We're sending this link to everyone we know because none of us want hazardous chemicals in our homes. Feel free to forward this email far and wide to friends and family so they can access this information too.
Here are some highlights from Healthy Stuff tests on products families use every day:
Women's Handbags
HealthyStuff.org tested over 100 handbags and found lead in over 75% of the bags they analyzed. We worked hard to get lead out of children's toys--- but both of my kids still enjoy playing dress up with my old purses. Find Out More.
Car Seats and Booster Seats
We all know boosters and car seats save lives, and using them is a MUST. But over half (58%) of car seats tested by Healthy Stuff contain hazardous chemicals, including PVC, BFRs and heavy metals. Car Seats can be made without these chemicals - the Baby Trend Flex-Loc; the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat; and the Graco Turbo Booster all passed the test with flying colors. You can research your child's carseat or booster in the Healthy Stuff database .
Cars and Minivans
Chemical levels found in cars can be 5-10 times higher than in homes or offices. For moms, dads, and kids who log hours in carpool duty every week, this can be a major source of toxic chemical exposure. HealthyStuff.org tested nearly 700 new and used vehicles for dangerous chemicals. The U.S. made Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt rated best among 2009 vehicles. Look up your vehicle here.
Pet Products
Since there are no government standards for hazardous chemicals in pet products, it is not surprising that alarming levels of toxic chemicals were found in beds, chew toys, collars and leashes. One quarter of all pet products tested had detectable levels of lead. Check out how your pooch's favorite plaything tested.
As parents, grandparents, and allies, we can all work together and use our power as consumers to demand healthier products and improved safety standards. The positive feedback from the safe school supplies guide we sent around last month was overwhelming. It turns out (surprise, surprise!) people want to know if the products they buy are exposing them to toxic chemicals that are associated with health issues including fertility problems and miscarriage, learning and developmental disabilities, and a wide range of cancers and other diseases. 1
Clearly with such a long list of products that contain toxic chemicals, the nation's chemicals policy needs to be reformed so that known-dangerous chemicals will not be found in the products we buy everyday for our families.2 While we're distributing information about toxic chemicals in commonly used products, we're also working to reform the nation's chemical policies so we don't put our children at risk. Stay tuned.
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