No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. While the effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, if caught early, there are things parents can do to prevent further exposure and reduce damage to their child’s health.
Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. PFAS are universally detected in pregnant women and cross the placenta. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.
No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. While the effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, if caught early, there are things parents can do to prevent further exposure and reduce damage to their child’s health.
Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. PFAS are universally detected in pregnant women and cross the placenta. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.
We raise awareness of the growing environmental risks we face as a global community by translating science into free, easy-to-understand and actionable materials. Our goal is to spread awareness about the effects of toxic chemicals on the health of our population and planet.
We believe that every child has the right to a healthy environment.
We raise awareness of the growing environmental risks we face as a global community by translating science into free, easy-to-understand and actionable materials. Our goal is to spread awareness about the effects of toxic chemicals on the health of our population and planet.
We believe that every child has the right to a healthy environment.
The problem with #pesticides...
It's not a surprise that chronic diseases are rising around the world; many of them have been linked to toxic chemicals, like lead, air pollution, and pesticides. Most people think if we use pesticides to grow our food, they must be safe, that somebody's watching out for us. But the science is telling us a different story.
An unfortunate pattern has emerged over the past century: once a pesticide is proven harmful, the corporations introduce a new one to replace it. Too often, the new pesticides are found to be harmful. We keep making the same mistakes.
The good news is organic agriculture is safer, it was how farming was done for centuries. We now know that we don't need pesticides to feed the world and if you shift to an organic diet, the levels of pesticides in your body drop immediately.
Watch the full video: https://bit.ly/3RckO6Q
#organicfood #organic #pesticides #healthy
Your Teflon pan sheds millions of microplastics loaded with PFAS during cooking – even when it’s brand new!
Groundbreaking new study by researchers at the @uni_newcastle, discovered hidden hazards in the Teflon pans millions of families use to cook food for their children.
Try safer alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel.
Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/3QXewI8
Microplastics are everywhere: baby bottles, 🍼 dust, 🧹 food packaging, 🌯 water,🚰 and even human placenta🤰. And microplastics can carry chemicals we know are unsafe 🤢. ⠀
⠀
What risks do microplastics pose for children's healthy development? Read the piece by researcher Kam Sripada PhD and colleagues and their call to action for policymakers, the plastics industry, and researchers: https://bit.ly/3HbXWRg ⠀
⠀
Tips to prevent exposure? Check out Little Things Matter website: https://bit.ly/3WEtBAx
New Research in PNAS Nexus shows that children living near general airports are at higher risk for lead poisoning. Leaded fuel was phased out for cars and trucks, but it continues to be used by some small aircrafts today. Leaded aviation fuel is the largest source of lead emissions in the United States, contributing to about 70% of lead in the atmosphere (Reuters, 2022).
Dr. Sammy Zahran’s study shows that one in ten children living downwind from a general airport are lead poisoned. Lead poisoning leads to diminished intelligence, behavioral problems, and reduced school performance (Lanphear, 2005). Other studies have also linked higher blood lead levels with an increase in autistic traits.
Dr. Zahran’s study prompted the EPA to take steps to regulate leaded fuel from airplanes.
"When it comes to our children, the science is clear, exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects,” Michael Regan, EPA Administrator.
Make your voice heard. Let the @epagov know that you support regulation of leaded aviation fuel by emailing a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov before January 17th, 2023. Include Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR– 2022–0389 in the subject line.
You can help protect your family from lead poisoning by:
Wash hands and toys. …
Clean dusty surfaces. …
Remove shoes before entering the house. …
Test your water for lead
Prevent children from playing on soil. …
Eat a healthy diet. …
Keep your home well-maintained.
Read Dr. Zahran’s full study here: https://bit.ly/3GZPpAK
#littlechangesbigimpact 🐾
#nontoxicliving 🌳
#healthychildren 🍎
Continuing with our toxic chemicals lineup… meet endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) 👋
EDCs – also known as hormone disruptors – are chemicals that disrupt our natural hormones. EDCs have been found to be associated with problems like infertility in adults and learning problems in children.
EDCs can be found in children's toys, plastic bottles and containers, liners of metal food cans, detergents, furniture, electronics, and clothing.
You can reduce your exposure to EDCs by:
1. Choosing organic foods when possible 🍓
2. Using personal care and cleaning products without fragrance, phthalates, or parabens. 💄
3. Checking your water for lead and using a filter if necessary. 🚰
4. Dusting and vacuuming frequently, and using a wet mop for surfaces. 🚿
5. Avoiding canned foods. 🥫
For more information about EDCs visit our page here: https://bit.ly/3ThfNJw 🙌
Even during the winter months, going outdoors has many health benefits, including the protective role of Vitamin D.
What are some of your favourite outdoor activities? ☀️⛰
"Why would I care if a child lost 2 IQ points!"
People often argue the relevance of a few lost IQ points due to toxic chemical exposure.
However, on a population level, it is dramatic.
The impact of toxic chemicals is usually subtle for an individual child, but it can be substantial at the population level.
Watch the full video and the science underlying the video here: https://bit.ly/3Lwv6KI
#LittleThingsMatter
Check out this interview with ISCHE's environmental health researcher, Dr. Grandjean, from @harvardchansph on the importance of regulating #PFAS chemicals
“We know that the blood of nearly all Americans contains some PFAS, which we call “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the body. And we’ve shown with two decades of intensive research that PFAS are linked to serious health issues such as kidney and testicular cancer, weakened immune system, endocrine disruption, fertility problems, and decreased birth weight.” Says Dr. Grandjean.
“I would like to see the proof of [PFAS’] safety before they’re allowed to be used in products, rather than finding out 10 to 15 years down the road that these compounds don’t break down in the body, that they accumulate, and that women pass them down to their children via the placenta or through breastfeeding.” – Dr. Grandjean
Interested in learning more? https://bit.ly/3GpHLwW
#environmentalhealth #childrenshealth #toxicchemicals #environmentaltoxins #chronicdisease #pediatric #parentingtips #parenting #parentinghacks #pregnant #pregnancytips
LEAD & CADMIUM
Dr. Jeffery Weidenhamer and his team of students have identified lead and cadmium contamination in consumer products such as toys, jewelry, and cookware. Their work received worldwide attention and led to over 17 recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for lead and cadmium contamination!
Sometimes the events that alter history and have enduring impact happen behind the scenes or without much fanfare. Little Changes, Big Impact takes a moment to highlight those significant events and celebrate their contributions.
Over 200 schools, parks, and neighborhoods are now free from toxic pesticides thanks to @NonToxicNeighborhoods, which champions removing harmful chemicals from the spaces where children live, work and play.
Pesticides can cause childhood leukemia, impair children’s learning abilities, and decrease fertility.
Scientists have found pesticides in humans, including their blood, urine and hair, breast milk, cord blood of newborns and placenta.
Reduce your family’s exposure to pesticides by:
• If possible, choose organic produce
• Advocate for policies that support organic farmers
• If your children’s schools and recreational facilities are using pesticides, ask them to stop
Start a community coalition to remove pesticides from your neighborhoods with the support of @nontoxicneighborhoods
In a recent landmark case, a UK coroner ruled that 9-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah “died of asthma contributed to by exposure to excessive air pollution.”
The ruling was clear, there is “no safe level of particulate matter in the air” and called for national pollution limits to be reduced. The case is likely to increase pressure on the government to tackle illegal levels of air pollution. Unlike most people with asthma, Ella’s attacks were not triggered by pollen or respiratory infections, but by severe air pollution from local traffic.
Ella’s mother Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah fought for years to have an earlier autopsy re-examined in light of a clear pattern of seasonal spikes in air pollution. “Action needs to be taken now or more people will simply continue to die.”
In a recent landmark case, a UK coroner ruled that 9-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah “died of asthma contributed to by exposure to excessive air pollution.”
The ruling was clear, there is “no safe level of particulate matter in the air” and called for national pollution limits to be reduced. The case is likely to increase pressure on the government to tackle illegal levels of air pollution. Unlike most people with asthma, Ella’s attacks were not triggered by pollen or respiratory infections, but by severe air pollution from local traffic.
Ella’s mother Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah fought for years to have an earlier autopsy re-examined in light of a clear pattern of seasonal spikes in air pollution. “Action needs to be taken now or more people will simply continue to die.”
Expand your mind and understanding of how environmental toxic chemicals affect all of us with these short educational videos.
Cause or Cure? Should we continue to spend billions of dollars on elusive cures?
The Impact of FLUORIDE, a proven neurotoxin, on brain development, especially during prenancy.
Crime of the Century: The failure to prevent the pandemic of lead poisoning over the last 100 years.
The Deadly Impact of Airborne Particles: air pollution is all around us, what can we do?
Little Things Matter: The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on the Developing Brain
Who is at Risk? The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on Children's Behavior
A growing compilation of brief videos illustrating often unseen environmental hazards that linger in plain sight.
PBDEs are toxic chemicals found in common household products and can have significant impact fetal brain development.
Microplastics result from plastic breaking down into fine particles often containing hazardous toxins. They exist throughout the environment.
Air pollution is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. We can’t escape it, it’s all around us.
PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they never completely break down, leaving them in our soils, our water and our bodies.
Pesticides can cause short-term adverse health effects as well as chronic adverse effects that can occur months or years after exposure.
Allergic disorders have risen dramatically over the last 30-40 years as has our understanding of what causes them and the toxic chemicals that have the greatest impact.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are found in many common household products and can increase the risk of many diseases.
Allergic disorders have risen dramatically over the last 30-40 years as has our understanding of what causes them and the toxic chemicals that have the greatest impact.
Over a billion children live at extremely high risk for climate change events that can lead to disease and death.
Registrer deg for å motta vårt månedlige nyhetsbrev og andre Little Things Matter-oppdateringer.
Inscreva-se para receber nossa newsletter mensal e outras atualizações little things matter.
Regístrese para recibir nuestro boletín mensual y otras actualizaciones de Little Things Matter.
हमारे मासिक न्यूज़लेटर और अन्य लिटिल थिंग्स मैटर अपडेट प्राप्त करने के लिए साइन अप करें।
注册以接收我们的每月时事通讯和其他小事事项更新。
Sign up to recieve our monthly newsletter and other Little Things Matter updates.
