Avoiding Toxins In The Tub

We relax, rejuvenate, and clean up in the bathtub after a hard day. Our children bathe and play in the tub. We believe it’s a safe and healthy place for the whole family. But your bathroom may be full of toxic chemicals that can contribute to a variety of health issues. Being well informed about these potential areas of concern can help you reduce your own and your family’s exposure to toxins.

Shower Curtain Concerns

Have you ever wondered about the strong smell when you open a new vinyl shower curtain? Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other chemicals, such as phthalates, that help make hard plastics, like PVC, soft. The smell from your new shower curtain comes from the off-gassing (vaporizing) of toxic chemicals that can contribute to headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and respiratory irritation, in addition to damaging to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Phthalates can also interfere with normal hormone system functioning and can be a factor in reproductive, developmental, and behavioral problems.

Shower Curtain Solutions

• Avoid shower curtains made from PVC. This product may also be labeled as “vinyl” or have a #3 recycling symbol.

• Avoid products that do not indicate what they are made of.

• Choose shower curtains made of safer materials. Cotton and hemp are great choices. If you can find an organic cotton shower curtain you have an added bonus of reducing pesticide exposure. Any new fabric shower curtain should be washed before it is installed to reduce exposure to potential pesticides or chemicals used in product packaging.

• Choose one made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a plastic alternative if you prefer a plastic-like shower curtain.

• If you choose a vinyl shower curtain allow the chemicals to off-gas for at least one month, outside of your home, before brining it inside. According to Environmental Defense, an organization dedicated to protecting human and environmental health, tests show that most toxic chemicals off-gas within one month of installing your shower curtain.

Body and Baby Care Product Blues

• Avoid Phony Fragrances. Unscrewing the cap to check the scent may be one of the first things you do when choosing a body lotion or cleansing product for yourself and your family. Who doesn’t want their body care and baby care products to smell great? Be cautious, however, about choosing products scented with synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances may include toxic chemicals like toluene and phthalates – used to extend the staying power of scents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that fragrances cause 30% of all allergic reactions and 70% of asthmatics develop respiratory symptoms when exposed to perfumes. Avoiding artificial scents is an easy way to reduce your family’s toxic exposure.

• Avoid Chemical Additives. Some of the chemicals in commonly used shampoos and body care products have been linked to a variety of health concerns including brain and nervous system effects, hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and even cancer. Animal studies demonstrate the importance of avoiding chemicals such as disodium EDTA and methylparaben. Children’s small bodies and permeable skin make them particularly sensitive to toxic exposure. Reducing exposure at a young age help prevent toxin accumulation in children as they develop and grow.

Hair, Body and Baby Care Solutions

• Check the hazard scores of your favorite products. If you are unsure about the safety of a hair or body care product, check the product’s rating on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.

• Choose products made with natural fragrance. Look for products made with natural essential oils and herbs. Keep in mind that essential oils should not be used on babies less than six months of age, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Choose unscented products. Unscented products are always the best choice for babies. Older children and adults may also experience sensitivities when using naturally scented products. If natural scents don’t bother you, you can always choose to use unscented products and create a customized scent by using your favorite blend of natural essential oils.

• Choose hypoallergenic or “sensitive skin” products. Since fragrance tends to be a common allergen and irritant, these products are more likely to be fragrance-free. Always remember, however, to read ingredients or check with the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Just because a product says it’s hypoallergenic or for “sensitive skin” doesn’t mean it’s organic.

Make your own baby and body care products. Lots of great recipes can be found on line – but do your homework to make sure all ingredients are safe for you and your family. Just because you make something yourself, doesn’t automatically mean it is safe. If in doubt, check with a health care practitioner.

References:

1. Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia
2. Environmental Working Group
3. United States Food And Drug Administration
4. Environmental DefenseCanadian Partnership for Children’s Health & Environment