This document discusses household toxins and their effects on children's health. It covers how toxins like bisphenol A and phthalates can disrupt hormone functions and are linked to various diseases. Specifically, it examines the challenges of proving the dangers of toxins due to ethical issues with testing on children. It provides information on current advocacy efforts to strengthen regulations and lists actions parents can take to reduce their children's exposure to common toxic products and chemicals.

1. Rebekah
Adamson
HEDU 4600
November
12, 2013
HOUSEHOLD TOXINS AND
CHILDREN’S HEALTH

2. Facts about toxins
How toxins affect children’s health
Toxin of focus
Challenges of proving the dangers
Current efforts
What parents can do
INTRODUCTION

3. Now we’ll watch a video from the advocacy
group Healthychild.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9zR0KHYF
4k - action=share
HEALTHYCHILD.ORG

4. You don’t have control over
everything.
Your goal is to just reduce your
children’s exposure.
TAKE-AWAY

5. Environment plays a role in 85% of all
diseases
7% of chemicals have been tested
200 chemicals detected at birth
FACTS ABOUT TOXINS

6. Chemicals treated as innocent until
proven guilty
Strong associations and links shown
FACTS ABOUT TOXINS

7. 5x’s greater than adults
Children’s metabolism
Low-dose exposure over a lifetime
Children’s development
HOW TOXINS AFFECT CHILDREN

8. During childhood:
Childhood
cancers
Birth defects
ADHD
Autism
Cognitive
impairment
Reduced I.Q.
HOW TOXINS AFFECT CHILDREN
In utero
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Premature birth

9. HOW TOXINS AFFECT CHILDREN
Into adulthood
Prostate cancer
Breast cancer
Diabetes
Heart disease
Endocrine
diseases/disorders
Early puberty
Lower sperm counts

10. What they do
Create hormone imbalance
Leads to disruption of hormone functions
Common examples
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Phthalates
COMMON TOXINS

11. Ethical dilemma
Can’t do research on pregnant
women or children
Can only observe naturally
occurring exposures
Other option is usually animal
research
CHALLENGE OF PROOF

12. A call for stronger regulations
American Congress of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Society for Reproductive
Medicine
National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences
YOU’RE NOT ALONE

13. Steps for advocacy
Formation of Center’s for Children’s Environmental
Health and Disease Prevention, supported by
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
and the EPA
Global Network of Pediatric Environmental Health
Specialty Units, supported by the CDC and the Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
YOU’RE NOT ALONE

14. Shampoo &
conditioner
Household cleaners,
even “green”
alternatives
Shower curtain liners
Dryer sheets
Perfumes
PRODUCTS OF CONCERN
Air freshener
Sunscreens
Laundry soap
Cosmetics
Plastic containers
Anti-bacterial products

15. Use fewer household and personal care
products
Avoid anti-bacterial, vinyl and perfumed
products
Avoid products containing these ingredients:
Ending with “ate/ates”
Ending with “phenol”
Containing petrolium
TIPS FOR PARENTS

16. Don’t bother with labels of “natural” or “eco-
friendly”
Avoid cleaners marked “danger” or “poison”
Use the following for cleaning
Liquid castile soap
Borax
Vinegar
Baking soda
Lemon juice concentrate
TIPS FOR PARENTS

17. http://healthychild.org
http://www.organicconsumers.org
http://www.cleaninginstitute.org
LIST OF INTERNET RESOURCES