Protect Your Children from Harmful Chemicals at Home

Toxic chemical exposures in the home can be a contributing cause to problems children face in development, both physically and mentally. Even baby shampoo by Johnson and Johnson, a prominent manufacturer, has been found to contain chemicals which release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen!

The effects of chemicals on the brain can impact learning, attention and concentration. Many parents turn to drugs to manage attention-deficit disorder, while continuing to expose their children to offending products, without any knowledge that they are doing so. Take a close look at what may be hiding under your cabinets. If a child is sensitive to particular chemical in a cleaning product, removal of that chemical should bring improvement, whether it is a skin reaction, asthma, or difficulty in concentrating.

Babies and toddlers are even at risk from hazardous chemicals, such as Bisphenol-A or BPA, being used in baby bottles, sippy cups and plastic containers. Numerous scientific studies have shown that exposure to this chemical, particularly during infancy, can be linked to numerous health problems, including cancer of the breast and prostate, birth defects, infertility in men and early puberty in girls, diabetes and obesity. Yet, this substance is being used in countless items geared for very young children and babies! California is one state that is taking steps to limit the exposure to this dangerous chemical by millions of young children in 2013.

As a parent, the first step to take is education. Read product labels and in particular pay attention to warnings on the label. Unfortunately, not all potentially harmful exposures will come with a warning on the label. Research online, participate in online forums pertaining to child safety, to learn more.

Some of the worst offenders are: Ammonia, bleach, air freshener, laundry detergent, shampoo, soaps, oven cleaner, furniture polish, tile cleaner and more.

Items children use in school, such as paint, glue, crayons, etc. can also contain toxic substances. Children should be instructed to always wash any substance off of their hands and, of course, not to place pens, pencils, etc. in their mouths.

You can eliminate toxic substances from your home by going green – purchasing products that are safe and environmentally friendly. You may choose to start by replacing those that are in direct contact with the body first, such as laundry detergent and shampoo initially. Aim to replace all hazardous chemical-containing products from your home to provide a safe environment. Children, pregnant mothers and the elderly are particularly at risk.

Typical reactions to noxious fumes may include watery or runny eyes, irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Bleach and ammonia, if combined, can produce fumes that are potentially life threatening. Never mix these two household products. Traditional oven and tile cleaner should never be used without proper ventilation and leave the work area when the fumes are strongest.

You can also use natural substances, like vinegar and baking soda, to clean. Vinegar works wonderfully as a glass cleaner and baking soda can be used instead of an abrasive cleaner.

Going green can be done systematically to provide a safer home environment. Continue to read labels to ensure that you are getting exactly what the manufacturer promises.

Reference:

ACTION ALERT: Get Toxic BPA Out of Children’s Food Products, Green Schools Initiative website.


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