Health of Children

There are many concerns related to the health of children when we buy products for their needs. The children’s products that are available go from the baby bottles that contain BPA to clothing made from organic cotton. There can be challenges to the health of children from either the products they are exposed to or the environment in which they live.

Young children are likely the most vulnerable to the toxins in our environment. In spite of this reality, they are exposed to many harmful chemicals and toxins from their earliest days forward. Tests on umbilical cords and mothers’ breast milk can show traces of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Popular brands of non-organic baby food when tested show levels of pesticides. The disposable diapers we put on our children have been bleached, leaving behind a chemical residue. Not only that, they are also a huge environmental issue, as they are a significant contributor to the vast amounts of non bio-degradable garbage in landfill sites. For a good cotton reuseable alternative see A Mother's Touch Diapers

The clothes and bedding they are exposed to are often treated with formaldehyde to keep them wrinkle free. Cotton, which is a natural fibre, may contain pesticides unless it was organically grown. Then there is the concern about plastic residue leaking into the baby’s food from the plastic baby bottles. See A Mother's Touch Diapers Added to all these concerns are the myriad of baby creams, soaps and shampoos which are made from petroleum by-products. The new furniture we purchase, if made from press-wood may contain formaldehyde glue which off-gasses for a number of weeks or months. Even your new crib mattress or rubber sheet may off-gas chemicals.

Once we are aware of all these things, it does not seem too surprising that the number of children suffering from asthma is steadily climbing. The numbers of learning and behavioural disorders also are increasing at an alarming rate. This is really scary for parents.

What can we do to protect the health of our children?

We can provide organic food where possible, which will reduce pesticides and contain more nutrients. We can purchase solid wood furniture with safe finishes. Organic clothing is best. but recycled clothing can be a good alternative because many of the toxins have been washed away by repeated laundering.

The other thing we can do to protect the health of children is to maintain a better air-quality in our homes by avoiding strong-smelling petroleum based products. These don’t only refer to baby products but also cleaning products. There are an increasing number of good all-natural personal use and all-purpose cleaning products. A good source for cleaning and personal use products is

Caeran

Return to Home Page from Health of Children