Recent studies have revealed that many of the household products that we use on a daily basis contain harmful toxins that have been linked to asthma, hormonal imbalance, endocrine and neurological disorders and in some cases have even led to death. Although many of these dangerous consumer products dwell in toy chests and refrigerators year-round, experts are saying that exposure is even more prevalent during the holiday season.
For many Americans, Christmas decor has become as much a part of holiday tradition as turkey is at Thanksgiving dinner. With each passing year, evergreens grow greener, Christmas lights glow brighter and the Christmas scents of candles burn more potently and well-defined. However, what you don’t know about these holiday decorations may prove to be life-saving information.
Here are some examples of holiday toxins that may be lurking within your home:
- Toxins found in plastics – Many children’s toys contain harmful toxins such as phthalates. Phthalates, commonly used to soften plastics, can be found in products such as shower curtain liners and children’s toys and have been linked to hormonal imbalance in children and adults alike. Phthalates were once used widely in the manufacture of infant teething rings, toys and pacifiers, but later was removed from all infant products due to their toxicity. Another harmful toxin found in plastics is the now popular organic compound known as Bisphenol-A or BPA. BPA is found in plastic water bottles and have also been linked to hormonal imbalances and metabolic abnormalities in consumers of all ages.
- Lead-based products – Many of us are unaware that we use products containing lead and that many of them pose a serious health risk. The mistake that many of us make is that we consider lead-based products to be a thing of the past and the reality is, countries like China use the ingredient in various consumer products, all of which are sold on U.S. store shelves. For example: the paint used for antique ornaments is a lead-based paint – artificial trees and strings of Christmas lights also contain lead-based materials. Your best bet would be to NOT buy anything made in China. This goes for just about everything.
- Scented products – Nothing says it’s the holidays like the sweet scents of gingerbread scented candles and potpourri aerosol air fresheners. Unfortunately, many of these products contain harmful vapors that are laced with a deadly concoction of chemicals and additives. Scientists attribute the sharp increase in children’s asthma to the heightened popularity of scented products. Experts say that essential oils are healthy and environmental-friendly way to achieve the same great scents without the dangers of harmful vapors.
Here’s a great video featuring BodyLogicMD Medical Director and bioidentical hormones expert Jennifer Landa, M.D. discussing some potential household holiday dangers: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWIk9CjQeg8&feature=player_embedded]