Buy organic- It may take years to determine the health effects caused from the use of conventional pesticides on our foods. We now know, 30 years later, the devastating effects of DDT.
Water filtration system- Chlorine in tap water has been deemed a savior against many water-borne diseases; however not without a price. Toxins call trihalomethanes(THMs) are created when chlorine is introduced to the water supply and reacts with other naturally occurring elements. These toxins are responsible for a wide range of health issues from asthma, and cancer to heart disease. Chlorine is also one of the biggest causes of eczema. A total home filtration system would be ideal, but may be cost prohibitive. There are high quality, yet easily affordable, smaller water filter systems.
Cookware-Those “nonstick” surfaces are hard to give up but some studies have shown a possible link to cancer. Avoid aluminum and plastics as well (especially in the microwave). Stainless steel, porcelain, copper bottom, nonleaded ceramic, and tempered glass are all excellent alternatives.
Baby soaps, shampoo and lotions- Believe it or not, many products we use on our babies contain ingredients that are linked to possible reproductive problems. Companies are not required to put these harmful chemicals on their labels. Look for organic products that guarantee to be free of all known toxic and hormone disrupting ingredients.
Antibacterial soap- Through the use of antibiotics and antibacterial products, we are creating super bugs. These soaps typically kill off the weak bacteria, leaving the strong to survive. Most sickness is caused by viruses, not bacteria, and these soaps have no better protection than traditional soaps for the everyday home-use consumer.
Eliminating synthetic chemical cleaning products in the home –According to the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), 150 chemicals found in homes are linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders. There are a growing number of home cleaning products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Allergies are on the rise in the U.S.. A reduction in the use of these synthetic chemicals in the home should be the first step in treating these conditions.
From the early 1980s, male birth defects have doubled, autism is in epidemic proportions, and childhood brain cancer is up 40 percent, and infertility has increased in western societies due to decreased sperm quality. Are these chemicals that permeate our air, food, and water the reason? Only a small percentage of chemicals introduced each year in the U.S. have ever been tested for toxicity. The 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act only requires new chemicals to be tested if there is evidence of potential harm (which is rarely the case). Unfortunately, the harm becomes apparent years after a chemical has been in use.
*This should not be construed as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only.
5Phases is dedicated to a healthy and organic lifestyle for babies. We develop products that minimize harmful exposure to chemicals, giving baby the best start possible. For more information, visit our Facebook page or online @ www.5phases.com
My husband just showed me your blog today. I have been reading the book The Body Toxic, by Nena Baker, which also sites how completely inadequate the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act is. If you have not read the book, it has some great info, but probably much of it overlaps what we already know, and have read elsewhere.
Can’t wait to meet you! Sounds like we have much in common!
LOVE your baby bottle! Wish I would have had them for my son!
-Lisa Willson
Thanks so much Lisa. I am looking forward to meeting you as well. I really appreciate what Bill is doing for me. Thanks so much for the book suggestion. I am always looking for a good read. Hope to see you Sunday:)
Christine
Hi Christine – I applaud the idea of creating a safer home, and because there’s so much misinformation out there about the Teflon® brand, I’m not surprised that you are concerned. I’m a representative of DuPont though, and hope you’ll let me share some information with you and your readers, so that everyone can make truly informed decisions.
In regards to PFOA and cancer – The weight of evidence gathered from a number of significant health studies continues to indicate to us that there is no health risk to the general public from exposure to PFOA. Additionally, no authoritative body has designated PFOA as a human carcinogen. The U.S. EPA stated that it is premature to conclude that PFOA causes cancer. For more information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/oppt/pfoa/pubs/pfoarisk.html. http://www.teflon.com/Teflon/teflonissafe and http://www.pfoa.dupont.com can provide you with additional information.
Hi Sara,
Thank you for your comments concerning my blog comments regarding Teflon. Whereas I may have been premature in stating a definitive cause and effect relationship, after reviewing the links you provided the EPA’s review board stated that the Carcinogenic Potential of PFOA did warrant the label of “Likely to be carcinogenic to humans”. The EPA further states,” Since its review, additional research has been conducted pertaining to the carcinogenicity of PFOA. EPA is still in the process of evaluating this information and has not made any definitive conclusions regarding potential risks, including cancer, at this time.”
So just because a final designation has yet to be made, it is also premature to assume there is no inherent risk as well. History has proven time and time again that it takes years, if not decades to prove the harmful side effects of chemicals.
Christine
This is an excellent article. I have been researching foods, environment and vaccines every since my very health and fit husband got Cancer last year. The info is not hard to find and I cannot understand why more parents aren’t concerned. People have got to wake up and stop being sheeple. Always, think for yourself and not follow the accepted “wisdom” handed to us. Great job and great company! and Congratulations on you new blessing(child).