How High Are Your Indoor Air Quality Standards?

I recently became aware of one of this Country's watchdog agency's standards for ensuring the indoor environmental quality of their facilities. All, I could say was, "Holy Cow, they're finally getting it" !!

The CDC, (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), is a government-based agency that was founded in 1942. They are staffed with over 15,000 highly educated engineers, doctors, biologists, chemists, toxicologists and more. These are the folks that keep us up-to-date on local health issues up to biological threats to our population.

Apparently, this educated and informed agency has set very high standards for Indoor air quality in all of their facilities. The standards have been set to protect the health of their employees and customers, as well as lowering their liabilities to them. In the guidelines, they've even established the types of cleaners, etc., that will be used.

Here's a recap of their Housekeeping Guidelines:

CDC will ensure the products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only GREEN CLEANING (emphasis mine), products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.

They also have a laundry list of "Non-Permissible Products":

Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:

• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers


• Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind


• Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants


• Potpourri


• Plug-in or spray air fresheners


• Urinal or toilet blocks


• Other fragrance deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migranes.

Do you know anyone who has regular issues with the above mentioned chemical sensitivies, allergies, asthma and chronic headaches/migrances?

Is it possible that some of their health issues may be a direct result of exposure to some of the CDC's mentioned "non-permissable products"?

Do the research and check out our non-toxic cleaners and personal care products. It may end up being a life-changing experience for you and others around you.

New Childrens Book - Loui Saves The Earth

I'm very honored to share with you about a new children's book that was written by a fellow planet lover. It's called Loui Saves The Earth and was written by Alexandra Gnoske of Recycle Me Organic Clothing.

I knew about Alexandra's passion for the planet and her clothing business, but now she's showing her talent in the writing of children's books. Alexandra has taken her passion for nature and wildlife and turned it into an inspiring story with a simple message: children can make a difference for Planet Earth. As a native Chicagoan, she draws from her surroundings to create colorful pictures that will entertain and educate children of all ages.

Alexandra has many adventurous stories for Loui and Dusty to help the planet and hopes to inspire many superheroes for Planet Earth. Her blog features stories about simple things children are doing to help the planet. She is also writing a book about the environmental impact of clothing.

The book, Loui Saves The Earth, is currently available via Amazon.com, but may also be coming to a bookstore near you. I've got several children on my list, that will be receiving this inspiring book!

Causes of ADHD & Conduct Disorders Exposed In New Study

The word is getting out and more people are starting to listen. There has been a "silent pandemic" by common daily exposures to children and even women yet to conceive children. These exposures greatly effect the potential for health related conditions such as Asthma and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

A peer-reviewed study was just released in January 2010, that validates what the EWG and other environmental groups have been beating their chests about for years. The study confirms that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning.

Speaking plainly, the exposure to plastics, perfumes, shampoos, etc, can affect the neurodevelopment of children still in the mother's womb. No, not all babies are adversely affected, but the odds are increased for health conditions such as ADHD, depression, learning disorders, obesity and other health disorders.

I've talked about BPA (Bisphenol A) in previous posts and a recent article at the Environmental Working Group's website, provides more scientific explanations. Also, EWG's site shares a insightful information about the Kids-Safe Chemical Act.

Please take the time to look over these up-to-date resources about what current negative health exposures your children or future children are exposed to. The good news is, you can do something about it. Simply, by reducing and removing the exposures from your surroundings. Naturally, not everything can be removed, but your choice of cleaning products, personal care products, etc., is definitely a place to start.

In addition, it is very important that you have your voice be heard that it is time to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. A 30 year-old law, protecting companies and polluters, but not people and public health.

Start by signing a petition for the Kids-Safe Chemical Act. Also, become more educated about safer products for your family and the environment.

The information is all there for us, it's just depends what we're going to do with it.

CPSIA Could Bankrupt Small Businesses

In an valiant attempt to protect our children, the government passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), in August 2008. CPSIA's intent is to protect children from lead exposure in the products they come into daily contact with.

We've all heard about lead in paint, toys, etc, especially from toys manufactured in China, but the threat is an issue in products made throughout the world. So, in an effort to make some enforceable guidelines to battle this health issue, we now have CPSIA.

ONE BIG PROBLEM THOUGH....the government didn't think this one out well enough. (Imagine that).The regulations in the Act will include products that were manufactured and placed on the shelves prior to CPSIA going into effect, which is February 10, 2009. That means that all, "in inventory" products, such as new or used children's books, children's items in a thrift store, bicycles, children's clothing, etc, will all have to comply with CPSIA. Basically, any retailer that has products in their inventory, that include products focused to children ages 12 and under, must comply with CPSIA. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal. Gosh, I wonder what that's going to do to our landfills?

There are costly tests that resalers will be required to complete, to certify the product's safety, in order to keep it on their shelves. Of course, the resalers will be responsible for any expenses incurred, to certify the product's safety. A small manufacturer of children's clothing, recently priced out the manufacturing and testing expense, of a girl's skirt, keeping in compliance with CPSIA. What was a $40 skirt, would become over $15,000 retail. Check it out for yourself. As mentioned in a CNN article this month, the law makes no distinction between large-scale manufacturers, mom-and-pop businesses, and one-man operations. While large corporations may be able to easily absorb the costs of product testing, the price is potentially overwhelming for small businesses.

The organization, Change.org, has become actively involved in trying to get the word out about CPSIA. Obviously, the overall concept of CPSIA is a great one, but our Congress needs to review and amend the Act, prior to February 10, 2009. If they don't, the results could be catastrophic to small businesses throughout the globe. Please share your concerns with your local Congressman immediately. There's no time to waste on this one, as shown in the below video.



Also, here's a link the goverment's website, telling more about the Consumer Product Safety Protection Act.

What's Your Body's Burden?

Sloan Barnett recently released a great book called Green Goes With Everything. On the website for her book, is a fun and easy interactive "body burden" test. Take the test and see how the "normal, everyday products" that you use around your home, can be potentially harmful to everyone in your household, including your unborn children.
Even, the infamous Environmental Working Group (EWG), refers to Sloan's book and this online tool, right on their home web page.

Publishers Weekly comments:
According to Barnett, the Green Editor for KNTV in San Francisco, human beings are saturating their bodies, their children's bodies and their homes with noxious waste, pathogens and carcinogens. Barnett recounts having her blood and urine tested to illustrate how toxins have deeply embedded themselves-her results show positive for bisphenol A (linked to birth defects and reproductive problems) and perchlorate (an active ingredient in rocket fuel found in contaminated food). The book is divided into seven clean-it-up chapters full of solid information and helpful tips aimed at greening different areas of your life, such as how to best filter household water. Barnett's well-written environmental call-to-arms is passionate and authoritative; her findings correlating childhood illnesses with ordinary-and highly toxic-cleaning supplies is alarming.(Sept)

An effective and reasonable alternative to the "normal, everyday products", being used in every type of structure, are Shaklee's cleaning products. Shaklee offers a 100% product satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. Their products are Safe, Powerful, Green & Smart!

Protecting Everyone From Toxin Exposures

Last June, I posted information about a Bill that had been introduced into the House of Representatives in May 2008. It's called the Kid-Safe Chemical Act, and it is a comprehensive bill attempting to amend the current Toxic Substances Control Act. This bill's intent is to reduce the exposure of children, workers, and consumers to everyday toxins.

Recently, I was directed to this video on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website, that explains a lot about the type of exposures that all of us can and do come in contact with. And even more importantly, what exposures a preborn fetus has to these same toxins.The video is entitled, the Ten Americans Video.

Please take 20 minutes to watch the video and pass it along to everyone that you care about.

Rememeber, knowledge is power!

New Studies Show Possible Link of Diabetis & Heart Disease to BPA

I've talked about it on this forum previously, but the previous references to BPA (Bisphenol-A), were related to adverse exposures to children and pregnant women.
Now, in a new report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they believe there may be a link between BPA and heart disease and diabetis 2.

The discussion is really heating up, because the FDA will be holding a public hearing this coming Tuesday. Stay tuned for more bantering while our society's health continues to suffer.

Help Pass Senate Bill 1738 - The Protect Our Children Act

Our children are our future and their future's are being threatened by the thousands of online sexual predators out there. Even less encouraging, the personal contacts that children have within their families, schools, etc., is getting even more dangerous.
Unfortunately, if parents were more diligent in monitoring their children's accessibility on the internet, there would be fewer problems. But, that problem just becomes more and more common, as both parents work more or single parent households.
So, I see Senate Bill 1738 as a step in right direction for making funds more available for law enforcement to buckle down on these perverts!
Please, review the information recently shared on an Oprah episode, and then let your conscious be your guide.

bisphenol A, BPA Is Still A "Concern"

Despite the recent reports from a governmental agency that there weren't any human health concerns from exposure to BPA, two new study's say otherwise.
Exposure to a chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in everyday plastics has been linked to problems with brain function and mood disorders in monkeys. This coming from researchers at the Yale School of Medicine.
This week's article in the Washington Post, summarizes the study done at Yale School of Medicine. The researchers are saying that there is "some concern" for humans, based on the results they documented with the primates.
The second report was published in Science Daily, and it finds a relationship between exposure to BPA and issues of metabolic syndrome. Left untreated, the disorder can lead to life-threatening health problems such as coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
That for me, is good enough reason to stay away from as much plastic as possible. The old saying, "Better to be safe, than sorry", is definitely applicable here.

Bisphenol A (BPA) Found In Some Baby Formulas

We've been hearing about this Bisphenol A (BPA), being in baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles and the like. And hopefully, many are seeing the light on that and finding safer alternatives.

But, there's also an issue with BPA being found in liquid infant baby formulas. It's in the metal lining of some of the cans of several of the "big name" baby formula manufacturers. Here's a link to an article done by the EWG (Environmental Working Group), on this topic.

The National Toxicology Program, a subgroup of the Department of Health & Human Services, has been taking a VERY serious look at BPA, for awhile now. In a 69 page study, a summary question was posed: Are Current Exposures to Bisphenol A High Enough To Cause Concern? A portion of their answer was: "Possibly, the high dose effects to exposure in lab animals provide clear evidence for adverse effects on development, i.e., reduced survival, birth weight, delayed puberty...".

Please don't be hesitant to view the above study after I mentioned it's 69 pages long. If, you look over the table of contents on Page 2 of the study, you can easily see the specific sections that address areas that you might be most interested in reading. And, it's not a hard read either!

I know, I know, there's a lot of bad stuff out there that we breathe or eat everyday. But, why make conscious choices to consume something that has a toxic chemical linked to possible reproductive disorders and neurobehavioral disorders in lab tests? There are safer alternatives out there and they are coming up with more and more every day.

The Kid-Safe Chemical Act

Our children, future children and of course this planet, are in desperate need of protection. Currently, there is a proposal for what is being called The Kid-Safe Chemical Act.
Here's an overview of the Act:
- Requires that industrial chemicals be safe for infants, kids and other vulnerable groups;
- Requires that new chemicals be safety tested before they are sold;
- Requires chemical manufacturers to test and prove that the 62,000 chemicals already on the market that have never been tested are safe in order for them to remain in commerce;
- Requires EPA to review "priority" chemicals, those which are found in people, on an expedited schedule;
requires regular biomonitoring to determine what chemicals are in people and in what amounts;
- Requires regular updates of health and safety data and provides EPA with clear authority to request additional information and tests;
provides incentives for manufacturers to further reduce health hazards;
- Requires EPA to promote safer alternatives and alternatives to animal testing;
protects state and local rights; and
- Requires that this information be publicly available.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA), has put together a great letter that you can email to your Congressman, to request that he/she co-sponsor this awesome Act. Here's the link to OCA's website: Click here


Have a blessed weekend!