I've recently started reading up on the harmful plastics that can leach BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates into our children's bodies. These are feminizing chemicals, menaing they probably pose more harm to my son than my daughter, but I have concern for any chemical exposure. My theory is that you never know what might become "known" tomorrow versus today about a chemical, so best take the extra step for protection of both kids.
If you are curious, some good references are:
The Toxic Sandbox by Libby McDonald
Smart Plastics Guide
and numerous websites out there. Anyway, the gist after my personal household audit is:
1. I am moving away from plastic dinnerware for the kids when I can. The exception being Alex's straw cups which I have confirmed are BPA-free (The First Years is the brand). Why aren't all kid's dishware BPA-free you ask? Good question. I still wanted something that was microwave and dishwasher safe so that knocked out bamboo or stainless steel sets. I am exploring buying a set of Corelle for the kids which is made from tempered glass but has a process that makes it break-resistant. We'll see. I thought of melamine but after looking at the processing, it didn't look to appetizing to eat off of (formaldehyde? Yuck!)
2. I will be replacing their shower curtain liner with either a nylon one or a PEVA one.
3. I will be much more aware of cosmetics containing phthalates, especially many years down the road when Alex starts to explore make-up. I rarely ever wear make-up but there are some big brands now that are cutting out phthalates because of the restrictions on them in Europe.
4. No re-using plastic water bottles.
Let's face it- it's tough being a parent these days. The more you know, the more frightening it can be.
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3 comments:
Bonnie,
Wonderful post... was ignorance bliss? You have more information available now then I had when Matt was a kid, and I had a lot... whew!
please visit my blog for a surprise for you,
Gail
clay and limestone
well, even though i don't have kids and probably never will(unless i run off to china to adopt one), your mommie blog is fascinating!! i've only gotten this far but now that i know you i can't wait to read more! hope all is well, i am still recovering from my austin trip! this is why i can't have kids--i don't have the energy for it!!
....and if you nix the plastic water bottles as much as possible---then you're going even greener!
:)
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