S.O.S on the Chemical River De-Nial

I have to admit, I like to be an ostrich with my head in the sand as much as the next person. I really do think this is an all-too-human trait. We really don't want to dwell on the possibility that something well, less than optimum may come out of any situation. This is exactly what I did with the information that my Aunt send me months ago.

It was revisited with the CNN article about a toddler being inundated with chemicals and how plastic toys can turn my son into a eunuch. It totally hit home. Looking at my lovely young boy I knew I could and must do a better job knowing what is coming into the house, but I didn't really want to know....do you know what I mean? So, I took a deep breath and took my head out of the sand and took my first step and checked out the Skin Deep website. This organization test skin products to see which products contain harmful chemicals and rates them on a scale of 0-10. They rate shampoos, deodorants, moisturizers, baby products, and for the reason my Aunt initially sent me the link, sunscreens.

Well, it wasn't pretty I can tell you that. My most beloved products came back with many a chemical hazard. Carmex lip balm....(7) contains chemicals found to cause cancer, reproductive/developmental toxicity, on and on...simply terrible. My spoiled rotten Chanel moisturizer...same thing....(7) terrible. On and on it went. The only sunshine I could find on this day was that the soap my son uses, California Baby, was great! I do believe we read something a few years back that prompted us to switch from Johhson and Johnson Baby Wash (surprisingly bad at a 6) to the California Baby (a less worrisome 1). Like all the "natural" products you will have to pay a big time premium for "safety" as a small bottle will cost you $10. A bit steep for sure, the price for sure is worth the peace of mind.

I have to warn you this cosmetics database is completely addicting. I went through tons of products in our home and tossed them out. I felt a tad guilty about the waste, but how could I give these away knowing the reason why I was tossing them. Based on the results I even had to throw away an unopened bottle of Johnson's Baby Lotion! Baby lotion!

This purge joined the trash with the plastic ducks and the more squeezable toys that were in my son's toy box. This was due to the prevalence of phthalates and the new research coming out about the potential health risks, especially to boys. I really sometimes feel like I am turning into a class-A nut, but I think it is just the ostrich wanting to go back to the safely of a nice dark whole in the ground.

This chemical concern had been brewing for a while with me. About 6 months ago I switch my use of cleaning products to stuff I could get at the Whole Foods or other like stores. We love the new dish soap of Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Detergent in lavender and mint. We had bad luck before with a more "natural" product as it really didn't work that well, but this one is great. We also have used the Mrs. Meyers brand of scrub and general cleaner. Nice stuff, but again very expensive. I am really thinking that I need to invest in some spray bottles and make my own cleaning products as was suggested a few months ago by a reader. There are many variations but basically you need baking soda, vinegar and detergent and you got yourself a clean house at a very low cost. Also a word of warning about using air fresheners just don't use them, they also contain phthalates. Surprise huh?

I visited the Organic Mattress Store in Sudbury and was very pleasantly surprised how nice and comfy they were. I am also shocked at what natural latex (from rubber trees)feels like..well it feels like foam. The nice man at the store gave me a little history of why we have synthetic latex made from petroleum. During WWII Japan occupied the Asian producers of rubber and the US needed to find an alternative to the natural latex, hence the latex we are all familiar with today. There is one major problem with the synthetic latex, since it is made from petroleum. It is highly flammable. That is why flame retardant chemicals are needed.

Flame retardant chemicals such as a the class PBDE are a nasty beast. These chemicals are found in breast milk in alarming rates especially in the US and well, it is not really known what harm they can cause (the industry I am sure is not interested in knowing) but it is looking more and more that it can harm brain development and thyroid function. Oh my, my husband and I both have thyroid disease. Looks like we really need to get serious about removing this chemical as much as possible from our home. It is really difficult since so many products contain this retardants. I am going to start with our son's mattress and clothing. No more flame retardants for these. Out with his cute fleece winter pj's :(.

So I did go on a big replacement spree for myself and family. We are definitely going to buy an organic mattress and will just have to suffer through the really high price. They are made in the USA, but you will need to pay the "real" price of goods, not the deflated price of a product made in China. I am trying new shampoos, deodorants, skin cream, lip balm and soon, makeup. I will use them for a while and give you an update on my progress and whether I can stand them for one more day, or if I fall in love with them and they are my new favorite things. I have bought some locally made products as well and will be included in this new "review". Please post any human-friendly products that you love and would recommend!

I know this is really a bit of an intense few entries, but I feel it is so important. I am taking small step towards change and this one really does require a bit of sacrifice. I am not trying to guilt you into anything, but I am alarmed and wanted to let you know. You are my peeps, and we have to look after each other :)