Newsletter
Why are toddlers' levels higher? The elevated levels of Deca in children's blood is a result of their exposure to household items containing PBDEs, a class of fire retardant that is commonly added to household items such as furniture and electronics. This would include couches, glider chairs, and computers. Since babies and toddlers tend to put their hands in their mouths on a regular bases, they ingest approximately 10 times more PBDEs than adults. These levels are higher in the U.S. compared to other countries because of stringent fire safety standards and regulations. Is PBDE toxic? Yes! PBDEs can have adverse effects on the developing brain and reproductive system. They are particularly toxic in late pregnancy and early childhood. What can a parent do? Labels: Health and Chemicals
High Level of Fire Retardants Found in Toddlers
High Level of Fire Retardants Found in Toddlers
posted by Eco Baby Products on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
The Bisphenol A Debate
September 4th, 2008
The Bisphenol A (BPA) debate rages on... Researchers from the University of Guelph and Yale University found that low-level exposure to Bisphenol A, (BPA), a man-made chemical that mimics estrogen, may affect memory and brain function.
The research, conducted on primates was just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Previous studies involving BPA were criticized because their animal models were mice and rats, whose brains are not as complex as humans. This is the first study done on non-human primates (monkeys). The study raises more concern that BPA impairs spine synapses formation, which can have "profound implication", as one of the key investigators put it. Disruption in these synapses may be linked to such diseases as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression.
The dose researchers used in the study is the same dose that the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe. Health Canada's limit is half of the EPA's, and Health Canada is currently looking at placing BPA on its list of toxic substances. A final decision will be announced in late October.
Almost everyone is exposed to BPA on a regular basis; about three billion kilograms of BPA are produced each year. It's in baby bottles (polycarbonate plastic), baby formula (lining of cans), and medical equipment, as well as food and beverage containers.
For the abstract and full study, click here.
Labels: Health and Chemicals
The Bisphenol A Debate
posted by Eco Baby Products on Thursday, September 04, 2008
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Phthalates Ban
July 20, 2008
Reported by the Washington Post
The tide could be shifting in favor of consumers.
US Congress has agreed to ban three dangerous phthalates in childrens' products. This is despite Exxon-Mobile and other toy manufacturers aggressive and expensive ($22 million) lobbying campaign against the bill. A pending study will determine if three other types of phthalates are also harmful to children. This is the start of a major overhaul by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Phthalates are found in thousands of different childrens' toys; in particular, bath toys such as rubber ducks. A child can ingest the chemical by simply mouthing a toy. Large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Babies R Us have announced to their suppliers that they will no longer sell toys that are made with phthalates. This change will come into full effect in January 2009.
The Washington Post reported, "Daryl Ditz, senior policy adviser at the Center for International Environmental Law, said industry viewed the ban as a benchmark that might signal a shift in Congress's willingness to toughen restrictions on toxins. "The great fear is that if a big, established chemical like this can be driven from the market, what's next?" he said."
California already prohibits the use of these phthalates in childrens' products since 2007, and the European Union has banned six phthalates in their products since 1999.
Labels: Health and Chemicals
Phthalates Ban
posted by Eco Baby Products on Sunday, July 20, 2008
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Chemical in Plastic may Harm Children
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A US federal body, The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institutes of Health, has released a report concluding that there is "some concern" that fetuses, babies, and children are at risk from Bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made chemical that mimics estrogen. It is used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Baby bottles, baby formula and liners in cans are made from polycarbonate plastics.
The NTP reported that "limited evidence of developmental changes occurring in some animal studies at doses that are experienced by humans. It is uncertain if similar changes would occur in humans, but the possibility of adverse health effects cannot be dismissed." The findings by the NTP will be used to assist federal regulators on how to develop policies around what amounts of BPA will be considered safe.
Marla Cone of the LA Times reported "In the key area of reproductive health, the agency reported more concern about the potential dangers to children than its advisory panel did. The advisory panel in August found "minimal" concern about effects on the prostate and puberty after siding with the plastics industry and disqualifying many animal studies that showed effects. That drew criticism from scientists who conducted the research. But in the new report, the National Toxicology Program overruled its panel, elevating its finding about human prostates and puberty to "some concern." It also for the first time expressed concern about effects on human mammary glands, which the panel had not addressed."
During the early years, fetuses, babies and childrens' rapidly developing systems are more sensitive and vulnerable to chemicals and toxins in the environment. Some studies have shown that even small doses of the chemical BPA can be connected to serious health concerns in lab animals such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, sperm defects, and early onset of puberty, miscarriage, infertility, obesity, diabetes and possibly even Down syndrome.
The verdict is still out on what federal and state regulators will do with this new report. Health Canada, the only country in the world, is currently looking at placing BPA on its list of toxic substances. A final decision will be announced in late October.
Labels: Health and Chemicals
Chemical in Plastic may Harm Children
posted by Eco Baby Products on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com