The answer is simple. I want to be able to pick a personal care product up from a store shelf and know what I'm putting on my children is safe.
I took this for granted. Heck, I figured, if they are allowed to sell it, it must be safe. Now I know this is not the case.
Now don't get me wrong, I have done my homework, and I feel much more comfortable with the products that I buy for my family. (If you want to know what they are, read this post.) The problem is that I know there are others like me who are being mislead. Didn't the tobacco industry do the same thing for years- make the public think that there was no risk when the cancer risk was proven?
Did I mention that personal care products aren't the only concern? Your child's pajamas might be sprayed with a dangerous bioaccumulant (that means it never goes away.) Is your furnature safe? What about the wood your house was built with? In Europe over 11,000 chemicals are banned. In the US? Last I heard it was 11. Seriously 11. Are you still on the fence? Read the book Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry
for more details and specifics. After reading this, many of my old products that I was keeping until they were used up went straight to the trash (although perhaps they should have gone to the hazardous materials center!) It's just not even worth it. I am honored to be a Mom Blogger for Safer Chemicals, and if you are left wondering what you can do- check back next week. I'm working on a post of practical ideas of how you can make a difference.
Tags: personal care products, safe chemicals, safe ingredients, baby care products, healthy family
Are you serious, I never knew there are so much more products banned in Europe then in the USA. Huh, I almost feel safe now.. No, not really, but it is a little comforting.
ReplyDeleteAnd imagine the people who have to make those tixic clothes :-(
I wish you wouldn't have to fight so hard to keep your kids safe but I admire your power, you can change things!!!
Furniture is not safe. Even furniture from retailers such as Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel is loaded with toxic fire-retardants. Yes, the say it is government approved but that does not mean anything anymore, in this country. Also if it is "engineered wood," it is toxic. Wool is the only non-toxic fire-retardant, so I have taken apart furniture and stuffed it with wool, instead of keeping the toxic foam.
ReplyDelete