Baby RoomsBedroom ideas to make a healthy baby room 
Baby rooms can put your child’s health at risk unless you know which toxins are in there, and which ones are crucial to avoid. Most of us want to provide the best environment possible for that new little one. That's why this information is presented so you can begin to eliminate as many potentially harmful substances as possible. Unfortunately, babies are exposed to large amounts of chemicals at birth, and sometimes even more once they arrive home. By being aware of some of these exposures and their consequences, you can take steps to eliminate or reduce many of them. Your baby will directly benefit (possibly in more ways than any of us know,) from the toxin-free choices you make!
Many of the common chemicals found in baby rooms are associated with causing brain disorders and/or seizures, respiratory problems, thyroid illnesses, learning and behavioral problems. Some may even possibly cause SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or Autism or ADDH (Attention Deficit Disorder). Many are known carcinogens, meaning there’s a clear link the substance causes cancer in some individuals, including leukemia. Since about 1960, all of these illnesses plus many others, have increased significantly each decade among children. That was about the time that more and more chemicals became commonplace in most of the products we use every day. Many environmental scientists and physicians believe there is a strong connection between the many chemicals we're exposed to, and increased rates of specific illnesses which has occurred each decade among children. Babies are more vulnerable to chemicals and toxins because of their smaller size, and their undeveloped immune systems. Most babies generally sleep more hours of the day, so the beds and areas they’re sleeping in can have a greater impact upon them if there are lots of chemical exposures.
How the baby's room and bedding are
cleaned
is equally important.
New chemical combinations continue to be made (at the rate of about seven PER DAY according to one EPA scientist) and introduced into our world. The majority of these chemical combinations have no meaningful tests conducted on them for safety, or for the effects they might have on humans. That is because it is a lengthy and costly process to do that. If there are to be restrictions, they generally must be made on the state or federal level, which involves legislation, another lengthy process. Additionally, many chemicals are not listed in many of the products sold, especially cleaning products. Often times the “inert” ingredients are some of the most harmful chemicals in the product, yet they are not disclosed to the consumer. There is a movement to try to change that within the U.S., (see www.MomsRising.org link at bottom of page), but so far such disclosure is not required.
Plastic and synthetic fiber diapers contain harmful BPH and phthalates and even higher concentrations in some recycled plastic products. Furniture: oils or lacquers, paints with VOC’s (volatile organic compounds, i.e. harmful gas emissions), possible lead dust (if older painted furniture is used). Polyurethane ( in many upholstered furniture pieces or mattresses) which outgases toluene, a known carcinogen, and can cause eye, skin and chest symptoms in some individuals. These are only SOME of the chemicals from these products which outgas into a baby’s room. Used baby furniture can be a healthful option for a baby's room, just be aware of the products used, and what they contain so you can minimize toxic exposures. 
Stuffed animals: lead, polyester or other synthetic fabrics which contain formaldehyde, and hydrocarbons. Stuffed animals will also harbor dust mites over time and can cause respiratory symptoms, rashes, inflammation or congestion, if sensitive to them. Teething toys, plastic toys and plastic baby bottles: plastics contain BPH and phthalates, which have known estrogenic effects causing cellular damage. Many scientists believe these may contribute to obesity, early puberty and fertility problems. These accumulate easily in the body from each exposure, and are now found in all humans, including breast milk, and most animals, when tested. Many plastic toys contain lead, especially if from China. The U.S. is more vigilant now about checking for lead, however a lot still enters the country, slipping through the cracks. Lead is particularly harmful to the brain development of babies and children, and can cause serious, irreversible harm. Room deodorizers and air fresheners: phenol, benzene and other harmful gases which are neurotoxic and carcinogenic. They are harmful to the lungs, liver and kidneys, and developing organs. These should not be used in baby rooms. Baby wipes and disinfectant sprays: (LYSOL is particularly harmful because it contains phenol as one of it’s main ingredients). Phenols can do DNA damage to the cells, liver and kidneys. These types of products should be especially avoided by those with respiratory, brain or kidney problems, as the ingredients contribute to even more damage to these organs. Baby lotions and creams: These contain many chemicals too numerous to mention. Many are carcinogenic or have the potential to cause cellular damage, or can affect the lungs, or other organs.
These little bodies can only handle so much. Some effects can occur very soon after exposure and yet many of the effects MAY take years to develop and show up. Either way it’s best to play it safe and limit as many of these exposures as EARLY as possible. Often decades later it is discovered that a certain commonly used chemical combination was unsafe, and then it is taken off the market. Fire retardants in childrens sleepwear in the 1970’s is but one example. Unfortunately, by the time some of these chemicals are banned, it’s too late as many have already been exposed, and the damage is done. Now this same harmful fire retardant chemical is no longer used in childrens sleepwear(it has been replaced by another HIGHLY questionable chemical-TRIS) but instead is used in most upholstered furniture and mattresses! (It is currently required in ALL furniture in the state of California.) A GOOD RULE OF THUMB: A good rule of thumb for most products especially those that are used on the body is: if you can’t eat it, don’t use it! While this may sound a bit extreme, the skin does absorb a lot. Many of these chemicals enter the body directly through the bloodstream via the skin or lungs. By protecting babies during these early stages of development and beyond, you may well prevent many serious or long-term health problems. By being careful about what goes into your baby's room, you will most certainly have a healthier baby!
|
