Toxic Products

Today, a colleague gave me an article he saw written by healthychild.org. "The Top 10 Toxic Products You Don't Need" is a quick read I recommend.

A few of the items on the list are no surprise if you've read previous posts on this blog. For example, number one on the list is air fresheners. Do we really need the artificial fragrances? You know that answer if you read the previous post. Pesticides are on the list - if you read my post about cotton, you'd agree with this one as well.

However, there were a couple items on the list that got my attention. Canned food. According to the article, "food cans are lined with an epoxy resin that contains bisphenol-A (BPA). Most experts believe this is our main source of exposure to BPA, which has been linked to hormone disruption, obesity, heart disease, and much more. Eden Foods is currently the only company with BPA-free canned foods (other than the canned tomatoes...)." Well, that got my attention - especially since we just came through a snow storm. What do I always make sure I have on hand in case of bad weather approaching? You guessed it: canned food.

What was another surprise on the list? Rubber duckies. Well, it really shouldn't be a surprise, it's just that I always smile when I think of those bright yellow, happy looking duckies. But guess what? I bet the one you have in your tub is made of PVC (aka vinyl) - "the poison plastic". According to the article, PVC is "banned in over 14 countries and the European Union." Have you ever looked at the little chasing arrow symbol on the bottom of your plastic bottles? PVC is the one with a #3. Have you bought a new shower curtain lately? Even stores like Target and WalMart are getting on the bandwagon and selling PVC-free shower curtains.
Finally.

The last one I'll share with you - and for the complete list, you'll have to read the article yourself - is couch cushions. You should avoid pillows and cushions "labeled as meeting California TB 117 as it is likely to contain toxic fire retardants. These chemicals migrate from the foam to dust to people. I animal research, these chemicals are associated with cancer, birth defects, thyroid disruption,reproductive and neurological disorders such as hyperactivity and mental retardation. Don't worry about increasing your fire risk, data does not show that this standard has resulted in increased fire safety."

I know it's not pleasant to think about what we are doing to our bodies and our health - sometimes without even knowing it. I mean, how many Moms and Dads out there would think twice about a rubber ducky? But, once you start ridding your environment of these chemicals, it's a very free feeling. It's kind of like the feeling you get after cleaning out a closet and purging all the items you don't need or getting rid of the clutter in your home. You feel lighter! ahhh...

Now, go take a hot shower using your chlorine filter and paraben-free soap and relax.