In the past 20 years, there has been a rise in the number of toxic chemicals found in household products. There are many ways that our modern world can expose us to these chemicals, but one of the most common ways is through ordinary household items. These items can be especially dangerous for children, because they tend to put everything in their mouths (at least when they are small).
Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to protect your family from harmful toxins that could be lurking in your pantry, kitchen cabinets or bathroom drawers. Here's what you need to know about three specific ingredients: lead, formaldehyde, and benzene — all of which can be found in many common household items — and how to avoid them if possible!
Lead
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum safe concentration of lead in soil to be 400 parts per million. This means that if you have more than 400 ppm of lead in your soil, you should consider remediation.
The EPA also states that levels of 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL or µg/dL) or higher are considered unsafe for children under 6 years old. The CDC recommends that doctors consider testing children at ages 1 and 2 years old who live in areas where this level was exceeded from 2009-2010; these recommendations apply to both blood and dust tests.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical used in many products, including cosmetics, shampoos and nail polish. Formaldehyde is also found in many synthetic fabrics like rayon and polyester.
It has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The EPA says that formaldehyde causes cancer in animals and humans when it's inhaled at high levels or absorbed through the skin.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical that can cause cancer and other health problems. It's found in many products, including paint, glue, dye and rubber. Benzene is also used in the manufacturing of plastics. Some toys have been found to contain high levels of benzene because they were painted with this chemical.
Benzene may be found in some types of glues as well as adhesives. Examples include puffy stickers that are sometimes applied on toys to provide extra cushioning or added protection, or small plastic parts like eyes or buttons on clothing items for stuffed animals and dolls.
It is important to check the ingredients in everything you use.
It is important to check the ingredients in everything you use and learn how to read the labels of foods and household products. You can do this by looking for one of three key ingredients: formaldehyde, phthalates or BPA (Bisphenol A). These are all known as carcinogens and have been linked to a wide range of health issues. They are found in many plastics and other products, including toys.
If you'd like more information on what else may be lurking in your kids' toys or clothing (or if you just want to know what exactly "phthalate" means), check out some reputable online resources. You can also speak with retailer representatives who will often be happy to help answer any questions you might have about their products' safety—just make sure they're familiar with the law!
In the end, it is important to remember that this is not just about the children– it’s about all of us. We must be aware of what we are consuming, putting on our bodies and using around our homes so that we can protect ourselves from harm.
When it comes to providing for your child, you can never be too safe; make sure everything you give them is completely safe. Email our team at Libbo Love right away if you have any more questions, or you are looking for some fun, safe toys for your child.