Toxic Chemicals & Metals

BPA Now Banned From Bottles & Sippy Cups

Is it too little too late? The Food and Drug Administration will now ban Bisphenol-A from baby bottles and sippy cups. However, manufacturers have recently phased BPA out of  those products. In fact, the U.S. Chemical Council, which is the chemical industry’s main association, had requested this move, according to NBC, to help boost consumer confidence.

The ban of the controversial chemical does not go further than those kids’ products. And that mean BPA is probably still getting into your homes and bodies everyday. There is reason to be concerned.  BPA is linked to everything from developmental problems to infertility.

To find out how you can help ban BPA from your home, watch my Do Your Part video here.

By |Eco-News, Food & Agriculture, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Household Cleaners Hall of Shame

The Environmental Working Group has just released its new report on the dangers of certain household cleaners and the organization is naming names. We know that many of the toxic chemicals we bring into our homes are actually found in our cleaning products. That’s because meaning popular cleaners people use each and every day are filled with chemicals known to cause all sorts of health problems – everything from cancer to asthma, to reproductive problems. Now, the EWG has released what it calls their Hall of Shame database.

You can read their full report here. In the report they disclose the chemicals that could be lurking behind the term “fragrance” in the ingredient list and also report that some so-called “green” cleaners are actually harmful to the environment. The Environmental Working Group also gives consumers tips to find safer cleaning alternatives.

 

By |Eco-News, Green Cleaning, Health, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|2 Comments
Read More

The Main Sources of Pollutants at Home Could Surprise You

Do you know what’s in your home right now that’s polluting the air you breathe? Rodale reports that scientists at the Silent Spring Institute analyzed roughly 200 common products to get the answer. Here are their top 3 main sources of toxic chemicals:

1) Fragranced Products
That includes soaps, shampoos, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Companies don’t usually have to reveal the chemicals used on their ingredient list either.

2) Vinyl Curtains and Bedding
Products made from vinyl (think shower curtains and pillow protectors) may contain hormone disrupting phthalates and BPA. And it’s tough to shop for ones without it because most aren’t properly labeled.

3) So-called “antibacterial” products
These days there are everything from antibacterial soaps to socks. Many of these products contain the controversial ingredient Triclosan. Not only can that ingredient cause health problems but our obsession with killing germs is creating a rise in drug resistant bacteria.

By |Eco-News, Green Cleaning, Head To Toe, Health, In Your Home, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Antibacterial Ingredient Declared Toxic – But Not Here!

Canada is about to declare Triclosan, a controversial chemical found in many antibacterial products, as toxic to the environment. Triclosan was created more than 40 years ago as a surgical scrub for hospitals. It is now found in commonly used products like soap, toothpaste, furniture and toys. Several scientific studies have shown the chemical may alter the regulation of hormones in lab animals. The FDA says other studies have shown triclosan may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Canada.com reports that once Canada makes that declaration, health officials will begin work to phase out triclosan especially in personal care products.

Meantime, half of all liquid hand soaps sold in the U.S. are antibacterial or antimicrobial. The FDA plans on reviewing the safety of triclosan in the coming months. Right now, the FDA says the agency does not have sufficient evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan.

By |Eco-News, Environmental Education, Head To Toe, Health, In Your Home, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Top 7 Alternatives to Toxic Air Fresheners

You know what stinks? Using toxic air fresheners at home or in your car. They can release air-polluting chemicals that can actually make you sick. Some of the most popular air fresheners on the market contain phthalates, which are known to cause everything from birth defects to cancer. There’s nothing too sweet smelling about that. Do Your Part before you spray, plug in, or light some traditional air fresheners and check out Terri’s ‘Top 7 Safer Alternatives’.

1) Baking Soda

Non-toxic baking soda is cheap, safe, and versatile.  It can be sprinkled on or in everything from trashcans to carpets to stinky running shoes.  It doesn’t cover up smells. Instead, it absorbs and neutralizes them without releasing any pollutants in your home.

2) White Vinegar

Vinegar is another all natural – and super effective – solution for tough odors. You can use it in the washing machine or dishwasher to tackle tough smells or put a little bit in small, hidden containers around your home to soak up unwanted odors.

3) Soy Candles

No one wants to light a scented candle only to breathe in petroleum by-products. When you burn paraffin candles, that’s exactly what you’re doing. Instead opt for natural beeswax candles or ones made from soy, which come in every scent imaginable.

4) Open The Windows

Did you know that the air inside our homes is oftentimes more polluted than the air outside?  It’s true. That’s another reason to open up those windows and doors when you are trying to get rid of offending smells – without covering them up with chemicals.  If Grandma used to do it, it’ll probably work for you!

5) Essential Oils

Essential oils are plant-based oils that come in all sorts of soothing scents such as lavender and lemongrass.  Adding a few drops of your favorite on cotton balls is a safer way to scent your home. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water for another way to freshen up the air in your home.

6) Spice It Up!

Boiling a little bit of water with a sweet smelling spice such as cinnamon or nutmeg will make your home smell downright delicious. Other good options are ginger or allspice.

7) Buy Non-Toxic Alternatives

If you prefer to buy a safe air freshener, you can find non-toxic ones with a little digging. Eco Breeze by Earth Friendly Products® helps refresh fabrics and upholstery. Method® also sells aroma rings in many non-toxic scents.

The important thing to remember is you don’t want to cover up odors with chemicals and perfumes. Get rid of them – the green way. It’s an easy way to Do Your Part and breathe easier.

 

By |DYP Columns, Eco-News, Green Cleaning, In Your Home, Terri's Top 5, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Pocket Guide to Safer Produce

During the winter months, much of the produce we purchase at the grocery store is imported from thousands of miles away and usually is not organic. The Organic Center claims that certain pieces of imported produce actually contains up to three times the amount of pesticides as produce grown in America. Click here for the organization’s pocket guide that you can print out and keep handy for safer food shopping.

By |Eco-News, Food & Agriculture, Food & Entertaining, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Report Finds Chemicals In Crib Mattresses

A majority of the crib mattresses sold in the U.S. contain chemicals of concern. That’s according to a new report by an environmental health group. The report found 72 percent of the mattress models surveyed use suspect or dangerous chemicals, including certain flame retardants, antibacterials and waterproofing additives. The chemicals of concern have been linked to health problems such as eye irritation, asthma, headaches and thyroid issues. The good news from the report by Clean and Healthy New York is a number of mattress makers have made significant strides in reducing chemicals of concern.

The report focuses on crib mattresses because infants are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure and spend up to 16 hours asleep in bed. Clean and Healthy New York surveyed 28 companies that together make 190 models of crib mattresses. 98 of the mattresses used one or more chemicals of concern including vinyl, polyurethane and other volatile organic compounds. 39 of the mattresses made some ‘green claims’ including the use of organic cotton or added plant oils but still used chemicals of concern. Another 39 mattresses did not use suspect chemicals but contained potential allergens. Eight percent of the mattresses avoided all potentially harmful chemicals and allergens. The report also found different degrees of public disclosure by companies about the chemicals used in their mattresses.

Clean and Healthy New York says a lot must be done to adopt safer chemicals and full transparency. The group recommends consumers use information in the report to find the safest mattress for their family and that policy makers act to make sure toxic chemicals are removed from everyday products. A hearing on legislation to overhaul the 35 year old Toxic Substances Control Act will be held before Congress in a few weeks. The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 would require listing health and safety information for all chemicals as a condition for staying and remaining on the market. It would also require the EPA to identify and restrict the most toxic chemicals that persist and build up the food chain.

 

By |Eco-News, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

Group Warns of Chemical in Baby Shampoo

Harmful chemicals are probably the last thing parents would expect to find in their baby’s shampoo. But a coalition of health and environmental groups says a potentially cancer-causing chemical can be found in a popular brand of shampoo for babies. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says Johnson and Johnson is using a formaldehyde-releasing ingredient in the baby shampoo it sells in the United States. Quaternium-15 is a chemical preservative that kills bacteria by releasing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde was recently added to the U.S. government list of known human carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program.

The coalition analyzed the labels of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo sold in 13 countries to see if the products contained quaternium-15. The group published its findings in a new report called “Baby’s Tub is Still Toxic”. The report found Johnson’s Baby Shampoo sold in the United States, Canada, China, Australia and Indonesia all contained the chemical while the same line of shampoo sold in seven other countries contained formaldehyde-free preservatives.

“Clearly there is no need for Johnson & Johnson to expose babies to a known carcinogen when the company is already making safer alternatives,” said Lisa Archer, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at the Breast Cancer Fund.

For two years, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been urging Johnson and Johnson to remove trace amounts of harmful chemicals from its products. In response to the latest report, Johnson and Johnson released a statement saying it is no longer introducing new products with formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and has reduced the use of the preservatives by 60 percent in the U.S. market and 33 percent globally over the past few years.

The coalition sent a letter to Johnson and Johnson signed by medical and environmental groups representing 3.5 million people. It asks the company to publicly commit by November 15 to removing chemicals from all personal care products. The coalition also called on consumers to boycott Johnson and Johnson baby products until the company agrees to remove the chemicals.

For tips on finding bath products that are safe for your baby and the planet, watch this DoYourPart video.

By |Eco-News, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|1 Comment
Read More

Prenatal Exposure to BPA May Affect Children's Behavior

A controversial chemical used in everyday products is connected to behavior and emotional problems in young girls. That’s according to a new study by Harvard researchers. The study found mothers with higher levels of the chemical BPA during pregnancy tended to have young girls with signs of hyperactivity, depression and anxiety. BPA is a chemical found in products including hard plastic containers, the lining of canned food and cash register receipts made from thermal paper. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that some studies have connected to infertility, heart disease and some cancers.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health collected data from 244 mothers and their 3 year old children. They measured BPA levels in the urine of the mothers during pregnancy and at birth. The children were tested each year from ages 1 to 3 at which time the mothers completed surveys about their children’s behavior. Researchers found mothers with high levels of BPA during pregnancy had children with more depressed, anxious and aggressive behavior, as well as poor emotional control and inhibition. The relationship was not seen in boys.

Harvard researchers say the study confirms two prior studies showing that exposure to BPA in the womb can impact child behavior but this is the first to show that in utero exposures are more important than exposure during childhood. Lead author Joseph Braun says “Gestational, but not childhood BPA exposures may impact neurobehavioral function, and girls appear to be more sensitive to BPA than boys.”

The Food and Drug Administration says recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research is carrying out studies to clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA.

Read Terri’s Top 5 Ways to Reduce BPA Exposure for tips on keeping the controversial chemical to a minimum in your home.

By |Eco-News, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More

UN Experts Target Toxic Chemical Found in Products

United Nations experts are adding a commonly used flame retardant to their watch list. The scientists are recommending a ban of the chemical that is commonly used in polystyrene. The experts are members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention. The Convention bans or restricts hazardous pesticides or chemicals that can kill, damage the nervous and immune system, cause disease or interfere with childhood growth. The treaty was signed in 2001 and originally covered 12 chemicals known as Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs. The chemicals do not break down over time in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, the food chain and even human tissue.

The committee is recommending the ban of three chemicals including the flame retardant known as HBCD. In addition to polystyrene, HBCD is also used in textile coatings, insulation and electrical equipment. Experts at the Green Science Policy Institute say because HBCD is not chemically bound to the material it protects, it can eventually escape into the air. The United States is not currently a member of the Stockholm Convention but the Environmental Protection Agency released an action plan on the HBCD in 2010 which says the chemical presents potential human health concerns based on animal test results.

The European Union announced last year HBCD is one of six substances of high concern that will be banned within the next three to five years unless manufacturers receive authorization to produce them. The EPA plans to publish a notice of rulemaking concerning the chemical by the end of this year. The action plan indicates it is considering rules that could take the form of a ban.

 

 

By |Eco-News, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
Read More