Well here's a reality. Victories are usually short-lived.
Here in California, we could finally claim a victory in the struggle to keep our children safe. In the midst of the "toy recall controversy", Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed into law legislation banning the production, distribution and sale of products for young children which contain more than .10% of the harmful chemicals called phthalates ("THA-lates") which is added to plastic to help make it pliable. While this mostly effects things like teething rattles, pacifiers, etc., and doesn't take effect until 2009, at least it's a step in the right direction.
Then, POW! We get knocked down again with another disheartening discovery. After what I read today, plastic concerns are passe - the new threat is "GHB" for babies. Millions of "Aqua Dots" toys are now being recalled after two U.S. children went into comas after ingesting the "Aqua Dot" beads. This toy is made of beads that are arranged to make designs and then fused together with water. Apparently when ingested, a chemical in the beads converts to the "date rape" drug. Where does this end?
In addition, we are finding out more everyday about harmful carcinogens which are now in everyday products like shampoo and babywash. While we can't test every product we use, I did want to share a cool find: a cosmetic database called Skin Deep. You can find loads of cosmetics and bath care products for adults and babies that have been tested for ingrediants which are linked to causing cancer, reproductive/develpmental toxicity, etc. One thing you'll find on this site is a "buying guide" for parents of safe products for children. Whether you're looking for babywipes, diaper cream, or sunscreen, you'll find brand and off-brand products that are rated on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = safest, 10 = highest hazard). You can even create your own shopping list.
Hope you get a chance to check it out!
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