Jul 27, 2010 0
Jul 24, 2010 0
Reproductive Harm and Household Cleaning Products
The following article is from: www.womenandenvironment.org
Reproductive Harm & Household Cleaning Products Certain chemicals used in common cleaning products have been associated with reproductive harm such as alterations in sexual behavior, decreases in fertility, menstrual changes, changes in the onset of puberty, cancers of reproductive organs, miscarriage, premature birth and other effects.
Glycol ethers, such as 2-butoxyethanol, are solvents commonly found in glass cleaners and all-purpose spray cleaners and have been associated with low birth weight in exposed mice.
Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are surfactants found in laundry detergents, stain removers, and all-purpose cleaners, which have been found to reduce embryo survival in fish and alter tadpole development.
Phthalates are carriers for fragrance in glass cleaners, deodorizers, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, and are linked to adverse effects on male children, reduced sperm count in adult men, and increased allergic symptoms and asthma in children.
Studies suggest using precaution may protect the next generation
Sometimes the effects of chemical exposure are not seen until the next generation. Many scientists now believe that chemical exposure, even at very low levels, can have adverse impacts on the reproductive system. When a pregnant mother is exposed to chemicals, this exposure can also impact the developing child and lead to developmental effects, such as birth defects, low birth weight, impacts on cognitive development or other harmful outcomes. Research has shown the following:
Pregnant women exposed to glycol ethers in their work environments were significantly more likely to have children with birth defects such as neural tube defects and cleft lip.[i]
A California study measured actual emissions of glycol ethers and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under normal home cleaning conditions.[ii] The research suggests that potential exposures to VOCs such as glycol ethers like 2-butoxyethanol from home cleaning can be high enough to exceed threshold safety levels established for industrial settings. In particular, potentially dangerous levels of these chemicals were seen in smaller, poorly ventilated rooms (such as a bathroom), where floor cleaners were used in combination with air fresheners.
Most of the research on reproductive harm and chemicals in cleaning products has been conducted in the laboratory and does not involve human testing due to both practical and ethical considerations. Yet, effects on animals may hold answers for humans.
Studies on laboratory mice found reduced fertility among female mice exposed to 2-butoxyethanol, and lower birth weight in their offspring.[iii]
In laboratory studies, offspring of rats exposed to 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) ethanol developed various birth defects including malformations of the ribs and cardiovascular system.[iv]
Nonylphenol (NP) is a breakdown product of NPEs which is known to mimic the hormone estrogen and impact the production of testosterone, both of which can have numerous reproductive and other health impacts.[v] In female rats, exposure to NP delayed the onset of puberty and altered fertility. In male rats, octylphenol and octylphenol ethoxylate decreased testicular size and sperm production.[vi]
Both octylphenol and nonylphenol stimulated the growth of human estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells; and octylphenol was found to be ten times as potent as nonylphenol in generating this effect.[vii]
A significant concern around the use of APEs centers around their impact on wildlife, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. The United States Geological Survey found breakdown products of laundry detergents in 70% of North American streams. These chemicals can cause harm to fish, frogs, turtles and other aquatic life. Studies have shown that even low-level exposure has reduced the number of fertilized trout eggs and caused reduced embryo survival and abnormal embryos in another fish, the Japanese Medaka.
Jan 17, 2010 0
Did I Really …
Recently, I was approached by a publishing company that prints a very popular book on pregnancy. They wanted to “work” with me, put a link/widget on my website, and perhaps become a blogger for them.
Naturally I was excited! Finally I thought my work promoting healthy and positive mindsets for expectant moms was starting to go somewhere – expand. So I put the link on my site and when I went to look at it … KA-POW! There was a flash ad for Clorox products, first and then you saw the widget.
Well. It turned me off and because of the “green” side of me, I could not have that ad displayed on myweb site! It just went against what I believe in – and Clorox products are far from green at the moment.
So, I emailed my contact and said, sorry, I can’t put this widget on my site.
Most likely the blogging opportunity went out the window too. But you know what? I stayed true to my values and convictions and that’s worth it. It feels good to stand up for what you believe in.
So, yep. I really did.
What do you think?
Lesly 
Jan 14, 2010 0
Green Yourself First
How do you start to go green? First you have to be willing to make changes in your life! You have o let go of the bells and whistle” cleaners that make tigs shine, smel like “fresh” air, work fast, and so on. If your products do that then you are buying the chemicals that do all those things. Your home is not getting cleaner. Yur home is getting an overdose of chemicals that could very well be a current or future catalyst for illness.
NOT IN MY HOUSE!! LOL!
So, to change things in my home, I had to start with me. Hre’s what I’m doing:
- stopped wearing perfume. I dab a little essential rose oil on my wrists and behind my ears.. hmmm.. nice …
- stopped using toothpaste – Colgate with the pretty blue stripes in it. Toothpaste contains Triclosan which is not a healthy chemical. It’s a known hormonal disruptor, especially with Thyroid hormones. It also when mixed with chlorine in tap water creates a new chemical compound called chloroform, and chlorine gas. Both are known carcinogens. Now I use a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a dash of salt. It’s not bad and there is no aftertaste.
- I no longer purchase deodorant which contains butane! Why would I want to set my arm pits on fire! Yikes! I now use an equal mixture of baking soda (natural deodorizer) and corn statch (absorbs moisture naturally). I pat under my arms with a cotton make-up pad. It works great, absorbs and no power stains on my clothes.
To go green, you have to start with yourself. This develops a new attitude and understanding because the more you learn about the products you’re using, the more you’ll want to change whatyou’re using! They can be very toxic and make you sick.
That’s it for now. Don’t fear what you don’t know. Learn about it and start creating a healthier life for yourself.
Lesly
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