Please take a moment to read this really informative guest post from a fellow blogger and Mesothelioma Cancer survivor. There are toxins in the home we need to be aware of and work to avoid! 

National Poison Prevention Week is March 19th-25th this year and it’s a week to highlight safety for little ones and families, especially around the home. Keeping cleaning products, medicines and other labelled toxic hazards in mind as potential poisons are always so important, yet Environmental Toxins and chemicals in personal care items can also pose dangers that parents should be aware of.

Some things to be mindful of as potential dangers in the home and how to remedy them:

Environmental Toxins in the Home:

• Asbestos – invisible fibers that are the known cause of mesothelioma cancer. Was widely used in multiple building applications including but not limited to: drywall, wall insulation, pipe insulation, tiles, popcorn ceilings, shingles and siding in older homes built prior to 1980. Learn the signs of possible asbestos and contact a licensed abatement professional for all testing and removal.
• Lead – most commonly found in paint chips and dust, pipes and water. Exposure can be particularly damaging to children under the age of six, and poisoning can present in a range of symptoms. Licensed professionals can assess and properly abate lead hazards like paint and pipes.
• Radon – naturally occurring odorless, colorless gas that can build up in homes and potentially lead to lung cancer. Testing kits are readily available online and radon removal specialists on the EPA website
• Carbon Monoxide – odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can also build up in homes due to burning of fuel (cars, small engines, gas stoves and grills, furnaces, etc.) and detectors can be readily found online and in home improvement stores.

Personal Products:

• Parabens – Synthetic compound widely found in personal care items from toothpaste to lotions, makeup, hair care, etc. Found to disrupt hormone function and lead to excess estrogen in the body over time. Learn the main types of parabens and switch to paraben-free alternatives when available.
• BPA’s – Plastic compound mostly found in food and beverage containers. Can become an endocrine system disrupter, affecting body’s ability to regulate hormones. Try to switch to BPA free plastics, glass or stainless steel food and beverage containers.
• Oxybenzone – Found in sunscreen and is known to build up in the body and can mimic estrogen in the body and associated with endometriosis in women. Look for sunscreens with natural ingredients.

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