The rise in autism cases has many people concerned, especially as a definite cause for the disorder is elusive. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 150 children (more boys than girls) born today will develop autism. The rise in autism since the early 1990s is epidemic in proportion, but thankfully, there are some insights as to what triggers this disorder. Toxins in general are implicated in autism, and now environmental factors are coming under scrutiny. Specifically, household items such as cleaners are potential culprits.
In the Womb
A recent study analyzed the blood and urine of nine women across several states who were in their second trimesters of pregnancy. The study revealed 13 toxins present in the systems of these women, including Bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorinated compounds, mercury, and phthalates. What are these toxins, and where are they found?
1. BPAs are used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and food can lining. It acts as an artificial form of estrogen in the body, and its potential to adversely affect fetal development is documented. BPAs wreak hormonal havoc in adults' bodies as well, decreasing the production of sperm in males and causing changes in behavior.
2. Perfluorinated compounds are used to make non-stick cookware and stain-resistant products, such as you might have had sprayed on your furniture or carpet. Perfluorinated compounds are a potential carcinogen in people and cause tumors in laboratory animals. It is not too much of a stretch to consider that these compounds could affect brain development.
3. Mercury is known to affect brain development and to harm cognitive function. Every woman in the above study had mercury in her blood. Household items that contain mercury include household batteries, fluorescent lights, thermometers, paint residues, and thermostats.
4. Phthalates are implicated in reproductive problems and asthma, and interestingly, asthma and autism often occur together. Pthalates are fragrance carriers and are used in shampoos, cosmetics, and other beauty products.
Of course, exposure to these common toxins does not cease after birth. The poisoning may begin then, but it continues as the baby grows up in a household where such items are common.
Other Toxins
1. Pet shampoos have been found to be used twice as often in families with autistic children. Pet shampoos contain organophosphates or pyrethroids.
2. Antibacterial soaps contain ingredients that may affect the human immune system, and autoimmune disorders are associated with autism (the immune system turns inward and attacks the body, causing inflammation and other symptoms).
3. Pesticides have known neurological effects and are found on everything from produce to lawns.
4. Household cleaners emit vapors that are known to be toxic, to the point that some doctors warn their pregnant patients not to use them to clean the house during pregnancy. These cleaners - festooned with "Keep Out of the Reach of Children" warnings - contain carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disrupters (which means they can affect human hormones).
5. Perhaps if we began to take those warnings seriously and kept such products completely out of our homes, we could lower our children's risk for developing autism.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Green Redecorating On a Budget
You may think that keeping your redecorating efforts eco-friendly will break your budget. While it's true that some green items can cost more, there are ways to engage in environmentally-friendly redecorating and still stay within a budget. Here are some ideas,
1. Paint
Do you get headaches or respiratory irritation when painting a room? That is probably due to the toxic substances in the paint, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for paint that is VOC-free - many major paint manufacturers have VOC-free versions of their paints. While it does cost a bit more, it is high-quality paint that tends to cover better, so you will likely only need one coat. That can actually end up being cheaper than getting many gallons of conventional paint.
Painting a room can mean a lot of disposable accoutrements such as plastic drop cloths and paint trays. Consider biodegradable drop cloths, which are comparable to plastic and sell for under $ 4. An even cheaper option is to use an old sheet you already have. It can be washed and re-used for your next painting project.
If you use disposable paint trays and rollers, look for those that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.
2. Flooring
If you have synthetic wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and expose the flooring beneath. If it's hardwood, it can be restored with minimal effort. If it is not hardwood, or if you just want to put down more carpet, consider modular carpet tiles. These are inexpensive and can be laid down by the homeowner without the use of toxic adhesives or chemicals. They are also manufactured with non-toxic dyes and recycled materials. When they are worn out or you just want a change, they can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
3. Appliances
Perhaps you are wanting to redecorate your kitchen and you are considering buying new appliances. If they are still in good working order, you can actually get appliance paints to give them a fresh, new look. (The same is true for bathroom tiles.) If you do purchase new appliances, look for those with the energy-star for optimum efficiency.
4. Furniture and Accessories
Here is where you can really save money and be environmentally friendly. Shop at antique and second-hand stores and purchase inexpensive furniture and accessories such as lamps, vases, etc. Some of these items need to be restored, or can be given a new look by simply spraying them with white spray paint.
Don't forget your own attic, garage, closet, etc. for these items. Perhaps you have an old end table that you could re-paint, or a basket hidden away that could be used to hold magazines. Re-use bottles and jars as candle holders and flower vases.
Redecorating probably means that you are throwing out some things - old carpet, appliances, etc. Rather than hauling these to the landfill, find out if they can be donated to charitable organizations for refurbishing. Remember to report any eco-friendly changes you make to your home on your income tax return.
1. Paint
Do you get headaches or respiratory irritation when painting a room? That is probably due to the toxic substances in the paint, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for paint that is VOC-free - many major paint manufacturers have VOC-free versions of their paints. While it does cost a bit more, it is high-quality paint that tends to cover better, so you will likely only need one coat. That can actually end up being cheaper than getting many gallons of conventional paint.
Painting a room can mean a lot of disposable accoutrements such as plastic drop cloths and paint trays. Consider biodegradable drop cloths, which are comparable to plastic and sell for under $ 4. An even cheaper option is to use an old sheet you already have. It can be washed and re-used for your next painting project.
If you use disposable paint trays and rollers, look for those that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.
2. Flooring
If you have synthetic wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and expose the flooring beneath. If it's hardwood, it can be restored with minimal effort. If it is not hardwood, or if you just want to put down more carpet, consider modular carpet tiles. These are inexpensive and can be laid down by the homeowner without the use of toxic adhesives or chemicals. They are also manufactured with non-toxic dyes and recycled materials. When they are worn out or you just want a change, they can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
3. Appliances
Perhaps you are wanting to redecorate your kitchen and you are considering buying new appliances. If they are still in good working order, you can actually get appliance paints to give them a fresh, new look. (The same is true for bathroom tiles.) If you do purchase new appliances, look for those with the energy-star for optimum efficiency.
4. Furniture and Accessories
Here is where you can really save money and be environmentally friendly. Shop at antique and second-hand stores and purchase inexpensive furniture and accessories such as lamps, vases, etc. Some of these items need to be restored, or can be given a new look by simply spraying them with white spray paint.
Don't forget your own attic, garage, closet, etc. for these items. Perhaps you have an old end table that you could re-paint, or a basket hidden away that could be used to hold magazines. Re-use bottles and jars as candle holders and flower vases.
Redecorating probably means that you are throwing out some things - old carpet, appliances, etc. Rather than hauling these to the landfill, find out if they can be donated to charitable organizations for refurbishing. Remember to report any eco-friendly changes you make to your home on your income tax return.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)