07.31.08

I thought I should dedicate at least one blog to the topic of environmental toxins since many have heard me talking/complaining/worrying about the topic.

I started learning about (obsessing over) environmental toxins when one of my friends at school had a baby and started talking about the accommodations she was making with her own kid. So from a time shortly before we found out that I was pregnant, Jason and I have been making an effort to minimize the toxins in our little world as much as we can (since most toxins are worst for kids, but also bad for adults). It started out slowly with me replacing our shower soap with one that doesn’t have preservatives or fragrance and registering for cast iron skillets for our wedding (no Teflon) to now eliminating all number 3 and 7 plastics from our kitchen and buying all organic meats, produce, and dairy. We’re working on eliminating toxins from our baby’s prenatal environment, but plan to keep this going once he’s born. We’ve looked into toxin-free furniture, mattresses, bedding, clothes, toys, and baby care products. And although we both realize that there is no way we can control everything he ever breathes, eats, or touches – we are willing to make some sacrifices (both monetary and convenience based) to try and control the elements that we can.

So I am partially writing this in an effort to coax as many people as possible into helping us make our son’s environment a clean one and partially to get people on board in a broader sense. Giving children a clean environment is a real worldwide movement and not at all limited to hippies and extremists. A quick Google search will provide a staggering number of websites, newspaper articles, organizations, and YouTube videos dedicated to this subject. As people become aware of the issues and spend (and in essence vote with) their money on products that are clean and safe – governments are responding with effective policies and companies are responding by offering more clean options. The interest in this movement is truly multidisciplinary: social scientists are in it for better cognitive and social outcomes in children (ADD, autism, learning delays, and behavioral problems), medical professionals are in it for better health outcomes (cancer and other childhood and adult diseases), environmentalists are in it to reduce waste and toxins in the natural environment, companies are in it to prove their social responsibility, and parents are in it to give their children the best health and future possible. With so much interest, the movement is propelling forward at exponential speeds. Soon it will be as commonplace to talk about avoiding BPA’s and phlalates as is to put your child to sleep on his back because of SIDS or avoid lead paint in your home because of his IQ. And isn’t it fun to be on the front end of something with so much momentum??

There are several reasons why children are at higher risk than adults after exposure to toxins. First children are smaller and therefore consume more food and liquid relative to their body size than adults do. Second, children are learning and exploring their world and are more likely to touch and mouth objects as a means of exploration than adults are. And third, children are still developing. The rapid and extreme changes occurring during growth and development make children particularly susceptible to the negative effects of environmental toxins.

So, for your reading pleasure, I’ve compiled information on the “main offenders”. I’ve pulled information (and basically plagiarized) from many sources – so as an academic I feel the need to add the disclaimer that this shouldn’t be regarded as my original ideas or thought. I did list the sources I used at the very end.

Plastics
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or vinyl, is a widely used type of plastic that is of concern during all phases of its life cycle. For example, during production, workers and residents in surrounding areas may be exposed to vinyl chloride (the building block of PVC) and or dioxin (a byproduct of PVC production). Both put those who have been exposed at increased risk for cancer. Then during consumer use, products with PVC can leach hazardous chemicals. And at the end of its cycle it is not easily recycled and can produce dioxin when burned.

PVC is a brittle material and therefore requires additives to make it flexible and/or harder to break. Additives commonly used for this purpose are phlalates. Phlalates are a group of industrial chemicals that are added to many products (not just those made of PVC) to add flexibility and resilience. The most concerning are di-2-ethylhexyl (DEHP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and very likely diethyl phthalate (DEP). DEHP and BzBP are primarily used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based plastics, as well as other flexible plastics, and found in tablecloths, furniture, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, garden hoses, inflatable swimming pools, plastic clothing such as raincoats, children's toys, children’s bottles and cups, some infant formula packaging, automobile upholstery, medical tubing, and blood storage bags. DEP and DBP are used in items such as fixatives, detergents, lubricating oils, and solvents and can be found in carpets, paints, glue, insect repellents, and time release capsules. Chemicals can leach from these products during use especially if they are exposed to temperature changes during, for example, microwaving or direct sun exposure.

Phlalates have been found to disrupt normal hormonal processes, are linked to birth defects of the genitals, altered levels of reproductive hormones in baby boys, early onset of puberty in girls, are linked to breast cancer risk, and have adverse effects on the kidneys, liver, and blood.

Currently there are no U.S. federal regulations limiting phlalates in children’s products. However, international action has been taken by the European Union, Japan, and Canada to prohibit phlalates in toys and other products that may be placed in the mouths of young children. In the United States, California recently passed a law to ban certain phlalates in toys and baby products and some toy companies and retailers have made commitments to reduce or eliminate the use and sale of PVC and phlalates in toys.

Some general ways to avoid buying products containing PVC and phlalates include avoiding toys that list vinyl or PVC as an ingredient. If ingredients are not listed on a product check the recycling number of the plastic. Generally, one must avoid #3 and #7 plastics and when possible it is best to choose plastic-free toys altogether. Fabric teethers, unpainted wooden toys or cloth and plush toys are good alternatives.

The Healthytoys.org database is a free online database with toy safety information. One can find general guidelines for safe purchasing or search by specific toys to obtain their safety rating.
http://www.healthytoys.org/home.php

Also, for information specific to infant feeding safety, the Environmental Working Group has a guide to infant formula and baby bottles available online.
http://www.ewg.org/reports/infantformula

Many car interiors and car seats also contain materials containing PVC, phlalates, and other chemicals. The Healthycar.org database is a free online tool with car and car seat information.
http://www.healthycar.org/home.php

Skin, Hair, and Personal Care Products
Many skin and hair care products are also of concern. Like plastic items, many products contain phlalates such as DEP and DBP which are used in personal care products such as soap, shampoo, hair spray, nail polish, deodorants, and fragrances. Personal care products often also contain other chemicals such as dyes and preservatives which can be harmful once absorbed by the skin. These chemicals are particularly harmful to fetuses (when absorbed through the mother) and young children. Baby care products such as baby shampoo and diaper wipes are not exempt from containing phlalates or other hazardous chemicals. And because there is minimal governmental regulation of these products, many hide harmful chemicals on the ingredient list under “fragrance”.

Toxins frequently found in personal care products have been linked with cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruptions, irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs, and cellular level changes.

Dangerous ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are so pervasive that they are difficult to avoid. Even products that claim to be “all natural” may contain harmful ingredients. However, there are ways to minimize exposure: use fewer products, check the ingredients on the label, and buy fragrance free products.

Additionally, the Skin Deep database is a free online tool which lists the ingredients and safety ratings of thousands of cosmetic and personal care items. One can search by ingredient, by brand, or by specific product to obtain safety information.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

A quick guide to buying safe children’s personal care products is also available:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/EWG_parentsguide.pdf

Flame, Stain, and Stick Retardants
Teflon, used in nonstick cookware and ovens since the 1950s, and stain-resistant treatments such as Scotchgard and Stainmaster contain perfluorochemicals (PFCs), which are inhaled in the air or absorbed through the skin and food. These chemicals have been associated with birth defects and several types of cancer.

To avoid these chemicals, try not to use Teflon pans and use cast iron, stainless steel, or glass instead. Also forgo stain-resistant treatments on upholstery and carpeting and use soap and water to keep furniture and carpets clean.

Flame retardants are most commonly found in mattresses and some infant sleepwear. Because infants and small children spend more time sleeping than adults do, chemicals of this nature pose an extra threat to young children.

The vinyl surface of most traditional mattresses is a hard plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a combination of chlorine and petroleum. To soften the plastic, phthalates are added to make the mattress flexible. The hazards of these chemicals are addressed above.

Inside the vinyl covering, nearly all crib mattresses use polyurethane foam as internal filling. Over time, the foam breaks into small, dust-like particles that can easily become airborne and release various ingredients in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOC), another probable carcinogen. Once leached out into indoor air, VOCs can cause respiratory disruption, such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
But the larger risk from polyurethane foam is its high flammability. To meet the minimum flammability standards set by government agencies, industrial strength toxic chemical fire retardants are added. The most common fire retardants used to treat polyurethane foam for the past several decades have been PBDEs and pentaBDE. PentaBDE has recently been banned in Europe and by the State of California (as of 2006), after studies confirmed disruption of brain development and hormone systems.

There are natural alternatives when mattress shopping for an infant. NaturePedic produces organic, eco-friendly mattress and bedding for newborns and toddlers. Made sustainably, the exterior is constructed of environmentally friendly polyethylene, a non-toxic, waterproof plastic. The mattresses are filled with organic cotton or wool, or a combination of both. To address the flammability issue Naturepedic developed the FlameBreaker system, using naturally occurring, flame resistant ingredients that meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Newly certified by GreenGuard, all NaturePedic products are guaranteed to be free of phthalates, vinyl/PVC, and polyurethane foam.
http://www.naturepedic.com/
http://naturepedic.com/info/flamebreaker.php

As are most things that err toward prevention rather than convention, the price tag for a safe mattress is a bit higher: a crib mattress usually starts at around $250, a toddler mattress starts at around $500. A more economical safeguard is to place an organic wool mattress pad down over a traditional mattress. Wool is a naturally flame resistant material which provides a barrier between your child and the mattress. In addition, be sure to let your conventional mattress off-gas outside before installing it in the nursery. Use your own nose to dictate when its ready be inside: if it still smells of the factory, it’s not ready to be near a baby.

Air Pollution
Both indoor and outdoor air pollution are associated with increased risk for respiratory illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia, asthma, chronic cough, ear infections, decreased lung functioning, and SIDS.

Indoor air quality is often as bad, or worse, than outdoor air quality. Indoor air pollution is caused by insulation and decreased ventilation, furnishings, dust, carpet and floor coverings, high indoor temperature and humidity, synthetic building materials, some appliances, ozone (which is produced when hydrocarbons nitrogen oxides emitted from motor vehicles react in the presence of sunlight) and chemicals used in cleaning and pest control. The negative effects of indoor air quality on people are particularly high in our society because most people spend the majority of their time inside.

In order to improve indoor air quality, open windows especially on cool, dry days, keep indoor space clean and free of dust, refrain from burning incense or candles (especially scented candles), do not use air fresheners, do not allow smoking inside, and switch to safer cleaning products.

Conventional household cleaning products usually contain chemicals such as chlorine bleach and ammonia that contaminate air (and water supplies if you’re concerned about the larger environment). Residues from conventional window cleaners or bathroom disinfectants get into the air and are breathed in. Many of these products contain chemicals that are carcinogenic neurotoxins, (meaning they can cause cancer in the neurological system). Children are especially at risk because their brains are developing so rapidly. Baking soda, white vinegar and other products for cleaning that are specifically labeled nontoxic and are a good alternative to conventional products. Jason and I have been using Clorox Green Works products which we feel work pretty well.

General tips for improving indoor air quality:
http://healthychild.org/resources/checklist/improve_your_indoor_air/

Mercury
Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that crosses the umbilical cord, so fish with high and moderate mercury levels should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, and to be safest, they and children younger than twelve, shouldn't eat more than 6 ounces of white/albacore tuna a week. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and therefore should not be avoided altogether. In addition to choosing low mercury fish to eat, omega-3 supplements are also widely available. Look for a supplement that contains both DHA and EPA and has been molecularly distilled to rid it of mercury and other heavy metals. The brand of supplements that were recommended to Jason and me, and that we now take, is called Nordic Naturals and can be purchased at Whole Foods and here:
http://www.iherb.com/ .
Additionally, safe and healthy fish can be purchased here:
http://www.vitalchoice.com/ .

You can calculate how much tuna one can safely eat:
http://www.ewg.org/tunacalculator

Safe Fish List
http://www.ewg.org/safefishlist

Pesticides
People are often exposed to toxins through the use of pesticides in agriculture and around the home. There are five main categories of pesticides: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematocides and rodenticides. Like many other toxins, children are more vulnerable than adults to experiencing latent or delayed effects after exposure. Exposure is associated with increased risk of cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, developmental neurotoxicity, and problems of the immune, respiratory, and neurological systems. To avoid pesticide exposure refrain from treating your lawn with chemicals, do not treat indoor bug infestations with chemicals, and buy organic produce.

For information on a pesticide free lawn:
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns/actions/index.htm

and
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns/

Strategies for toxic alternatives for pest management in the home:
http://healthychild.org/resources/checklist/use_integrated_pest_management_in_your_home/

The Shoppers Guide is an online tool designed to help consumers avoid dangerous pesticides in foods:
http://www.foodnews.org/

The sources I used to compile this information and where you can go to get more:
The Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/
Center for Children's Health and the Environment: http://www.childenvironment.org/
Children's Environmental Health Network: http://www.cehn.org/
Institute for Children's Environmental Health: http://www.iceh.org/
Healthy Child Healthy World: http://www.healthychild.org/
National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
The Center for Environmental Oncology: http://www.environmentaloncology.org/
The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice: http://www.chej.org/

I apologize if you are thoroughly overwhelmed (or annoyed) after reading this. Recently I heard Devra Davis (the director of the Center for Environmental Oncology and all-around bad ass) speak, and I came away feeling very overwhelmed myself. I came home, relayed all of the information I had just learned to Jason, and in turn, overwhelmed him too. It takes a long time to digest so much negative information – and even longer to begin implementing changes around your house and in your routine (if you are so inclined). Jason and I are making changes slowly – but by no means have put every suggestion listed here into practice.

Dr. Davis closed her talk with some very sound advice that actually made me feel a lot better. She said that if you are only going to change one thing in your life it is most important to eat a healthy diet and to make a commitment to yourself to exercise every day. She said that a generally healthy life style can go a long way in reducing the negative impacts of toxins on our bodies.