Articles
If you are expecting a new baby, you are probably thinking about painting a nursery. Often anxious about the strong-smelling, conventional paints, many parents are looking for eco-friendly alternatives. Today, there are a number of brands of low-odor paints with reduced VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
What are VOCs?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the solvents in most paints that are responsible for the odor in paint, and contribute to both indoor pollution and the depletion of the ozone. VOCs include substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, toluene, and xylene. Volatile Organic Compounds vary greatly in their toxicity from highly toxic to substances with no known health effects. For the most part, the VOCs found in paint fall into the highly toxic category. They are generally known as carcinogens and neurotoxins. Exposure to VOCs can lead to eye and skin irritation, headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and nerve damage to name a few troubling health risks.
There are also a number of environmental implications of VOCs. They contribute to the formation of ground level ozone and indoor air pollution. VOCs are also significant contributors to smog formation. Although latex paint produces less VOCs than alkyd paints (oil-based), it accounts for 87% of all indoor paint sold in the U.S.
How do you know if there are VOCs in paint?
The general rule of thumb is that the more VOCs a paint contains, the stronger the odor will be. The majority of household paints fall under two categories: alkyd or water based. Alkyd paints, used for high-gloss applications or to minimize mold growth in high moisture areas, contain approximately 32-42% VOCs, compared to 2-5% in latex paints. However, latex paints often contain other preservatives, fungicides, and dangerous solvents in them to fend off mold and mildew, extending shelf-life.
Many consumers are turning to eco-friendly paints for both the health and environmental benefits of NOT using paints with VOCs and other harmful substances. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid oil-based paints, even if they are labeled low-VOC, and use latex paints instead. Although more costly, there are a wide variety of natural paints available on the market. Natural paints are usually made from citrus and other plant ingredients, milk protein or clay. A disadvantage of using natural paints is that they generally take a lot longer to dry and often need several coats. Natural paints are best suited for drier areas, as they are less resistant to mildew and molds.
What about Lead Paint?
Lead, a highly toxic metal once used in paint, is the number one environmental health hazard to children in the United States. Children who suffer from lead poisoning can experience learning disabilities, memory loss, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, aggression and other behavior problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, their developing fetus is also subject to exposure because lead crosses the placenta. If you live in an old house and suspect that lead paint was once used, it is a good idea to have the walls professionally tested, and the lead paint removed if present.
Some Good Ideas... Labels: Health and Chemicals
Eco-Friendly Paints
Eco-Friendly Paints
posted by Eco Baby Products on Sunday, October 05, 2008
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Plastic Toxicity
Plastics are a hard thing to avoid in the world we live in. Many products we use on a daily basis are made of plastic. They are in our kitchens, our bathrooms, our workplace, and in our children's toys; the list is endless. As a parent, it's good to be aware of what type of plastics you have, or are bringing into your home.
Traditional plastics are made mostly from petroleum. They are not biodegradable and can release toxins into the atmosphere when burned. The newer more sustainable plastics, bio-plastics, are made from renewable resources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil, and corn starch. Until bio-plastic becomes more widely available, it's important to choose the less toxic among the petroleum-based plastics.
When shopping, be sure to check the recycling sign on the plastic to determine what type of plastic it's made from.
Less Toxic Plastics
These plastics may leak chemicals, but no studies suggest they are a detriment to your health.
- #1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): most important raw material in synthetic fibers.
- #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): opaque in color, Tupperware, milk jugs, laundry detergent.
- #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): plastic bags, tubing, wash bottles, dispensing bottles.
- #5 PP (polypropylene): food packaging, ropes, textiles, speakers, automotive parts, stationary.
Toxic plastic
These plastics leach toxic chemicals and have been linked to cancer, disrupting hormones and other health issues. The amount of leaking it takes to cause these health issues is controversial.
- #3 PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): The worst, most toxic; soft baby toys, teethers, bath toys, building material.
- #6 PS (polystyrene): Solid foam, clear takeout containers.
- #7 (polycarbonate): Most baby bottles, lining of metal cans, Nalgene bottles. Contains Bisphenol A which is a hormone disruptor.
The chemical leaches from these plastics because it is a relatively unstable substance. With heat, alkaline conditions and wear, the chemical slowly breaks down and leaches out into its environment. Avoid heating any plastic in your house whether you're heating your baby's bottle or using plastic containers or glassware to heat up food. Harsh dish soap can also contribute to the breakdown on the product.
Not all plastics will have the recycling sign. If you can't find one, contact the manufacturer directly and ask them what type of plastic the product is made from.
Labels: Feeding Time, Health and Chemicals, Toys
Plastic Toxicity
posted by Eco Baby Products on Wednesday, October 24, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Baby Mattresses
In your home, the nursery is a sacred place where your baby sleeps, eats and plays. As parent's, we put a lot of thought into what goes into the nursery. We choose items carefully, and make sure everything is comfortable, healthy and safe. The crib is your baby's sanctuary, and the crib mattress is an integral part it. During the first year, babies rapidly developing systems are more sensitive and vulnerable to chemicals and toxins in the environment. Traditional mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, vinyl and polyester treated with fire retardants and coated with other substances. It's a little worrisome having your little one sleeping on something that has been bathed in slurry of chemical. The "new mattress smell" is actually off-gassing of substances. That is why it is recommended to "air" out your crib mattress when you first buy it. SIDS has also been linked to conventional mattresses but the studies are controversial.
Natural crib mattresses are a safe and healthy option for parent's looking for an alternative to a conventional crib mattress. Natural mattress would most likely be made with natural foam rubber (manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree in South East Asia), untreated wool, organic cotton and sometimes silk.
Natural Latex Rubber is:
- A great heat regulator which ensures your little one is warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
- Resistant to moisture build-up
- Stable and flexible which ensures a long lasting mattress
- Naturally dust-mite resistant
- Resistant to mold, fungus, mildew and bacteria.
- Hypoallergenic. Many people that suffer from a synthetic latex allergy will not react to natural latex as the protein causing the allergy is taken out.
- Biodegradable and renewable
Untreated Wool is:
- Naturally temperature-regulating
- Anti-bacterial
- Naturally dust-mite resistant
- Naturally fire retardant
Organic Cotton is:
- Pesticide and Insecticide free which promotes better soil and air quality
- Softer as chemicals aren't used to break it down.
- Free of formaldehyde.
- Hypoallergenic
Read our product review on Organic O'Canada Mattresses.
Labels: Bedding and Nursery, Health and Chemicals
Baby Mattresses
posted by Eco Baby Products on Thursday, September 06, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
The Safety of your Baby's Bottles
The Environment California Research and Policy Centre recently conducted a study to determine whether Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many popular brand name baby bottles and other food and water containers, could be leaching toxins into the liquid they hold. The study confirmed that was indeed the case.
So why should anyone be concerned? According to the ECRPC (The Environmental California Research and Policy Center), Bisphenol A is linked to reproductive and developmental problems. The centre's studies have shown that even small doses of the chemical can be connected to serious health concerns in lab animals such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, sperm defects, early onset of puberty, miscarriage, infertility, obesity, diabetes and possibly even Down Syndrome.
The reason that the chemical leaches is because it is a relatively unstable substance. With heat, alkaline conditions and wear, the chemical slowly breaks down and leaches out into its environment.
While the chemical industry and other health authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority argue that the levels of the chemical leached is not harmful to humans, the study has created enough stir to warrant a panel of independent US scientists to meet and review the recent scientific data to reach a conclusion on the safety of Bisphenol A in plastics.
While you wait to hear the results of further studies into this controversial issue, you may wish to consider the following recommendations from the Environment California Research and Policy Center:
- Avoid polycarbonate plastic in food containers. If there is a "PC", in or near the recycling triangle, do not purchase it. #7 at the bottom should be avoided.
- Choose plastics with numbers #1, #2 or #5.
- Avoid PVC plastics in food containers (#3 in or near the recycling triangle)
- Avoid canned food - BPA can leach from metal can linings into the foods and liquids contained within.
- Choose safer plastics for sippy cups (#1#2 or #5).
- Choose glass or non-toxic plastic baby bottles.
- Choose metal feeding utensils, and enamel or ceramic plates.
- Avoid food wrapped in plastic.
- Use glass to heat food and liquid in the microwave. Do not heat food in plastic containers or on plastic dishware, or heat plastic baby bottles.
- If you use plastic bottles or containers, avoid hot water and harsh dish soap.
- Avoid letting your child mouth plastic toys.
- Choose toys and teethers that are PVC-free (check the labels).
- Choose wooden toys.
Check out our recent product reviews on BornFree™ Bottles and Thermos® Sippy Cups. Both are excellent alternatives to traditional plastic bottles and sippy cups.
Labels: Feeding Time, Health and Chemicals
The Safety of your Baby's Bottles
posted by Eco Baby Products on Saturday, August 18, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Isn't Cotton Natural?
Of course it is! However, even though cotton is a natural fiber - in that it is not synthetically derived, - cotton is treated with numerous pesticides and other chemicals from the time it is planted through the processing and manufacturing stages.
Babies are particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals and other substances. Skin conditions such as eczema and other skin rashes are common when babies come into contact with harsh chemicals and synthetic fabrics.
Buying baby clothes made from organic cotton is not just better for your baby, it's also better for the environment. Conventional cotton farming uses a staggering amount of pesticides and other chemicals (ranking second after coffee), having a significant impact on the environment. Even the processing of cotton uses a variety of harmful and toxic chemicals and substances that can have detrimental effects to the environment and the people who manufacture it.
Organic cotton farming means that the cotton is grown in soil free from pesticides, herbicides, and other cytotoxins. Growing cotton organically actually improves soil fertility, protects the health of farm workers, and reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in farming. It is better for the soil, the air, animals, and humans.
Choosing organic cotton means that you are choosing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle that is better for your family and the environment. It's a decision you can feel good about!
Read our recent product reviews on Fig Organic Sleepers and SMArts Clothing.
Labels: Health and Chemicals
Isn't Cotton Natural?
posted by Eco Baby Products on Friday, May 18, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
