Safe Alternatives for Baby and Child

After participating in on a Q&A hosted by the Environmental Working Group , SafBaby is happy to bring you a little more insight on the dangers of “anti-bacterial” products . The questions were answered by Staff Scientist Rebecca Sutton, who also holds a Ph.D in Environmental Chemistry.

Anti-bacterial agents are most commonly, but far from exclusively, found in hand soaps. “But isn’t that a good thing,” one may question? I mean, who wants harmful bacteria hiding on our children and baby’s hands anyway? Isn’t this the best option in hand soap for my family to keep germs at bay? The following insight may surprise you, even if you thought you knew all the answers.

Anti-Bacterial Products Harming our Children

Why is this information important for the safety of our babies and children?

1. Triclosan (a chemical used in anti-bacterial products) is currently being reviewed further by the EPA for health and safety, but in recent studies this toxin has proven to negatively effect the thyroid gland of animals.
2. Young ones are growing and developing rapidly, this makes them more vulnerable to toxins.
3. They may be surrounded by this toxin on a daily bases.
4. At even the smallest amount of exposure, triclosan is extremely toxic when inhaled through it’s fumes. Another way to ingest this toxin is through the pores of the skin.
5. A developmental toxin such as this puts fetuses at risk too.
6. Out of 62 samples of breastmilk tested, 60 of them tested positive for triclosan. (However, breastfeeding is still THE BEST option available for nourishing/feeding your baby.)

Anti-Bacterial Soap Vs. Regular Soap

And, to top it all off: Triclosan has NO greater ability in removing harmful bacteria than any regular soap! This has been tested and proven in 10 different studies. So, this agent should be removed from your household for the safety of your growing ones, and you too.

Important Facts About Triclosan

Some more important facts:

• You may, or may NOT see this ingredient listed on a label containing the toxic agent. A few other names that may imply that triclosan is lingering in that product are: anti-bacterial, mildew resistant, odor resistant, or stays fresh longer.
• Over use of anti-bacterial can potentially lead to a rise in deaths from people’s inability to fight off infection. Anti-biotic resistance is a big concern! We are creating an environment where bacteria have increased their resistance to all of this.

Surprisingly, you may be exposed to triclosan, even if you don’t use anti-bacterial soaps. (Remember the other key phrases we stated earlier as being a potential red flag that this chemical is present.) Here’s how the consumer has been mislead:

• Plastic cutting boards. A recent study found triclosan in the foods cut on plastic cutting boards.
• It is approved to be used as an anti-bacterial agent in mulch. This will eventually make it’s way into that inorganic produce.
• Anti-bacterial dish soaps
• Shower curtains
• Rubberized bath mats
• Toothpaste
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Clothing
• Mattresses
• Other personal care products
• Anti-microbial training potty seats

What does this toxin do in the environment? It makes it’s way from our drains, into rivers and streams and is toxic to aquatic plants and the thyroid of water animals too.

In conclusion, the most toxic way of intaking anti-bacterial agents for our babies and children is simply by breathing it in. DO NOT use any pumps or powders labeled as an anti-bacterial that contains triclosan, and stop buying any other form of these products.

Don’t be a consumer mislead by marketing techniques. Know the facts and make wise choices. Spread the word, and keep our families safe.

Psst, our SafBaby Amazon Store has safe alternatives recommended by us! Shop, support and know your choosing non-toxic skin care and other products too.

To read EWG’s full report, click here.

Technorati Tags: Environmental Working Group, the dangers of “anti-bacterial” products, Anti-bacterial agents, Triclosan

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