What is as Dangerous as 20 Cigarettes a Day?

Would you smoke 20 cigarettes a day?

Me neither!  

Do you clean with traditional "grocery store" cleaning products? 

I used to.

Just recently, a European lung study revealed that cleaning with products that contain bleach, ammonia, and quats is as bad for our lungs as smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day. 

20 Cigarettes a day!   ----> Twen-ty-cig-a-rettes-a-day!

Thank goodness for Melaleuca's EcoSense Cleaning line!  I am so grateful for the wonderful improvements in health and safety it provides!

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Okay, okay, this is all great information. And here is the link to learn more about the study.  But maybe you have the same questions I did.

What are quotes   

Quats are chemicals that contain a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in their chemical makeup. They're used in a wide variety of products, including hair conditioners, moisturizers, body washes, bubble bath, liquid hand soap, shaving cream, styling gel/cream, styling mousse, makeup, antiperspirant/deodorant, baby wipes, sunscreens, acne treatments, hairspray, laundry softeners and anti-static agents.

Are quats harmful?  The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics classifies quats as “asthmagens,” which means they can trigger asthma attacks and cause new cases in those who are asthma-free. With more and more kids every day affected by asthma, it makes sense to help reduce exposure to this group of chemicals—especially for children.

Quats can also cause skin irritation, and with extended use in hair care products, may encourage hair to become dry and brittle. Those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should make a point of avoiding these ingredients, because of their potential effect on the airways. When using products like bubble bath, the effects can be enhanced, as the warm water increases inhalation of the vapors. 

What are some examples of quotes?     

Quaternium-15 is thought to be the worst quat because it releases formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can also cause allergic reactions.

Another quat called benzalkonium chloride has been found to disrupt natural hormone function, and has been linked with developmental and reproductive toxicity. This quat has also been found to be toxic to aquatic life when washed downstream.

A report by the Scientific Committee on Consumer safety, an organization in the EU, noted that based on skin reactions and toxicity, one particular quat named “behentrimonium chloride” should not exceed 3 percent in a rinse-off product, and should measure no more than 0.5 percent in a leave-on product.

How can I avoid these harmful chemicals?   

The easiest way to avoid harmful chemicals is to simply and completely change stores. If I need it and Melaleuca makes it, then I buy it from Melaleuca. If you do not shop exclusively from Melaleuca, keep exploring the many aisles and products. I know you will find some great items you did not even know Melaleuca had!

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Let's Stop Poisoning Our Children

How safe is your home?
Of chemicals commonly used in homes 150 have been linked to, allergies, birth defects and cancer.
Cleaning products (which people usually think of first) are not the only problem - after analyzing 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products 884 were found to be toxic. That is 1 in 3!

According to Philip Landrigan M. D. of Mount Sinai Medical Center, the most pressing health issues for children today are:

1. the rise of asthma
2. the rise in childhood cancers
3. the rise in central nervous system disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and other learning disorders as the result of environmental neurotoxins
4. the effects of endocrine disruptors*

All these are related to toxic chemical exposure in the home.  Let's Stop Poisoning our Children!

The GOOD NEWS

Fortunately, for every almost every toxic product there is a safe alternative available. There are a number of ethical conscientious companies now offering household and personal care products that are safe and more natural. They work just as well or better than of the shelf brands, and in many cases actually cost less. So, there's really no reason to risk the health of your children or yourself any longer.

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children yet we all use hundreds of chemicals everyday, supposedly to keep our homes clean and safe.  These same products are destroying our health and more importantly the health of our children. As I talk to more and more concerned parents I learn that most people still use chemicals which would be banned or aggressively controlled in the work place.

Let's stop poisoning our children. The first step can be as simple as requesting a Free Home Safety Consultation today from one of the Moms or Dads with EveVenture.
Sometimes a solution is as quick and easy as learning where to shop for safer products.

Sources:

1. Philip Landrigan M. D. of Mount Sinai Medical Center
2. Children's Environmental Health Center 
3. Graphic Source: RMBarry.com

There's No Place Like Home for Babies to Pick up Toxins

Crawling babies learn about the world with every step. They build their muscles as they discover the difference between smooth bathroom tiles and squishy living room rugs. To a baby's burgeoning taste buds, both taste great.

But research shows that babies pick up more than new skills as they explore their environments.

Infants may take in two to five times as much household dust as adults, even though they weigh only one-eighth as much, says Alan Greene, a pediatrician at Stanford University's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Because of that dust, babies are more likely to be exposed to pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals inside the home than outside, he says.

Children younger than 2 are also more vulnerable to toxins than adults because they're still developing, Greene says. On average, children that age who are exposed to a carcinogen are 10 times more likely than an adult to develop cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

"It's a sound assumption that we should be 10 times more careful with children," Greene says.

Pediatrician Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, suggests parents open their windows to ventilate the air once a day, if weather permits. He notes that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, partly because of solvents and other chemicals found in paint, flooring, rugs, furniture and dry cleaning. It is important to Follow a Greener Path.

Yet toxic exposures often start long before babies can crawl. Babies today are typically born "pre-polluted," exposed to potential carcinogens even before birth, a report by the President's Cancer Panel said in May.

In a study of umbilical cord blood by the Environmental Working Group, researchers found 180 carcinogens in babies and 217 chemicals that were toxic to the brain or nervous system.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 6% of cancer deaths — nearly 34,000 a year — are caused by environmental pollutants.

Because so little research has been done on cancer and the environment, it's possible the true number of pollution-related cancer deaths is actually much higher, the President's Cancer Panel says.

GREENER CLEANING: Follow a Greener Path

SOURCE: article by Liz Szabo http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-03-cancerandchemicals03_st_N.htm

Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Sued for Selling Toxic Baby Shampoo

If you purchased Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo or Wal-Mart brand Equate Tearless Baby Wash, you may want to stop using it. A class action lawsuit has been approved this month that claims these products may contain a toxin linked to cancer.

The class action lawsuit, filed earlier this year, accuses Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Stores of selling shampoo and baby wash that allegedly contains methylene chloride, an ingredient banned by the FDA in cosmetics because it’s linked to cancer. 
In addition to noting methylene chloride also identified are formaldehyde (*Q-15) and 1,4 dioxane.

The law firm that filed the lawsuit is also investigating Target’s Night-time Bath and Body Wash, which is not currently named in the suit.

A third Johnson & Johnson plant is now also under investigation for alleged quality concerns. The new Johnson & Johnson plant is one that manufactures Pepcid and Mylanta among other products. You can read the details on that investigation at Legafi.

*PLEASE NOTE!
Formaldehyde (produced by Q-15)  accumulates in the body. Even "safe trace levels" add up over time. The body cannot always get rid of formaldehyde on its own!  On the low end it causes skin irritations, headaches, migraines and immune system problems. On the high end -- cancer!
MANY personal care products contain this chemical - not just the ones mentioned in this article.
AND -- there are over 28 other names for this chemical making it hard to identify on labels.
Yet another reason I shop at a store that only manufactures products with no harmful chemicals.
I passionately believe that everyone has a right to a safer shopping decision!



SOURCES: 
 Top Class Actions  Sarah Pierce, reporter
HMHB article
NJ.com

RESOURCE: http://www.5678.fourpointwellness.com/contact.cpo

From One Concerned Mom to Another

We wouldn't dream of letting our children breath poisonous fumes intentionally, yet we do this every time we “protect” them by cleaning the house or using personal care products!

Important Things for All Moms to Know

•  Chlorine Bleach can burn, irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. It has been outlawed in much of Europe because it is HIGHLY suspected of also being a carcinogen. If used in a workplace OSHA regulates that it be treated as a "toxic chemical." ."

• Ammonia can be damaging to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

• Air fresheners contain toxins that include Formaldehyde and Phenol.

• Many personal care - bath and body products contain Q-15 (a formaldehyde releasing agent)

• Dish washing detergents contain dry chlorine, which is the #1 cause of poisoning in children according to poison control.

• Furniture polish contains Petroleum Distillates, which can cause skin and lung cancer.

You can do an easy test with your household cleaners. Quite simply -- the stronger the smell, the more toxins that are present.

"Most of the time we have no choice but to breathe polluted air, and eat chemical laden food, and drink water that is less than pure, but we DO have a choice of what we put on our skin and what products we have in our homes. Be sure the products you are using are free of cancer causing and toxic ingredients. "

Links About Toxins in the Home

1. “TRADE SECRETS: A MOYERS REPORT is an investigation of the history of the chemical revolution and the companies that drove it . . . ”
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/program/program.html

2. “The Center for Children’s Health and the Environment (CCHE) is the nation’s first academic research and policy center to examine the links between exposure to toxic pollutants and childhood illness.”   http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/service-areas/children/areas-of-care/childrens-environmental-health-center

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A-Z Index of Health Topics: This website contains in-depth definitions and resources on risk factors and prevention for a vast array of today's health concerns.  http://www.cdc.gov/az/a.html

4. Children's Health Environmental Coalition: “CHEC's mission is to inform parents . . . . about preventable health & development problems caused by exposures to toxic substances in homes . . . . ”  http://healthychild.org/

5. “Environmental Defense is fighting to protect human health, restore our oceans and ecosystems, and curb global warming."  http://www.edf.org/home.cfm

6. Purdue Glossary of Household Products with Hazards from A to Z
http://www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/housewaste/house/products.htm

7. National Institutes of Health & National Library of Medicine's Household Products Database: “What's under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room? Learn more about what's in these products, about potential health effects, and about safety and handling.”  http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/

8. Natural Resources Defense Council: “Every day we are exposed to thousands of chemicals, including hundreds known to cause serious harm to people and the environment. NRDC educates the public about the health threats posed by toxic chemicals.”   http://www.nrdc.org/health

My home is a cleaner, safer place for my family since I began using products with no harmful chemicals.  I feel good knowing that I am making every effort to make my home a safe haven for my family. I encourage you to consider making a difference in your family's health. Making a simple decision to switch stores has made our home healthier, safer and more frugal.

Lawsuit Proceeds on Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo

A lawsuit filed by a group of consumers alleging Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo includes potentially cancer-causing chemicals will be allowed to go forward, according to a federal court judge In Newark.

U.S. District Court Judge Dennis Cavanaugh based his decision to let the lawsuit proceed on the presence of a single chemical ingredient found in the shampoo: methylene chloride, which is banned by the Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics.

The lawsuit also alleges WalMart’s Equate Tearless Baby Wash includes the same cancer-causing chemicals.

Lawyers for WalMart and Johnson & Johnson, which is based in New Brunswick, had sought to dismiss the suit, arguing the consumers lacked standing to sue because the product failed to cause an injury or that the shampoo failed to clean hair.

Bonnie Jacobs, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson’s consumer products business, refused to comment yesterday on the litigation.

In a letter last May to Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Executive Officer William Weldon, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of consumer, health and environmental groups, asked the company to reformulate the baby shampoo as well as some of its other personal care products.
In addition to noting methylene chloride, the letter — and the ensuing lawsuit — also identified formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane as being in the baby shampoo.

At the time the coalition sent its letter to Weldon, the company said the chemical compounds existed in "trace levels’’ that could result from processes that make the baby shampoo gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. "Many regulatory agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe,’’ Johnson & Johnson spokesman Bill Price told the Associated Press at the time.

PLEASE NOTE!
Formaldehyde accumulates in the body. Even "safe trace levels" add up over time. The body cannot get rid of formaldehyde on its own!

Ira Loss, an analyst who follows the pharmaceutical industry, said it is not unusual for companies to reformulate their products and then to market them as new and improved.

SOURCE: NJ.com

Toxic Brew

In my opinion this clip is a prerequisite to responsible parenting.

Could your home be healthier?
Learn how to get rid of toxins. . . it is worth it. 


Please note: Canadian laws are reflective of American laws in this area.

CBC Marketplace Report Toxic Brew from Roland Lechasseur on Vimeo.

Cancer Causing Ingredients in Children's Products

This is exactly what we have been teaching for 6 years now.
Do not trust manufacturers to be looking out for your best interest -- they DO NOT.
This is exactly why I shop with a company that has a Mission Statement laser focused on making lives better, healthier and safer and a 25 year record of putting wellness first.

Maybe more people will take notice since this is increasingly hitting the mainstream.

But, be assured and forewarned that unscrupulous manufacturers will "jump on the bandwagon" and try to peddle their goods as safer.  In fact, it is already being done. Case in point - Clorox.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to know what I have learned and where I shop!

Safe Nursery Checklist by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Use this checklist as your guide when buying new or secondhand nursery products, or when you evaluate the product now being used by your baby or young child. 
You may want to add other features to check, or add other children's products. 

Cribs

___ Slats are spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.

___ No slats are missing, loose or cracked.

___ Mattress fits snugly - no more than two fingers width between edge of mattress and cribside.

___ Mattress support is securely attached to the headboard and footboard.

___ Corner posts are no higher than 1/16 of an inch (1-1/2 mm).

___ No cutouts in top edge of headboard and footboard.

___ Drop-side latches cannot be easily released by a baby.

___ Drop-side latches securely hold side in raised position.

___ All screws, bolts and other hardware are present and tight.

Crib Toys

___ No strings or cords should dangle into the crib.

___ Crib gym or mobile has label warning to remove from crib when child can push up on hands and knees or reaches 5 months of age, whichever comes first. Note: Some mobiles have two parts: one without strings, like a music box, that can stay on the crib, and the mobile that should be removed from the crib.

___ Components of toys are too large to be a choking hazard.

Gates and Enclosures

___ Openings in gate are too small to entrap a child's head or neck.

___ Gate has a pressure bar or other fastener that will resist forces exerted by a child.

High Chairs

___ There is a "crotch" strap that must be used when restraining a child in a high chair.

___ High chair has restraining straps that are independent of the tray.

___ Tray locks securely.

___ Buckles on straps are easy to fasten and unfasten.

___ High chair has a wide base for stability.

___ Caps or plugs on tubing are firmly attached and cannot be pulled off and choke a child.

___ Folding high chair has effective locking device.

Playpens
___ Playpens or travel cribs have top rails that will automatically lock when lifted into the normal use position.
___ Playpen does NOT have a rotating hinge in the center of the top rails.
___ Drop-side mesh playpen or mesh crib has warning label about never leaving a side in the down position.
___ Playpen mesh has small weave (less than 1/4 inch openings).
___ Mesh has no tears or loose threads.
___ Mesh is securely attached to top rail and floorplate.
___ Wooden playpen has slats spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) apart.


Rattles/Squeeze Toys/Teethers
___ Rattles, squeeze toys and teethers have handles too large to lodge in baby's throat.
___ Squeeze toys do not contain a squeaker that could detach and choke a baby.
___ Avoid rattles with ball shaped ends.


Toy Chests
___ Toy chest has no latch to entrap child within the chest.
___ Toy chest has spring-loaded lid support that will not require periodic adjustment and will support the lid in any position to prevent lid slam.
___ Chest has ventilation holes or spaces in front or sides, or under lid.


Walkers
___ Walker has safety features to help prevent a fall down stairs.


Back Carriers
___ Leg openings are small enough to prevent child from slipping out.
___ Leg openings are large enough to prevent chafing.
___ Frame joints in the folding mechanism.
___ Carrier has padded covering over metal frame near baby's face.


Bassinets and Cradles
___ Bassinet/cradle has a sturdy bottom and a wide base for stability.
___ Bassinet/cradle has smooth surfaces - no protruding staples or other hardware that could injure the baby.
___ Legs have strong, effective locks to prevent folding while in use.
___ Mattress is firm and fits snugly.
___ Wood or metal cradles have slats spaced no more than 2-3/8 in. (60 mm) apart.


Carrier Seats
___ Carrier seat has a wide, sturdy base for stability.
___ Carrier has non-skid feet to prevent slipping.
___ Supporting devices lock securely.
___ Carrier seat has a crotch and waist strap.
___ Buckle or strap is easy to use.


Changing Tables
___ Table has safety straps to prevent falls
___ Table has drawers or shelves that are easily accessible without leaving the baby unattended.


Hook-on Chairs
___ Chair has restraining straps.
___ Chair has a clamp that locks onto the table for added security.
___ Caps or plugs on tubing are firmly attached and cannot be pulled off to choke child.
___ Hook-on chair has a warning never to place chair where child can push off with feet.


Pacifiers
___ Pacifier has no ribbons, string, cord or yarn attached.
___ Shield is large enough and firm enough so it cannot fit into child's mouth.
___ Guard or shield has ventilation holes so baby can breath if shield goes into mouth.
___ Pacifier nipple has no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in baby's mouth.


Strollers and Carriages
___ Stroller has wide base to prevent tipping.
___ Seat belt and crotch strap are securely attached to frame.
___ Seat belt buckle is easy to use.
___ Brakes securely lock the wheel(s).
___ Shopping basket is low on the back and located directly over or in front of the wheels.
___ When used in carriage position, leg hole openings can be closed.

********

For further information, write: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Washington, D.C. 20207 The US Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, you can go to CPSC's forms page and use the first on-line form on that page. Or, you can call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or send the information to info@cpsc.gov. Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications section of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to publications@cpsc.gov. If you would like to receive CPSC's recall notices, subscribing to the email list will send all press releases to you the day they are issued.