In Part 1 of this article, we focused on why you should reduce your exposure to toxins and a few resources to help you get started. Now, let’s dig a little deeper and discuss some ways to reduce our exposure to the chemicals found in our everyday products. I know it’s not always going to be easy to make this transition, especially when some of the products we will discuss are ones that you may have become accustomed to.

Don’t forget, reducing your exposure to toxins is a process and it takes time. Start with one product you can easily change and feel you can live without. You will discover that this process will become easier and easier. Soon you will be a pro and will be making a more non-toxic environment for you and your entire family. So let’s get started…

Hair Care

Shampoo and conditioners are products that we use everyday, if not multiple times per day. Finding a perfect combination that works well with your hair and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg could be quite challenging. More and more grocery stores are beginning to carry a wider selection of products to choose from. You may even find travel sizes to test out the product’s effectiveness before investing in a larger product. Here too, Skin Deep can be a vital resource.

What about coloring your hair? Is it safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Unfortunately, the chemicals used in dyes change frequently and there are few studies available to assess safety and/or harm. Permanent dyes are applied to the scalp as well as hair and chemicals can be absorbed through the scalp, not to mention inhaled through fumes. For this reason, many experts agree to avoid coloring your hair during the first trimester of pregnancy. Highlights have been noted as a safer option since the chemicals used do not touch the scalp and the hair is wrapped in foil which contains the fumes. Again, more and more eco hair salons can be found; try searching Ecovian or Spa Index.

Did you know that herbs, vegetables and fruits can also be used to enhance your hair color? Try the following:

• Lighten your hair with lemons and sun
• For blondes: Chamomile, calendula, rhubarb root, saffron, tumeric and yellow flowers
• For brunettes: Henna powder, black tea and coffee
• For red-heads: Beets, carrots and henna

To learn how, check out these articles from Mother Earth News and Pregnancy.org

Hair Removal

Eyebrows, upper lip, arm pits, bikini area and legs are all areas women keep well groomed. Waxes can contain chemicals, although some salons use better quality wax. Another point is that salons may not utilize the wax machine correctly either by not keeping the temperature of the wax at the recommended temperature or by re-inserting a used applicator into the wax. Dirty wax can carry many risks, including transmission of herpes and other infections. Remember, wax may be used for both facial and bikini waxing.

An alternative to waxing is the Indian art of threading. Threading uses a thread to remove hair from the root and although it is a bit more painful, the shaping is phenomenal! A little tip, opt out of the baby powder that is used prior to threading. Baby powder contains talc (not to mention other worrisome chemicals) and should be avoided. After the threading, an astringent is applied; most use Witch Hazel.  Bringing your own ointment can ensure only the highest quality products are used on your face (Earth Mama Bottom Balm is great because it promotes healing and has anti-inflammatory properties).

For legs and bikini area, try a shaving gel that has safer health ratings such as Dr. Bronner’s shave gel.

Soap

When you sit down and think about it, we use many different types of soaps. A soap for bathing, washing our hands and faces (not to mention the soaps we use to wash dishes…but that’s another discussion). Many soaps contain surfactants which aide in foaming. 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, is a by-product of these surfactants. In addition, triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent, is commonly found in many hand soaps. Triclosan is not only harmful to humans by killing bacteria, good bacteria included which makes us more susceptible to harmful bacteria, but it also harms the environment. Safer options are readily available at your local grocer. Castile soap is a great versatile soap that you can use for all of your skin care needs, from hand wash to facial cleaning.

Deodorant

Aluminum in present in many antiperspirants and has been linked to Alzheimer’s andbreast cancer. A popular natural deodorant, the Crystal rock, deodorizes naturally by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, this popular deodorant is not aluminum-free. Dr. Mercola states, “The aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of compound known as an alum, the most common form being potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. Potassium Alum or Ammonium Alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers.” But again, they are not aluminum-free. Terra Naturals deodorants are vegan and aluminum-free (see their ingredient list here).

Baking soda can be just as effective as a deodorant. There are many recipes available to make your own homemade deodorant using baking soda, cornstarch, olive/coconut oil and essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, lemon, etc. It’s easy to make, cheap and lasts for months.

Perfume

Most perfumes have synthetic fragrances and are loaded with toxins. Not ready to give up your favorite scent? Reduce your exposure by spraying the perfume on your clothes instead of your skin. Ready to toss your favorite perfume and opt for a healthier option? Essential oils are the answer. Just mix with olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil to create your own signature non-toxic perfume.

Unfortunately, until there are better regulations on chemicals, we all must safeguard our health by becoming more knowledgeable about what’s in the products that we use and how we can reduce our exposure.

This holiday season take a moment to think about the personal care products on your gift list and the products you’re using to make yourself extra beautiful for holiday parties. Take a good look at the hand soap, face soap, face lotion, toner, make-up remover, shampoo, conditioner, gel, body lotion, deodorant, hair spray, perfume, shave lotion and make-up. Do you know how many hazards you are exposing yourself and your loved ones to? Not sure? Go to the Skin Deep database and look up your products. You’ll probably find that the number is probably a frightening one.

The Environmental Working Group estimates that the average person uses up to 25 products a day and each product contains multiple chemicals (take a look: Toxic Burden). When thinking about the hundreds of chemicals we expose ourselves to on a daily basis- from lead in lipstick to hormone-disrupting chemicals in bath products- it’s no wonder why cancer rates are high, autism rates have soared and umbilical cord blood is loaded with toxic chemicals.

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval. Instead, it’s the manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. Unfortunately, the best interest of the consumers has not been upheld (check out this video by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: The Story of Cosmetics) and it rests upon our shoulders to ensure the products that we use are safe. Protecting ourselves from these toxic chemicals is especially necessary during pregnancy and while nursing since these toxins can transfer from mom to developing baby. Studies have confirmed that pregnant women are exposed to many hazardous chemicals, some that have even been banned for some time.

The skin is a body’s largest organ and is our first line of defense. It is also very porous and readily absorbs products we use on our skin. Once absorbed through the pores of the skin, the chemicals are absorbed into the blood stream, where they make their way through our circulatory system and to our vital organs.

With holiday parties around the corner, let’s take a look at the products we use to get ourselves beautified and find out how we can begin eliminating hazardous chemicals and heavy metals.

Cosmetics

Do you use Clinique? Maybeline? Cover Girl? MAC? You might be surprised that many of these brands contain lead, phthalates and parabens. There is good news…not all make-up is toxic. Some healthier choices include brands like Miessence, Ava Anderson, Zosimos Botanicals and Rejuva Minerals. You can even make your own cosmetics out of everyday items. Learn how by visiting:

Tree Hugger Make Your Cosmetics The Daily Green- How to Make 10 Natural Beauty Products

Nail Care

Who doesn’t love a good mani and pedi? However, when walking into a nail salon, the smell of chemicals is over powering. Many cities now have ecosalons (find one in your area by visiting Ecovian or Spa Index).

If you don’t have an ecosalon close by, you can still make your salon experience a healthy one. Make your own spa kit and include:

• Your own tools (i.e. nail clipper, buffer, emry board, etc)
• Natural nail polish (such as Acquarella, Scotch Naturals and  Keeki Pure and Simple)
• Non-toxic nail polish remover (i.e. Acquarella or Priti Soy Nail Polish Remover)
• Lotion
• Soap

Also, try to choose a nail salon that is clean and does not have a strong chemical odor.

In part 2 of this article we will discuss hair care, soaps, deodorants and perfumes. Remember don’t get overwhelmed, it’s all about reducing you and your family’s exposure.

Recent media attention concerning chemicals in baby products has caused much concern and alarm. The No More Toxic Tub report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a non-profit agency whose goal is to bring attention to harmful chemicals in our skin care products, informs us that many of the baby products that we know, love, and have used for many years contain cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals, specifically, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. In addition to these two harmful chemicals, parents have to worry about the presence of phthalates and parabens in their personal care products as well as their baby’s. These chemicals are not federally regulated here in the United States, but have been banned in other countries. 1,4-dioxane has been banned in Europe and formaldehyde is banned in Japan and Sweden. The U.S. and Europe have banned three phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) from children’s toys.

1,4-dioxane is not a product added intentionally, but instead is considered a contaminant and therefore is not required to be listed on product labels. This chemical is used as a foaming agent and found in many of the products that we use today, such as shampoos, liquid soaps, deodorants, laundry detergents, toothpastes and much more. 1,4-dioxane is readily absorbed into the bloodstream potentially causing damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and may even result in death.

Formaldehyde exposure occurs everyday in the air that we breath and from some of the foods that we eat. Formaldehyde is a gas which can cause throat, nose, skin, and eye irritation. Exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, itching, and skin irritations. Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to allergies and asthma in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies formaldehyde as a carcinogen and high levels of this chemical have been linked to the development of nose, lung and brain cancer as well as leukemia.

Phthalates are another man-made chemical found in many of our personal care products. Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and used in many fragrance oils to help prolong the fragrance’s scent. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that many young infants are frequently exposed to phthalates in common baby lotions, powders, and shampoos thereby making them more vulnerable to the developmental and reproductive adverse effects of these chemicals. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal changes, birth defects, reproductive abnormalities in baby boys (i.e. low sperm count, testicular cancer, deformities of the penis), and damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Parabens are used as a preservative in many cosmetics, foods and pharmaceutical products. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and when absorbed through the skin, parabens have been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive abnormalities.

Even natural and organic products have been shown to contain these worrisome chemicals. How can you tell if your products contain harmful ingredients? Read the label (find out what to look for here). Be sure to visit the Skin Deep database to find out the safety rating of your products.

Manufacturers of these baby products argue that their product only contains a small amount of these chemicals and are below acceptable levels. Sure, they may be “below acceptable levels”, however, repeated exposure over our life span can negatively affect our health.

By becoming more informed and making better choices in the products that we use, the food that we eat and the water that we drink, our choices will influence manufacturers to produce products that are safe, non-toxic and healthier for our families.

It’s no surprise that our previous ways of life have propelled us into a state of global warming, limitation of resources and polluted waterways, soil and air. It’s time to band together and take action. Here are some easy tips to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:

Can you take a guess at what accounts for more than 3 million tons of waste in our landfills, takes approximately 500 years to decompose and is used by 95% of new parents? YUP…you guessed it, disposable diapers! What can you do to reduce the number of diapers you put in the landfill? You have several options:

1. Consider using cloth diapers. The cloth diaper revolution has come a long way…safety pinning diapers is a thing of the past. Now there are cloth diapers that are just as easy to use as disposables. Don’t want to launder poopy diapers at home? No problem, there are diapering services available that deliver clean diapers right to your doorstep.
2. Cloth diapers not appealing to you? Well, have you heard of the new hybrid diapers? These handy biodegradable diapers are environmentally friendly and are as convenient as disposable diapers. Hybrid diapers can be flushed, composted or thrown away and will decompose in 50-150 days. A HUGE improvement from 500 YEARS!
3. And finally, there are eco-friendly diapers that do not use the same harsh chemicals used in traditional disposable diapers. Less chemicals means healthier practices for baby and the Earth.

Don’t forget…put poop where it belongs, in the toilet not the trash.

Breastfeed your baby. Think about it…less money spent, less environmental waste from formula cans, bottles, nipples, etc.

Reduce chemical use around your home.

1. Opt for eco-friendly cleaners or make your own with common household items such as vinegar, baking soda, lemons and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Paint your home (especially baby’s nursery) with VOC-free paint.
3. Use organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to maintain your yard. Remember, you, your family and pets run around in the yard and the chemicals can be brought into your home.
4. Opt for organic mattresses which do not use harsh chemicals, flame retardants and do not off-gas hazardous chemicals into the air (or you and your family’s lungs). This is especially important for infants who spend most of their time sleeping.
5. Buy local and promote local businesses and help promote sustainable environmental practices (techniques used to promote the health of the environment). Local farmer’s markets, for example, are a great way to reduce your exposure to pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used during the farming process. Visit localharvest.org to find a local farmer’s market or meat co-op in your area.

Recycle! If your community doesn’t offer this service, check out earth911.com to find a local recycling center near you.

The healthy steps you take today will impact your baby’s future. Let’s make it a good start!

Would you give your child a cigarette to smoke? Most would consider this question ludicrous. But did you know that when you or others smoke around your child, that’s exactly what is happening? Yes, your child is smoking.

Young children and infants are very susceptible to the toxic, carcinogenic chemicals of tobacco smoke. This is a known fact. Infants exposed to cigarette smoke are at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, respiratory infections, ear infections, cancer and possibly death. Yet, despite the vast amount of information available on this topic, infants are still exposed to both secondhand and third-hand smoke.  The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 21 million (that’s 35%) children in the US live in homes where adults smoke on a regular basis. This number is astonishing!

Secondhand smoke is classified as a “known human carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency. Secondhand smoke is made up of smoke coming from the lit end of a tobacco source (a.k.a. sidestream smoke) and the smoke exhaled from the smoker (midstream smoke). Infants exposed to secondhand smoke are involuntary exposed to thousands of hazardous chemicals.

What is third-hand smoke? One way or another, we have all been exposed to third-hand smoke. Think back to a time you smelled lingering cigarette smoke in your hotel room, a bar, a cab or in the smoking section of a restaurant. That’s third-hand smoke. Third-hand smoke is the toxic residue left behind by cigarette smoke. These residues cling to smoker’s hair and clothing, furniture, carpet and other furnishings exposed to tobacco smoke. This includes car seats that have been in the car of a smoker. Why is this dangerous for young infants? These toxic residues, which consists of butane, chromium, cadmium, carbon monoxide, ammonia, toluene, arsenic, lead, hydrogen cyanide and polonium-210 (a highly radioactive chemical) just to list a few, accumulate on the infant’s hands and can be ingested with normal hand-to-mouth activity.

How do you protect your child from the invisible dangers of secondhand and third-hand smoke?

1. Do not allow smoking in your home, car or any where around your child.
2. If you smoke, quit. If others smoke, encourage them to quit and support their efforts to quit smoking.
3. Avoid visiting homes which individuals smoke in.
4. Keep car seats, clothing, blankets, toys and other baby products out of homes and/or vehicles which smoking occurs.
5. Ensure smokers wash their hands prior to handling your child. Have smokers change their clothing prior to holding your child or cover their clothing when smoking.

Do your part to protect your child from secondhand and third-hand smoke. Remember, your child is too young to smoke.

As a child passenger safety technician, I have participated in many car seat inspections and am astonished at the number of seats that are either improperly installed and/or used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 73% to over 90% of child restraints are misused. In my experience, over 95% of car seats have been misused in some way.

Let’s take a look at some common mistakes to help you avoid making the same.

• When seat belts are used to secure the car seat, the seat belt has not been locked. Seat belts lock in 1 of 3 ways: at the (1) latch plate, (2) retractor or (3) by using a locking clip. Remedy: Be sure the seat belt is locked.
• The child restraint is not secured tightly and moves more than 1-inch at the belt-path. Remedy: Tighten the seat belt or LATCH strap and check for tightness.
• Some vehicles and/or child restraints do not allow the LATCH system to be used in the middle seat. This information is found both in the vehicle owner’s manual and the child restraint owner’s manual. Remedy: If utilizing the center seat and your vehicle does not allow for LATCH, secure the car seat with the seat belt.
• The harness straps are not tight enough to secure the child properly. Remedy: When checking tightness, pinch the straps at the shoulder level. You should not be able to pinch extra fabric.
• The retainer clip is positioned too low. Remedy: Position the clip level with the child’s armpit. The sternum absorbs more force than the abdomen in the event of a crash.
• The harness straps are not positioned in the proper harness slot. Remedy: Position the harness straps at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing and at or above when forward-facing.
• Forward-facing position used when child still requires rear-facing. The EARLIEST a child can be turned forward-facing is when he/she is 1 year of age AND 20 pounds…not either/or. The new recommendations are to keep children rear-facing for as long as possible or until the height and/or weight requirements of the convertible car seat have been reached.
• The carrying handle of the infant-only car seat remains in the carrying position and not in proper position for riding in the vehicle. Remedy: Refer to your child restraint manual for recommended positions for the handle while in the vehicle.
• Using aftermarket products. I must say, this is one of the most commonly seen mistakes. Aftermarket products (i.e. head support, harness padding, bunting) have not been crash tested with the car seat to be rendered safe. Remedy: Do not use any product that did not come with your car seat unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer.
• Expired car seats. Car seats expire after 6 years and should not be used. The plastic can become brittle and not provide the protection needed in the event of a crash.
• Rear-facing seat not at proper angle. Remedy: Position rear-facing seats to a 30-45° angle.
• Tether strap not used for forward-facing car restraint or improperly used with rear-facing convertible car seats. Remedy: Utilize tether straps as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Tether strap not tight.
• Tether strap not attached to correct anchor. Remedy: Refer to vehicle owner’s manual for proper tether anchor to utilize.
• Child not appropriate weight and/or height for the car restraint. Remedy: Follow child restraint height and weight guidelines.
• Twisted harness straps.
• Twisted seatbelt or LATCH straps.
• Using both seatbelt and LATCH to secure the car seat in a vehicle. Remedy: Only one or the other is to be used.
• Two car seats secured to one LATCH anchor. Remedy: Use seat belt for one child restraint and LATCH for the other or move child restraint.
• Using second-hand car seat in which the history is unknown. Remedy: Purchase a new car seat. If you must use a second hand seat, be sure you know that the car seat was not involved in an accident.

How do you prevent misuse?

• Read you car seat owner’s manual.
• Read your vehicle owner’s manual.
• Get your child restraint inspected every time you install a new seat.
• Be vigilant and check tightness of the seat and straps before every use.
• Make sure other caregivers who transport your child in a vehicle are knowledgeable about car seats and common car seat mistakes.

Since motor vehicle accidents are still a leading cause of death in children less than 14 years of age, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant in utilizing child restraints properly and consistently.

Healthy babies start from healthy pregnancies. What can you do to give your baby the benefits of a healthy start? Here are our top 10 recommendations:

1.  Eat a healthy well-balanced diet: Choose a diet low in fat and one that encompasses all food groups. During pregnancy, you will need about 300 extra calories a day. Whenever possible, eat organically to reduce you and your developing child’s exposure to harmful pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Farmer’s markets are another alternative if organic is too expensive and/or inconvenient for you. Avoid foods which can harbor harmful bacteria such as soft cheeses, unpasteurized foods, undercooked meats and prepared meats such as hot dogs and deli meats. Remember, fish is part of a healthy, diet and provides your baby with much needed DHA. DHA is essential for brain, eye and central nervous system development. Choose fish low in mercury such as calamari, flounder, Pollock, salmon, scallops, tilapia and shrimp.  Not sure how to choose a healthy diet? Check out MyPyramid Plan for Moms to get your customized plan.

2.  Continue to take your prenatal vitamins:  Iron and folic acid, as well as other nutrients, play an important role during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins, in addition to eating a well-balanced diet, will help to ensure proper amount of needed nutrients throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider which vitamins are best for you.

3. Get plenty of rest: 6-8 hours of sleep is optimal for health and well-being.

4. Keep hydrated: Water is the best fluid to maintain hydration (remember….60% of our body is made of water). Maintaining hydration influences amniotic fluid levels and reduces the presence of Braxton Hicks contractions. For adequate hydration, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Avoid drinks full of sugar, empty calories and caffeine. Limit caffeine intake to less than 200-300 milligrams per day

5. Exercise: A minimum of 2 ½ hours of moderate low-impact exercise (e.g. dancing, walking, prenatal yoga and swimming) per week is recommended during pregnancy.  Besides burning calories, exercise promotes health by increasing circulation, energy, muscle strength, and endurance all of which will be needed during labor and for recovery after birth. Remember to consult your health care provider before beginning any exercise routine. If you experience shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, chest pain, racing heart rate, contractions, vaginal leaking or any other complication, stop the activity immediately and notify your doctor.

6. Reduce your stress level: Stress can contribute to a variety of ailments such as headaches, anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, lowered immune system and premature delivery. Since pregnancy in itself can be a stressful time for expecting moms, it’s important to recognize symptoms and reduce stress. Here are some stress-reducing strategies:

• Get a prenatal massage from a certified massage therapist specially trained in prenatal massage. Acupuncture can also be helpful.
• Take some time for yourself each day. Read, rest, meditate, cook…do any activity that is enjoyable and brings a feeling of calmness and well-being.
• Treat yourself to a spa day.
• Sign-up for prenatal yoga classes.

7. Be vigilant in your prenatal care and follow your healthcare professionals instructions: Generally (for low-risk pregnancies), prenatal visits occur every 4 weeks during the first 28 weeks, about every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks and then every week after 36 weeks gestation.

8. Abstain from alcohol, drugs and cigarettes during pregnancy: The use of any one of these could lead to birth defects, prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, placental complications, addiction and possible death of mother and/or infant. Also, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking ANY medication. Remember, what goes into your body also enters your baby’s.

9. Reduce your exposure to chemicals: A study by the Environmental Working Group concluded that babies are exposed to more than 200 harmful chemicals before they are even born! Umbilical cord samples taken during pregnancy showed babies are exposed to flame-retardants, pesticides and many other toxins. Although chemical exposure occurs every day, there are ways to reduce the number of toxins that you and your baby are exposed to:

• Read labels of your personal care products and check Skin Deep database for the safety ratings of your products.
• Reduce your use of plastics. Especially those with recycle numbers 3, 6 and 7.
• Do not heat food or drinks in plastic containers.
• Choose organic or locally grown foods.
• Use non-toxic cleaners or make your own. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are all very effective cleaners.

10. Prepare yourself for the birth of your baby: Read books, watch videos, attend classes and talk with other moms.