Our Stolen Future

I'm adding a link to Our Stolen Future. I just recently heard of a neighbor's child being diagnosed with leukemia and I wanted to remind everyone of the risks of pesticides. Quoting a study in 2002 - "present results demonstrating a strong relationship between exposure to indoor pesticides and the risk of childhood leukemia."

The Seventh Generation book Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe & Healthy, Non-toxic Cleaning also warns against using flea collars for the same reason. I guess a good rule to follow is if it's designed to KILL, we should keep it away from our families and find more natural ways of keeping the critters away.

Did you also know that the wood chips in most playgrounds are treated with arsenic?

Myth:

That arsenic treated wood becomes safe for children as it ages.

Reality:

New research by the Environmental Working Group and the University of North Carolina demonstrates that old arsenic-treated wood structures are as dangerous as new ones. Arsenic continues to leach out of this wood for many years. And what had been thought to be protective—coating it with sealant— only works for 6 months or less. Some of the soil around decks and playgrounds where arsenic treated wood has been used actually is so contaminated that it qualifies for SuperFund.

You can find out about this and other toxins we are being exposed to at Myths vs. Reality.

Stay green and stay safe!