Top 10 Toxins, How to Protect Your Family

The USA Today published a list of the top 10 toxins and how to protect our families. Very insightful. Take a look:


Lead -- potent neurotoxin that can cause brain damage, even in low doses.
Although it was taken out of gasoline three decades ago, it's still found in many homes, especially those built before 1978....When renovating an older home, use only contractors who are trained in lead-safe work practices. If you do the work yourself, consider taking a one-day class in lead safety.

Phthalates -- these chemicals, often used to soften plastics, can interfere with the hormone system.
When possible, choose products labeled as phthalate-free or PVC-free. Some hospitals are switching to phthalate-free products, especially in their neonatal intensive care units. Avoid bottles marked with the #3 recycling code.

Tobacco -- Its smoke can contain up to 4,0000 chemicals, including cadmium, lead and formaldehyde.
Don't smoke or allow anyone to smoke near your family.

Pesticides - poisons intended to kill weeds, fungi, insects and small animals.
Wash your produce...Don't use insect sprays in the home or on your pets. Take off your shoes when entering the home to avoid tracking in pesticides...When possible, buy food that is organic or locally grown, because the U.S. has stricter pesticide laws than many other regions.

Mercury -- potent neurotoxin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women and children should completely avoid high-mercury fish: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

Radon -- a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas that's the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind tobacco.)
Test your home for radon or have an inspection by a radon specialist. Professionals can seal a home's foundation, if needed.

Cadmium - heavy metal linked to cancer, kidney damage and bone damage.
Check product recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has recalled thousands of pieces of cadmium-tainted products. The commission's chairman, Inis Tenenbaum, advises parents to think carefully before buying low-cost children's jewelry.

Arsenic -- common wood preservative that was banned from playgrounds in 2004 but can be found at older ones as well as on fences and decks.
Leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking it in and wash your hands frequently.

Volatile organic compounds - chemical fumes produced by paints , solvents or cleaning products that are linked to health problems such as asthma.
Open the windows at least once a day, when possible...Choose low-VOC paints. Reduce use of chemical cleaning products in favor of homemade, green cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda.

Bisphenol A - estrogen-like ingredient often found in clean, hard plastics, the lining of metal cans and slippery paper receipts. It's associated in animal studies with genital birth abnormalities and breast cancer.
Choose BPA-free products. Instead of liquid formula, use powdered formula, whose can't aren't lined with BPA, according to the Environmental Working Group. Choose fresh produce or dried beans, rather than canned.

Source: USAToday

Common Household Toxic Chemicals

We are exposed to several toxins on a daily basis, and sometimes are not aware of how easy it is to avoid them by recognizing the sources.

Here is a list of list of the seven most common toxic chemicals found in your home:

Chemical	Health Effects*	Common Exposure Sources
Bisphenol A (BPA)	Birth defects; hormone disruptor	Polycarbonate plastic; canned foods and beverages
Lead	Toxic to brain and nervous system; decreased IQ; aggression and hyperactivity disorders	Lead based paint; household dust; outdoor soils; consumer products
Mercury	Toxic to brain and nervous system	Consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish
Perchlorate	Interferes with iodine uptake of thyroid gland, which regulates hormones necessary for proper development	Drinking water; consumption of irrigated crops; milk
Phthalates	Hormone disruptor; birth defects; reproductive disease; reduced sperm counts; heart disease; diabetes	Polyvinyl chloride plastic; household cleaners and other products with synthetic fragrance; cosmetics; food packaging
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)	Interfere with brain development and may be linked to hyperactivity; toxic to reproductive system	Flame retardants used in electronics, polyurethane foam in upholstered furniture and mattresses, black out drapes and textiles that off-gas and can be found in household dust and food
Triclosan	Toxic to liver; disrupts thyroid hormone system (necessary for development); may cause cancer	Antibacterial agent used in liquid soap, beauty products and cleaning products

The following has been excerpted from the book Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child's Toxic Chemical Exposure by Jennifer Taggart.