Toxic substances cartoon lobby

A sense of humor with a serious message



A toxic chemical lobby launched in the USA is approaching the issue of chemicals in our homes and in our products with a sense of serious humor.  It has been refreshing to see visual campaigns circulating about these issues, although frustrating that these issues still remain largely unseen and unspoken about within the Australian consumer marketplace. 

 

Banned in 62 Countries yet we are eating it !

For those who missed the 60 Minutes presentation about toxic chemicals in food or for those who need to watch it again I have posted this shocking story on  Healthy Interiors Facebook page  - join us :)

I have known for some time that there are toxic chemicals used in materials, finishes & textiles within the home environment. I have known for some time that many furnishings, cookware and toys may contain toxic chemicals, however I have been truly shocked by this story about the fresh food we consume here in Australia.

This issue is huge and I have found myself feeling bewildered at the enormity of the situation. I have fed my children fresh vegetables from the supermarket that have been grown using a chemical that is banned in 62 countries around the world. We are all busy people with hectic lives however it is a situation like this that needs many voices to instigate change - Carbendazim & Enosulphin need to be banned immediately!

As consumers, this issue reinforces that we all need to ask questions and not rely on Authorities to "do the right thing" !

Finally chemical DEHP resritcted but what about the others ?

IS YOUR CHILD EATING DEHP ?

I am not a scientist nor have I studied senior chemistry, but it is very clear that internationally there is strong concern about health issues linked to chemicals that are used in plastics.

The recalls.gov.au website has recently announced that NICNAS (the Australian Government Chemical Assessment Scheme) has finally announced that restrictions should be placed on the chemical diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is only one phthalate in a large group of phthalate chemicals used in plastic products that we consume.

Phthalates including DEHP are used as softeners in toys and many other products made of PVC plastic to make them soft and pliable.


Phthalate chemcials can be found in many applications such as plastic toys, plastic food storage and utensils, flooring, wall coverings, wall art, shower curtains, vinyl skins, sheaths for electric cables, coated fabrics and shoes and the list goes on....

Studies have linked phthalates to health concerns such as :
suspected of causing cancer, kidney damage and disruption of the body's hormone system. A study by the International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy (www.ie.dtu.dk), University of Denmark found that a child's risk of developing asthma and allergies increases when they are exposed to phthalates.

The PROPOSED Australian ban was announced Jan 25th 2010 yet is only for DEHP - diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) "in toys, childcare articles where significant mouth contact may occur and vessels and eating utensils for feeding infants".

A recent report by NICNAS found that "the risk of reproductive toxicity in children from the use of products containing DEHP is unacceptable" and recommended that the ACCC consider appropriate regulatory measures to limit children's exposure to DEHP.

Why has this taken so long ?
Why are all the other Phthalates banned in the EU also not banned in Australia ?

In July 2005, the EU permanently banned the use of phthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP in all children's articles. Additionally, the EU banned the use of DINP, DIDP, and DNOP in children's articles which can be put in the mouth. This ban became effective on January 16, 2007 .

The EU saw action on this health concern enforced in 2007 yet it has taken Australia an additional 3 years to make this PROPOSAL !

How long will it now take for the proposal to be accepted and enforced ?

Hooray for small steps ... the summary of all this is " avoid plastics" to protect your health.

Consumed by consumerism

Apologies for neglecting this post, however I have been slightly obsessed with researching consumerism and inadequate labeling laws that are not protecting consumers from potentially harmful chemicals. From mercury, fire retardants, Teflon, PVC, VOCs, formaldehyde,lead, nitrogen dioxide and the rest (and there are many more). I have been shocked at how ill informed we all generally are as to the studies that link these everyday pollutants in our homes to very real health concerns. Its not that many don't care, its a case of "we don't know, what we don't know".

At school we were not taught how to create a home that meets our emotional and physical needs. It is a given that when we fly the coup we will find a roof, connect utilities and furnish it with things we like. At no stage are we taught about the health hazards of a home found in the building materials, finishes, furnishings and from the way we choose to live. I don't remember anyone ever telling me to be wary about what my homes walls were made from .....beware asbestos, or that I may buy a mattress that has been soaked in flame retardants that has been banned in other countries and documented as to contributing to respiratory health complaints and a list of other health concerns.

As we find our way in the world we learn about finance, politics and social behaviour, but we rarely take the opportunity to learn about preventative health initiatives unless it is a Government campaign through the media, or we fall ill and are induced to action. Poor indoor air quality is ranked in the top 8 public health concerns by the World Health Organisation. The 21st Century allows us the pleasures of technology and new product developments however we are being too slow in understanding that we need to question the use of chemicals used to make many products.

Many scientific minds understand this and have published papers about particular chemicals and their effects on human health. What is frustrating about this is that much of the scientific findings that call for a precautionary approach to chemical use and warnings as to indoor air quality in our homes are being ignored.

As consumers we trust that people are not allowed to sell product that could be harmful to our health. We assume that the Government has product testing in place to protect consumers from harmful chemicals. Unfortunately I have learnt this is not always the case.

There is so much general info to know about creating a healthy home, healthy home practices and how to prevent children from being exposed to potential poor health triggers within the home environment that I have felt compelled to write a book - which is where I have been the past few months.

Environmental & Indoor health is documented by Government and International Organisations as a real issue, perhaps if all consumers were given the opportunity to know about these things we may all be able to help ourselves by preventing illness while also helping our exhausted health system and the environment.

Who knew that decorating could have so much depth :)