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Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World
101 Smart Solutions for Every Family
by Philip J. Landrigan, MD; Herbert L. Needleman, MD; and Mary M.
Landrigan, MPA
In today's world, the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, homes we live in, and
parks where we play are all susceptible to a host of environmental toxins. Although
these toxins can affect everyone, those most at risk are our children. As a parent, you
want to do everything you can to keep your child safe. But protection children from
environmental toxins may seem like a big challenge.
That's why we wrote this book - to provide you with essential, practical information that
you need to protect your child from the numerous environmental toxins that exist in
our society: radon, asbestos, pesticides, lead, air pollutants that can trigger allergies
and asthman, and a host of chemicals that can affect your child's ability to develop
and learn.
Here are some tips from Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World:
Avoid lumber that's been treated with harmful chemicals: Pressure-treated wood is often used in playground equipment, decks, and picnic tables because it lasts longer. Unfortunately, the chemical most widely used to make it durable is chromated copper arsenate, which contains arsenic. Studies show that in just two weeks, a child playing on a pressure-treated-wood play set could be exposed to more arsenic than considered acceptable for a lifetime. Shop around for alternative materials - recycled plastic lumber and untreated cedar are better choices. If you can't replace pressure-treated products right away, consider sealing the item with a nontoxic paint or varnish to minimize the chance that the arsenic will leach out.
Don't use pesticides and herbicides: Most pesticides and herbicides marketed for your lawn and garden haven't been tested for their health effects on children and many of them have been linked to birth defects and cancer.
Use silicone nipples and pacifiers Baby-bottle nipples and pacifiers that are made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and other plastics can leach potentially harmful chemicals known as phthalates. These industrial chemicals can mimic natural body hormones and may interfere with normal body functions, including a child's growth and development. Don't panic! There are plenty of inexpensive options made by Evenflo and other manufacturers. Look for silicone nipples and pacifiers in Wal-Mart, Kids-R-Us and all major stores selling baby things.
Favorite sites:
Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World was published by Rodale Press. Please visit their website:
We'd be delighted to hear from you. Contact us at anyone@healthykids-toxicworld.com. Phil and Mary Landrigan
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"Every parent should read this book, as well as every politician and policy maker. We can fight back against the hazards our children face growing up
in an environment pervaded by toxins. Here's good information and wise advice."
BILL MOYERS, journalist
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________________________________ "I highly recommend this book to everyone. We can make a difference and provide a healthier place for our children to live."
OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN, national spokesperson for the Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC)
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________________________________ "All parents deserve the right to know how they can prevent childhood disease, especially if that disease is linked to exposures to environmental toxins. As parents who lost a child at the age of 5 to a nonheriditary form of cancer, we might have been able to prevent this tragedy if we'd read about | |||||