If you use a microwave, do you stand ten feet away when its on because of the radiation?  Do you avoid using sponges at all cost because of germs? Do you avoid eating certain foods or produce if you don’t know for sure if its organic or not to avoid pesticides?

On this blog, I do write a great deal about toxic substances that are used in our day-to-day lives, but also want to keep it light and (hopefully) fun.  Baring allergies, intolerance’s or illness you or your family members may have, sometimes we can get too caught up up in whats “deadly” .The question is, how do you find that balance once you become aware that certain habits you’re used to may not be healthy for you and your family?

My guess is you have to pick and choose whats most important to you.  For me, its the use of artificial fragrances in personal and home care products because of my allergies (perfumes gives me migraines).  Also, I avoid certain foods to a point.

Between news about what Sarah Palin is wearing and what the stocks are doing, there has been some headlines about the safety of our food (again), specifically chocolate candy.  The Cheeseslave blog wrote a couple of great posts on this issue: Very Scary Halloween Candy

More on Potentially Tainted Halloween Candy

Personally, this scares the crap out of me given there has already been deaths associated with melamine.  Its been quite a while since I’ve had mainstream chocolate, but my concern is for others and their children.  Other people may not be that concerned however.

Other things people are concerned about may include, mattresses, clothing that isn’t organic, the use of plastics, cosmetics, cell phones, and much more.

How do you find your balance when it comes to keeping your and/or your family healthy and safe?

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/

“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?