Thanks to Organic Beauty Vixen for the heads up on this!

The Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) released the top ten toxic chemicals that are suspected to cause autism and learning disabilities in children. The center for disease reported last month that 1 in 88 American children is now affected by autism. A growing epidemic that has been linked to environmental causes.

Here is the list, along with a simplified version of what it means:

1. Lead: "Lead is a highly toxic metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Because of its abundance, low cost, and physical properties, lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products including paint, ceramics, pipes, solders, gasoline, batteries, and cosmetics." most of our Lead exposure now if from older paint and dust, and lead containing cosmetics. I'm sure even a little bit isn't great, but if you have a red lipstick you adore, that probably conatins traces of lead, save it for special occasions, and don't let it be the one kids play with.

1. Methylmercury: This is one of the most common bio-accumulated toxins. It accumulates primarily from industrial pollution and run-off, goes into water, and then becomes part of our seafood. The bigger the fish, the more methylmercury. Limit tuna consumption in kids, and stick with smaller fish like sardines and kipper snacks (I love kipper snacks). And while preganant, avoid tuna altogether. Some studies belief wild-caught, Alaskan fish is safer.

1. PCBs: According to the Wisconsin Dept. of Health: "During the time that PCBs were manufactured, there were often no effective controls on disposal. Because they do not break down easily, PCBs are now found widely distributed in our environment. Generally their concentrations in the environment are quite low. However, the chemical properties of PCBs cause them to be concentrate up the food chain." PCB's are no longer manufactured in the US and their concentrations are going down. Sadly, one of the main routes of exposure is big fish.

1. Organophosphate pesticides: Know the dirty 12/ Period. Know which are the most polluted fruits and vegetables (berries, melons, spinach, etc...) and stay away from them. And anything that isn't organic should be peeled. Check this list for opposite of Dirty 12, The Clean 14. These are the items that can be purchased conventionally and safely. LIST HERE

1. Endocrine disruptors: The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function and reproductive processes. Endocrine disruptors are substances which intefere with the body's endocrine system may be found in many everyday products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. The most alarming issue with these are when used by prgnant or nursign women. It actually inteferes with sexual develoment, and there are even rumors around the scientific community that it may be causing a decrease in male testosterone (which also includes a decrease in male penis size). This is why that $5 bottle of wonderfully scented lotion isn't really that good of a deal. Purchase tomato products primarily in glass conatiners vs metal cans, and stick with BPA free plastic. Stop using throw-away plastic!

1. Automotive Exhaust: well, this one needs no explanation.

1. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons usually occurs by breathing air contaminated by wild fires or coal tar, or by eating foods that have been grilled. When BBQing, limit it to a few times a month, and avoid burning/charring.

1. Organochlorine pesticides: Organochlorine pesticides are mostly used as insecticides. Pesticide residues on food are a major source of organochlorine exposure. See "Clean 14" list above.
   

1. Brominated flame retardants: So prevalent in new furniture, and items like shower curtains. The statistic that floats around is that for the 2 weeks after you bring a brand new piece of furniture or a shower curtain into your home, the air quality is as bad as major cities in Asia. Use cloth, rather than plastic shower curtains, and buy used furniture, especially couches and rugs. After a few years, the flame retardants have started to wear off. If you must buy new, do it in the summer and leave windows wide open.

1. Perflourinated compounds: Teflon and Stain resistant products. Sometimes, convenience is toxic.

This post isn't meant to scare, just educate. It's amazing what you can choose when you have a bit of knowledge backing up your decision. Also, add plants to your home! Here's a good list/guide: http://www.bijabody.com/bijablog/10-blog/86-the-plant-list-for-indoor-air. And, tea drinking is a great way to support your body's natural detox systems!

To happy, healthy kids...

xo, Melissa