January 2, 2012
A healthy, not-so-hard, New Year's Resolution you can feel good about
A healthy, not-so-hard, New Year's Resolution you can feel good about
Happy 2012! One of the best things about each passing year is that with every
one, our society becomes increasingly aware of the toxic dangers our world poses
to our children.
It wasn't long ago that the above picture wouldn't cause a second glance. Now, I
doubt many people can view it and not shudder. However, what if this blog were on
the smell-o-web and you learned that the above woman was also heavily scented in
Chanel No 5? Would you realize that too should be cause for much angst?
In fact, according to the Environmental Health Coalition, "Second-hand fragrances
are invisible, but are toxic just like second-hand smoke." Since, unlike adults,
children have a very limited ability to detoxify chemicals, they are even more likely to
suffer from consequences of exposure to the neurotoxins found in all synthetic
fragrances.
The Coalition warns, "Constant low-level exposure to neurotoxins can lead to
progressive and permanent brain damage." Is scenting our homes, bodies, clothing
and hair with chemicals really worth impairing our children's development?
In a word... "Fragrance"
Did you know?
20-30% of people experience notable health problems when exposed to
fragrances, but 100% of people suffer the silent health issues of toxic exposure.
Even if you don’t use fragrances, you inhale and absorb other people’s
fragrances, just like second-hand smoke. Skin, hair and clothing absorb fragrance
vapor from the air and by direct contact. You are exposed to toxic fragrance
chemicals without your consent.
Your skin, the largest organ of your body, directly absorbs fragrance chemicals
that are applied to it.
Clothing and bedding washed and dried with fragrances provide constant contact
with chemicals that are absorbed by your skin AND inhaled as vapors... doubly
harmful, especially for children's skin.
This video from the Environmental Working Group summarizes the health
issues caused by fragrances
Think about your day...
How many of these scented products are in your child's environment?
Fabric softeners, laundry detergent, bleach, bar and liquid soap, dishwashing
detergent, cleaning products - glass, wood, stainless, floor, etc.. room and car air
fresheners/deodorizers, perfume, cologne, deodorants, hand and body lotion,
makeup, hair products, disinfectant spray, nail enamel and remover, shaving cream,
after shave, kitty litter, candles, scratch and sniff books, dolls, toys, advertising
materials, markers, foods, etc...
Consider reading this article
and give the children in your life the best chance at healthy neurological
development by limiting their exposure to fragrances.
It's a New Year's Resolution that isn't nearly as difficult as skipping your morning
caffeine fix or getting to the gym more often, but still one you will feel good about --
making it likely to be a win-win for your first task of 2012!
one, our society becomes increasingly aware of the toxic dangers our world poses
to our children.
It wasn't long ago that the above picture wouldn't cause a second glance. Now, I
doubt many people can view it and not shudder. However, what if this blog were on
the smell-o-web and you learned that the above woman was also heavily scented in
Chanel No 5? Would you realize that too should be cause for much angst?
In fact, according to the Environmental Health Coalition, "Second-hand fragrances
are invisible, but are toxic just like second-hand smoke." Since, unlike adults,
children have a very limited ability to detoxify chemicals, they are even more likely to
suffer from consequences of exposure to the neurotoxins found in all synthetic
fragrances.
The Coalition warns, "Constant low-level exposure to neurotoxins can lead to
progressive and permanent brain damage." Is scenting our homes, bodies, clothing
and hair with chemicals really worth impairing our children's development?
In a word... "Fragrance"
- The Government allows the word "fragrance" on a product label to be a safe
haven for any chemical a manufacturer chooses to use. There are trade-
secret laws that keep toxicity testing of ingredients from being disclosed.
- 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from
petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other
known toxins and sensitizers – capable of causing cancer, birth defects,
central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
- A single fragrance can contain from ten to several hundred chemicals.
- The constantly vaporizing chemicals are neurotoxins, skin, eye and
respiratory irritants, and can cause other systemic effects.
- Chemicals that are known hormone disrupters, such as phthalates, are also
in nearly all fragrances. They are associated with thyroid and reproductive
disorders including premature breast development and birth defects.
Did you know?
20-30% of people experience notable health problems when exposed to
fragrances, but 100% of people suffer the silent health issues of toxic exposure.
Even if you don’t use fragrances, you inhale and absorb other people’s
fragrances, just like second-hand smoke. Skin, hair and clothing absorb fragrance
vapor from the air and by direct contact. You are exposed to toxic fragrance
chemicals without your consent.
Your skin, the largest organ of your body, directly absorbs fragrance chemicals
that are applied to it.
Clothing and bedding washed and dried with fragrances provide constant contact
with chemicals that are absorbed by your skin AND inhaled as vapors... doubly
harmful, especially for children's skin.
This video from the Environmental Working Group summarizes the health
issues caused by fragrances
Think about your day...
How many of these scented products are in your child's environment?
Fabric softeners, laundry detergent, bleach, bar and liquid soap, dishwashing
detergent, cleaning products - glass, wood, stainless, floor, etc.. room and car air
fresheners/deodorizers, perfume, cologne, deodorants, hand and body lotion,
makeup, hair products, disinfectant spray, nail enamel and remover, shaving cream,
after shave, kitty litter, candles, scratch and sniff books, dolls, toys, advertising
materials, markers, foods, etc...
Consider reading this article
and give the children in your life the best chance at healthy neurological
development by limiting their exposure to fragrances.
It's a New Year's Resolution that isn't nearly as difficult as skipping your morning
caffeine fix or getting to the gym more often, but still one you will feel good about --
making it likely to be a win-win for your first task of 2012!
| CHEMICAL EXPOSURE IS A GROWING PROBLEM Over 80,000 synthetic chemicals are in use today, most of which have not been tested individually or in combination for their effects on human health. Chemicals permeate all aspects of our lives from personal care products and clothing to the materials used in building, furnishing and maintaining our homes, Many people are developing reactions from exposure to these pervasive low-level, common chemicals. Continued exposure can cause a “spreading” effect and one then reacts to many other kinds of chemicals. Environ-mental illness caused by exposure to chemicals is widespread and growing. |
| This image has nothing to do with this blog... but it's cuter than a picture of Caroline smelling someone's strong perfume. So let's just title it, "My dress has no fabric softener!" |
| What's in your ___________? Click above to check the relative safety of your specific products in a database of over 69,000 health and beauty products compiled by the EWG. |
Reflecting on the Special Needs Community
| Sensitive children, especially those with sensory processing disorder, asthma, autism or ADHD often have intense reactions (both seen and unseen) to fragrance chemicals. These chemicals accumulate in their bodies, causing significant health and neurological issues. |
For more New Year's Resolution ideas, here's a very helpful article
shared today by Little Green Baby: "Banish Toxic Chemicals in 2012 -
12 Household Toxins You Should Banish from Your Home"
shared today by Little Green Baby: "Banish Toxic Chemicals in 2012 -
12 Household Toxins You Should Banish from Your Home"
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