Most new and pregnant moms don’t know about chemicals found in everyday products and how they can affect their growing baby. A study out by Allison Aiello, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, is again bringing attention to the chemicals Triclosan and BPA. Triclosan is an antibacterial that is in everything from soap to toothpaste. Studies are starting to link this toxin to allergies and other problems in children exposed. The medical field also discourages this chemical because it can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria, a growing concern if you have been watching the news lately. BPA is a chemical found in everything from baby bottles, teethers and water bottles. It is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to immune system problems as well as a host of other problems.

The funny thing is that these chemicals, as well as a long list of other toxic chemicals, have been listed as “toxic to humans” in Canada and have been banned in certain products in Europe, specifically baby bottles. The American government is heavily lobbied by the chemical companies and they continue to sell the idea that small amounts are safe-or what is known as the “low dose theory”. It seems that rather than protecting our children by banning these chemicals from all products, and in particular products that are going to affect children, we are wiling to continue the science experiment on our children. A California congresswoman just removed a ban on BPA from baby bottles from the food safety bill. So who is protecting our children? What amount of a toxic chemical do you think is safe for your children? BPA has been found to have affects at even 2000 times below the allowable amount by the FDA. The US has a philosophy of innocent until proven guilty when it comes to chemicals. Rather than forcing chemical companies to show that a chemical is safe in order to put it on the market, chemicals are put on the market with no testing at all, and you and your children become the test subjects. It then has to be proven unsafe in order to be regulated or banned. This rarely happens. Of the 80,000 new chemicals that have been introduced to our environment and our bodies less than 200 have ever been tested at all. Pregnant women and children are at a much higher risk, even to low exposure.

If you don’t think these items are in your products or can hurt you-think again. Just look on the back of your deodorant, toothpaste or soap and you will surely find Triclosan. BPA is in the lining of all canned goods except for Eden’s Organics beans. It is also in teethers, toys, bottles, pacifiers, coffee makers, blenders, and the list goes on and on. You won’t know if it is in your product as it is not required to be disclosed and it you contact many companies to find out if it is in your product, be prepared for a lot of emails that ignore your question and send you a form letter stating it is safe according to the FDA.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your children? First, is to get educated! Learn about what chemicals you are being exposed to every day and how to avoid them! Buy safer products. It is important for women to focus on having a safe, healthy, green organic pregnancy by knowing what to avoid during pregnancy. It is also important to know this information in order to have a healthy baby. Not only will this protect you and your children, but this will send a message to these companies that they need to change their ways and the consumer is spending their money on safer products. You can also write your congressman or go to the Environmental Working Groups website at http://www.ewg.org and donate to the cause. You can also watch our free videos to find out where these chemical are located and easy ways to avoid them to protect your family!

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References

“New Questions Raised On Chemicals In Soaps, Plastics : Shots – Health News Blog : NPR.” NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2010. <http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/11/29/131670317/new-questions-raised-on-chemicals-in-soaps-plastics?sc=fb&cc=fp>.

Almost a quarter of all disease caused by environmental exposure. (n.d.). World Health Organization. Retrieved September 1, 2010, from www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2006/pr32/en/index.html
from www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2006/pr32/en/index.html