A Body's Burden

Would you ever want to know the level of chemicals currently taking up residence in your body? It’s starting to get needed attention, and is known to many as Body Burden.

I recently read a very disturbing article about a family who volunteered to do just. More out of curiosity than concern, they agreed to take part in a first-of-its-kind study to measure the industrial chemicals in their bodies. What they discovered shook their world.

The children, ages 18 months and 5 years, had nearly seven times the chemical exposure level the parents had. Their infant had flame retardant levels (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) registering two to three times what is known to cause thyroid dysfunction in rats. The kid was only a year and a half old!

Exposure to chemicals ~ through the environment, our food, clothing, mattresses, furniture, household cleaning products ~ is especially dangerous to children less than six years old. That’s because their vital organs and immune systems are still in the developmental stages and they rely more heavily on the environment than do adults.

Phthalates are another area of concern. These are found in many common products: baby bottles, plastic bottles, toys, cosmetic and personal care products. At least in lab animals, exposure to high levels of phthalates are associated with multiple reproductive related defects.

Yet another reason why organics and natural products are important. Yes, they cost more but think of the price you pay by NOT eating and wearing organic. Plus, the more people demand such products, buy such products, make such products -- the cheaper they will get.

Please educate yourself and share with your friends and family. A very good resource to start learning more is Environmental Working Group. There are countless articles, studies and thought provoking bits on this site, many specific to children.