Photo credit: erix

Newsweek Magazine recently published an article on how to avoid household toxins.  Nena Baker, author of  The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens Our Health and Well-being
the EPA and the  Environmental Working Group, has listed nine ways you can avoid household toxins:

1. Filter your water.  In addition to what the article suggests, staying away from plastic bottled water is beneficial to the Earth and body.

2.  Know whats in your grooming products. The Cosmetics Database website is highly recommended when researching common ingredients in personal care products.

3.  Don’t Eat Microwave Popcorn.  “The inside of a microwave popcorn bag is usually coated with a perfluorinated chemical (PFC) called a fluorotelomer that can break down to form perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Designed to prevent oil from seeping through the bag, PFOA can migrate into the food when heated. It has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and preliminary epidemiological studies suggest that a pregnant woman’s exposure to PFOA may reduce her baby’s birth weight….”

4.  Don’t Get Stain-Protective Treatment.  This recommendation is talking about the “extras” or add ons you can get when you buy furniture, clothes and shoes.

5.  Limit Use of Canned Food and Plastic Containers. Speaks about the risk of  Bisphenol-A (BPA) that is not only found in plastic containers, but also used to line the inside of canned foods as well (Previous post: Plastics and its health risks)

6.  Use PBDE-Free Electronics. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) is in the same family flame redardants.  They are mostly found in TVs and computer monitores.  “…is stirred into the equipment’s plastic and can heat up over time, causing the material to break away and settle into the dust. Many manufactures have stopped using PBDEs for electronics, but not all have….” The Environmental Working Group has a list of PBDE-free electronics.

7.  Don ‘ t Use Paint Made With Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Fortunately, VOC-free paints can be found at most paint and home improvement stores now. (See links below for resources)

8.  Patronize a Perc-Free Dry Cleaner. “Perchloroethylene (perc) is also a VOC and is most commonly used in dry cleaning. The EPA identifies perc as a known human toxin and “a precursor to ground-level ozone (smog).” It usually enters the body through inhalation and remains stored in fat tissue….”

9.  Dust and Vacuum Weekly. “Baker says that toxins like PBDE can settle into the dust in your house, so to be extra safe, it’s best to keep your house clean through regular dusting and vacuuming.”

Read the full article here: Newsweek – October 1, 2008

Green dry cleaner directory

Non-Toxic Paint

Affordable Low-Voc Paint

The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens Our Health and Well-being

Source: ABC News

So much for my previous post: LA Times: California launches broad effort to control hazardous chemicals

Meanwhile…
“On the same day Governor Schwarzenegger touted himself as the leader of a comprehensive chemical reform program, he vetoed a bill that would have made California the first state to ban toxic chemicals known as PFCs – a family of compounds including Teflon – from food packaging.” California Progress Report

Teflon is commonly used on cookware as a non-stick coating.  Its been known for over twenty years that Teflon cookware used in the home is highly fatal to birds to the point that its been listed as the leading cause of death for pet birds. Death to the birds can happen under very normal domestic cooking conditions, even when the cooking is done in another part of the home. 

I remember about fifteen years ago, me and my mother went shopping for a bird and the Avian Veterinarian adamantly told us not to use any Teflon coated products in the house if we decided to purchase one of the birds.  After that, my mother got rid of everything Teflon in the house stating that “if it can kill birds, what is it doing to us?”

In terms of what its doing to us, Teflon, which is a known carcinogen, has been found in the blood of many Americans.  Teflon is not only used in pots and pans, but also popcorn bags and other convenience, microwaveable food containers. 

“PFOA seems to be in the blood of most Americans, as found in studies that examined blood from American blood banks, and is likely to be in the blood of most of the rest of us as well. PFOA enters into our bodies very easily through the cooked food when the non-stick pan is either scratched, or when it is heated, (which is what we do with pans and  popcorn bags) Popcorn bags seem to cause higher exposures to PFOA compared to non-stick cookware, as a chemical in the packaging migrates into the oil which coats the popcorn which we then eat, and the chemical then degrades into PFOA in our bodies. Heated Teflon also releases toxic fumes which we inhale.”  Teflon is hazardous to our health – Trusted MD

Currently, the research isnt very clear as to what it does to the human body, but the fact that its a carcinogen and fatal to birds is reason enough to avoid it in our homes. 

 Canaries in the Kitchen: Teflon Toxicosis: Teflon kills birds

Study: Plastic Bottles Present Health Risks
http://www.channel3000.com/health/17500416/detail.html
“MADISON, Wis. — The Food and Drug Administration is looking closely at a chemical commonly used in plastic products.

Bisphenol a or BPA is used in baby bottles and other plastics but a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that chemical could be linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Under the study participants who had the highest levels of BPA also were twice as likely to have heart disease.

The FDA said consumers should avoid products with a recycling seven on the them, and avoid heating plastic containers in microwaves.

Several states are considering a BPA ban, and some manufacturers are removing BPA from their products. ”

Plastic Bottles Linked to Heart Disease
http://www.streem.com.au/breaking-news/6391-plastic-bottles-linked-to-heart-disease
“A chemical contained in plastic drink bottles and containers could be linked to heart disease a study has found.

Researchers in Europe say that higher levels of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) within heart disease patients could be linked to it’s inclusion in plastic bottles and containers.”

BPA is almost impossible to avoid, but more companies are discontinuing use

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bpa-tips_websep17,0,2667607.story

“Some companies are now labeling products as BPA free. For more information on specific items, go to safemama.com.”

Six Chemicals in Soft Plastic Toys Banned Across Europe (2005)

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2005/2005-07-06-05.asp

“BRUSSELS, Belgium, July 6, 2005 (ENS) – The European Parliament voted Tuesday to impose a permanent ban on six chemicals used in plastic toys and childcare articles to soften the plastics. Young children can ingest the toxic chemicals when they suck or chew on the soft plastic items.”

The FDA’s claim that they are safe:

Agency Affirms Plastics’ Safety, as Study Raises Questions

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/health/17plastic.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=plastic&st=cse&oref=slogin

“…Two Dartmouth College analysts of medical research said the study, which does not prove that BPA caused the health problems, raised questions but provided no answers about whether the ubiquitous chemical is harmful…”

What do you think?  Do you think they safe or not?  Why do you think certain chemicals in plastic is banned in European countries, but not in the U.S?

Update 10/29/08: I just found a more recent post about the matter at Safe Mama http://safemama.com/2008/10/29/fda-ignored-evidence-of-harm-regarding-bpa-ruling/

Petroleum, also known as “petroleum jelly”, which is the only ingredient in the popular brand Vaseline, and mineral oil also commonly known as “baby oil”, are common ingredients in lotions, skin creams, cosmetics and hair care products.  Its used in skin care products because its a inexpensive oil that lubricates the skin; supposedly to moisturize, soften and protect the skin from the elements.  In hair care products, the oil is used as a moisturizer and barrier that repels water and humidity to prevent frizz and dryness. Its also used with pressing combs, flat and curling irons to protect from heat damage caused by these tools.   Its inexpensive with an unlimited shelf life so its appealing for cosmetic, hair and skin care manufacturers.  Even some high-end lines use petroleum and/or mineral oil in their products. In a few luxury department stores I have shopped at,  I’ve found that a lot of the lines they carry use petroleum in their products – despite the tipple digit prices for a lot of their items.

Mineral oil is liquid petroleum which is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. Propylene glycol is often a derivative of petroleum (though it can come from a vegetable source as well).

The problem with petroleum products, instead of moisturizing, it coats the skin and clog the pores not letting in actual moisture and toxins out through the skin. The skin may feel smooth to the touch, but its actually coated with the oil.  As a result, it can cause acne, dryness, dandruff and other skin irritations.

Petroleum and Cancer

Petroleum has been noted as a possible cancer risk:

“Petrolatum – Impurities in Petroleum Jelly or commonly known as Vaseline, under suspicion as a carcinogen in Breast Cancer – Petrolatum Banned in products in the EU – Long term damage to health becoming evident – side effects from impurities in the manufacturing process implicated in causing cancer”

Remember, the skin absorbs 60% of all chemicals we use on our skin and hair.”  – Health Report UK

Other names for mineral oil and petroleum:

• Baby Oil
• Vaseline (brand name)
• Liquid paraffin
• Mineral Seal Oil

What should you use?

Always read labels when you’re shopping for bath, body, baby and hair products. Look for products that contains natural vegetable, plant, seed and nut oils such as shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.

Any questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you!

“A new study finds that young children have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood.”

Read about it in USA Today and watch video from NBC Today Show

What do you think?  Do you think that fire retardant chemicals really pose a risk in humans, particularly children? What can we do as individuals to reduce exposure and health issues from theses chemicals?

A recent article in commondreams.org lists recent studies about the toxicity of the active ingredient, Triclosan which is used in antibacterial soaps.  

“Antibacterial Agent no Better Than Soap & Water and its Toxic” 

“Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in many everyday products including liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, mattresses, shower curtains, bathtubs, and cutting boards.  Federal agencies continue to allow its use despite the fact it may be toxic to the developing fetus and child, and pollutes mothers breast milk.”

“Triclosan has been linked to cancer in lab animals, has been targeted for removal from some stores in Europe for its health and environmental risks and the American Medical Association recommends against its use in the home…”

 Read more about it here:

So what should you use when you wash your hands?  Plain soap and water is best. 

Pesticides Found in Soap, Toothpaste and Toys

As always, read labels!

Why should we avoid them?

Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen which  can lead to or contribute to (if not cause) health problem such as estrogen dominance, various endocrine disorders like hypothyroid and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), infertility, obesity and the development of breast cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change? points out that in several tests, chemicals in the paraben family displayed estrogenic activity. Since most products from shampoos to toothpaste are used on a daily basis, the level and amount of exposure can add up.  Exposure to chemicals through the skin can be especially powerful since they do not have to go through the digestive track.  Theses chemicals can remain in the tissue, especially breast tissue particularly from the use of anti-perspirants.

Chemical’s that are or mimic hormones are also bad for the environment. The EPA’s study on personal care products also states that many of chemicals used in our personal care product and pharmaceuticals are eventually leaked into sewage treatment systems and have a negative effective on marine animals.

There are a number of alternatives that are currently available at my web store at Green and Chic and other retailers.

References:

http://www.epa.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/

http://www.terressentials.com/truthaboutparabens.html

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ppcps.cfm

http://www.naturalnews.com/022113.html