What is Dioxane and where can it be found?

I found this article about some of the contaminants that are found in children's bath products. Chemicals aren't listed on the labels, making it unknown how many contaminants and how much is actually in the bubble baths, shampoos, and other common products. The natural products industries have found other ways to make the products without including formaldehyde as a preservative by reformulating the product. A contaminant isn't actually intentionally put into the product, it's a byproduct of the processing.

Therefore the byproduct of formaldehyde is dioxane. Dioxane is a colorless, flammable, potentially explosive liquid having a faint pleasant odor and used as a solvent for fats, greases, and resins. It's also used in various products including paints, lacquers, glues, cosmetics, and fumigants. Dioxane is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant. It is also classified as a possible carcinogenic to humans because it is a known carcinogen in animals.

Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetic Use and her co-authors tested 48 bubble baths, shampoos and other baby and children's products for dioxane and 28 of those products for formaldehyde.

Among their findings:

• Almost two-thirds of the 28 products contained both chemicals, including Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash.
• Eighty-two percent of products tested contained formaldehyde; the highest levels were found in Baby Magic Baby Lotion.
• American Girl shower products had the highest levels of dioxane among products tested.

Harmful chemicals and contaminants in children's products is a subject of continuing controversy. Earlier this week, it was announced that baby bottles made with the controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) will no longer be sold in the United States by the six largest manufacturers of the products.

BPA, which is found in a wide range of products, mimics the hormone estrogen and may disrupt the body's endocrine system. The chemical poses a particular threat to fetuses, infants and children because it can interfere with cell function when their bodies are still developing, public health experts say. The chemical has been linked with diabetes, heart disease, cancer and developmental delays in children.

I don't know about you, but I'm glad to see that these chemicals aren't in any organic products, the "organic seal" indicates this. Also, it's good to know that the government is finally cracking down on what is put into products to make them last longer, where actually it's just making us ill in the future.

Sami
http://envirowatchers.com/
Cover your little one with the best, Organic Diapers, Organic Clothes, and a Completely Build Your Own Organic Crib!

Phthalates and your crib mattresses

Over the last 30+ years, crib mattress materials have been replaced with cheap petroleum-based synthetics. Nearly all crib mattresses today contain polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals. Recent studies have questioned the use of these materials. Some of these chemicals have even been shown to leach out into the surrounding air.

Babies and toddlers spend 10-14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. Furthermore, a child’s every breath inhales air no more than six inches away from these chemicals. As such, for the first few years of a child’s life, the mattress is the single most prominent object in the child’s environment. Phthalates are typically added to the vinyl surface of a crib mattress to make it soft and flexible. This provides an inexpensive and flexible crib mattress cover material.

“Phthalates are animal carcinogens and can cause fetal death, malformations, and reproductive toxicity in laboratory animals… children may be at higher risk of adverse effects of phthalates because of anticipated higher exposures during a time of developmental and physiologic immaturity… Phthalates are not covalently bound to the plastic matrix and leach out of PVC…”
(Shea, Katherine M. MD MPH and the Committee on Environmental Health. “Pediatric Exposure and Potential Toxicity
of Phthalate Plasticizers.” American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics Volume 111 No. 6. June 2003. Pg. 1467.

I don't know about you, but I think this chemical and any child should not be in the same room at the same time. Due to the ability that this chemical has to even leech out into the air, let alone with you absorbing it while you are laying down sleeping. Organic mattresses promote baby health and safety by eliminating potentially harmful chemicals and featuring certified organic cotton and environmentally friendly materials. These mattresses provide non-toxic fire protection and waterproofing, and are loved by parents, physicians, and independent evaluators. So if everyone likes these mattresses and believes that they are better for your child, then why don't you come and check them out for yourself!

Sami
http://envirowatchers.com/
Cover your little one with the best, Organic Diapers, Organic Clothes, and a Completely Build Your Own Organic Crib!