Avoiding Toxins

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant it’s time to start thinking about all the environmental bio-hazards that you should be avoiding.  And let me tell you, toxins are everywhere! Think about organic toxic-free solutions to the things we take for granted now.

*If you’re skeptical about how porous your skin really is think about the nicotine or the birth control patch where the medication is designed to be absorbed through your skin.

Studies suggest that infant and children’s skin is especially porous allowing many more toxins to enter their system.  According to Wikipedia, “it’s recognized that certain infections or poisons that are harmful to pregnant woman often are as harmful, or more harmful, to the fetus.” The most important issue however is that “the fetus has immature metabolism and is not able to detoxify substances very efficiently” so you want to limit exposure to toxins during your prenatal period and while breastfeeding as much as possible.  Wikipedia Link

“Thanks to federal regulations, infant pajamas, cribs, and toys must be treated with fire retardants, which are potential carcinogens. The ‘pressure treated’ wood of playground structures contains chromium and arsenic, and it has been well documented that playing on these structures will increase the levels of arsenic and chromium in children’s blood through simple skin contact.”  Natural Path Link

Here are Toxins to avoid:

1. Pest Control. There are lots of companies that are now starting to offer green solutions for every day living. Spraying your house with toxic chemicals seems like something we should all avoid on a normal basis, but especially when there are babies involved. With a quick search I found Blue Sky Pest Control who uses “a unique, synergistic blend of essential oils that  contain pest control properties. These products are all natural products with most being listed on the National Organic Program (NOP) list. For every Blue Sky Natural Choice green service, Blue Sky consistently uses the most environmentally, pet and people friendly products and treatment methods.”  Blue Sky Pest Control Link
2. Teflon, Stay Away! We most commonly think of Teflon in our non-stick pans, but it can even be found in the waterproofing of your diaper bag!  According to a Washington Post article, 8 companies recently agreed to ”eliminate a harmful chemical used to make Teflon from all consumer products coated with the ubiquitous non-stick material.” The chemical, Perfluorooctanoic Acid has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and is the blood of 95 percent of Americans, including pregnant woman.”  This acid is found all around us, for example; in pizza boxes, non-stick pans and microwave-popcorn bags.  Washington Post Article
3. Cleaning Supplies. Read the labels of household cleaners for toxic substances and consider using natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. Earth Easy has some great substitution recipes for making cleaning supplies at home. Earth Easy Link
4. Cat Litter. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can cause birth defects in children and outdoor cats may get it if they eat prey that carried toxoplasmosis.  Your cat will not necessarily show any symptoms. This does not mean you have to get rid of your cat while you’re pregnant, all it means is you don’t have to change the litter anymore!
5. Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions: Go Organic! What is the use of purifying our homes and workplaces if we are adding toxins to our bodies? It stands to reason, then, that many of us have begun to look into the use of a natural skin care product for our beauty regimen. Below is a list of the Top 10 toxins found in shampoos according the the CDC, FDA and EPA. IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLLCARBAMATE-Reproductive system toxicity LECITHIN – Penetration enhancer RESORCINOL- Possible human carcinogen FDC YELLOW 6- Possible human carcinogen PARABENS- Reproductive system toxicity SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE- Gastrointestinal toxicity PROPYLENE GLYCOL- Immune toxicant TOCOPHERYL ACETATE- Immune toxicant FRAGRANCE- Immune toxicant DISODIUM EDTA- Penetration enhancer. The journal Pediatrics showed for the first time that infants are exposed to potent reproductive toxins called phthalates from everyday baby products, including shampoo, lotion, and powder. Phthalates are also found in nail polishes and nail polish remover, hair sprays, perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, soft plastic toys and much more.  Clearly you want to avoid phthalates before, during and after pregnancy. There is no easy way to determine if your beauty or household product contains phthalates unless it clearly states “phthalate free.” During pregnancy, the safer the better so if you wont put it in your mouth, don’t put it on your skin. I am researching companies to switch over to, so far I like what Burts Bees. Skim there R&D page. I think they have the right idea and their products are widespread enough I know it won’t be to hard to find them. Burts Bees Link
6. No more Painting. During the first trimester, the baby’s nervous system is growing rapidly, so it’s especially important to avoid pesticides and toxic fumes during that time. Pregnant women should avoid stripping paint, because if the house was built before 1978, there is a good chance some of the layers contain lead. Lead has been shown to harm the baby’s developing brain and nervous system.
7. Don’t eat “Fish known to contain Mercury in their fatty tissues such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, fresh tuna, sea bass, and tilefish. (Canned chunk light tuna contains less mercury, but still should be eaten in moderation.) When a pregnant woman consumes large amounts of mercury, the baby may suffer brain damage. For those who like to fish in local lakes and rivers, you need to be careful of fish that contain industrial pollutants called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their fatty tissues. Examples are the bluefish and striped bass, and freshwater fish such as salmon, pike, trout, and walleye from contaminated lakes and rivers. Remember, this applies only to those who are fishing local waters, not to those who are buying fish in their grocery stores. (You can check with your local Health Department to determine which fish in your area are safe to eat.) Consumption of large amounts of PCBs by pregnant women is linked to decreased attention, memory, and IQ in their babies.” JustMommies.com Link
8. X-Rays, Microwaves, Electric Blankets  & Water Beds. X-Rays are obvious, even put off your dental X-Rays if possible. As far as the other three they supposedly give off low-level electromagnetic fields which may be harmful to a developing baby.
9. Some Aromatherapy. Some plant oils shouldn’t be used during pregnancy because of suspected physiological effects on the baby. Here is a list of those to avoid:

• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Cinnamon
• Clary sage (OK during labour)
• Clove
• Cypress (OK after 5 months)
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Jasmine (OK during labour)
• Juniper
• Lemongrass
• Myrrh
• Parsley
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Sweet marjoram
• Thyme