photo credit: RcktManIL

Avoiding the chemical BPA is much harder than we expected. Those with young children and infants need to be concerned even more.

Food and  Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a January 2010 update on Bisphenol A that says it many not be safe for children and infants.  In its report on BPA, the National Toxicology Program expressed “some concern for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human expo­sures to bisphenol A.”  It appears that young children have immature immune systems that may not detoxify BPA as well as adults.

If you are feeding an infant formula, make sure you are buying BPA-free product. Look carefully at the label and call the company to verify.

Environmental Working Group has a guide to avoiding BPA Exposure.

Some interesting tidbits:

“FDA estimates that babies have 12.5 times more BPA exposure than adults, and EWG is concerned that FDA has seriously under-estimates exposures for many babies. Recent tests by Environmental Working Group and the Canadian government, and a 1990s test by FDA show BPA leaching from metal cans into all brands of liquid formula. Powdered formula appears to be BPA-free, therefore EWG recommends that parents choose powdered formula if your baby tolerates it.”

“Almost all canned foods sold in the United States have a BPA-based epoxy liner that leaches BPA into the food. EWG tested 97 canned foods and found detectable levels of BPA in more than half of the foods. The highest concentrations were in canned meats, pasta and soups.”

“Less BPA leaches from plastic water bottles and food containers than found in canned foods and baby formula. Nevertheless it is good to take simple precautions to reduce your exposure.”

Plenty states that microwaving items causing BPA exposure situation is even worse. – “Some of the products would be expected to contain BPA, such as a Rubbermaid Premier container with a #7 recycling code, which includes polycarbonate plastic, known to be made with BPA. But to everyone’s surprise (including ours), BPA was also found to leach from containers with recycling #s 1, 2 and 5.”

Full Spectrum compact fluorsecent light bulbs are now available.  These light bulbs produce a white light that produces a light spectrum similar to that of the Sun’s light. This type of light source has been use used to treat Sleep Phase Disorders, Seasonal affective disease or winter blues, and other conditions.

Look for bulbs with full spectrum on CFL bulb labels.  They do not cost much more.

This malady is finally getting more press. A recent article has additional tips on beating this syndrome. Light therapy, Dawn simulation, Negative Air Ions, Antidepressants, Behavioural Therapy, Vitamin D, Diet, and and Outdoor Exercise are therapies to help ease the Winter Blues.

Philips even has a new Wake-up Light with Dock for iPod

“Gradually wakes you up by light for a more pleasant feeling”

photo credit: Mountainside Crochet

Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit alleging high levels of lead have been found in dozens of vinyl and faux leather women’s handbags, purses and wallets purchased from Bay Area outlets of major retailers. Full report.

“Purses and other accessories found with high lead levels were purchased from major retailers, including Target, WalMart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Sears, JC Penney’s, Ross, and other Bay Area stores… Brands found with high lead levels include Nine West, xhilaration (a Target store brand), Rosetti and several others. CEH initiated legal action against the retailers and accessory makers today for violating Proposition 65. ”

So be careful when you are shopping and be thankful we have watch dogs looking out for our health.

Credit: Crystal.com

We were looking for some eco friendly – natural deodorant and did some research. The first place we looked was non profit Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Database. The ones rated with 0-2 were the best bet. You want to avoid artificial ingredients, harsh chemicals, aluminum based chemicals. We then went to our local markets to see which brands they carried. We ended up picking products from Crystal. You can also buy their products from amazon.

Crystal also taught us:

“Deodorants work by masking, suppressing or preventing body odor. Deodorants do not tend to reduce the amount of perspiration the body produces. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, use chemicals to inhibit the activity of sweat glands so less moisture is produced. While deodorants are considered to be a cosmetic product because they only control odor, antiperspirants are actually drugs because they affect the physiology of the body. In fact, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) controls the active ingredients used in antiperspirants because of their drug classification.”

Cleaning showerhead holes is a pain.  No need to use harsh poisonous chemicals. An easy way to do it is by unplug the shower head and soak in a mix of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water for about 2 hours. Rinse it off.

A mix of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water works well on bathroom tile.  Be sure to use a soft towel and rinse it off afterwards.