Beyond BPA – The 5 Toxics You Might Be Missing

from Stroller Traffic

As the former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World and co-founder (with Jessica Alba) of The Honest Company, Christopher Gavigan knows a thing or two about hidden toxics. In honor of Earth Day, we've asked him to shed some light on the potential dangers new parents might be missing—right in our own homes.


"I’ve spent my entire career educating and inspiring people to question and research the products they bring into their homes," says Gavigan. "It’s especially important for parents of young children because babies are SO much more vulnerable to toxic chemicals. And, while BPA and phthalates have been on the media radar for the past five years, there are other exposures that are just as serious. Here are five important ones, along with simple ways to reduce your family's exposure.


1. Tris and Penta-BDE. In a recent study of 101 commonly used baby products, researchers found that 80 contained flame retardant additives—chemicals linked to cancer, loss of fertility, and other deleterious health effects in animal studies. Flame retardants like the ones found in this study can migrate out of products, latch on to household dust, and then end up in our bodies.


What you can do: Try to avoid cushions, couch pillows, and anything with foam labeled as meeting California TB 117 (the regulation requiring the addition of flame retardants). Instead, look for foam and cushions made with polyester, down, wool, or cotton as they are unlikely to contain these toxic flame retardants. Also, dust regularly with a damp cloth since these chemicals typically end up in dust around your home and on floors.


2. Cell phone radiation. There is growing biological evidence that microwave radiation from cell phones has deleterious impacts, and epidemiologic studies are finding increased risks of brain cancer after a decade of heavy use. Because children's skulls, brains, and bodies are thinner and more vulnerable, we should take steps to protect them from the potential impact of microwave radiation from cell phones.


What you can do: It’s simple: keep cell phones away from children. If your child likes to play with your smart phone, put it on airplane mode (reception turned OFF).


3. Lead. Many parents think they don’t have to worry about lead unless they live in an old house and their child eats paint chips. Not true. Lead poisoning is still a serious issue; children can suffer lifelong impacts from extremely minute exposures.


What you can do: Have your home tested (especially if your home has paint in poor condition and was built before 1978). You can also test your water for lead, and even test your child’s blood level for lead (ask your pediatrician). Beyond testing, be sure your family and guests remove their shoes before entering your home, to avoid tracking in lead from soil outside; 80 percent of lead in the home can be reduced by simply taking off your shoes. And of course be sure to wash your children's hands often, especially before they eat, and before nap time and bed time, as well.


4. BHA, Acesulfame-K, Dextrose, and other food contaminants. Whether it’s something leaching from packaging (like BPA), or  arsenic in rice, or pink slime in beef, it’s becoming abundantly clear that we need to know more about our food.


What you can do: Opt for organic whenever possible and choose whole, fresh foods instead of processed, packaged ones. Shop more at your farmers' market, and do your best to avoid the following five additives (as recommended by pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene): artificial colors (anything that begins with FD&C—e.g., FD&C Blue #1); chemical preservatives (Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Sodium Nitrate ); artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame-K, Saccharin); added sugar (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Dextrose, etc.); added salt (look at the sodium content and choose foods with the lowest amounts).


5. VOCs. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are fumes and gases released from sources like paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. Unfortunately, not much is currently known about what health effects result from the levels of VOCs usually found in homes, but the US Environmental Protection Agency does know that indoor levels are typically much higher than outdoor levels.


What you can do: Open your windows for at least a few minutes every day; opt for non-toxic floor finishes, formaldehyde-free plywood and dry-wall, and carpeting without stain-treatments."
For more tips, visit The Honest Company for some non-toxic and safer product choices and pick up a copy of Gavigan's book, Healthy Child Healthy World.

Avoid Toxic Plastics Using Recycling Codes as a General Guide

from The Soft Landing

What exactly are we trying to avoid in some plastics anyway? The biggest problem is a set of harmful chemicals called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC).  EDC’s are synthetic chemicals that mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body’s normal functions. This disruption can happen through altering normal hormone levels, stopping or stimulating the production of hormones, or changing the way hormones travel through the body, thus affecting the functions that these hormones control.

EDC’s are found in ingredients used in everyday plastics, personal care products, flame retardants, insecticides and more. In recent studies, health effects linked to low-dose exposure to EDC’s included reduced fertility, male and female reproductive tract abnormalities, miscarriages, menstrual problems, early puberty, brain and behavior problems, impaired immune function, obesity, diabetes and cancer.
Children are at higher risk because these chemicals can effectively interrupt various stages of development.  Children also eat, breath and metabolize more than adults due to their rapid rate of growth, causing them to be even more susceptible.

Current regulation does not require that manufacturers label their products with materials used or recycling codes.  If you do find recycling code labels they can be used to help as a general guide, but keep in mind that they are not definitive.



What About That Study Showing That Even BPA-free Plastics are Bad?
As we teach folks about the pervasive nature of toxic plastic, we often see a look of helplessness settle over their faces.  It all seems so overwhelming, and many people respond with hopelessness, “If it’s all around us, then there really isn’t anything I can do anyway.”

And if you read that recent study and went straight into panic mode, it’s time to step back and look at the bigger picture.  The battle has NOT been lost – we’re just getting started!  The key is knowing how to choose your priorities and begin making changes there.  Starting with the easiest and most obvious offenders to quickly decrease your family’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

We make it a practice of working to eliminate plastics that have already been proven troublesome like BPA, which has been linked to endocrine disruption in over 200 studies.

Just think – if you simply replaced most of your disposable plastic products and started eating naked, you’d be eliminating a huge source of chemical exposure in your everyday life!

Deciphering Product Labels and Recycling Codes
Categories to avoid:


PETE or PET (#1):  Polyethylene Terephthalate is fine for single use, but begins to break down when exposed to heat and harsh detergents.  Commonly found in bottled water, soda bottles, cooking oil bottles and peanut butter jars.

PVC or Vinyl (#3 or “V”):  We are literally surrounded by Polyvinyl Chloride, making it difficult to avoid.  We’ll discuss its common uses, what makes it toxic and how best to avoid in upcoming steps.

PS (#6):  Polystyrene is commonly found in packaging pellets or “Styrofoam peanuts,” cups, plastic tableware, meat trays, to-go “clam shell” containers. Styrofoam cups, meat trays, and containers break down easily when coming in contact with hot, fatty foods.

Other (#7):  This plastic category serves as a catchall for any plastic other than the named #1- #6 plastic types. These miscellaneous plastic containers can be a combination of several plastic polymers and are often layered with 2 or more of the #1- #6 plastic types.  It’s important to note that not all #7′s are toxic, so specifically look for #7 (PC or polycarbonate) and avoid it. We’ll discuss its common uses, what makes it toxic and how best to avoid it in upcoming steps.

*NOTE:  We also recommend avoiding newer plastics until thorough testing has been done to verify their safety.  This is why we don’t recommend jumping over to Tritan copolyester quite yet.



Categories generally considered safer:


HDPE (#2):  High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is commonly used in detergent bottles and milk jugs.

LDPE (#4):  Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) can be found in dry cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners and some food storage containers.

PP (#5):  Polypropylene (PP) is the most common plastic used for sippy cups, reusable dishes and utensils.  It can also be found in baby teethers and    toys, large outdoor playhouses, kids riding toys, bottle caps, reusable water bottle lids and drinking straws.

Additionally, silicone, glass and wood are safer alternative choices and are not included in recycling categories.

Insist on Transparency from the Manufacturers of Your Favorite Products
Keep in mind that you are voting with every dollar you spend.  You’re telling the manufacturers of plastic products and the chemical industry what you will accept and what you won’t.  The more you support the companies who have gone the extra mile to remove toxic chemicals from their products (and even label them in every once in a while – have mercy on us all!), the more they’ll continue doing so.

And don’t forget, you can find an amazing grouping of safer products made by trustworthy manufacturers at The Soft Landing!

P.S. This little bit was taken from our Free Mini Course on Learning to Do Your Own Research, so be sure to sign up for the rest of the goodies! 

What’s That Smell? Toxic Toys R Us

from Safe Mama



Toxic Toys R Us is a project developed by a collection of environmental justice organizations, consumer advocates, public health professionals, parents, children’s health activists, and workers. They are trying to raise awareness regarding toys sold at Toys R Us that still contain toxic PVC.  They use the term “contamination” to describe it and I think it’s the best way to say it.  Contamination.

Even though Toys R Us and other large chains have made promises to the public in the past to reduce the toxic chemicals in today’s toys, new tests are showing that many toys sold at Toys R Us, including newly released toys prime for the holiday shopping frenzy contain PVC.  The toxins off gassed from PVC during it’s lifetime are linked to a bevy of aliments and diseases like childrens asthma, learning disabilities, obesity and even cancer.  Come on Toys R Us…

Toxic Toys R Us is going to highlight a Toxic Toy of the Week to demonstrate that the toys that might show up under your tree this year could contain PVC.  Toy Story Barbie is the toy of this week and she tested positive for PVC in her hair. Sheesh.  This is a great organization to watch and support.  Visit ToxicToysRus.com to learn more about what they’re doing to protect our children from PVC in toys.

Take Action: Even better join the campaign and write to your elected officials.  Voices in numbers can make a difference.

BPA levels highest in the U.S., study finds

from Consumer Reports




People in the U.S. have more exposure to bisphenol A (BPA)—a chemical linked to reproductive abnormalities, certain cancers, diabetes, and heart disease—than other studied populations, according to a new report from the Canadian Medical Association.

The analysis included prior studies that had measured exposure to the chemical, which is found in clear plastic bottles and the linings of beverage and food cans, based on urine tests conducted in Canada, China, Germany, and the U.S. The levels of BPA in people in the U.S. were higher than any of those countries, and about double those found in Canada. Consumer Reports’ December 2009 tests of 19 name-brand canned foods, including soup, juice, tuna, and green beans, found that almost all contained some BPA.


"I personally am flabbergasted to see that BPA levels in the urine of Americans are twice as high as levels found in Canadians,” said study author Laura Vandenberg, Ph.D., of the Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology at Tufts University, in an interview with Consumer Reports. Since there are no known differences in the rates of canned-food consumption between Americans and Canadians, Vandenberg said "it will be important to examine all sources of environmental exposure to find a reasonable explanation for this significant difference between two populations that are otherwise quite similar."

The study notes, for example, that BPA has been detected in samples of air, dust, sewage, and water, and that "several studies point to possible exposure from contact through the skin or mouth with the thermal papers used to make a variety of products such as cash register receipts."

The study says that exposure to BPA in the U.S. has risen over the last two decades. Urine levels found in samples collected in the U.S. between 1988 and 1994 were similar to those reported recently in Canada, so additional research is needed to determine whether sources of BPA exposure in this country changed during that time but did not change in Canada.

Children and adolescents tend to have the highest concentrations of BPA. That might be because they process the chemical differently, or because they're exposed to more BPA-containing products, such as toys and baby bottles. They also typically eat more than adults relative to their body masses and therefore may have greater exposure through canned food.

Canada classified BPA as a toxic substance and banned BPA in baby bottles in October 2010. The European Union banned it for that purpose effective March 1. Some states in the U.S. have also banned it in baby bottles, as well as in certain children’s products. U.S. regulators are studying BPA’s health effects, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said it supports efforts to produce baby bottles and can linings made without BPA, but it has not banned its use in those or other food-contact products.

—Andrea Rock, senior editor

New Report Surfaces: BPA on Money

from Safe mama



A while back we all found out just how much BPA is present in a simple store receipt and several people blogged about it, bringing it to the forefront. It’s become more apparent that BPA lurks in places we don’t realize.  So is the case with paper money too.  My friends at SaferChemicals.org published an article today about a new report that illustrates how much BPA is in paper money.

The Washington Toxics Coalition along with Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, who authored the report, said that 95% of bills tested came up positive for amounts of BPA.  It’s more disheartening evidence that avoiding BPA is virtually impossible… no matter how hard we try.

Researchers found that half of the thermal paper receipts tested had large quantities of unbound BPA; 95% of the dollar bills tested positive for lower amounts.  Unlike BPA in baby bottles and other products, BPA on thermal paper isn’t chemically bound in any way: it’s a powdery film on the surface of receipts.  Data from this report indicate that this highly toxic chemical does rather easily transfer to our skin and likely to other items that it rubs against.  In tests mimicking typical handling of receipts, BPA transferred from receipts to fingers.  Just ten seconds of holding a receipt transferred up to 2.5 micrograms. Researchers transferred much higher amounts, about 15 times as much, by rubbing receipts.

You can read/download the full report on the Washington Toxics Coalitions website. (PDF)
WA Toxics has great tips for avoiding BPA but in a nutshell regarding paper money and recipts:

• Keep receipts/bills seperate in your purse or wallet.  Its been shown that the BPA on receipts is not embedded into the materials like in plastic so, it’s in a powdery film form that can get onto hands and into mouths easier.
• WASH YOUR HANDS after handling money or receipts.
• Don’t allow children to handle money or hold receipts, or at the very least wash their hands afterwards.
• WA Toxics suggests refusing a receipt when you can.  BPA Free receipts are starting to pop up but it’s not all that common yet.

Now my question is, what about paper checks? Mail? Magazines? Where else can it be lurking?

Canada Officially Declares BPA Toxic

from A Soft Landing



Canada just became the first country to declare bisphenol A (BPA) to be a toxic chemical that poses risks to health and the environment. The official notice states:

Therefore, it was concluded that bisphenol A should be considered as a substance that may be entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

The announcement came shortly after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) dismissed concerns of neurological, developmental and behavioral effects raised recently in scientific studies.  The decision was also made despite serious opposition from the American Chemistry Council, who insists that the move went against the weight of scientific evidence and will cause unnecessary alarm.

I have to agree with Rick Smith, the executive director of Environmental Defence and co-author of Slow Death by Rubber Duck, who told the New York Times that he hoped that the government would ban BPA from infant formula can linings. Polycarbonate baby bottles used to be our greatest concern, but a hearty grassroots movement against BPA in baby bottles caused most manufacturers to drop the endocrine-disrupting chemical some time ago. The next most concerning exposure for developing babies comes in liquid formula sold in metal cans.

So is the U.S. next?  At this point I honestly don’t foresee a BPA ban happening here anytime soon, so choosing the right formula is important. SafeMama did a lot of the homework for parents in her Infant Formula Cheat Sheet, taking into account other chemical additives in addition to BPA.

The Dangers of a Food Chemical: New Evidence Against BPA

From The Atlantic

America's most demonized food-packaging chemical, nationally debated and being considered for a federal ban under an amendment of the food safety bill, S. 510, may be even worse than anyone imagined, a new peer-reviewed study finds. This chemical is bisphenol A (BPA), a compound found in plastic bottles, cans, containers, dental sealants, and even on receipts. 

Research published on September 20 in Environmental Health Perspectives concludes that the potentially hazardous chemical can enter the human body via multiple routes and is far harder for our bodies to metabolize than previously believed. The new study examined both mice and rhesus monkeys, the latter selected because they are good predictors of how the human body absorbs this type of chemical. Eighteen hours after exposure, the monkeys' blood still contained active BPA—a finding that suggests we have "grossly underestimated current human exposure levels." 

BPA is everywhere, with the CDC concluding that more than 90 percent of Americans are chronically exposed. Such pervasiveness is, in the words of one of the study's seven authors, Dr. Frederick vom Saal, "nothing short of insanity." The University of Missouri endocrinologist also does not hesitate to use the word "scary," comparing today's use of BPA to the use of lead in paint a century ago. 

New research removes another shred of doubt about BPA's safety in a debate conflicted with varying methodologies, a great deal of money, and heated emotions.

Despite national debates over whether BPA harms humans—debates mired in politics, marketing, and industry lobbying—vom Saal has no doubt of the chemical's risks. 

The risks of plastic have defined much of his life for the last 13 years. In the late '90s, vom Saal and his colleagues in the University of Missouri's Endocrine Disruptor Group were the first to show BPA's possible danger. BPA acts like estrogen, something scientists have known since 1936, but no one knew its potential harm until 1997. Vom Saal and his fellow researchers discovered how the chemical warped the reproductive systems of mice, enlarging prostates and reducing sperm counts. 

Those initial studies slowly caused an international furor, and the studies multiplied. Vom Saal published more than 30 papers on BPA himself, and he became a spokesman for the plastic's dangers, traveling across the country to testify before legislatures and talk to national media. This September, he won a Heinz Award, worth $100,000, for his contributions to the BPA debate. 

The velocity of the debate sped up during the last two years. The National Toxicology Program found "some concern" with the chemical in September 2008 (PDF of the report here), a concernmirrored by the FDA this January 2010 and the EPA in March. The scientific progress has been "astounding," vom Saal says, and has helped usher in a new paradigm of toxicology, one that works with endocrinologists in entirely new ways. The "total disconnect" between toxicology and endocrinology was, vom Saal explains, how BPA was misclassified as safe. Animal studies have linked BPA to health problems including unusual brain chemistry, obesity, attention disorders, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and premature puberty. A 2008 cross-sectional study with 1,500 humans found a significant correlation between BPA levels in urine and heart disease. 

Courtesy of the University of Missouri

The most recent study indicates that past rodent data may, in fact, be a compelling predictor of how BPA harms humans, now that the effects of BPA have also been observed in rhesus monkeys and shown to harmonize with prior data. If the study's conclusions are valid, then the effects of BPA may actually be far more serious than anything we feared in the past. It also removes another shred of doubt about BPA's safety in a debate conflicted with varying methodologies, a great deal of money, and heated emotions. 

"At the NIH," vom Saal says, "you don't have debates about whether bisphenol A is causing harm. ... This is not a chemical you want floating around in your body at the levels you're seeing." 

And why does a debate persist? Partly because we've yet to definitively prove that BPA harms humans. Several publications, including The New Yorker andThe New York Times, have investigated the methodology of the research behind BPA in recent months. But vom Saal advocates the same precautionary principle that NYU nutritionist Marion Nestle supported last month on the Atlantic Food Channel. "If you set the bar at proof of harm to humans," vom Saal says, "you have failed to protect the public health." Vom Saal supports a green chemistry solution, blending the sensibilities of public health and chemistry to ensure any replacement for BPA is safe. He points to Japan, which successfully phased out BPA a decade ago with little trouble. 

With 8 billion pounds of BPA produced annually, industry has had a profound impact on the debate, which has stalled the passage of the national food safety bill throughout 2010. Yet vom Saal seems certain that there will be a day of reckoning. The companies know the hazards, he believes, and eventually court cases will confirm this. We also need to know what products contain BPA, he says—information we currently lack. 

"The American Chemistry Council is winning the battle with money," vom Saal says. "When you have that much money, our Congress doesn't work. They are throwing money around like drunks. And it's pocket change to them."

Tupperware is Moving Away from Polycarbonate Plastic (BPA)

from The Soft Landing



We’re happy to report that Tupperware is finally moving away from BPA.  Most people wouldn’t know it though, because they make it so hard to find the information on their website.  It’s kind of strange, especially since they’re going to such effort to replace polycarbonate with safer alternatives. They’ve gone above and beyond most other companies to list each product with materials used and even included a helpful recycling code too. I’m sure their reluctance has a little bit to do with needing to clear out old BPA-filled inventory . . .

The journey to find this well-hidden information starts with Tupperware’s famous section on the healthy goodness of FDA approved bisphenol-a. From there, you must locate “BPA Q & A” in the left navigation where you are reassured of BPA’s long safety record. At this point, the average person doing their own toxic plastic research might give up and assume that nothing has changed.  But alas, if you continue through the mumbo jumbo to the very end, you’ll be invited to review their raw material identification codes.  This is where I found the very detailed list of materials used in Tupperware’s Spring & Summer 2010 Catalog for U.S. and Canada.

Most Tupperware products are now made with BPA-free polypropylene (PP, #5) and LDPE (#4).  Some product lines containing BPA have been discontinued, while some have been converted to PES or co-polyester plastic including:

• Vent n Serve
• Ice Prisms Collection
• Quick Chef Base
• Wine Accessory sets
• TupperWave Micro-cooking products (this a new line)

Keep in mind that all older versions of the products listed in our previous update may still be available in some areas.  This makes purchasing decisions harder, so be sure to confirm with the company first.

PVC a Substitute for Polycarbonate (BPA) in Sippy Cups – WHAT?

from The Soft Landing



My good friend Sommer of  Green and Clean Mom called me this morning with news I never really expected to hear:  she was staring at a sippy cup marked with a #3 recycling code (PVC).

What?  Wait a minute, Sommer.  I think it must be a mistake.  Reusable plastic food containers are very (very!) rarely made with PVC.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a PVC sippy cup in all my years of research . . .

She had ordered hundreds of the sippy cups as a promotional item for a non-profit program, but only after carefully confirming with the manufacturer that the cups were BPA-free before ordering.
Phthalate-free PVC is Safe, Right?


No. Even phthalate-free PVC still isn’t a safe plastic because of the other harmful chemicals often used during production. CHEJ names the following possible concerns with PVC:

• May contain dioxin (a known carcinogen)
• May contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)
• May contain organotins
• May contain lead, cadmium and other metals
• Heat and humidity can increase the release of these chemicals

So here we have a reliable manufacturer (based on my own personal experience), trying to do the right thing by using BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics in their cups, while still keeping them extremely affordable.  And while I was initially surprised at their choice of PVC as a substitute, I do understand where they’re coming from – especially in light of the fact that PVC isn’t recognized as a toxic plastic by the average American just yet . . .

Okay, so it’s not the end of the world. But needless to say, we recommend you stay on the alert and pay attention to the types of plastic being used as substitutes by manufacturers – whether BPA-free or not.

Dental sealants expose kids to small amounts of BPA, study says

from CNN



Dental sealants expose tens of millions of American children to the controversial chemical BPA, according to a new paper in the journal Pediatrics. It says that sealants contain derivatives of BPA, which metabolize to actual BPA when exposed to saliva. The exposure lasts up to three hours after the sealant is applied.

Sealants came into widespread use in the 1990s. The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend them as an important way to prevent tooth and gum decay.  A host of health problems are associated with decay. Dr. Philip Landrigan, one of the paper’s authors, agrees that those benefits outweigh the risk from BPA, but warns that doesn’t mean the chemical is safe.

“It is absolutely clear that bisphenol-A is a toxic chemical and an endocrine disruptor. We know this from studies in humans, and in animals,” says Landrigan, a pediatrician at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine who has spent decades studying the effects of chemicals on children.

BPA is used in many plastics and also widely used in the lining of metal cans. It has been under scrutiny for possible links to a variety of health problems, including heart disease in adults and developmental problems in young children. Because it mimics the hormone estrogen, some physicians say it can cause disruption at very small doses.  Dr. Abby Fleisch of Children’s Hospital in Boston, the lead author of the Pediatrics paper, says it’s unclear how much BPA children generally absorb from the sealants.

Landrigan says the amount is likely “pretty small,” but adds, “We hope that the publication of this article will stimulate manufacturers of these products to make safer products. We want to create attention, so parents start shopping for products without those chemicals.”

The paper also urges pregnant women to minimize their exposure. Both the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a group of OB-GYNs, and the American Dental Association (ADA) say they currently make no recommendation on sealants.

Dr. Leslie Seldin, a second-generation dentist and spokesman for the ADA, said the group does not consider BPA from sealants to be a hazard. “What we found is that it can be controlled, it’s very minimal and it doesn’t pose any risk to anybody,” Seldin said. Precautions include temporarily blocking off the sealed area with a rubber dental dam, rinsing the mouth with water or saline solution and using a mild abrasive to grind off excess material.

Other dentists agree. Dr. Joel Berg, chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington, strongly believes sealants are safe and effective.   "There's more estrogen in a mother's kiss than there is in a sealant," he says.

Frederick vom Saal, a biologist at the University of Missouri and a well-known critic of BPA, sees it differently. “This story should have been written ten years ago,” he told CNN. “No pregnant women should have a sealant put on their teeth. And your baby does not have a liver that can metabolize [BPA] adequately.” ‘
Vom Saal says parents are in a tough position, one he wrestled with when his own daughter had some tooth decay. In the end, he had her dentist apply the sealant.

Safe school supplies 2010

from greener, healthier living

It’s back-to-school time again! Time to shop for those school supplies and of course you want them to be safe from ickies like PVC. Kids are going to be using school supplies and lunch boxes on a daily basis and kids are more greatly affected by toxins than adults. So we want to make sure we are sending them off with items that are safe.



So, what should you all avoid this back-to-school season?

1. PVC – polyvinyl chloride. PVC causes cancer, and is notorious for containing lead which can cause irreversible brain damage with too much exposure.

How to avoid PVC, the poison plastic. The CHEJ gives these quick tips:

PVC products are often labeled with the words “vinyl” on the packaging, such as vinyl 3-ring binders

PVC packaging can be identified by looking for the number “3” inside, or the letters “V” or “PVC” underneath, the universal recycling symbol, indicating the product is made out of PVC. Just remember – bad news comes in #3’s, don’t buy PVC

Some products are not properly labeled, making it tough to determine whether they contain PVC. If you’re uncertain, e-mail or call the 1-800 number of the manufacturer or retailer and ask what type of plastic their product is made of. You have a right to know.

While sadly, some safer school supplies are harder to find, if you keep looking, you should still be able to find PVC free supplies. Here is a pocket guide to help you along and a full list of PVC-free school supplies. Though, for many of these supplies on the full list, you will have to do your shopping online and those sites are noted on CHEJ’s guide, which is certainly more appealing to me than battling the back-to-school crowds in stores. Luckily, I have 1 more year before I need to worry about that.


Some of my favorite PVC-free items for back to school are:

Fleurville backpacks I love the designs!

Crocodile Creek lunch box I am not kidding when I saw these are stinkin’ cute and I want one for myself!

Kids Konserve Waste Free Lunch System for something more sophisticated. Comes complete with 2 stainless steel food containers, a napkin, sandwich wrap, stainless steel water bottle and a nice recycled cotton sack to carry it all in. There is also a nice thermos for sending soups or other warm items and an ice pack for helping keep things cool.

Affordable, iPlay raincoats

So, where can you find PVC-free school supplies? If you are like me and prefer not to battle the last minute back-to-school shoppers, check out the eco-friendly selection at Amazon for

Binders

Bags, backpacks and notebook protectors

Writing instruments and crafts

Or consult CHEJ’s well researched list with websites of manufacturers and how to buy.



2. BPA – bisphenol A. Common in Polycarbonate (PC) #7 plastic. A hormone disruptor that interferes with the developing breast and prostate in the womb and out, as well as affecting brain development and behavior. Has also in recent studies been linked to cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

See my BPA-free list here to find BPA-free water bottles, dishes, snack bowls, etc. or shop at The Soft Landing.



3. Polystyrene #6 plastic. Styrene can cause nerve system damage and is listed as a probable human carcinogen (causes cancer). Commonly found in Styrofoam containers, as well as other food containers, cups, cutlery, CD’s, packing peanuts, etc.


4. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Kids and alcohol just don’t mix, so opt for something safer such as CleanWell Hand Sanitizer.

5. Triclosan and items labeled with “Microban Technology.” Triclosan is the common ingredient in many antibacterial products, including most liquid hand soaps, and is toxic. Really anything labeled antimicrobial, antibacterial, keeps food fresh longer, and other such claims could contain Triclosan. Avoid it. SafeMama has a good article on Microban and I agree with their stance that it seems unnecessary and because there is not sufficient evidence one way or another, it’s best to steer clear if possible. I make my own foaming hand soap and love it!


Does your school make the environmental health grade? Use the CHEJ’s environmental checklist to find out.


That should you do if your school list has items on it that you feel strongly against (i.e. alchohol based hand sanitizer like Purell)? Tiffany at Nature Mom’s Blog did a write up last year with a letter she sent to her son’s teacher explaining some of the deviations she provided from the required list.

Hope these tips make your back to school year a little healthier! Happy shopping!

Concerned About BPA? Check Your Receipts!

There's been a lot of talk about BPA in cash register receipts lately, and lots of articles stating the dangers from these new findings.  I for one know I won't be letting my son hold the receipt as we leave the store anymore!  I've posted a few more links to other articles on this subject at the end of this article.

From Science News

By Janet Raloff

What's the charge?

Some — but not all — cash-register and credit-card receipts can be rich sources of exposure to BPA, a hormone-mimicking pollutant.Christopher BakerWhile working at Polaroid Corp. for more than a decade, John C. Warner learned about the chemistry behind some carbonless copy papers (now used for most credit card receipts) and the thermal imaging papers that are spit out by most modern cash registers. Both relied on bisphenol-A.

Manufacturers would coat a powdery layer of this BPA onto one side of a piece of paper together with an invisible ink, he says. “Later, when you applied pressure or heat, they would merge together and you’d get color.”
At the time, back in the ‘90s, he thought little about the technology other than it was clever. But when BPA exploded into the news, about a decade ago, Warner began to develop some doubts.

Research was demonstrating that this estrogen-mimicking chemical was leaching out of polycarbonate plastics, out of the resins used to line most food cans and out of dental sealants. In the womb, this chemical could disrupt the normal development of a rodent’s gonads — or evoke changes that predisposed animals to later develop cancer.

Warner recalls that these reports piqued his curiosity about whether the color-changing papers that were increasingly proliferating throughout urban commerce still used BPA.

By this time, the organic chemist was teaching green chemistry at the University of Massachusetts. “So I'd send my students out to local stores to get their cash register receipts.” Back in the lab, they’d dissolve the paper, run it through a mass spectrometer and look for a telltale spike in the readout that signaled the presence of BPA.

And they’d find it, Warner says. Not in every receipt. But in plenty. And the paper used in the receipts that contained BPA looked no different than papers that didn’t.

But that was then, before he co-founded the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, an organization that works with industry to develop safer products and production processes. So earlier this week I asked Warner whether he had evidence BPA might still be present in those papers. Yep. He turned up BPA-based receipts in use the last time he looked. Which was last month.

And the amount receipts carry isn’t trivial.

“When people talk about polycarbonate bottles, they talk about nanogram quantities of BPA [leaching out],” Warner observes. “The average cash register receipt that's out there and uses the BPA technology will have 60 to 100 milligrams of free BPA.” By free, he explains, it’s not bound into a polymer, like the BPA in polycarbonates. It’s just the individual molecules loose and ready for uptake.

As such, he argues, when it comes to BPA in the urban environment, “the biggest exposures, in my opinion, will be these cash register receipts.” Once on the fingers, BPA can be transferred to foods. And keep in mind, he adds, some hormones — like estrogen in certain birth-control formulations — are delivered through the skin by controlled-release patches. So, he argues, estrogen mimics like BPA might similarly enter the skin.

Maybe, maybe not. BPA and real estrogen don’t have the same structure, so their permeability might vary. Moreover, there are all kinds of materials in the skin that might selectively degrade or alter this hormone imposter as it passes through.

More importantly, I asked: Have you published your data? “No,” Warner says, “that’s not my goal.” His research organization “is dedicated to not preaching about the bad but about diligently trying to invent the good,” he says. Moreover, he says he lacks the resources to do a thorough job of quantifying the prevalence of BPA-laced receipts.

Perhaps. But for his research to have an impact, it must pass peer review and appear in journals that can be cited. His analytical techniques need to be articulated so that others can try to replicate his findings or shoot them down. And somebody has to go the distance and investigate how much BPA can rub off onto fingers from receipt papers, does it get through the skin — and if it does, how much gets into the circulation, where it can reach organs throughout the body?

Warner, a patent-toting inventor, has set his sights on developing some new analog to the old litmus test. He envisions something that could be rubbed across a receipt, or perhaps the fingers; when it sensed the presence of BPA it would change color.

Of course, a simpler caveat-emptor approach would be to just mandate labeling of any and all products that contain BPA at their point of sale — or in the case of receipts, at the cash register. At least pregnant women would know to wash their hands after picking up a BPA-laced receipt. And we’d all know to keep such paper out of hands of kids. We might also want to store those receipts in some zip-it-closed plastic baggie, not our wallets.

Greenpacks article

Denver Examiner

USA Today

AOL News

Environmental Working Group

Tips to reduce exposures to BPA in receipts


•Minimize receipt collection by declining receipts at gas pumps, ATMs and other machines when possible.

•Store receipts separately in an envelope in a wallet or purse.

•Never give a child a receipt to hold or play with.

•After handling a receipt, wash hands before preparing and eating food (a universally recommended practice even for those who have not handled receipts).

•Do not use alcohol-based hand cleaners after handling receipts. A recent study showed that these products can increase the skin's BPA absorption (Biedermann 2010).

•Take advantage of store services that email or archive paperless purchase records.

•Do not recycle receipts and other thermal paper. BPA residues from receipts will contaminate recycled paper.

•If you are unsure, check whether paper is thermally treated by rubbing it with a coin. Thermal paper discolors with the friction; conventional paper does not.

BPA in Canned Foods Causes Concern For Pregnant Women

from Growing Your Baby




Many parents worry about their children ingesting the chemical called BPA, or bisphenol A, from canned foods. Yet, pregnant women are at just as much risk from exposure to the chemical in their foods.


In a report released by the National Workgroup for Safe Markets, foods sold in metal cans can vary greatly from one can to the next as to how much BPA they have. Researchers fond that while one can of food may have low to moderate levels of BPA, another can of the same food can be tested with high levels. Some cans were tested to have levels of BPA high enough to cause changes in cells and linked to increased aggravation.


Nearly 92 percent of canned foods contain some levels of BPA in them. The National Toxicology Program has stated that there are concerns that constant exposure to this chemical can cause changes in the development of the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in children, before and after birth. Eating foods sold in metal cans that have BPA in the lining can pass the chemical to a developing fetus easily.


The National Workgroup for Safe Markets is calling for a ban on BPA linings by Congress. Some companies, such as Eden Foods and Muir Glenn, have already begun selling their products in BPA-free cans. So far the countries of Canada and Denmark already restrict the use of BPA in some products.


However, the Grocery Manufacturers Association claims that there is evidence that BPA is safe.
Obstetrician Hugh Taylor of Yale University School of Medicine studies the effect of BPA on prenatal development, and recommends that all pregnant women eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

“The entire life of that individual may be altered by a few months of BPA exposure in pregnancy. This is where the greatest risk lies. We are programming the hormonal response of the next generation. The worst effects may not become apparent for years.”

BPA is found in many common household products, from plastic bottles to paper receipts. Its use in children’s toys and baby bottles has been very controversial, leading some companies to market BPA-free products. – Summer, staff writer

Plasticizers~Hiding Where & Causing What?

from Hip Moms Go Green


Many people think of plastic just being one thing: plastic. Unfortunately, plastics are many different substances combined, and can come in many different varieties depending on how they are made, with varying levels of toxins and danger depending on how the plastic is used. One of the most common ingredients are plasticizers, particular compounds that are used to make materials more flexible. One of the most famous types of plastic, PVC, has a significant amount of plasticizer additive, although in this case the compound is used to make PVC more durable instead of flexible (with the plasticizer, PVC pipe would crack and split).

You may be surprised in the other common materials that use plasticizers, too. Some types of concrete, for example, use plasticizers to create stronger bonds and make it easier to spread out before it dries. Plasticizers are used in the manufacturing of certain types of wallboard, not because they add any permanently useful qualities, but because it allows companies to use less water so the board will dry faster.

What is the problem with these ubiquitous plasticizers? Well, they are part of a family of chemicals known as phthalates, which are made by the billions of pounds every year across the world. Phthalates have been proven to wreck havoc with the body’s reproductive system, causing everything from birth defects in males to increased chances of breast cancer. Numerous animals studies have shown a propensity for phthalates to damage the female reproductive system, the liver, and the kidneys as well.

This would not be so hazardous if plasticizers stayed sealed within plastic products, but they do not: phthalates tend to leech out of the plastic into surrounding substances, especially food or tissue. Plastic cups, food packaging, and plastic plates or dining ware

made with plasticizers are all possible contaminators of food. Even your nail polish may be a culprit. Medical devices are also suspect–you know those bags they store blood in for intravenous injection? Some are made with plasticizers, which have the ability pass into the blood, and then to the patient (so far manufacturers do not have a problem with this, since the toxins help the blood last longer in the bags).

Fortunately, not all manufacturers use plasticizers. But, you may want to skip the plastic-wrapped cheese, which has tested with some of the highest levels of leeched plasticizer compounds. When buying meat or pre-packaged vegetables and fatty foods, try to find products that are wrapped in paper products rather than the more dangerous cling wrap.

Finding Safer Children's Products

from The Mindful Momma
Most Moms I meet tell me the issue of toxicity in everyday products didn't really surface for them until they had a child.  With all the bad press about BPA and other dangerous chemicals in our environment these days, it's easy to get scared about trying to raise a child in this toxic world.  Sometimes you need a little more information to help you feel grounded and to come up with an action plan.

That's why I was so please to come across the new-to-me brochure from Healthy Legacy.org (with help from the IATP) that gives you the 'readers digest' version of toxicity issues and explains why children are even more vulnerable than adults.  The Guide To Safer Children's Products also includes a copy-and-clip guide to safer plastics and a well-compiled list of safer products for kids including baby bottles and sippy cups, utensils and dishes, pacifiers and teethers, food and breastmilk containers & formula and food products.
If you're itching to do a little more reading or to get the cutting edge scoop on toxicity research and product news, check out these other fabulous resources:

• Healthy Child Healthy World - A non-profit eductation and advocacy group dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of children from environmental exposures.  They have a fabulous blog that will keep you up to date on the latest news and a book that should be on every parent's bookshelf. 
• The Zrecs Guide to Safer Children's Products - A well-researched, searchable guide to children's products that focuses on keeping toxic chemicals out of our kids and is updated frequently.
• The Smart Mama - This blog about taking "Simple Steps to Non-Toxic Kids" is written by one very smart mama!  She is right on top of the latest news and information on environmental health and has a book on the topic coming out next summer.

Keeping informed about environmental toxins is one of the best things we can do for our kids!

Obesity and Chemicals: A Matter of Environmental Justice

From Safer Chemicals, Healthy Family Blog

Posted on March 11, 2010 —
By Jose Bravo
José T. Bravo is Executive Director of the Just Transition Alliance based in Chula Vista, California.



Childhood obesity has received a lot of media attention lately, but the solutions in the news focus just on personal responsibility. First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative is a great start, but it only addresses eating healthy food and getting exercise. While personal responsibility is important, there are other underlying issues that contribute to the childhood obesity problem.

Scientific evidence shows that certain chemicals block our hormones and disrupt the body’s normal functions. Known “endocrine-disrupting” chemicals, this class of toxins includes PCBs, DDT, dioxin, some pesticides, and many plasticizers, like BPA. These chemicals play an important role in the global epidemic of obesity. Dr. Bruce Blumberg, professor of developmental and cell biology and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of California in Irvine believes there’s evidence that industrial pollutants are contributing to America's obesity epidemic. Dr. Blumberg calls those chemicals “obesogens.”

"Despite what we've heard, diet and exercise alone are insufficient to explain the obesity epidemic." —Dr. Bruce Bloomberg, UC Irvine

There is now strong evidence that our bodies mistake certain man-made chemicals used in plastics, food, wrappers, and fragrances, and many more items, for naturally occurring hormones that regulate the production and storage of fat cells.

“Evidence has been steadily accumulating that certain hormone-mimicking pollutants, ubiquitous in the food chain, have two previously unsuspected effects. They act on genes in the developing fetus and newborn to turn more precursor cells into fat cells, which stay with you for life. And they may alter metabolic rate, so that the body hoards calories rather than burning them…” —Retha Newbold of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may be linked to obesity include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous in the environment. It is used to make polycarbonate plastic water bottles, baby bottles, the linings of metal food and soft-drink cans, thermal receipt paper, and dental sealants. Studies show that mice and rats fed low doses of BPA during early development became more obese as adults than those that weren't fed the chemical. BPA leaches from food and beverage containers into what we eat and drink.
• Phthalates are plasticizers found in PVC tubing, plastic, cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, lotions, lubricants, paint, pesticides, fragrances and more.One recent study linked a type of phthalate that leaches into processed food with abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in men.
• Atrazine is a commonly used weed killer found to contaminate drinking water supplies, and exist as residue in food. After noticing an apparent overlap between areas where the weed killer is used and the prevalence of obesity, researchers conducted animal studies of the effects of low doses of atrazine. The findings suggest that atrazine may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and obesity, especially when the exposure is associated with a high-fat diet.
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used to make non-stick cookware, found in grease-proof food packaging, and stain-proof coating on clothing and carpeting. Several studies show that PFOA exposure results in reduced birth weight followed by weight gain after puberty.

You can learn more about chemical obesogens here:
So what does all this have to do with environmental justice? Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In communities of color and low-income neighborhoods where there was a history of toxic waste dumping, polluted air, and lax enforcement of environmental regulations, people started making the connection between a toxic environment and high incidence of cancer, asthma, and other health problems.

And so when people say unhealthy personal choices are the only cause of obesity – without considering things like obesogens — I start thinking about environmental justice. The obesity epidemic reminds me of the early 1990’s when the US EPA published a report called “Environmental Equity.” In this report the EPA determined that it was what people ate, smoked, and drank that was causing major illness in certain poor and ethnic communities. The EPA failed to make the connection between people getting sick, and people living in communities where there were dozens of “non point” sources of pollution and a multitude of industrial plants and abandoned toxic waste dumps. In essence, this report blamed the victim by concluding that we were the ones causing our illnesses in our communities — instead of looking at how the toxic chemicals in our communities may be harming our health.

But this legacy isn't limited to poor people or people of color any more—these dangerous chemicals are in cans, baby formula, food wrappers, cookware and more. All of our children are at risk.
I think that the First Lady and the Obama Administration should look at all the different factors that are affecting children. And take special notice of the fact that some American children live in communities that face a disproportionate risk from toxic chemicals, because someone thought it was OK to dump hazardous waste there. That has been our legacy—maybe since the industrial revolution. But this legacy isn't limited to poor people or people of color any more—these dangerous chemicals are in cans, baby formula, food wrappers, cookware and more. All of our children are at risk.

A real solution to this problem will be to stop our daily, unwitting, exposure to toxic chemicals at home, school, and work. That’s why the Just Transition Alliance has joined the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign, to work together to reform the nation’s chemical law that currently does not protect our health. We should have information about the health hazards of chemicals we’re exposed to—which is often kept hidden as “ trade secrets." And we must clean up the persistent chemicals that have contaminated communities for decades.

José T. Bravo is Executive Director of the Just Transition Alliance based in Chula Vista, California. Jose is a leader in Californian chemicals policy reform work, and Green Chemistry as a co-convenor of Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE). José has participated in the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement since 1990, and over the years he has gained recognition as a national and international leader in the EJ movement.

BPA Update: Victory in WA, Other News

from Safer States
More than 200 scientific studies have linked Bisphenol-A (BPA) to known health effects including impaired brain and reproductive development in unborn babies, miscarriage in pregnant women, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Populations that are particularly vulnerable to BPA are infants, children and pregnant women.
Here at Safer States, we are working to support efforts toward eliminating BPA and other toxic chemicals from our lives.
Today, we have several updates on the BPA front.
Washington State
The Governor of Washington State signed a bill into law which will ban bisphenol-A from baby bottles, sippy cups, children's dishware and sports bottles.

The law will take effect by July 2011, with the sports bottle ban going into effect a year later. Washington is only the second state, after Connecticut, to outlaw BPA in sports bottles. Washington is now the fourth state to pass a BPA law. You can keep apprised of what states and regions are banning BPA by checking out our BPA fact page.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
This week, the EPA announced that they will take a look at BPA and its affect on the environment. This news, in conjunction with the FDA taking a look at BPA, is encouraging and shows that the federal government is taking the threat of BPA seriously.

"We share FDA’s concern about the potential health impacts from BPA. Both EPA and FDA, and many other agencies are moving forward to fully assess the environmental and health impacts to ensure that the full range of BPA’s possible impacts are examined."
-Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances

Wisconsin Company Removes BPA from receipts
Last year, Science News released findings that BPA was being discovered on register receipts. This was not only of concern because of the ubiquity of register receipts, but also because the form that the BPA takes is unbound and free to be transferred into food and our bodies.
This month, Appleton — a paper company in Wisconsin — was the first company in the nation to announce a move toward BPA-free register papers by labeling their papers as "BPA-Free". They removed bishpenol-a from their paper in 2006 as health concerns about the chemical began to be made public.
BPA bans in Europe
Denmark will be introducing a temporary ban on BPA in food packaging for young children. Whether the ban stays in effect is contingent on further research.
The French government is moving toward a BPA ban in baby bottles. The French Senate voted last week to ban BPA, and now the bill will move through the legislature.
Waiting for Maryland
We are anticipating news from Maryland any day. Their legislature has voted to ban BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. The expected signature from the Governor should come soon.
Further Reading
Bad chemistry: The poison in the plastic that surrounds us. The Independent, 03/31/10.
New research finds BPA in plastic, water — and in all of us. Rodale, 03/31/10.

Can Folate Correct the Effects of BPA Exposure?

from www.asoftlanding.com

Is there anyway to counteract the effects of BPA exposure?

Over the last few years we’ve been smacked by so much information about the damage done to our endocrine systems by hormone-mimicking chemicals like BPA.  We’ve removed as many obvious sources as we can, and yet so  many are simply out of our control.  Canned foods remain one of those BPA-laden giants and manufacturers are having a hard time finding safer alternatives, leaving busy folks with few pre-prepared choices.

So what can we do to protect ourselves against exposures we can’t control?  And beyond that, is there anyway to reverse damage that has already been done?

There is exciting news on this front!  Dr. Greene recently discussed the protective nature of folate intake based on a preliminary study done by Duke University researchers.  They found that the effects of BPA on the babies of pregnant mice were negated when folate was introduced.  This was true even with significant exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical!

These nutrients switched the genes back the way they should be, and the BPA effect was completely nullified. The researchers describe this as compelling evidence that certain nutrients can counteract BPA when given during pregnancy.  Beyond this, the researchers propose that these nutrients could block the effects of chemical estrogen exposures, even if given later in childhood and possibly even in adulthood.

In The New American Diet, author Steve Perrine takes this theory even further.  He explains that research has linked the addition of huge amounts of corn and soy in our diets to a decrease in folate intake (we’re talking about soy-based products here, not whole organic soy foods).  Americans are more likely to choose highly processed, packaged foods over fresh fruits and vegetables than ever before.

Mr. Perrine gives us a clear picture of folate’s key role in our health when he describes how some scientists liken folate to a canary in a coal mine:

When folate levels drop, levels of obesity, hear disease, stroke cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, depression – and even resistance to some antidepressant therapies – go up.

Now before you run out to buy a folic-acid supplement, you should know that studies show that getting your folate from fresh food offers twice the protection.  The best sources of folate are found in green leafy vegetables such as:

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Endive
• Swiss Chard

Always be sure to choose organic, pesticide free fruits and vegetables so you don’t end up adding yet another endocrine disruptor to your diet.  If you’re not sure how to prioritize your organic buying choices to best fit your budget, be sure to check out the Environmental Working Group’s excellent work on the subject here.

>> You can find other good folate sources can be found here.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Safe Starter Stainless Steel Bottles

 

The Safe Starter The Safe Sippy

With all the hype around bad plastics it sometimes just feels good to go with an alternative for your baby – like safe stainless steel.  Kid Basix is the maker of The Safe Sippy, The Safe Sporter, and The Safe Starter bottle.  Although they are stainless steel on the inside I was impressed by how light these bottles are.  They are covered with a silicone sleeve and the bottle and all of its parts are dishwasher safe!  Why go stainless?  Here’s a great answer from Kid Basix:

Kid Basix created The Safe Sippy™ drink cup in response to parents’ growing concerns about Bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals present in many plastic bottles. Now, we have expanded the “Safe” brand to include The Safe Starter™ stainless steel baby bottle and The Safe Sporter™ sports bottles to provide safe, reusable drink ware for the entire family.

Why go with stainless steel bottles from Kid Basix when so many BPA-free plastic bottles are available now? We can give you 300 billion reasons. That’s the approximate number of plastic water bottles discarded around the world every year. Enough to power 12 million cars for an entire year. And that’s just the water bottles! It doesn’t include all the plastic bottles used for sodas, sports drinks, fruit juices and the like. All told, the plastic bottles we throw away each year would reach to the moon and back – 1500 times. So using reusable stainless steel bottles makes sense on every level: personal, local and global.

I own The Safe Sippy as well and use it with my one and a half year old.  The hard spout was hard for him to use when he was a baby, but after about 15 months he decided he loved the “strawlikeness” of the hard spout.  Kid Basix has since made The Safe Sippy2 which I think is an even better version with a cap and travel plug.

You can buy any of these Kid Basix items on Amazon.  The silicon sleeves come in pretty pastels of green, blue, or pink, and the bottles come in both 5 and 9 oz options.  I have say it’s also a super cute bottle, nothing wrong with that!

Enter to Win!

Enter to win a Kid Basix stainless steel Safe Starter bottle (green sleeve) by simply sending an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Safe Starter.”  Winner will be chosen at random; contest ends March 11th at 12 noon est.

New Line of Sassy BPA, Pthalate, and PVC Free Bath Toys

from www.asoftlanding.com

Sassy is filling a gap for many parents when it comes to safe bath toys, because PVC-free options are still really hard to find.   If you are wondering what harmful effects PVC has on our children you might find the following information from www.asoftlanding.com very helpful:
PVC is Everywhere
PVC is commonly used in bath toys, teethers, baby bibs, inflatable pool toys, children's playground ball pits, dog toys, shower curtains, mattress covers, cling wrap and in most non-slip bath mats. And that's just for starters! There is a growing awareness of polyvinyl chloride's toxic nature, but the quest to avoid it is rather daunting because there isn't as much demand for PVC-free products.
I often hear the question, "But what if I find a toy made from phthalate-free PVC? Isn't it safer?" No. And here's why - PVC requires the addition of chlorine. Chlorine is one major health concern associated with PVC, but it isn't the only problem. Earth911 discusses the full effects PVC, and the facts are stunning:

Due to its chlorinated makeup, the entire life cycle of vinyl is responsible for the formation of more dioxin than any other single product. Dioxin is a well-known carcinogen and can affect the reproductive, immune, endocrine and neurological systems.

Chlorine production for PVC results in the release of over 200,000 pounds of mercury to air, water and land each year.

To make vinyl products flexible, phthalates are used as plasticiers, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than five million tons used for vinyl every year.

Lead is often added to vinyl construction products as a stabilizer to extend its life. It is estimated that 45,000 tons of lead each year are released into the environment during its disposal by incineration.

Invest Some Effort in Avoiding PVC Now and Be Healthier Later

Watch for "vinyl" in product descriptions, as it is commonly used as a nickname for PVC. But keep in mind that the term "vinyl" may also be used to describe ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA) and polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). Both of these plastics are considered to be safer alternative to PVC and are acceptable choices

Avoid products marked with PVC, V or the #3 recycling code on the product or its packaging.

Manufacturers are not required to label their products with materials used, so you may need to confirm with each manufacturer.

Be aware that many companies are proud to offer you phthalate-free PVC, and while this is a step in the right direction, we need to avoid PVC completely. Encourage the makers of your favorite companies to use PVC alternatives if possible

Check the Center for Health Environment and Justice (CHEJ) for an extensive list of companies who do not use PVC in their products

On a side note: food containers are not typically made with PVC (and thus no phthalates), so don't focus your effort in this area  

For 2010, all Sassy bath toys are now BPA and phthalate-free and twelve of them are also PVC-free.
PVC-free Bath Toys

1. Bath & Sun Visors
2. Sassy Soft Swimmers Animal Characters Bath Toy, 3 Pack
3. Sassy Catch N Release Net Bath Toy
4. Bath Wigglers - Assorted
5. Sassy Pour and Explore Cups Bath Toy, White
6. Sassy Fill and Float Duckie Temperature Bath Toy
7. Sassy Scrub-a-Dub Car Wash Bath Toy
8. Sassy Soft Touch Rinse Cup Shampoo Aid, Colors May Vary
9. Sassy Count 'N Spell Bath Appliques
10. Sassy Count N Spell Appliques, Pink
11. Sassy Pull and Go Boat Bath Toy
12. Sassy Bath time Pals Squirt and Float Toys

Bath Toys Made with PVC

1. Pour & Explore Water Whirl
2. Boogie Board Buddie
3. Snap & Squirt Sea Creatures
4. Fill-Up Fish
5. Soft Spout Guard