Chemicals to Care About

I think it’s important that us parents know what toxic chemicals are hiding out in many places, products and substances we use everyday in our homes and with our children. I also believe that some basic knowledge about the negative health impacts that these chemicals can have is crucial to raising healthy, strong, happy families.

These are just a few of the toxic chemicals that many healthcare experts, scientists, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are concerned about:

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Most commonly found in plastics (including reusable water bottles, baby bottles, sippy cups, Tupperware, lining of canned foods, canned soda and beer, liquid infant formula), recycled paper and cardboard boxes (including pizza boxes).

BPA is harmful because it is a hormone-disrupting chemical that mimics estrogen (the female sex hormone essential for the development and functioning of reproductive organs). BPA can also interfere with the functioning of the thyroid hormone, which is important for the development of the brain and nervous system. Exposure to BPA has been associated with miscarriages and infertility, abnormal chromosomes, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, breast and prostate cancers and heart disease.

You can avoid BPA by looking for consumer product labels that say “BPA free” or “Made without BPA”.  You can also just try to avoid plastics all together by using products derived from natural fibers and sources, such as glass or wood.


Campbell's Soup just recently stated that they are planning to stop using BPA in the lining of their canned soup products. The highest concentration of BPA in Campbell's Soup products has been found in their soups geared towards kids (Disney Princess and Toy Story soups). Companies that do not use BPA in their food product packaging include Eden Foods, Muir Glen, Edward & Son, Trader Joe's, Vital Choice, Wild Planet Foods, Oregon's Choice Gourmet and Eco Fish.  Heinz, Hain Celestial Group and ConArga have announced that they are moving away from using BPA in their products.  More can be found about Campbell's products at the following link: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/campbells-to-end-use-of-bpa-in-can-linings-fk4erbq-141529903.html 

Flame Retardants

There are a variety of chemicals that are in this category (ie. PBDE’s, brominated flame retardants, chlorinated flame retardants, TDCP and TCEP). These chemicals had the intended purpose to slow fires, and were originally most commonly found in baby sleepwear and couch cushions. Now these chemicals can be found in strollers, nursing pillows, couches, chairs, sofa beds, back coating of carpets and upholstery, cell phones, TV’s, computers, and automobile cushioning.

Flame retardant chemicals are harmful because they have been linked to cancer, reduced fertility, thyroid hormone disruption and lower IQ. Researchers estimate that children can ingest up to ten times as much of these chemicals as adults because of their tendency to put their hands and other objects in their mouth.  Also, children spend a lot of time on the floor, where these chemicals are commonly found in carpeting.

You can avoid flame retardant chemicals by replacing furniture that has ripped upholstery.  Buy furniture and textiles made from natural fibers like wood, wool or cotton (these materials are more naturally flame resistant than synthetic fibers, so they require fewer chemical additives to meet flammability standards).  Cut down on dust (the dust from household products that contains chemicals, also contains chemicals) by mopping and dusting frequently using environmentally friendly cleaning products. When purchasing electronics, ask for products from manufacturers that have pledged to phase out the use of flame retardants.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that is colorless, flammable, has a strong aroma, and is generally used to preserve and embalm. When I first became a mom, I was astounded to find out that the same chemical used to embalm corpses is also used in many children and adult bath products! There’s not a better way to spoil fun bath time with your precious little one like finding out that your lathering up your baby with formaldehyde.  The word ‘formaldehyde’ is not commonly used on ingredient labels in these products, rather the chemical ‘quaternium 15’ is listed, which is a chemical that breaks down into formaldehyde.

Besides bath products, you can find formaldehyde in composite wood products used to make furniture, such as cribs and changing tables, cabinets, countertops, insulation, dish-washing liquids, fabrics and fabric softeners, wallpaper, glues and adhesives, paper, paint, plastic, upholstery and drapes.

Formaldehyde is harmful because it is known to cause upper airway cancer, leukemia, respiratory illness and asthma.

You can avoid products that contain formaldehyde and its derivatives by using exterior (rather than interior) grade pressed wood products, have good ventilation in your home and choose formaldehyde free insulation and wood products. Also, check to make sure the bath and soap products you use contain all natural ingredients.

Lead

Lead is a neurotoxin that can be found in paint, children’s toys, jewelry, make-up, imported candy, some juice boxes, hair dyes, bullets, fishing tackle and some industries, such as construction and demolition.

Lead is dangerous because it can cause brain, kidney, and heart damage in both adults and children.  Lead exposure can also contribute to low IQ, shortened attention span, and increase aggressiveness and hyper activity.

You can avoid lead exposure by checking interior house paint (especially if the paint job was completed before the mid-1970’s), test your tap water for lead by contacting your local department of health, test painted toys and jewelry with lead swabs sold at local hardware stores, and examine art supplies (such as paint, or pottery clay and glazes) for lead content.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a toxic chemical primarily used to make hard plastics more flexible, and act as an adhesive, dye, fragrance and solvent in products.  Phthalates are most commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products, such as cleaning products, perfumes, air fresheners, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, toys, food packaging, printing inks, vinyl shower curtains, and building materials, such as vinyl flooring and house dust.

Phthalates are dangerous because they have been linked to lower testosterone levels, decreased sperm count, malformations of the male reproductive tract and testicular cancer. They have also been associated with obesity, reduced female fertility, preterm birth and low birth weight.

You can avoid exposure to phthalates by choosing unscented or non-perfumed personal care/cosmetic and cleaning products, detergents and air fresheners. Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on their ingredient list, so any product that has ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’ listed as an ingredient probably contains the chemical. Avoid buying plastics that may be treated with phthalates, for example, vinyl toys and shower curtains. If you have vinyl flooring in your home, damp mop it often since phthalates bind to dust on the floor.

Perfluorooctanoic (PFOA)

PFOA is a chemical that appears when non-stick pans are overheated, and can also be found in grease-resistant food packaging (such as fast food containers and pizza boxes). You can also find it in stain repellents for carpeting and furniture, water repellent for outdoor clothing, tents and boots, dental floss, cosmetics, nail polish and facial and eye moisturizers.

PFOA is dangerous because it has been identified as cancer causing. Also, scientists have linked the chemical to lower sperm count and thyroid disease.

You can avoid contact with PFOA by not using (and especially not overheating) non-stick cookware (including Teflon). If you use non-stick cookware, make sure you throw it away if the coating inside the pan starts to deteriorate.  Avoid stain-resistance treatments for carpets, rugs and furniture.  Choose clothing that is not stain or water resistant, unless the fiber is made from natural fabrics.  Stay away from fast food containers that are used to contain grease (including microwave popcorn bags).  Avoid using cosmetics that include ingredients with words like ‘fluoro’ and ‘perfuoro’.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

TCE is a toxic chemical that was used in the 1970’s by doctors as an anesthetic for women during childbirth.  It was discovered that inhaling TCE is toxic, and is no longer used for medical purposes. At one point, TCE was also used in the process of extracting caffeine from coffee beans in order to make it decaffeinated. Because of the chemical’s toxicity, it is no longer used in that process. Now, TCE is mainly used in paint removers, rug cleaners, spot removers and drinking water from industrial runoff.

TCE is highly likely to produce cancer in humans. Drinking water contaminated with TCE may cause liver and kidney damage, damage to the nervous system, and could lead to birth defects.

You can avoid contact with TCE by checking labels on spot removers and paint thinners and avoiding household products that contain TCE.  Get you tap water tested for high levels of TCE, especially if you live near an existing or previous industrial area.

Much of the information contained on this posting is taken from the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families website. More information, references and case studies with specific product information can be found at: www.saferchemicals.org

The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition represents more than 11 million individuals and includes parents, health professionals, advocates for people with learning and developmental disabilities, reproductive health advocates, environmentalists and businesses from across the United States.