B00AFU6252 EBOK (49 page)

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Beauty products, cleaning supplies, scented candles, scented cat litter—and just about anything else with a fragrance (Even “unscented” is technically a scent!)

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Fragrance,
parfum, dyes, and synthetic musks; all perfume components

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Fragrances can contain phthalates (see below) or just about anything else—product manufacturers don’t have to tell you what’s in their fragrance formulas because they’re considered “trade secrets.” That means you have no idea what you’re being exposed to when you use a fragrance-containing product.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Look for “fragrance free” on the label of every personal care product and cleaning product you buy.

For extra insurance, only buy brands that specifically denote themselves as “phthalate free.”

Avoid using candles of any kind until after your pregnancy.

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Any food (especially processed) made with canola oil, soybeans, or corn.

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs),
which are added to food crops that have been engineered to be stronger and more pest resistant.

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
The reason GMO food crops are more pest resistant is usually because a toxic chemical pesticide has been bred right into the grain! The US government and biotech companies say GMO foods are safe, but they’ve been banned throughout Europe.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Choose organic whenever you can (even snack foods) because GMO ingredients are not allowed.

Support brands that advertise being GMO free. (For more on this issue, see
Chapter 1
.)

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Skin lighteners, moisturizers, hair dyes, anti-aging creams

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Hydroquinone,
a skin and hair lightener

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Can cause cancer and affect your immune system and reproductive health. Also associated with developmental problems when little kids are exposed. All-around bad news.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Choose cleaner cosmetics and personal care products; see
Chapters 2
and
3
.

Skip any skin lightening treatments and hair dye while pregnant.

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Drinking water; anything made from vinyl (PVC)—children’s toys, shower curtains, backpacks, raincoats, umbrellas, pacifiers, teething rings, etc. Lead has also been found in children’s face paint, lipstick, the paint on metal toys and jewelry. Mercury and lead have both been found in batteries, lightbulbs, and microwaves. Mercury also accumulates in fish and has been found in some mascaras.

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Lead, mercury,
and other
heavy metals
used as stabilizers or preservatives.

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
There is no safe level of lead exposure for babies and children: Lead is a known neurotoxin and can play a role in the development of learning delays, autism, and other neurological problems.

Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, plus it’s easy to absorb through your skin and it accumulates in your body.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

If you live in a home built before 1978, have your water and painted surfaces tested for lead (see
this page
). Use filters, replace pipes, and have paint sealed (by pros!) if appropriate.

Run your cold water for a minute every morning to flush out any lead that may have accumulated in the pipes overnight.

Steer clear of vinyl or painted toys, jewelry, and other gear that was made in China or other parts of Asia—these were the most likely to test positive for lead during investigations over the past few years.