We all want what is best for our children. Unfortunately, we are not being told about the toxic chemicals in the products we use daily on our children that are severely dangerous.
Children are much more vulnerable to these chemicals than adults are. Their immune systems are still developing, and their bodies can’t eliminate the toxins as well as adults.
If we start to decrease our babies exposure to chemicals, we are also decreasing their chances of having allergies, learning disabilities, autism, infertility, skin irritation and disease.
What kind of items are these chemicals in?
non-organic disposable nappies
plastic bottles/feeding bottles
sunscreens
petroleum jelly and mineral oil
clothes treated with fire-retardant chemicals
The most common dangerous chemicals to look out for in products:
parabens (preservatives which are hormone disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues and breast cancer).
phthalates (hormone disruptors, can interfere with brain development, linked with autism, breast cancer and testicular cancer).
formeldehyde (linked to anxiety, sleep problems, and cancer).
1,4-dioxane (linked to kidney disease, high blood pressure and probable human carcinogen)
The problem is that these chemicals are not always listed as these particular names, they can fall under the category of many other names. I have made a list containing some of the most common ingredients that could be contaminated with the chemicals listed, and some tips on how to decipher the labels:
avoid any product containing ‘fragrance’ (unless it states that the fragrance is derived only from essential oils).
avoid any product containing the word ‘paraben’
butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) & hydroxytoluene (BHT)
lauryl sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
Here is an idea, print this list of chemicals out and keep it in your handbag to check very time you shop for baby products. And remember, just because the company name hints that the product is natural, that does not mean it is. The best way to know is to do your own research, and find a company that you know for sure is safe.
Keep in mind that these are just common chemicals in baby hygiene products. There are plenty of other harmful chemicals found in the average home nursery.
Also, I understand it can be difficult for families with financial issues to be able to afford all natural and organic products as they can be quite expensive. It is still much better to be aware of what chemicals are dangerous and which synthetic chemicals aren’t too bad. Some synthetic chemicals are not as dangerous and have a low health hazard, such as ‘polyaminopropyl biguanide’ – chemicals such as this will only cause problems in the body is exposed to high doses. Not to say they are good for baby skin, but if you have to buy mainstream bath products for your baby, just check the label!
There are many statistics showing that cancer, asthma and allergies are, and have been on the rise in children in the last forty years. We have to ask ourselves why – I believe these preservatives and chemicals are a contributing factor to these statistics. Check out these statistics for yourself. You will find many of these harmful chemicals in adult skin care products also.
We can limit the amount of chemicals our children are exposed to by gaining more knowledge on the subject and shopping more consciously.
xxx
Jade Nichols 