Photo credit: erix

Newsweek Magazine recently published an article on how to avoid household toxins.  Nena Baker, author of  The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens Our Health and Well-being
the EPA and the  Environmental Working Group, has listed nine ways you can avoid household toxins:

1. Filter your water.  In addition to what the article suggests, staying away from plastic bottled water is beneficial to the Earth and body.

2.  Know whats in your grooming products. The Cosmetics Database website is highly recommended when researching common ingredients in personal care products.

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The title says it all.

“A new study finds that young children have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood.”

Read about it in USA Today and watch video from NBC Today Show

What do you think?  Do you think that fire retardant chemicals really pose a risk in humans, particularly children? What can we do as individuals to reduce exposure and health issues from theses chemicals?

Think antibacterial soap is good for you? 

A recent article in commondreams.org lists recent studies about the toxicity of the active ingredient, Triclosan which is used in antibacterial soaps.  

“Antibacterial Agent no Better Than Soap & Water and its Toxic” 

“Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in many everyday products including liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, mattresses, shower curtains, bathtubs, and cutting boards.  Federal agencies continue to allow its use despite the fact it may be toxic to the developing fetus and child, and pollutes mothers breast milk.”

“Triclosan has been linked to cancer in lab animals, has been targeted for removal from some stores in Europe for its health and environmental risks and the American Medical Association recommends against its use in the home…”

 Read more about it here:

So what should you use when you wash your hands?  Plain soap and water is best. 

Pesticides Found in Soap, Toothpaste and Toys