B00AFU6252 EBOK (48 page)

If you must bleach, make sure the label says “nonchlorinated.”

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabric, foam cushions, mattresses, anything “flame resistant,” carpeting, pizza boxes, fast-food containers, conventional cleaning products, paints, roof treatment, floor protectant

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Flame retardants like perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs),
coating used to reduce flammability of textiles and other goods.

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
PFCs, BFRs, and HFRs are endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with hormonal development and can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders. They are also associated with liver, pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancer.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Replace any old, scratched nonstick cookware with cast iron or stainless steel.

Don’t buy fabrics that advertise as being water repellant, flame resistant, or stain resistant, and don’t use products designed to increase a fabric’s stain resistance (like Scotchgard).

Skip the fast food and take-out pizza.

Switch to nontoxic cleaning products (see
this page
).

Use nontoxic paints, treatments, and carpeting if you’re remodeling (see
this page
).

Invest in nontoxic mattresses and pillows (see
this page
).

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Nail polish, polish remover, eyelash glue, Brazilian blowout and other keratin hair-straightening treatments, mattresses, foam cushions, kitchen cabinets, carpeting, particleboard furniture

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Formaldehyde,
a preservative and/or by-product released from other preservatives

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Formaldehyde can cause cancer after chronic, long-term exposure, plus it can cause more immediate allergic reactions, rashes, asthma, nosebleeds, and other respiratory issues.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Skip the mani-pedis until after your pregnancy, or DIY at home with “three-free polish” (see
this page
). Maybe get a massage instead!

Do not get any kind of keratin hair-straightening treatment, period.

Shop for safer mattresses and other furnishings (see
this page
).

Let new furniture, carpets, and other home goods off-gas in an open garage or on the back porch for several days before you bring them inside, then run a fan and leave windows open for another few days.

Look for used furniture and cabinets if you’re upgrading—they’re more likely to have finished off-gassing.