Avoid over grilling at your summer BBQ

You may be able to grill year round or just in the summer. Whenever you do, be sure not to overcook your food. Those grill marks on meat and char-grilled hot dogs may be tasty, but they also may be bad for your health according to studies. Whenever the meats are cooked for long periods of time at high temperatures, they can form certain chemicals that are carcinogenic.

There are some things you can do while grilling to lower the exposure of toxins. You can marinate your food which seems to protect the meat. Opt for seafood or veggies on the grill rather than fattier meats such as beef or pork.
If you must have that steak on the grill every once in a blue moon, flip it instead of pricking it with a fork. Another chemical reaction happens as meat juices drop to the bottom of the grill making even more toxic gases around your dinner steak. Use a thermometer so you don't overcook or leave the food on the grill any longer than necessary. Most importantly, keep your grill clean!!! Those charred crumbs of mystery meat left on the grill will heat and release more chemicals. Start with a clean grill before each BBQ to ensure you are not increasing toxin exposure.

This from aolhealth:

"A 2003 study conducted by a French environmental campaigning group Robin des Bois found that the average two-hour barbecue can release about the same level of dioxins, a group of chemicals linked to the increased risk of cancer, as 220,000 cigarettes. Cooking on an elevated rack to allow fat to drip away helps further reduce exposure to dioxins, suggests the Illinois Department of Public Health."


Have I totally ruined your idea of a summer BBQ??? Just be cautious. Don't eat blackened or charred foods. It is especially important for your young children not to have them. The studies speak for themselves. Have a Happy and Safe BBQ!

More info from The American Cancer Institute.





photo © Michael Jastremski
for openphoto.net CC:Attribution-ShareAlike
More on how to have a safe BBQ.

Safe Dry Cleaning

We all have those clothes that must be dry cleaned. What you need to look for when choosing a Dry Cleaner, is to be sure they DO NOT use perchloroethylene which is linked to cancer and neurological damage. There are legal strides being made to ban the chemical completely in various states. The Environmental Protection Agency is looking in this as well.

From treehugger:
" two alternative methods – wet cleaning and CO2 cleaning.

Wet cleaning uses water, along with computer-controlled washers and dryers, specialized detergents that are milder than home laundry products, and professional pressing and finishing equipment. The EPA considers it one of the safest professional cleaning methods; its benefits include “no hazardous chemical use, no hazardous waste generation, no air pollution and reduced potential for water and soil contamination.”

Carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaning uses non-toxic, liquid CO2—the same form used to carbonate soda—as the cleaning solvent, along with detergent. The CO2 is captured as a by-product of existing industrial processes, thereby utilizing emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere; since only about two percent of the CO2 is lost into the air with each load of clothing, its impact on global warming is minimal. CO2 cleaning also uses less energy than traditional dry cleaning, which involves heating the solvent.

Not all cleaning methods advertised as “green” are as environmentally benign as they may seem. For example, a solvent called DF-2000 being touted as an “organic” dry cleaning fluid is actually a petroleum product. It is indeed organic in the same way gasoline and perc are organic: it contains a chain of carbon atoms. The word “organic” has a much different meaning when it comes to food that’s been certified organic by the USDA."

It seems you need to be careful who you trust with your clothes.
Also see if the dry cleaner uses biodegradable plastic bags or recycles hangers. There is even a Green Cleaners Council working on a 5 point system to rate cleaners. The site will also help you find a truly green dry cleaner. Who knew?!?

Dog toys, they should be safe

With all the concern about baby toys, we are forgetting about our furry friends!! How many chew toys does a puppy go through? Like many pet owners, our pets have become part of the family. What is in the chew toys? Could it be BPA, lead, phthalates and other harmful chemicals???

This article is disturbing on the findings of chemicals in Dogs and Cats.

There are safer pet toys out there.

The Soft Landing
Twist'n Treat
Squirrel Dude
Pet Toys

Avoid vinyl, plastic and toys that don't disclose what the toy is made from. There are no guidelines as to what "non-toxic" really means legally. I've seen toys advertised "non-toxic" but made from Vinyl. Clearly the manufacturer doesn't even know what he is selling. Look for natural materials, organic cotton, hemp, natural rubber. Buyer beware and look for the safest products for your pet.

Dangers hidden in new and old carpets

Some people love that new car smell and the smell of new carpeting in your home. Did you ever think that it could be harmful to your health??? Sadly, it is toxic. Last week I had to go to an ENT(Ear, Nose, Throat Dr)to be sure I didn't have an ear infection. Never having been to his office, I was early to fill out paperwork. Well, wouldn't you know it, they were in the middle of renovating the office and had installed NEW carpet that was off-gasing so badly that I had to wait in the hall until the Dr could see me. Like many others, these odors give me headaches, nausea, and sometimes nosebleeds. The receptionist asked "You can still smell it?", which says to me that it had been there for longer than a month. This brings up another point. I was at an Ear, Nose and Throat Dr where people go when they are sick. Why install carpet that may make patients feel worse? It was the thin commercial carpeting that needed to be glued to a cement floor, which in turn made it more toxic because of the glues. Why, why, why I ask??? I think the medical community needs to take these things into consideration.


A larger concern is that babies and pets are down on the floor inhaling whatever chemical that is emitting into the air from Benzene to Formaldehyde. This article from Healthy Child Healthy World explains carpet and rugs in more detail.
There was even legislation in Vermont to have "healthier" carpet. Vermont Article.
The Environmental Protection Agency even has information on buying carpeting for Federal Purchasers.
Think stain repellent carpet would be good if you have children...think again. Article from EWG
Also be cautitous of old carpet due to the foam padding under the carpet. Article.

There are healthy options for carpeting if you can't have hardwood or tile.
There is a product from SAFECOAT to seal in the toxic fumes.
You can also purchase non toxic carpets made from Hemp, Sisal, Jute and Wool.
There is also a company that sells carpet tiles, Flor. Another website that seems to have a great selection of area rugs as well...EcoByDesign. If you do opt for hardwood floors, be cautitous of engineered woods that use glues, solid wood is preferred. Whatever flooring option you choose, be sure it is a healthy one.

Hand sanitizers, ingredient in question.

I have never been a frequent user of hand sanitizers. However, I do know people that use them almost obsessively. The FDA has now decided to investigate the safeness of the ingredient Triclosan. It is found in other products as well such as toothpaste and various cosmetics. Other countries have banned this ingredient but yet it is still in US products. It is thought to be an endocrine disruptor much like BPA and may be harming wildlife such as frogs since it gets washed down drains. There is also concern that it may interfere with antibiotics effectiveness as well. Triclosan was originally geared for use in hospitals where germs are everywhere. Everyday household use may not be the safest place for such a chemical.

When I was stocking up on baby supplies I found a hand sanitizer, Clean Well, that is Alcohol Free and All-Natural and Kid Safe. They also make Hand Sanitizing wipes and their products don't contain Triclosan. So far it has been working great and rated low on the Skin Deep toxicity scale. I purchased it at Diapers.com

Beware of another company using ALL NATURAL claims, but the second ingredient, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is not as safe and has health concerns.
As of now you can't avoid what is offered in public restrooms. Another reason I hate using public restrooms other than the germ factor is because the hand soaps make me literally nauseous because of the fragrance which we now know is toxic and now the Triclosan ingredient in them is hazardous as well.

This obtained from the Washington Post:
"In a letter to a congressman that was obtained by The Washington Post, the FDA said that recent scientific studies raise questions about whether triclosan disrupts the body's endocrine system and whether it helps to create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. An advisory panel to the FDA said in 2005 that there was no evidence the antibacterial soaps work better than regular soap and water.

The FDA was responding to inquiries from Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who has been pushing federal regulators to take stronger action to restrict the use of triclosan and other chemicals that have been shown in laboratory tests to interfere with the delicate endocrine system, which regulates growth and development. "


Hopefully the FDA will step to the plate on this one and ban the ingredient ASAP. According to the EPA, they are going to review Triclosan in 2013, ten years earlier than planned!!!!! Do you want to wait for their findings when other countries have already banned??? Legislators are calling for a ban on all products targeted to children. I know you are thinking what will be next... so am I...I will let you know!!!

How safe is your makeup???

Ever wonder what is in the makeup you wear everyday? As a Mom I rarely wear makeup anymore. When I do I want to be sure it is safe to be near my baby. After all, when I pick her up she is close to my face, wants to kiss me or chew on my fingers. She is inhaling and touching whatever I am wearing.

Environmental Working Group has a section called Skin Deep which tests products and rates their safety. As I researched the lists, I became more and more angry. Some of my own makeup which I bought at a health food store is somewhat hazardous. So much for thinking a health food store would stock non-toxic makeup! These companies need to be responsible. What about the celebrities endorsing the makeup, do you think they are aware of what they are really getting paid to endorse?

There is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which companies may or may not sign stating they will work toward safer products. The offending companies that contain hazardous ingredients include brands that you find at your local drugstore to the high end department store brands. There are even a few brands that have signed, but aren't complying with the guidelines.

Here is a cosmetic guide you can print out to help you determine which ingredients to avoid. Cosmetic guide It is sad that finding safe makeup from powders, foundation, eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick to nail polish, moisturizer, shampoo and toothpaste has become a scavenger hunt. See how your makeup and cosmetics rate. Change brands if your favorites are of concern.

The fact that companies are legally allowed to sell such products is astonishing. Do we not live in an age where almost everyone knows someone who has or has had cancer?? If your skin is the largest organ, you are absorbing these ingredients into your body on a daily basis. I'm not a Dr. or scientist, but this makes common sense to me that health concerns are likely to arise after repeated use. I even broke out in rashes during high school from some of my makeup. Now I know why! It seems to me that if a product contains an ingredient that could be deemed hazardous that it should be outlawed. Remember when people thought it was cool and hip to smoke?? Now look at the findings of the effects of smoking.

If you look around the Skin Deep website, there is even a petition to get celebrity perfumes "healthy". In a society where women strive to be young and beautiful, it shouldn't come with a price of poisoning themselves with makeup that can make them sick.

Teethers for babies, NEW is the way to go.

When babies teeth start to come in it is extremely painful for them. One thing that can be helpful is for babies to chew on something like a teether. Before 1998 teethers contained chemicals such as Phthalates. If you have a hand-me-down teether, dispose of it. Be sure your teether is new and does not contain harmful chemicals. The new teethers and pacifiers sold are supposed to be phthalate free and should say this on the packaging. There are many made from latex and silicone that are safe as well. You can find a great selection at Diapers.com

Now there is the other chemical Polycarbonate plastic which also contains the chemical, and is usually marked with the number 7 recycling symbol. PVC is typically marked with the number 3. These are found in vinyl shower curtains, household plastic and toys. Check your babies bowls, spoons and sippy cups as well for safety. Keep these items away from your baby that may be in question. This may sound crazy, but my husband and I do the sniff test on items. If it smells like plastic, its probably bad for you. We all know the smell of a new vinyl shower curtain, that smell is toxic. Imagine what those chemicals emitting into the air can do to your young baby!! Think that yellow rubber ducky is safe...think again!!!(unless it is PVC, Phthalte-free, BPA Free) More on phthalates.

These phthalates aren't just in baby toys. They are in soft plastics. Be careful what your baby wants to chew on. The remote control is a NO NO!!! You can also wet a washcloth and put it in the freezer. I only use her organic cotton washcloths because regular cotton has been grown with pesticides.



As far as her stuffed animals that she uses as teething toys, I made sure those are organic as well. For me, if I believe there could be a threat, I take a precaution. Better safe than sorry.

The facts about sunscreen

Summer is quickly approaching and swimming is near! Babies skin is extremely sensitive which is why you must protect it with sunscreen, a sunhat and clothing with an SPF and sunglasses. Here is a
link to the best sunscreens from Environmental Working Group. Most of the sunscreens that make big claims on protection, fall very short with their protection and contain harmful chemicals. See how your sunscreen rates and you may want to switch brands.

It is also important to protect babies heads with a hat. Many hats have an SPF in them such as Coolibar. They also carry clothing and swimwear for children and adults with an SPF, as well as sunglasses. Little babies eyes need protection too!!! Target also has a selection of Iplay sunhats with SPF and California Baby sunscreen which is one of the top brands for babies according to reports from EWG.

By protecting skin early on in life, hopefully the habit will continue and prevent skin cancer. As little as 15 minutes in the sun can cause a burn on some days. Just because the sun isn't out doesn't mean you can go without the sunscreen. You can burn on cloudy days as well. It is also a good idea to protect babies in the spring, winter and fall because summer isn't the only time the sun's rays are harmful. You can learn more at sunprotection.net.

Now a Lettuce RECALL

If you look at the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of which fruits and vegetables you should buy organic, Lettuce is one of them. It was no surprise to me to see another food recall of a non-organic item. Buy eating the non-organic lettuce you are exposing yourself to several pesticides. Here is more information from Wed MD on the
Lettuce Recall

The "Dirty Dozen"
If you don't have the list, here it is:

Source: Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org and Food News, www.foodnews.org

Whether you are on a budget and need to prioritize your organic purchases, or you would simply like to know which type of produce has the highest pesticide residues—and which do not—the following guide from the Environmental Working Group will help.


12 Most Contaminated

Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated

Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

If you plan to take out Mom for Mother's Day brunch, pass on the salad unless its organic! Isn't this a great reason to grow your own organic lettuce in you backyard???

Pesticides in Flowers for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is around the corner and usually people opt for the easy gift of flowers. Sorry, but I've never been a huge fan of flowers due to the fact that they quickly die. I've tried drying them and end up throwing them away. Besides, do you know how many pesticides are on those flowers?? There are deli's on every corner in NYC selling flowers. They may be pretty to look at, but unless they are from the correct flower farm, you could be looking at a bouquet of poison. Read on for further details on this FLOWERS
Dangers of cut flowers


Why not give a better gift?? Cook Mom an organic breakfast in bed, tickets to the movies, or organic pesticide free flowers. I found a website that sells ORGANIC FLOWERS if you must give flowers. Or for other organic gifts you can look at Organica Delux.
Or simply let Mom sleep in and give her a hug and kiss, that's free!!

Children's Tylenol and Benadryl RECALL!!!!!

It is so hard to keep up with RECALLS. From crib recalls, lead paint in toys, burning diapers to medicine, it has become frustrating and absolutely irresponsible of companies to let products go on the market before they are thoroughly tested for safety. These are products for children and should be 100 percent safe. It seems like you have to do your own research as a parent before you buy anything.

I don't have Tylenol, but I do have have Children's Liquid Dye Free Benadryl which I use for my food allergies and my husbands as well.(I hate needles therefore I don't have an Epipen) Now feeding my daughter baby food, we need to be careful she hasn't inherited our food allergies. Two days before the recall she had a reaction to something and broke out in a few red spots and a rash. The DR had said it was OK to give her Benadryl if she had a reaction, so I gave her less than a quarter of a teaspoon. The rash seemed to lessen after that. Then I hear about the recall!!! I plan to return the 2 bottles that I have of Children's Benadryl. I did find a teething medicine from Boiron that is Homeopathic which I plan to use if necessary.


The information below from Stroller Traffic seems to explain the recall well:

The recent recall of McNeil Consumer Healthcare's infant's and children's versions of Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl has most moms frustrated, panicked, or just plain pissed off. To help answer some of the questions surrounding the issue, we spoke to our pediatric expert, JJ Levenstein of MD Moms. As always, Dr. Levenstein was beyond helpful in explaining what happened, how it affects us, and what we should do now.

Q. What prompted this recall?
A. The current recall issued over the weekend originated out of concern that there were "manufacturing deficiencies" in McNeil's Fort Washington, Pennsylvania plant. Specifically, the company's news release states that "some of the product included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles."

Q. How is this recall different from the Tylenol recall earlier this year?
A. The January 2010 recall of several of McNeil's products (including junior strength Motrin, Children's Tylenol grape meltaway tablets, and adult forms of Tylenol, Motrin, Rolaids, St. Joseph Aspirin and Benadryl) was provoked by several consumers detecting an unusual mold, musty or mildew-like odor from these products. Fast forward to the answer: the wooden pallets used to transport big lots of these medications were coated with a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). Apparently the off-gassing of this chemical leached into the packaging of the above-mentioned products and a small number of consumers complained of non-serious stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. The FDA spearheaded the effort to quickly find out why, and warned McNeil/Johnson & Johnson that their new drug applications and export certificates may be in peril unless there was swift and complete remediation of the problem. Because the first reports actually came to McNeil in early 2008, and their subsequent reporting to the FDA didn't occur until a year later, the FDA was especially concerned about timely disclosure.

Q. We can't help but wonder if generic is the best way to go: what's the difference between the McNeil brands and the generic/in-store brands?
A. On outward glance, the active ingredients and concentrations of other brands, store brands and generic acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Tempra and generics), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, generics), diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) all appear equivalent on paper. What can distinguish a known brand from the generic/store brand may be color, flavor, delivery system (meltaway vs. liquid vs. chew), rate of absorption in the GI tract, and presence of different inactive ingredients (flavorings, dyes, fillers). Quite honestly, over the last two decades, I haven't really witnessed a striking difference in the positive effects of brand vs. generics in the categories listed above.

Q. Aren't in-store brands often made by the same manufacturer?
A. Private labeling (i.e., a recognized brand manufacturing under the moniker of store brand or generic) is fairly common in the industry, enabling manufacturers to capture the "brand only" audience as well as the "pocketbook aware" audience. Usually, private labeling deals are proprietary (not public knowledge) and as a result, not easy to look up. However, with medications requiring FDA approval, store brands and generics are subject to the same stringent reporting requirements as known brands. It appears that this recall is specific to McNeil's Fort Washington plant. By the looks of the recall list, it appears as though generics/store brands that they may manufacture are not affected (my guess is that if McNeil does manufacture under other names, that it is done in a different plant).

Q. What's the best thing to do if your kid needs pain/allergy relief during this time between when we have to throw away our products and when the stores stock the new (safe) products?
A. Look at other brands (Tempra, Panadol, Claritin, Advil, store brands, generics) for a readily available substitute, and consult your health care provider if you have questions on dosing, etc. Just today at my local market, I found five brands of acetaminophen (liquid, chews, rectal suppositories and meltaways), five of ibuprofen (liquid, two strengths of chews, and another national brand), four of diphenhydramine (rapid dissolve strips, a store brand of Benadryl, generic brand and chewables) and both generic cetirizine (in liquid and children's chews) and Zyrtec brand children's chews (which can be crushed for younger children), plus Claritin (loratidine) liquid and chews for children.

Remember that fever relief can also be achieved (at least partially) by offering your child cool fluids frequently, removing layers of clothing, using lukewarm baths and cooling compresses to reduce the body's temperature and maintain hydration.

Q. On that note, is it really imperative that we throw away the tainted lots? What's the worst that could happen if a child ingested the products?
A. YES. Since McNeil's press statement about possibly higher concentrations of active ingredients seems purposely vague, I would not want my child or any of my patients to possibly suffer organ damage from overdosing (i.e., Tylenol given in repeated higher doses causes liver damage, Benadryl in higher doses could cause excessive sedation, Motrin in higher doses could compromise stomach lining or kidney function). Furthermore, inactive ingredients, if present in higher concentrations, could potentially cause harm if a child were extremely sensitive to, say, a food dye, filler or preservative.

Q. Now what? Any knowledge of whether McNeil will be reimbursing customers?
A. Their press release states that recalled products may be returned for a refund or exchanged for fresh product once manufacturing issues have been resolved. The company is conducting a comprehensive quality assessment across its manufacturing operations and has identified corrective actions that will be implemented before new manufacturing is initiated at the plant where the recalled products were made.

Consumers can contact the company at 1-888-222-6036 and also at www.mcneilproductrecall.com. Parents and caregivers who are not sure about alternative pediatric health treatment options should talk to their doctor or pharmacist and are reminded to never give drug products to infants and children that are not intended for those age groups as this could result in serious harm.

For additional information, including affected NDC numbers, consumers should visit www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036. Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

--Dr. JJ Levenstein, MD Moms

I guess its buyer beware out there!!!! Maybe homeopathic teething medicine will work for me??? The colic medicine seemed to work, now hopefully there won't be anymore RECALLS!!!

Renewable energy sources, NEEDED NOW!!

Last night my husband and I watched a documentary, A Crude Awakening. We don't watch many documentaries but this one caught his eye because of Earth Day. Needless to say that the information is still in my mind since it is the topic of today's blog. If you haven't watched the movie, see it!!!! Now more than ever it is important to be GREEN. Our need for petrochemicals and fuel has become too great. What will we do when it's ALL GONE????? What will our children's lives be like??? As a country, we are very wasteful. Buying the latest fashions, eating take-out, leaving the lights on, letting the water run, driving instead of walking, buying needless knickknacks made in China and the list goes on. We are not thinking of the effects it will have on future generations and living too much in the moment being greedy consumers. WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF THIS!!!

REUSE and RECYCLE! We don't have recycling where we live so we take our plastic, glass and metal containers back to Whole Foods which has recycling there. What we can do is buy organic or grow your own food. It requires less pesticides which are made with petroleum. Organic clothing, sheets, towels, are now available at stores. I've even seen them at TARGET!!! Bamboo is very renewable and also used to make these things as well. Another reason to use GREEN cleaners besides their toxicity is because they require petrol chemicals to produce.

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, convert to solar or geothermal power. There are tax rebates for doing this. Convert your hot water heater to a tank less version. There are options out there that will make an impact that you can find at Green Depot or online or from LEED certified professionals.

Buy hybrid vehicles, take public transportation when possible. This problem is not going away. Things need to be done to change the way we live. Look at the Amish, they live happily without power and their carbon imprint is little compared to the average American. We could learn alot from how they live today.

What do you do with your unwanted items??? Are they reusable? Could you donate them to an organization? Think about what will happen to your computer, appliances, TVs when they can't be fixed. Dispose of them properly so items don't end up in a landfill.

Changing the way we currently live can and should be a priority. As a mom, I'm breastfeeding, making my own baby food and now even considering using cloth reusable diapers while we are at home and disposable if we are out. That is how much of concern this has become after watching this movie. It makes me think that the Amish may have something to teach us. Will we be forced to live like them one day????? What if air transportation became a thing of the past??? While no one can predict the future, we need to make sure the world becomes sustainable so our children can have a future.