High Level of Fire Retardants Found in Toddlers

2008-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

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?

Be wary of furniture made with foam. Carefully inspect foam furniture for any rips in the covers or upholstery.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Carefully remove old carpet because the padding may contain PBDEs.
Do not reupholster foam furniture if you are pregnant or have small children in the house.
Never underestimate the importance of having your toddlers wash their hands frequently.

The Bisphenol A Debate

2008-09-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Phthalates Ban

2008-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Chemical in Plastic may Harm Children

2008-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

5 Tips to a Green Baby Nursery

2007-11-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

Preparation of the nursery should occur as early as possible, before the arrival of the baby. Painting, new furniture and mattresses can off gas harmful chemicals that a newborn or infant could be sensitive to.

Five Tips:

1. Air quality in the nursery is essential for the respiratory health of your little one. Ensure that you have good clean air exchange or ventilation in the room.

2. Use non-VOC, non-toxic water-based or milk paint. Be careful of walls that were painted before the 70's as most paint contained lead. Sanding and preparing the wall to be painted can disturb old deposits of lead and release them into the environment.

3. Try to hold back putting new flooring in the nursery. Conventional carpet and hardwood is treated with a slurry of chemicals that can be off gassed into the environment.

4. When choosing furniture, use real wood. The glue in laminate wood, particle board, and fiberboard can emit formaldehyde.

5. What you chose your baby to sleep on everyday is an important decision in the nursery. A natural mattress is an excellent alternative and worth the investment for your little one (Read our article on baby mattresses and our product review on natural mattresses).

Buying Organic Produce

2007-10-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Can't afford to always buy organic produce? A large percentage of people purchase organic produce occasionally, but there are many who can't afford to do it on a regular basis. The Environmental Working Group can help you lower your pesticide exposure by almost 90%; through buying organic or avoiding what they call the "dirty dozen." In their research, 44 fruits and vegetables were rated from the highest contaminated produce, to the lowest. The results are surprising; peaches, for example, were found to be contaminated with nine different pesticides!

Being a parent, it is especially important to try to cut down the intake of pesticide exposure in your household. Research has shown that a fetus, infants and small children are most vulnerable to the effects of pesticides and chemicals. At critical periods of development the nervous system, the brain, and especially the endocrine system are more sensitive. They can be permanently damaged from exposure of small amounts of pesticides and toxic chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group's shopping list will help you to make smart choices when you can't afford to always shop organic or the availability of certain products are limited.

The Dirty Dozen:

Seven most contaminated fruit:

Peaches
Apples
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Imported Grapes
Pears

Five most contaminated Vegetables:

Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Lettuce
Spinach
Potatoes

For a more comprehensive shopping list please visit, www.foodnews.org.

Fisher Price Toys Recalled

2007-08-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Last week, a number of Fisher Price Toys were recalled because of excessive amounts of lead. The recall included the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters. This recall comes on the heals of a number of other scares concerning Chinese-made toys.

Although no poisoning incidents were reported, this recall highlights the importance of choosing well-made, non-toxic toys. Before you buy, try to find out where the toy is made, and what materials were used to make it. This is particularly important for those toys that are likely to be sucked or chewed on. Although the risk of lead poisoning was extremely low in this recent recall, it just isn't work the risk.

For a list of recalled toys, please visit Mattel.

Little Footprint Inc.

2007-07-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

What is an ecological footprint?

Essentially, an ecological footprint calculates the human impact on the environment. On an individual basis, an ecological footprint will represent the amount of land and water that is needed for a person to maintain their lifestyle. Ecological footprints vary greatly across the globe, with North Americans having proportionally bigger footprints in comparison to other parts of the world.

Moms and dads know that although babies have perfect, little feet, they can create huge ecological footprints with the number of diapers they use, and the "stuff" they need. At Little Footprint Inc., we are committed to creating the smallest footprint possible for our little ones. We have searched the globe for products that are organic, non-toxic, and fair trade alternatives to the mainstream that won't cost an exorbitant amount, or require you to compromise on quality.

Check out our product reviews.

Website Launch

2007-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Little Footprint Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of EcoBabyProducts.com. At EcoBabyProducts.com, we have researched issues and searched for baby products that are healthier alternatives to traditional baby products, and are friendlier to the environment. This site is designed for all the environmentally-minded moms and dads who want to make greener choices for their babies, and make the world a healthier, safer place.

We encourage you to give us feedback on the issues you would like to know more about, and the products you would like reviewed. We are committed to providing you with honest and relevant information that can help you make the decisions that are right for your family.

Going green can be overwhelming. Start small and let us help you find a more sustainable way of raising your children.

Find out more about EcoBabyProducts.com.

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