Eco-Healthy Living for Your Family

Recently I attended a workshop on Eco-Healthy Child Care, a national program created by the Oregon Environmental Council to ensure that early childhood learning environments are as healthy, safe and green as possible by reducing children's exposures to toxic chemicals.

Here are some of the highlights of the course. This is great info for all families!

Ways to Improve Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality:
*Do not smoke near children.
*Do not idle vehicles. Car exhaust releases pollutants that are harmful to health (especially to children) and the environment. Idling cars release even more pollution than moving cars.
*Prevent mold and mildew.
*Clean spills from carpets promptly to prevent mold growth.
*Stop using scented candles and artificial air fresheners, which contain multiple chemicals, including dangerous solvents, to achieve their fragrance. Use diluted essential oils instead.
*Use biodegradable, least-toxic cleaning products certified by Green Seal (www.greenseal.org) or EcoLogo (www.ecologo.org).
*Use Integrated Pest Management procedures to manage pests, an effective chemically free and environmentally sensitive alternative to pesticides.

Radon:
Reducing Your Exposure to Radon
The EPA recommend that all homes be tested. If your average indoor radon level measures at or above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), take immediate action to reduce it.

Household Chemicals:
*Keep aerosol spray away! Aerosol sprays - such as deodorants, hair sprays, carpet cleaners - spew invisible droplets of chemicals into the air which when inhaled can trigger both asthma and allergies.

Paint and Finishes:
Indoor air is actually more polluted than outdoor air. Offgassing from paints and finishes is one of the main sources of poor indoor quality. For years after paint is applied, low-level toxic fumes are released into the air. Be sure to purchase low-VOC paints to protect your health and the environment.

Lead:
Many older homes have lead-based paint and or water pipes made with lead solder.
*Paint over old flaking paint with low-VOC paint and run cold water for 15-30 seconds before using for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula.

Mercury:
*Avoid eating methyl mercury contaminated fish (e.g., shark, tuna, and sword fish). Pregnant women and children under six years old should not eat more than two 6 oz. servings per week.
* Do not use mercury thermometers; use digital thermometers instead.
*Recycle used batteries, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and other mercury-containing products.

Furniture & Carpets:
Tips for Reducing Exposures to Formaldehyde and PBDEs:
*Avoid wall-to-wall carpets.
*Limit use of pressed wood products that are made with adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde resins (UF); choose solid wood furniture.
*Do not leave foam exposed (this includes furniture and toys, such as stuffed animals).
*Keep dust levels down.
*Vacuum often.
*Ventilate while cleaning.
*Remove shoes prior to going indoors.
*Clean area rugs with biodegradable cleaners.
*Choose meats, fish, and dairy products that are low in fat, since PBDEs accumulate in animal fat.

Plastics:
Seven Tips for Saver Use of Plastic:
*Avoid plastics with recycling code #3, #6, and #7.
* Do not heat or microwave food in plastic containers.
* Use PVC-free plastic wrap (buy plastic wrap and bags made with polyethylene).
* Minimize the use of canned foods and canned drinks as many are lined with BPA.
* Choose phthalate-free toys. Look for toys labeled "phthalate-free" or "PVC-free" or avoid plastic toys altogether.
*Purchase phthalate-free beauty products.
*Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and composite fillings.

Last but not least: REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE

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