Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins what are they and why should I care?

We should care because they harm the brain.  Neurotoxins are chemicals that can interfere with brain development.  My youngest children, who are now 16, were exposed to harmful neurotoxins in utero and as a result they must learn to live with severe learning disabilities.  Is this their fault?  No, unfortunately their birth mother chose to abuse alcchol while she was pregnant.  She may have smoked also but at the time of adoption we were not given that information.

Two of the most well-known neurotoxins are alcohol and nicotine. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, now considered part of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, is the most preventable form of behavioral and learning disabilities. Smoking during pregnancy and exposure to secondhand smoke are also preventable causes of behavioral disorders and developmental delays.

I'm sure you are saying, "Well I knew that."  But did you know that did you know that approximately 3,000 chemicals are produced at more than one million pounds per year. Of these 3,000 chemicals, scientists have determined with certainty that 10 to 12 chemicals or categories of chemicals are developmental neurotoxins. There is good evidence that another 200 of these chemicals are neurotoxins in adults.

Have I captured your interest?  If so keep reading the information I located on the Healthy Children Project, a project of the
Learning Disabilities Association of America

Chemicals Known to Harm Brain Development

• Lead: Found in old paint in older houses and buildings, also found in toys, jewelry, lead pipes and lead sinkers. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
• Mercury: Released into air from coal-fired power plants, also found in medical equipment, switches and fluorescent bulbs. Mercury falls into the water, where it accumulates in fish. The main source of exposure for people is through eating fish.
• PAHS: Air pollutants from fuel combustion in vehicles, coal-fired power plants, heating and cooking. These air pollutants are also found in tobacco smoke.
• PCBs: Used to make electrical transformers. Banned in the late 1970s, but persistent in the environment and still widely found in lakes, rivers, soil, fish and people.
• PBDEs: Certain flame retardants added to furniture, electronics, clothing and other products. PBDEs accumulate in household dust and have been found in breastmilk. The states of Washington and Maine have banned all PBDE flame retardants.
• Manganese: A trace element that at high levels, either in drinking water or through exposure to welding fumes, can damage brain development.
• Arsenic: Found in drinking water around the world, arsenic affects neurodevelopment in children.
• Pesticides: Used to kill insects,plants, fungi or animals on crops, lawns, homes, schools and office buildings. U.S. pesticide use in agriculture and homes totals more than one billion pounds per year.
• Solvents: An array of compounds,including toluene, benzene, alcohol, turpentine, acetone and TCE, found in products such as gasoline, lighter fluid, lubricating oils, paint strippers and thinners, glues, polishes, cleaners, stains and shellacs.

Chemicals Under Investigation for Effects on Brain Development

• Bisphenol A (BPA): A plasticizer that mimics estrogen in the body, BPA is found in hard plastics, food and soda can linings, and cash register receipts, among other uses.
• Food Additives (Dyes and Preservatives): Used throughout the food supply and long suspected of causing conduct disorders and hyperactivity. Under study for effects on neurodevelopment, cognition and behavior.
• Fluoride: Commonly added to municipal drinking water and in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Excessive fluoride lowers thyroid hormone levels. Primary concerns are cumulative exposures and determining levels that may affect neurodevelopment.

For more information on chemicals that can harm brain development and function, see “Scientific Consensus Statement,” published by the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (LDDI) Working Group of The Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE).

But I LOVE my Plastic Containers

I don't know about you but I have been known to purchase plastic containers for a variety of purposes.  I love them for leftovers, carrying lunch to work, and using them for drinking bottles.  However recently I am becoming concerned about  Bisphenol A.

What is bisphenol A? 

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.

Where is BPA found?

Polycarbonate plastics have many applications including use in some food and drink packaging, e.g., water and infant bottles, compact discs, impact-resistant safety equipment, and medical devices. Epoxy resins are used as lacquers to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Some dental sealants and composites may also contribute to BPA exposure.

How does BPA get into the body?

 The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure.

Bisphenol A can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The degree to which BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend more on the temperature of the liquid or bottle, than the age of the container. BPA can also be found in breast milk.

Why are people concerned about BPA?

One reason people may be concerned about BPA is because human exposure to BPA is widespread. The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States. Another reason for concern, especially for parents, may be because some animal studies report effects in fetuses and newborns exposed to BPA.

If I am concerned, what can I do to prevent exposure to BPA?

Some animal studies suggest that infants and children may be the most vulnerable to the effects of BPA. Parents and caregivers, can make the personal choice to reduce exposures of their infants and children to BPA:

• Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.
• Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Reduce your use of canned foods.
• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

information taken from The National Institute of Environmental Health Issues

Today I think twice about purchasing these convenient storage containers and have switched to using ball jars for leftovers.  They are relatively inexpensive and can be used over and over.  I am trying to switch to using frozen veggies and fruits to canned items.  Unfortunately I am still drinking "diet sodas" out of a can but that is a discussion for another time. 

Going Green Tips

Today our society is really becoming interested in the concept of "going green" but what does that really mean and what can WE do to truly make a difference.  I challenge each of you to make one simple change each day for at least a week, and you will be on your way to a greener and safer way of life.

1. Clean Green - Make your own natural cleaning supplies.  It's easy, less expensive and much healthier for you, your family, and your pets.  My favorite cleaning products are baking soda, lemon, and vinegar.  A good website for cleaning supply recipes can be found at SafetyAtHome.com  Click on the link for Seasonal Safety and go to Spring. Water - Turn off water when you are not using it.  For example when brushing your teeth don't let the water run, repair leaky toilets, and buy low-flow faucet aerators or shower heads.  Did you know fixing a slow-drip can save 3,000+ gallons of water a year!
2. Lights - Save electricity and reduce environmental impact by turning off lights when you leave a room.  Light-emitting diodes (LED's) use less energy and last longer that other bulbs.  My husband and I just installed new outside lights on our house (front door, back door, and on the garage).  We chose motion detector lights so now they only get turned on when someone needs an outside area to be lit up.  My kids are notorious for switching on lights to get from one room to another.  I challenged them to take the NO LIGHTS CHALLENGE.  For one month we used tea light candles in areas where we pass to get from one part of the house to another (hallways, mudroom, staircase).  Instead of turning on the hallway light to get from the family room to their bedroom we put a tea light candle in a rinsed out jar.  Do you know that month our electric bill went down $20.00?  I was amazed and so were the kids.  Now they are more conscious about turning on lights unnecessarily.
3. Recycling - Challenge your family to see who can make the most creative objects from recycled materials.  My daughter is currently working on a wall sculpture she is making out of toilet paper tubes.  Do you know that recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to operate a TV for 3 hours.
4. Insulate - Caulk and weather strip your home or add insulation to your attic, walls, and basement.  This will help cool air stay inside during the summer and cold breezes outside in the winter.  Last winter my husband noticed that cool air was coming in through our light switches and outlets that were on outside bearing walls.  He picked up some insulated wall plates and quickly got rid of the cold air drafts at a minimum cost.

What tips do you have for helping us to Go Green?

Repurposing

Recently I have been investigating ways to reuse/repurpose items instead of purchasing new.  This month my daughter Lily wanted a headboard for her bed.  Together we looked and looked for headboards online but didn't see anything we liked.  We decided to look online for homemade/faux headboards to get some ideas.  Here is what we ended up making.

We had some old shutters in our garage and decided to put three of them together.  We used heavy duty clips for paper clipping to hold them together.  Then we found some old Christmas lights and hot glued the strands (we used two) to the back of the shutters. 

I have to admit this starts to get a little addicting.  After this project we decided to use some old frames to make earring art for Lily's bedroom.  Lily spray painted three old picture frames.  I glued screen (the material you use to rescreen screens for your windows) to the back of the frames and then Lily arranged her hanging earrings to make functional art.



What are some of the ways you are repurposing?

Virtual Book Club Event 7/26/12

“Hearing about Kristi’s story—from her devastating cancer diagnosis to her remarkable journey to her triumph of finding her own strong voice and purpose in the world—inspires me more than I can say. If one person can have such an impact, imagine what we could do if everyone stated making little changes!” –Stacy Malkan, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics co-founder and author of Not Just a Pretty Face, the Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry

This group will be reading Kristi's funny, poignant, and powerful story from today until July 25th. Then, on Thursday, July 26th, we will chat, laugh, and connect at our online Summer Book Club event where Kristi will share behind-the-scenes stories and inside adventures that led to the creation of Little Changes. The event will be hosted by Stacy Malkan! If I can make it I will be there.  Although I have read Kristi's book I plan on starting it again today. I am hoping to participate in the online discussion on July 26th but my family and I will be in Lake Tahoe vacationing and I can't promise I will be able to join the discussion but hope you can.  Here is how you can participate:

1. Order your copy of Little Changes. Choose between a paperback, ebook, audio book, or even an autographed copy!
2. RSVP to the Virtual Book Club event.
3. Mark your calendar to call into the virtual Summer Book Club event on July 26th at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST

Surfing for a great summer read?  Craving a book-indulgence to lose yourself in? Join the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Summer Book Club and devour the debut book Little Changes, by Kristi Marsh!

Plastic Straws

Do you know how you can make a difference?   Just say NO to plastic straws.  I recently read a post by Kristi Marsh from Choose Wiser about plastic straws.  I don't know about you but I never even gave the use of plastic straws a thought.  We can make an impact by saying NO to using plastic straws.  I know you are thinking how can one little plastic straw make a difference?  But over time these little things end up going into landfills and causing problems to our environment.  You are Worth It so consider stopping the use of plastic straws today or least become aware of the impact the use of plastic straws has on our environment.

Laundry

You will never guess what I requested for Mother's Day and I am happy to report I recieved as my gift.  I wanted an old fashioned clothesline and I woke up on Mother's Day to find this wonderful new clothesline installed using 3 trees in my yard.  I have an amazing "L-shaped" clothesline that will hold up to 3 loads of laundry.  I have been washing my laundry using soapberries (see http://soberryclean.com/home) and since Mother's Day I have been hanging them outside on the clothesline to dry.  My new favorite pasttime is inhaling the freshest smelling laundry.  Not only does it smell fresh but it is wrinkle free and I also have some extra cash in my wallet from the money I am saving on expensive laundry detergent and running the dryer.  My family has requested that towels be put in the dryer and I am happy to make that adjustment. What are your thoughts about going back to an old fashioned way of drying clothes?

Recipes for Homemade Cleaning Products

Here are a few homemade cleaning recipes I discovered. If you have ideas please post your recipe ideas to this post.

Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe Vinegar appears to be the natural power cleaner superagent because it makes an appearance in many homemade cleaning product recipes regardless of the purpose. When you ferment ethanol using acetic acid bacteria, you create a liquid that is part acetic acid and water – that’s white vinegar. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, vinegar consumes odor, rather than just covering it up. 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup water A mix of 50% water and 50% white vinegar is a popular homemade recipe for a spray cleaner and it can be used to clean any surface. By cutting the acetic acid in the vinegar by half, it’s mild enough to clean most household surfaces. It will also dry without odor. You can use this on countertops, your range, backsplash, bathroom surfaces, tile and grout. If you have particular persistent soap scum or other accumulations, you can use straight white vinegar, without cutting it with water, and/or you can heat up the mixture until it’s warm and use it that way. If you use undiluted white vinegar, be sure to use it only on non-porous surfaces such as the ceramic toilet bowl or bathtub. It’s acidic so it can damage porous surfaces if left there.  

Homemade Glass Cleaner Why is the glass cleaner different than the earlier homemade cleaner recipe? It’s because glass is clear and you need a fast drying agent that won’t leave spots or other marks on the glass. For that purpose, you will replace white vinegar with rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl, and then add just a tablespoon of white vinegar for cleaning purposes. 1 cup rubbing alcohol 1 cup water 1 T white vinegar  

Homemade Scrubbing Cleanser Recipe Baking soda is popular for removing persistent stains because of its a mild abrasive and has natural deodorizing properties, one of the reasons people put it in their refrigerators. There isn’t much of a recipe in this case, just that most places advise that you sprinkle it on a sponge when you’re trying to scrub away stains. Many recipes for the homemade spray cleaner also include baking soda.  

Homemade Air Fresheners I never had air fresheners growing up and Febreze scares me – I have no idea what’s in that stuff. Unfortunately, there isn’t you can make that you can spray but you can take steps to reduce odors in your home. You can put dishes of baking soda or vinegar around the house, before company comes over, to help eliminate odors. You can simmer a pot of vinegar in water (1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water) to kill cooking smells, like fish. You can use vinegar and water on cutting boards and knives to help take down the smell, as well as using fresh ground coffee. Lastly, plants can consume smells, as can herbs and spices.  

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner One of the most frequently used products in our home is toilet bowl cleaner and we typically rely on Comet. You can easily replace Comet by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (see a trend?) – quarter cup of baking soda with 1 cup vinegar into the bowl. let it sit, then scrub and rinse.  

Homemade Laundry Detergent This is a common topic on the interwebs, how to make your own laundry detergent, so I won’t rehash it much here. It’s basically 1 bar of Fels-Naptha, half cup of Borax powder, and 1 cup of Washing soda. Of course soapberries are a better alternative if you want total sustainability. See the weblink on the right of the blog to learn more about soapberries and how you can order them. I am a user of soapberries and absolutely love them. When I purchased my soapberries I purchased enough to do about 960 loads of laundry and the cost is approximately 6 cents per load.  

Homemade Drain Unclogger Finally, and this happens a lot, the one product I really wanted was a drain unclogger – like a “Drain O” minus the gross chemicals in a product like that. The best solution we found was to remove the stopper and clean out whatever you could, then follow up by pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half cup of vinegar. The bubbling reaction can break down the clog and push it through. If that doesn’t work, do the same but block off the hole so the escaping gas has to push the gunk farther down. (then stop using bar soap at the sink, it has coagulants that creates the blockage problem in the first place) The best part about all these recipes is that you’ve now made natural cleaning products without all the harsh, fancy named, chemicals that many of the commercial products use. All you really need now are a few spray bottles, containers, and ingredients for your very own homemade cleaning supplies.

The Mission  for this interest group is to discover, learn, and educate one another about the interaction between environmental toxins and women’s health, and empower and encourage women to be aware of the products they purchase and bring into their homes by becoming a savvy, aware consumer. This is a life-long journey in learning how to respect our beautiful bodies.

The purpose is to become knowledgeable about the products we smother on our skin, the foods we devour, and the surroundings in which we immerse ourselves. Through this group we will learn and teach one another about selecting simpler products for ourselves and our families.

Who knows we may even save some money by simplifying our purchases to create a more healthy environment for ourselves.

The group will begin with gathering online through this blog. We will meet face-to-face four times during the year beginning in the fall of 2012.  In the fall we will have our first face-to-face gathering and discuss Kristi Marsh's book Little Changes. I encourage you to visit www.choosewiser.com and become familiar with the work Kristi is doing in this area. You can also purchase her book if you need a copy. I have read the book and I LOVE IT! It is funny, memorable, and will definitely begin to educate you on the everday items we use on ourselves and our families.

I will post weekly items on this blog and I encourage you to interact as often as you are able to fit it into your schedule. Face-to-Face Meeting Schedule (these are the times we will gather and meet together)
Fall Book Study: Little Changes, by Kristi Marsh
Winter Body Treatments: Pamper yourself with homemade facials, lotions, and scrubs.
Spring: Chemical Free Cleaning
Summer: Planting the seeds of health Healthy Cooking Demo

Where The Purdue Room at University Village (right across from the PNC campus)

Date & Time To Be Determined

Welcome

I am so glad you are here to embark on this journey of becoming more environmentally health conscious. Please introduce yourself and tell us something about why you are here.