simplyneutral

On any given day, I have two oracles on my shoulders. They’re not that little angel and devil you’re thinking of. They’re different.

The first one is hopeful. (I picture her wearing cute Doc Marten Mary Janes, which I’m sure she got at a killer sale.) She’s chatty and animated, and she holds my attention with long, feel-good stories about everything we’ll do right in this world. She has no time for naysayers, and she says I shouldn’t either. She’s so optimistic and passionate that I find myself wanting to believe everything she says. So I listen and try to stay focused.

The other oracle is more negative. (God only knows what she wears on her feet.) She speaks less often and with fewer words, but when she does her voice can resonate for hours (or, sadly, days and weeks). That can make hope hard to hear. She’s armed with endless statistics and sobering details about the true state of things. On my best days, I thank her for keeping me informed about the reality of our situation. On my worst days, I just want her to shut up.

The thing is, we need both voices. To really make a difference, we have to stay informed, even if it’s sometimes depressing. And, without hope, there isn’t any good reason to keep plugging away. In fact, when both of these voices work together, amazing things can happen.

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 is a prime example. For years, we’ve been hearing (and my bad news oracle has been reminding me) about all the harmful stuff that’s in the products we use—from perfluorinated chemicals in our non-stick pans…to hormone disrupters in our shampoo…to cancer-causing agents in our lawn care products. It can be overwhelming and depressing.

But, all of that could change! The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 would require companies to prove a chemical is safe for people and the environment before they put it into their products. The Act would also give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) more authority to regulate against toxic chemicals.

It’s a huge change that’s long overdue! And, it’s only happening because a bunch of people decided to take all of that depressing knowledge and turn it into something hopeful.

So can you.

The Healthy Child Healthy World website gives a lot of great information on the specifics of the Act and ways you can show your support—like contacting your representatives by email or standard mail and telling them the time is now! It sounds like a lot of work, but they make it really easy. Check it out!

Doing something specific will make you feel good. And, it will show those two head-strong oracles of yours that you’re listening.

We’re all in this together,

Sara

I’m a germ freak. When I’m in a public bathroom, I don’t like touching the door handle with my bare hand on the way out. I also don’t like putting stuff in the “baby seat” portion of my shopping cart, because I’ve read it’s laden with all sorts of bacteria. And, when it comes to hotel rooms, I feel like I need a shot of penicillin just to make it through my stay.

And, yet, for all my phobias about germs, I don’t use anti-bacterial soaps and other hand sanitizing products. (Neither should you.)

First, studies show they may not be safe. Earlier this year, the FDA announced it was conducting a “scientific and regulatory review of the safety of triclosan in FDA-regulated products.” Triclosan is the ingredient that kills the bacteria. The problem is that it’s been found to be an “endocrine disruptor.” That means it messes with the thyroid hormone, which is critical for proper growth and brain development.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reported that, in one study, “triclosan decreased sperm count, damaged the male reproductive system, and disrupted male hormone production.” Seriously, not good. The report also found that three-quarters of Americans ages 6 to 65 have triclosan in their urine.

And, what about all those soap bubbles that wash down the drain? The NRDC says anti-microbial chemicals pollute streams and waterways where triclosan can turn into “highly toxic dioxin compounds.” That’s why its calling on the FDA to ban the ingredient from consumer products.

So? How do we kill the germs? It turns out we can do it the old-fashioned way. The FDA recently released findings that show using anti-bacterial soap is no more effective than using regular soap and water for preventing illness. And, ironically, some experts say using anti-bacterial soaps actually promotes the growth of even stronger bacteria. In fact, some bacteria—like the MRSA superbug—are immune to many of these products.

This happens through the process of natural selection. Antibacterial and antimicrobial agents were created to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals. But, as companies began marketing these products to everyday consumers, more microbes were exposed to—and developed resistances to—these agents. By using more antibacterial products, people may actually encourage bacteria to evolve and become more resistant than they were before.

It’s something to think about next time you’re in the soap aisle. Check the ingredients before you buy. If it contains triclosan, choose a soap that doesn’t. (And, for Pete’s sake, don’t put it in front of your cart where all the germs are! Ick!)

Knowledge is power! We’re all in this together,

Sara

I was sitting in a meeting—a meeting I wanted to attend. When I got there, I felt great. But, then I noticed it. Before I knew it, my head was pounding and I had to leave. I felt sick for the rest of the day.

Because I have multiple chemical sensitivities, I’m like the canary in the coal mine. My reaction to the artificial fragrance in perfume—and a host of other synthetic chemicals—is more severe than it is for most people. But, in a way, I consider myself lucky. My body is more in tune with the things that are bad for me. Other people are exposed to the same dangerous chemicals and don’t even know it. Take fragrances.

They may seem innocent and innocuous, until you look deeper and discover what they really are. There are more than 5,000 different fragrances used in products today. One fragrance mixture can contain 200 or more chemicals. So, even though most people don’t react as strongly as I do, they’re still exposing themselves to nameless toxins that could cause harm. I say nameless because fragrance is considered a Trade Secret or Proprietary Information. Therefore, companies don’t have to disclose what fragrances are used in their ingredient information.

Recently, a woman sued the City of Detroit because it failed to accommodate her allergy to perfume and other scented products. The woman claimed a co-worker’s excessive use of perfume and air fresheners made it difficult for her to breathe. When her complaints fell on the deaf ears of her superiors, she sued the city and won a $100,000 settlement. The City of Detroit was forced to post signs banning government workers from wearing cologne, perfume, deodorant, and scented lotions—and from using scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, and room sprays.

You may think that sounds excessive, but, in many ways, fragrance is no different than second-hand smoke. The volatile organic compounds (or VOC’s) emitted by fragrance products can contribute to poor indoor air quality and are associated with a variety of adverse health effects.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is considered the leading cause of contact dermatitis. This sensitivity affects more than two million people, and studies suggest this number is on the rise because fragrance is being added to more products every day. And, the New York magazine reported that 74% of women have an allergic reaction to fragrance at least once in their lifetime.

Unfortunately, fragrance seems to be everywhere—from cosmetics, shampoos, and detergents to fabric softener, air fresheners, plug-ins, and household cleaners. It’s even used as a flavoring in food. That means our bodies are being bombarded by thousands of chemicals each day through many different senses.

What can you do?

Read the labels carefully of the products you use. Even products labeled “unscented,” “natural,” or “organic” are not necessarily free of fragrance. Some may say they use essential oils, but they also add fragrance. (We don’t.) Many of these products even contain fragrance or chemicals to mask product odors.

If you still want to use perfume or air fresheners, use therapeutic grade essential oils. I personally use therapeutic grade essential oils with no reaction. The library is a great resource for books about essential oils and their many uses.

Remember, we’re all in this together,

Maggie

I know I’m teaching my kids a thing or two when my daughter yells out at a birthday party “You have to return that plastic ball, it’s toxic!” The poor boy looked at his new ball in confusion. Parents looked at me like I had two heads. I was embarrassed.

My daughter has the memory of an elephant. She wanted a ball just like that one about a year ago. I told her no because I was sure it has phthalates in it—I could smell the fumes.

Reading “Earliest Exposure” by the Washington Toxics Coalition reinforced my feelings about phthalates and chemical exposure. (Visit www.watoxics.org to read the full report about fetus exposure to chemicals.)

Phthalates are chemicals that are used to carry fragrance (think hang time) and make plastic more pliable. Products that contain phthalates are cosmetics; perfumes; air fresheners; detergents; food, medications; PVC; and vinyl products like flooring, shower curtains, and children’s toys.

Guess what? That “new car smell” is partly due to phthalates volatilizing from a hot plastic dashboard after the car’s been sitting in the sun for a few hours.

We ingest, inhale, and absorb phthalates because they’re not chemically bound to the product. Laboratory studies have shown fetus exposure to phthalates causes reproductive issues and effects thyroid hormone levels. Appropriate thyroid hormone levels are critical for brain and nervous system development.

What’s even more scary is that recent research shows even low doses of exposure during certain stages of fetal development can have dramatic effects on male fetuses. The reproductive issues were decreased sperm production, undescended testes, smaller penises, and other signs of feminization. Not good.

What can we do?

Avoid fragrances. Because fragrance mixtures are considered a trade secret or proprietary information, companies don’t have to disclose the ingredient. So, if you want to play it safe, don’t buy a product that includes artificial fragrances in its ingredients list.

Don’t purchase PVC shower curtains or liners. Buy cloth. They’re washable and last much longer.

When remodeling or building your home, research materials first. An example, use linoleum, not vinyl flooring.

Join organizations or look at websites that have tested toys and cosmetics for toxins. Here are a few I always use:

Washington Toxics Coalition
www.watoxics.org

Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

Women’s Voices for the Earth
www.womenandenvironment.org

Healthy Legacy
www.healthylegacy.org

Remember, we’re all in this together,

Maggie

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