The EWG notes that “PBDEs are found in the bodies of nearly every American.” Also they explain that “Laboratory studies show that exposure to minute doses of PBDEs can damage reproductive systems and cause deficits in motor skills, learning, memory and hearing, as well as changes in behavior.“Babies who are rapidly developing are at a serious risk for problems due to PBDEs. Studies have shown that just a single dose of PBDEs at a critical brain development point can cause lasting harm and record numbers of this toxin have been found in breast milk.

One problem is that few studies have been done on humans with regards to this toxin so we can’t know the full scope of the health issues BUT studies with laboratory animals do show that PBDE exposure before and after birth caused problems (some major) with brain development, including problems with learning, memory and behavior. PBDE exposure during development is also linked to problems with thyroid hormone levels and reproduction.

Besides being found in most human bodies at this point, levels of PBDEs in the soil and air have been increasing at a rapid rate.

How to avoid PBDEs

• Most PBDEs are found in polyurethane foam products manufactured before 2005, but just because you have a newer product doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free from PBDEs.
• Go through your home and locate items with PBDEs. Mattresses, mattress pads, couches, easy chairs, foam pillows, breastfeeding pillows, carpet padding, and other foam items purchased before 2005 are most likely to contain PBDEs and the same goes for vehicle seating, car seats, and office furniture. Since you obviously can’t ditch all your products at once think about replacing any baby or kid products that contain PBDEs first, since kids and babies are currently developing.
• When switching out bedding buy organic cotton bedding (cotton fibers aren’t treated with PBDEs).
• Buy mattresses – especially baby mattresses made without PBDEs.
• See a list about companies who are currently phasing out these chemicals AND get more more tips on preventing PBDE exposure at the EWGs PBDE site.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Household toxin – chemical flame retardant

TWIST cleaning products

Bad, anti-eco cleaning tools:

• Most sponges
• Clean and toss (non-recyclable) disposables like Swiffer products
• Paper towels

Better, eco-friendly cleaning tools:

• Loofahs
• Reusable cloths – you can buy packs of washcloths, use old cloth diapers, or cut up old clothing. Thrift stores are an especially good place to find old cleaning cloths.
• Twist Cleaning Kit
• Eco-sponge and sponge with walnut scrubber
• Microfiber sponge mitts
• Fight stains with the sun!
• O-Cedar Brooms – not perfect but greener than some with bristles made from recycled soda bottles and this broom has a long life.
• Bono Hardwood Floor Mop – comes with a reusable cloth head which is better than those sponge-like toss away mop heads.
• Get a greener vacuum cleaner

Other related green cleaning tips:

• Look for cleaning tools that come in minimal packaging.
• Make sure all your cleaning tools are reusable and have the longest life possible.
• Avoid plastics when possible and aim for natural bristles and wooden handles (like with a broom).
• Consider tools that do double duty – do you really need a brush for the tub and another for the sinks? No.

Post from: Blisstree

Green Cleaning Tools