can sell it later on down the road and extend its life a little longer.

    Another option that isn’t technically a “wading pool” but could also be used as a pool, would be a stock tank.  I’ve seen these as options around the internet, and while they could get pricey, they are a little bigger than your typical plastic molded pool.  I actually researched this option, but we’re a little low on garage space, so I went with the foldable pool instead, to save space.  They’re extremely sturdy and are higher on the sides than an actual wading pool, which might be nice if you wanted to say, fill it up on a hot summer day and kick the kids out, while the mom’s enjoyed some nice cold beverages.   I’m just sayin’…

    Know a product you think belongs in this list? Let us know!

    Mar

    15

    SafeMama’s Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet

    Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Product Safety, Skin Care | 1 Comment

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      Welcome to the next generation of the Safer Baby Skin Care Cheat Sheet! As we’ve grown and learned, we have become more aware of other ingredients, aside from parabens and phthalates, we wish to avoid. We also realize that there are different trains of thought (how many chemicals you’ll tolerate) and budgets to consider so we decided to simplify this list and split it up. For more detailed information on why we avoid certain ingredients please check our glossary. Below is a listing of brands we recommend. (Last Updated January 31, 2012)

      Notice: Please do not redistribute this list anywhere without our prior written consent. If you would like to share this information with your readers, please use the handy little button we created for doing just that and link back here. I  spent time away from my kids, pouring over ingredients lists, digging in the Skin Deep Database and learning about chemicals and processes. Please help me make that worth my time and energy by not copy/pasting my work on other websites, communities, forums or blogs without permission. Thank you!

      Want to know about skin care & beauty products? Check out LovelyMama for product reviews and recommendations.  Us Mommies need safe skin care too!

      BEST CHOICES: SafeMama’s Top Picks

      The following brands are, according to the latest ingredient information, mostly chemical free (or as close to chemical free as possible). They also rate well in the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics database and are responsible companies. These are listed in alphabetical order for each rating group and not in a preferential manner. [Key: Brand Name, (Skin Deep rating range for baby items only, if available - Skin Deep ratings start at 0 being the best and goes up to 9 being the most hazardous)]

      BETTER CHOICES

      These are also really GREAT Choices: All baby care items are FREE of Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone, SLS and a bevy of other chemicals I won’t bother listing. Brands exhibit a very respectable ingredients list. (Note: In some brands cases they carry several products that are chemical free however have one or two items that were not.) I personally use many items from brands in this section.

      GOOD CHOICES

      Brands are Paraben, Phthalate, Propylene Glycol, PEG Free though had one or more products containing cocamidopropyl betaine, dimethicone, sodium benzoate, and/or phenoxyethanol. Some of these brands had traces of just one questionable ingredient and others had several, or contained more chemically processed ingredients than I was comfortable with. These are still far better choices than most mainstream baby products and would recommend them. You will need to investigate the products yourself and make a judgment call.

      Gluten Free Brands

      These brands are gluten free according to their informational materials, for those needing to avoid gluten in their skin care. (Not comprehensive)

      • 100% Pure Kids
      • California Baby
      • Earth Mama Angel Baby
      • Episencial
      • Nature’s Paradise Organics
      • TruKid Skin Care

      Basic Skin Care Tips:

      Read labels carefully. Beware of the basics -paraben, fragrance, PEG’s, and propylene glycol. Use our list as a guide.

      Shopping at a “natural” store doesn’t mean everything is paraben and phthalate free. Read labels, know how to decipher the ingredients by reading our glossary and don’t be fooled by the word “natural” or “organic” on the label. These words are not regulated the way food is… just because it says natural/organic doesn’t always mean it is.

      Be wary of the term “fragrance”. Synthetic fragrances are a phthalate culprit so if you can, try to use products with organic or natural essential oils only if you are unsure. Unscented products can also contain phthalates by using a fragrance masking agent.

      Use less products. This seems like a no-brainer but many people use way more than they need. Babies are born with the most perfect skin (usually) and it will never again be as perfect as it is when they’re babies.  Their skin is also sensitive and susceptible.  They don’t need to be slathered in lotions and powders. A little warm water and a washcloth is all they really need. When kids get older and grimier (like mine) a little soap and warm water does the trick and you can spot treat any dry skin problems or rashes.

      Make Your Own: Some Castille Soap and water goes a long way!

      Note: We support all the brands listed above regardless of what rating they have received.  We also realize everyone has their own standard of “greenness” and feel that there is a product to suit the needs of every child.  Experiment and mix and match until you find which brands work best for you, your family and your budget.  If there is a brand you think is missing from this list, please contact me and let me know and I would be happy to review it for inclusion.

      When my son was first born, I probably got sixty bottles of different types of Johnson’s Baby Wash. They had one for every day, one for calming, one for colds. It seemed like they had just about everything I needed. Not having any idea what a paraben or a phthalate was, it was my staple. Once I started doing research (you would think that I would have done this prior to having my baby, but then again, you wouldn’t think they would make a baby shampoo that was laden with chemicals. Fool me once…), I was horrified to learn that I was using something harmful on my son’s delicate skin. I stopped using it immediately and sought other alternatives. I will admit though, I became so used to the smell of the Johnson’s calming baby wash, that I kept a bottle, just for the tactile memory. Every now and then, I’ll give it a little sniff, and it transforms me back to those early days of his newborn baby head. Since then, I’ve done A LOT of research on baby shampoo, and have tried many brands. When my daughter was born, I even brought my own body wash to the hospital and refused to let them use what they had on hand (most likely Johnson’s). Between Kathy and I, I’m pretty confident that we’ve tried just about every brand that’s out there. We’ve pored over ingredients and compared lathering capabilities. And here’s what we’ve come up with.

      Jul

      23

      Phthalates in pills? What’s next?

      Filed Under Articles, Phthalates Info | 2 Comments

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        Just when you think you’ve got it covered in terms of avoiding phthalates, you find out there’s something else to worry about (seriously, is there anything that doesn’t have phthalates or BPA?).

        An article via the Daily Green reports of a new study that found over the counter tablets contain enough phthalates to increase your level 100 times over, before it’s quickly metabolized by the body:

        The protective layer that coats the outside of drug capsules contains enough of a phthalate to drive levels in those taking the drugs above the daily intake limits designated by food regulatory agencies in Europe.

        While the phthalate and its breakdown products leave the body within one to three days, longterm use could keep their levels elevated and raise the risk of health effects associated with the endocrine disruptors. Taking phthalates out of medicines would limit exposure, say the study’s authors.

        First of all, one to three days is not exactly what I would call “quickly” in my book.  Three days is a mini-vacation (which naturally seems to fly by, but we’re talking about toxic chemicals here).   Like the article states, long term exposure is what could lead to problems.
        Why do we even need a plastic coating on pills?
        EDIT: It’s important to note that many vitamins and and gel style pills are coated or encased with a gelatin based product if anything at all.  However if you are not sure about a particular brand of vitamin or medication you are taking, call the number of the manufacturer and ask.  It can’t hurt for a little peace of mind.

        Apr

        1

        Kids Safe Chemical Act Needs More Support: Here’s Why

        Filed Under Product Safety, Skin Care | Comments Off

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          kidssafeactWe wrote a little while back about the new report that came out from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics regarding formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane contamination in baby care products.   Many name brands that are abundant on every superstore and grocery store shelf in the U.S.  Brands like Johnson & Johnson, Baby Magic, Gerber, and L’Oreal (400 ppm!!!).  Their test results for Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, conducted by an independent lab for their “No More Toxic Tub” report, found levels of formaldehyde (200 and 210 ppm) that may be enough to trigger skin reactions in sensitive people, like babies.  (Let’s not forget they are also known carcinogens) The formaldehyde in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is likely a byproduct from the preservative Quaternium-15, which is used in many bath products.  All the products tested in their report that contain Quaternium-15 had at least 200 ppm of formaldehyde.

          Fun huh? Advocates argue that the levels in question aren’t harmful.  Personally, I don’t care if they aren’t harmful to a flea… I still don’t want that garbage on my children.  If there is trace amounts of feces in my drinking water do I still want to drink it? Not really.

          Let’s not even get started on the fact that a vast majority of these products, whether they are labeled or tested or contaminated with formaldehyde or not, contain phthalates – hormone disrupting chemicals that are more dangerous to developing children.

          Imagine then, learning that information and then finding out that Johnson & Johnson is running a big contest/campaign called The Big Bubblin’ Stars Campaign that preys on parents who haven’t learned this information, using the state of the economy and a $10,000 prize to push their chemically laden products.  Complete with celebrity sponsors and participation from bloggers like the Walmart Elevenmoms.  If they knew this would they still back up J&J’s contest?

          This type of campaign reminds me that there are still so many parents out there who aren’t armed with the information necessary to chose the right products.   Not only do parents need to be informed of what is in the products they are putting on their babies and kids, but the industry definitely needs to adhere to some stricter laws, more rigorous testing, and thorough product labeling that discloses ALL the ingredients.  Period.  Right now, there is no rules governing any kind of requirement that a chemical be proven safe for babies and kids before it enters the market.  That needs to change.

          We as consumers need to demand and refuse to tolerate it.  We need to support the companies that DO care about our babies and kids and what goes on them.  Rather than companies that whip up a chemical cocktail, mark it as “safe and gentle” and hope consumers don’t ever look up what “Cocamidopropyl betaine” actually is and what it does.  Read up on The Smart Mama‘s analysis of the ingredients in everyone’s favorite Johnson & Johnson’s Head-to-Toe baby wash.  After reading that you won’t even want to wash your car with it.

          But What Can I Do?? TAKE ACTION!

          kscabadge

          These companies need to be held responsible for their actions.  The Kids Safe Chemical Act is where we need to focus our energy and get behind it 100%.  This Act will overhaul our nation’s chemical regulatory law requiring industrial chemicals to be safe for babies and kids, make safety testing a requirement prior to hitting the market and will require testing of the already 62,000 chemicals in our products be re-evaluated for safety.  Just to name a few.  We’re talking to YOU PHTHALATES!

          Sign the Declaration and join us in demanding safer products for our families.  Otherwise, we might have to start suiting up for bathtime… hehe!

          Who else is outraged?  Not just us…

          Feb

          7

          CPSC Issues Phthalates Compliance Guidelines

          Filed Under Green Mama, Phthalates Info, Product Safety | Comments Off

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            This has been in the works for some time but the CPSC issued a formal press release yesterday stating that starting on February 10, 2009 children’s toys and child care items cannot contain more that 0.1% of any of the six phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DnOPA) regardless of when they were manufactured. (Why not Zero??)  A court ruling on the 5th stated that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (ban on phthalates in children’s products) should apply to current inventory and not just new products manufactured.

            The statute also prohibits phthalates over the limit in child care articles, which include products that a child 3 and younger would use for sleeping, feeding, sucking or teething. By way of example, a pacifier/teether would be an item that would help a child with sucking or teething; a sippy cup would facilitate feeding; and a crib mattress would facilitate sleeping.

            Companies must meet their reporting obligation under federal law and immediately tell the Commission if they learn of a children’s toy or child care article that exceeds the new phthalates limits starting on February 10, 2009. Companies also should know that the CPSIA generally prohibits the export for sale of children’s products that exceed the new phthalates limits.

            CPSC Press Release

            Definitely good news and a step forward, but I fear there will always be a struggle for parents to eliminate it from every scenario.  Personally I have already had to contact my child’s school regarding the vinyl mats they insist they nap on… here’s hoping that a stricter rule about phthalates in children’s products is the thing we needed to move that ban forward everywhere.

            Jul

            30

            Congrass Passes Ban on Phthalates!

            Filed Under Phthalates Info, Product Safety | Comments Off

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              Yesterday, Congress voted on the Children’s Safe Products Act which approved a nationwide ban on phthalates in products intended for children under 12. We’ve been waiting for this so we’re happy to say goodbye to phthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP… three chemicals used to soften plastics in children’s toys like bath squirties, soft books and “rubber” ducks. The Act is part of a final Bill to reform and improve the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is obviously good news and further confirmation that there is enough doubt in their safety as well as demand for strict regulations on children’s products. And don’t think you didn’t have anything to do with it. Members and supporters of MomsRising.org alone sent in over 100,000 letters to congressman urging them to support the Act.

              However, this ban doesn’t take effect for 6 months. Big stores like WalMart and Target have already promised a ban of children’s products with phthalates from their stores, beginning in January 2009… but with this kind of timeframe, we’ll still see toys containing phthalates on store shelves through this year’s holiday season. That means, as SafeParents, we still need to keep a critical eye and shop carefully to avoid them. There will always be something to be wary of when toy shopping but this recent ban is a step in the right direction.

              Related Article: ABC News Phthalates Banned from Child Toys
              Related Blog Article: EWG Enviroblog

              Jul

              29

              Organic Mattresses: Naturepedic Review

              Filed Under Product Reviews, Product Safety | Comments Off

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                Naturepedic Organic Cotton MattressThe topic of organic mattresses is met with a rash of strong opinions over what’s safe, what’s safer, and whether it’s really something we should consider changing or embracing. Regardless of how you perceive it, it’s an investment one way or another. The bottom line is, your baby spends 10-16 hours a day face down on it.* So there is some serious merit to wanting to eliminate any potential hazard your baby could be breathing. Traditional baby mattresses are covered in vinyl, (pvc) which in many cases contain phthalates to soften the material. That’s just the surface. Inside that mattress is polyurethane foam (hello Volatile Organic Compounds) which are then treated with PBDEs to add flame resistance to an otherwise highly flammable material. PBDEs (Poly brominated diphenyl ether) levels have been increasing in the past decade and who wants an infant breathing a potentially toxic substance? You don’t have to worry about this if you choose a mattress free of all these materials.

                Enter Naturepedic. I had the chance to spend some time investigating organic mattresses and settled on one that I felt is an excellent choice, not only in safety but in performance. Naturepedic provided us with a No Compromise Organic Cotton crib mattress to run through a battery of tests and I am happy to say, they passed every single one. When it arrived I opened it up and was just taken back by how pristinely nice it looked. Seams were all perfect, no nicks or weirdness, and it was smooth and soft without that crinkly PVC feel to it. Definitely a winner of the first impression test.

                The Liquid Test: Naturepedic crib mattresses have a food grade polyethylene plastic coating, which is an environmentally friendly material due to it’s non-toxic nature. We dumped leaky sippy cups on this bare mattress and I am thrilled to report that it did not absorb or cause any staining and cleaned up like a dream. A few leaky diaper tests were done as well, thanks to my yet to be potty trained 2 year old and it passed those with flying colors. To add a layer of breathability to it, I have an organic mattress pad and an organic cotton sheet on the mattress for sleeping, but my sippy cup test took place on the bare mattress itself.

                The Durability Test:                 Babies are tiny, so the damage they can do on a mattress is minimal at best, but when your child grows, you really want a mattress that will hold up through their developing years. This was the one area I had concerns, prior to seeing the mattress in person, as to whether it would perform as well as any “top of the line” traditional mattresses.

                For the sake of science, my 2 year old still sleeps in a crib. (Yes thats it…science) This means, a 30+ lb boy who jumps up and down like a wild banshee put this thing through the ringer. The older traditional mattress we shunned was starting to take a good beating, and really showed it from all this activity so I was curious as to how Naturepedic would hold up in comparison. We’ve been jumping on it for well over a month or so and I can say with much confidence that this mattress would do great in the long haul. It still looks perfectly new and is unwaivering in the wear and tear department.

                The Sound Test: Here is where I was really impressed. Regular mattresses, at least in my experience have this weird crinkly plastic covered noise to them. I always kept them padded and sheeted of course but I could always hear him rustling around in there over the baby monitor. Naturepedic is the exact opposite. In fact, the first time I laid my son on it, it was as if the whole room was quieter. When he rolls around, I don’t hear a thing… except the sweet sound of him breathing. He sleeps a bit more soundly on this mattress than any other we’ve had.

                The Overall Impression Test: I really like how this mattress feels… it’s solid and firm but comfortable in all the ways you want it to be. The construction is impeccable, and you can tell right off the bat that this is a serious mattress… not some hippie inspired sack full of hemp and recycled bottles. They take great care with safety standards, adhereing to all Federal laws and requirements. The CPSC recommends infants sleep on a firm, flat surface. Some of the other organic mattresses I’ve looked at have a thicker quilted appearance which could be a drawback if that concerns you. Naturepedic’s mattresses are flat and firm (but not hard) on both sides of the mattress.

                Someone questioned me about Flamebreaker™, the non-toxic flame retardant they use to help buy time in house fires. There are, of course mattresses out there with absoloutely zero protection. However, I am 100% comfortable with Flamebreaker™ fire protection system which is based on baking soda and silica bonded to cellulose fiber. It buys time without exposing your child to harmful and potentially airborne chemicals/ Naturepedic’s mattress are without:

                NO PBDEs
                NO Brominated or Chlorinated Fire Retardants
                NO Antimony
                NO PAN (polyacrylonitrile)
                NO Modacrylic
                NO Dimethyl Sulfate
                NO Boric Acid
                NO Respirable Crystaline Silica
                NO Potentially Harmful Chemicals or Allergenic Materials (i.e. Wool)

                If that’s not enough, Naurepedic is wildly recognized by a bevy of associations including a certification from GreenGuard, and recommended heartily by our personal favorite organization (and a great resource) Healthy Child Healthy World.

                I personally think an choosing an organic mattress is one of the first changes that need to be made, or in the case of expecting parents, should be a serious consideration. I realize, this is not a cheap decision. But the product you are getting is not only much safer for your baby, but it will endure your baby’s growth into a toddler and then some, and perhaps the young life of a second or third child. I’d see it as an investment rather than an expense.

                If you aren’t in the position to buy an organic mattress, and let’s face it, not everyone is ready for that, you do have options. Tips when buying a traditional mattress:

                • Leave it outside or in a well ventilated area for some time in order to let the materials “off-gas” before baby sleeps on it
                • When the mattress doesn’t smell like materials or plastic, it’s ready to be brought back into the house.
                • Consider an organic cotton or wool mattress pad to add a layer of breathability and “buffer” between baby and the mattress surface.

                Naturepedic’s Organic Cotton mattress has FAR exceeded my expectations and I am completely comfortable recommending them to anyone. My son is getting to the age where he is ready for a bigger bed so when the time comes, and he no longer fits in a toddler bed (which the crib mattress fits as well) I most certainly will be investing in a Naturepedic Twin Mattress for him.

                Is this the only option out there? Of course not. But this is one I am very comfortable recommending for both safety, standards and overall product performance. For those looking for other organic bedding items, Naturepedic makes portacrib mattresses, bassinet pads, and changing pads as well.

                *Note:  You should always put your baby down on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS.  We realize babies flip over eventually.

                Get yours here: Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Mattress
                Tip: Check out the Shopping Mall for discount coupons!

                Jul

                5

                Plastics and Risks

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                  I hope everyone who celebrates July 4th had a great holiday! Now back to business. Well, a vacationy type business since I am away visiting my in-laws in Delaware. (Can you say organic fresh cream ice cream… oh yeah baby). Anyway, I recently got a lashing from a website passerby that our sources are crap. It’s the first and only email I have ever gotten with the assumption that I rely solely on Wikipedia for my information. I’m just the messenger here people… I don’t make this stuff up. I’d like to direct your attention to a recent article from the people we love over at Healthy Child Healthy World. They’ve just published a really great post about the risks of plastics and chemical exposure, especially in children. I urge every parent to read it over. It’s an excellent explanation and is the reason I do what I do with this website. Here is a snippet:

                  Under normal conditions, a child’s endocrine system is in charge of slow processes, like cell growth and maintenance, by secreting hormones that travel through the bloodstream, acting only on those glands that have selective receptors for them, including: the thymus, the stomach, the small intestines, the heart, and placenta. Inside of us, chemicals like BPA mimic estrogen—the main developmental hormone in women that contributes to the growth of secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts and a widened pelvis—by plugging into hormone receptors. For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young, underdeveloped children, these impersonations can have serious impacts, restructuring our developmental pathways and leaving us susceptible to various cancers as well as physical and behavioral aberrations.

                  In a 2005 study on BPA exposure, researchers illustrated that perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of BPA in mice cause changes in patterns of mammary gland development at the time of puberty; additionally, comparable changes in women indicate a more significant risk of breast cancer.

                  Please read the full article here. It’s an eye opener.

                  Jun

                  16

                  Shower Curtains Can Make You Sick.

                  Filed Under Articles, Phthalates Info | Comments Off

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                    Ever open up the package of a shiny new plastic shower curtain, and nearly pass out from the fumes? Ever think to yourself, well, that can’t be good for you.

                    That’s because it isn’t.

                    We’ve discussed before, how the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in vinyl produces off-gassing. And that includes your shower curtain. It was no secret to us before, but now there’s a new study out from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice that proves what we’ve known all along:

                    The study found that PVC shower curtains contained high concentrations of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive effects, and varying concentrations of organotins, which are compounds based on tin and hydrocarbons. One of the curtains tested released measurable quantities of as many as 108 volatile organic compounds into the air, some of which persisted for nearly a month.

                    Seven of these chemicals — toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene — have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, said Stephen Lester, the center’s science director and a coauthor of the report.

                    The smell alone is enough to make you sick, but compound that with being in a bathroom, with the hot water running, and you’re doing yourself more harm, while trying to get yourself clean. Additionally, a similar study was done by the EPA six years ago, with similar findings, yet these chemicals still exist in day to day products, because the American Chemistry Council and the FDA maintain that phthalates are safe.

                    If you have a vinyl shower curtain, toss (or recycle) it and find one made of alternative materials. Shower curtains aren’t that expensive, and it’s not worth risking your (or your family’s) health.

                    Source: L.A. Times

                    Jun

                    14

                    Natural Air Freshener: Citrus Magic

                    Filed Under Phthalates Info, product finds | Comments Off

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                      I spoke about air fresheners before but in case you missed it, household air fresheners are a hot bed of phthalates in many cases. Not to mention a lot of other irritants and possibly unsafe toxins. We just don’t need to be breathing this stuff in. I am a big believer in embracing fresh air and house plants to combat odor in the home. Although all my houseplants die every time we travel back and forth to Florida so it’s not always an option. Another thing, diaper pails and garbage cans. We know how they can get. I keep them clean but sometimes they just stink no matter what you do.

                      Enter Citrus Magic. My mom gave me a can of this back in college when I smoked in my tiny dorm room and reeked up the place. Sorry about that dorm-mates. I now see the many errors of my ways. Age and wisdom. Anyway, I bumped into a display of Citrus Magic at Kroger recently and grabbed one up. I forgot just how effective it is. This non-aerosol 100% natural air freshener uses the oils from citrus fruit to deodorize and freshen a room. They are packed in non-aerosol, continuous spray containers and are available in Lemon, Orange, or Tropical Citrus Blend. No funky chemicals. No funky weird unsafe stuff in there.

                      When you need a little help in the odor department, this is a great alternative to the synthetic sprays. Citrus Magic carries a variety of other products as well. I’m not 100% sure about the “safe” level on everything they sell, but the citrus air fresheners pass my test.

                      Get it online: CitrusMagic.com or look for it in the natural foods section of your local grocery store. I found the smaller cans at Kroger in Georgia for under $6.

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