I try to find funny in almost everything. But once in a while, there is nothing to laugh about. Take, for example, a new study by the nonprofit organization, Environmental and Human Health Inc (composed of doctors, public health professionals + policy experts), about the danger of some plastics to children and reproductive health.

Yeah… doesn’t exactly leave you in stitches, does it?

But I’m going to give you the basic facts and some awesome info to help protect your family. And then there will be a hunky reward at the end. Super hunky.

But first, the evil nitty gritty.

This study focused on the health effects from two chemicals found in some plastics – bisphenol A (BPA) and the phthalate DEHP. These chemicals are commonly found in both infant and baby products, as well as many everyday consumer items.

First the way scary part…
“We’ve reviewed hundreds of scientific studies on these chemicals and discovered that this is a far more serious problem than most believe. The plastics industry has escaped serious regulatory attention by federal and state authorities, while producing billions of pounds of resins each year used to manufacture thousands of products. Almost none of it is recycled, and most is buried or incinerated, which explains its presence in soils, groundwater and even air,” said John Wargo, professor of Risk Analysis and Environmental Policy at Yale University.

OH MAN, THAT SUCKS. (Kelcey’s commentary. Not part of the actual study.)

The two plastic ingredients (BPA and DEHP) are the subject of this report because of increasing evidence that they disrupt normal growth and development due to their hormonal activity.

WOW. THAT REALLY SUCKS.

And this quote really got to me… “While the final verdict on the risks of BPA may remain uncertain for years, the evidence for harm is already strong enough, as this report makes crystal clear, to immediately start protecting potentially vulnerable people – especially children – from any unnecessary exposures,” said Dr. Mark Cullen, professor of Medicine and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine.

DON’T FREAK OUT. Well, freak out a little. But then take action.

FINDING SAFE BOTTLES, CUPS + TODDLER TABLEWARE
There is an excellent list here on Z Recommends of all the companies that manufacture sippy cups, bottles, feeding products, etc.). You simply click on your favorite brand and find out which items are BPA free and which contain BPA. Pretty helpful and easy, right?

Like I was wondering about those First Year Sesame Street Take & Toss cups. Turns out… BPA free. Let me tell you, Summer is going to be quite relieved because I was about to throw those bad boys in the trash.

FINDING SAFE BATH TOY + TEETHERS
Z recommends comes to the rescue again with a list of safe and not safe bath toys.
And click here for their list of safe teethers.

AVOIDING PHTHALATES (DEHP and others)
This gets a little tricky because phthalates are in all kinds of everyday products like cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, hair gels, hair sprays, body lotions, nail polish, food wrap, shower curtains, automobile interiors, paint, pesticides and hospital supplies. And you often won’t find it on the ingredients’ label. I can’t even get started on that ridiculousness (Hi FDA – you still out there?)

Click on Non-Toxic Kids for some easy ways to avoid phthalates.

Some really big ones…

-Avoid using plastic containers and plastic wraps in microwave.

-Avoid the use of scented candles, air fresheners, dryer sheets, and other heavily scented products, as many contain phthalates.

-And choose products that don’t contain the word “fragrance” on the ingredients list because they will often contain phthalates.

Ok. I’m done with all that. And thank you to you for sticking with me.

So here is a little Sawyer…

Or if you’re more of a Fox fan…

Ok, ok… I now a few dads out there are just sick of all the male eye candy on this site. So here’s a little Lilly for you all out there. Happy Father’s Day.

Ok, I promise, the next post will be a heck of a lot more fun.


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