Ob Gyn NJ | Healthy Woman Ob Gyn | New Jersey Ob Gyn

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:22 +0000

Don’t let the term “green” fool you!
It’s a dirty little secret that a lot of “green” cleaners out there are loaded with toxic chemicals.
If you really want to green up your life, start by reading this article.

And while you’re at it, take a minute (it’s actually a 1:29) to check out a cute video by our friends over at DappleBaby.com.

It’s all about parabens, aka the toxins that mimic the activity of estrogen in our bodies.

Moms, moms-to-be, grandparents, relatives, friends, employers: For the health of ourselves and the health of children, we must clean green.

Okay, we’ll get off of our soap box now—which, by the way, is made of bamboo and used to house organic soap, naturally.

Ob Gyn NJ | Healthy Woman Ob Gyn | New Jersey Ob Gyn

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:27:09 +0000

These days, it seems like everything is turning green—including our practice (read more about it here). Green is quickly becoming mainstream—and for good reason. Not only is upping our eco-consciousness a must for the planet but it’s also an absolute must for the good people who inhabit it. The vast majority of the products we use every day are ridden with toxic chemicals that can cause both short- and long-term problems. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that 150 common household chemicals were found to be the cause of allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities.

Healthy women: It’s your health and the health of your children that’s on the line.

Not sure where to start? Here’s your green cleaning cheatsheet.

Q: Why are conventional cleaning products so bad for you?

A: Most conventional cleaning products are petroleum-based and contain toxic ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia and synthetic fragrances, which are carcinogenic and/or potential hormone disruptors.

Q: Why is chlorine so bad?

A: Breathing in the fumes of cleaners containing chlorine can irritate the lungs and may damage skin and eyes since it is a corrosive substance. It is particularly dangerous for people suffering from heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema. Chlorine can be found in products a host of cleaning products, including automatic dishwashing detergents, laundry bleach, disinfectant cleaners, mildew removers and toilet bowl cleaners.

Q: Got any suggestions for a chlorine bleach alternative?

A: Yes! Grabgreen, Dapple and Seventh Generation, amongst other good brands, offer biodegradable products that brighten whites and colors without dyes, phosphates, fragrances or chemicals.

Q: What other chemicals should be avoided at all cost?

A. Forget about anything containing formaldahyde or phenol. A World Health Organization panel has upgraded its assessment of the danger of formaldehyde, declaring for the first time that the chemical is carcinogenic to humans. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Phenol is an extremely caustic chemical that burns the skin. Absorption of phenol through the lungs or skin can cause central nervous system damage, respiratory tract infection, heart-rate irregularities, skin irritation, kidney and liver damage, and can be fatal. Both formaldehyde and phenol are commonly found in cleaning products, furniture polish and air fresheners.

Q: What’s up with the labels on the conventional cleaners? I can’t always find the ingredients listed out so how do I know if they’re present in them?

A: It’s a dirty little secret that companies manufacturing household cleaning products are not required by law to reveal their ingredients in their products, claiming it would jeopardize their company’s “trade secret.” Government regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act are designed to protect corporations rather than human health and the environment. General warnings on labels that state “danger,” “do not induce vomiting,” “corrosive, rinse skin immediately,” “poison” and “flammable” should be avoided.

Q: There are a number of conventional brands that have recently come out with a line of “eco-friendly” and “natural” cleaners. Are they real green deal?

A: Probably not. It’s called green washing and it’s a marketing strategy that’s allowed companies to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers by capitalizing on their desire for green products without spending the money or time it would take to properly and safely create them.

Q: Well then, how can I be sure that I am buying safe products?

A: Easy! Look for manufacturers that list all the ingredients on the label. Terms like “all-natural” and “nontoxic” are widely used and are subject to relatively little or no regulation—so don’t let those buzzwords fool you. And, as mentioned, look for any warnings on the packaging. The more severe the warning, the more toxic the product is.

Q: Can I make my own cleaners?

A: Sure you can! Basic pantry products like white vinegar, baking soda and olive oil work wonders. Here’s how:

White vinegar is one of the oldest natural household cleaners. It is effective in killing most mold, bacteria and germs due to its high level of acidity.

Baking soda is a naturally occurring material that is nontoxic and multipurpose (used in baking, household cleaning and deodorizing). It is a safe and effective cleaner for kitchen and bathroom surfaces and works well as a gentle scouring powder.

Olive oil is a natural lubricant used in cooking and cleaning. Mixed with vinegar, it will clean, polish and protect the natural beauty of wood products in your home. Believe it or not, you can clean your entire house naturally with these three products.

Want more great green cleaning tips? Check out Home Safe Home by Debra Lynn Dadd and the Healthy Child Healthy World website for more ways to avoid household toxins.