How Serious is H1N1? Deaths and Transmission Rate Uncovered
Looking for accurate information on H1N1 deaths and transmission? A thorough overview of H1N1 testing, deaths, and number of cases explores what the experts say about how deadly swine flu is.
Is Orajel Safe for Babies?
A rumor has been circulating about benzocaine and Orajel safety, with dire warnings. My follow-up research uncovers the facts, with an opinion on whether it’s safe for teething babies.
The Kid Safe Chemicals Act — New Hope or Pipe Dream?
The Kid Safe Chemicals Act (KSCA, H.R. 6100 and S.3040) may have little hope of passing. Yet the risks from toxic substances in children’s toys and baby care products continues. Can we protect our children from untested chemicals? Or will we allow forty years to pass before we follow Europe in regulating and protecting our children from chemical substances?
Update: New Hope For Handmade Industry in Lead Law Exceptions
In an update to concerns over the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, the CPSC is considering exemptions that will hopefully rescue the US handmade industry from certain doom.
Got flame retardant in your blood? EPA says, “Just say yes.”
The EPA recently fired a scientific member of a peer review panel on PBDE toxicity at the urging of a chemical industry lobbying group. PBDE, a flame retardant, is found in many household products and may be an endocrine disruptor and developmental neurotoxicant. PBDEs have been found in mother’s milk, umbilical cord blood, and in household dust. Though PBDEs are banned in Europe, the EPA sided with corporate lobbyists in firing Deborah C. Rice.
How to Reduce PBDE Exposure in Your Household
PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are found in most American households, causing concerns over environment and health. Here’s what you can do to protect the health of your family, laid out in specific steps, with links to product lists and other information.
My Books Are Coming!
It’s been a long time since I’ve bought books. I constantly have at least a dozen books checked out from the library, and I never truly have enough time to read them, but I glean pearls of wisdom that I can, betwixt nursings, calls for “the next homeschool assignment,” bumps and bruises, kisses and lately [...]
Comparing Natural Skin Care Brands (Skin Care Preservatives, Part 2)
More and more companies are producing natural skin care products. What do natural brands use to preserve their beauty products? I surveyed major brands to get a comparison of the preservatives used.
A Guide to Natural Skin Care Preservatives, Part 1
Natural products based on plant-based ingredients attempt to circumvent the use of synthetic preservatives, but there is a limit to what they can accomplish effectively. In Part 1 of this guide, I provide an overview of “what you need to know” about preservatives in personal care products, as well as methods for “do-it-yourselfers”.
Beauty and Personal Care Ingredients To Avoid
Well-researched ingredient lists are now available in the realm of personal and skin care products. If you’re looking for a clean cut list that matches the ingredient list on labels, I’ve included here a list of the best links on ingredients to avoid, as well as some relevant product lists.
Water vs. Oil in Preserving Homemade Skin Care Products
Here’s some useful information that clarifies the distinction between preserving water-based vs. oil-based skin care products, including some tips on how to use this difference to avoid worrisome preservatives.
Toxic Exposure and Children — How Bad Is It?
When you have children, it’s important to stay informed about their potential exposure to environmental toxins and chemical additives. Last year, a coalition of environmental groups measured chemicals in the blood and urine of 35 Americans from across the country and found that all participants contained flame retardants and 95 percent contained chemicals commonly found in plastics. How big is the problem?
