The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers, especially pregnant women and young children, to avoid kids’ products, electronics, mattresses, and home furniture that contain certain toxic flame retardants, known as organohalogens. Continue reading
Gearing up for a newborn? We’ve got tips for safer baby essentials that will help you navigate the must-haves with an eye toward healthier products for your little one. Continue reading
Don’t let reports of toxic chemicals in face paint and costumes frighten away your fun on Halloween. Follow these easy tips to make sure the only thing scaring you and your kids are ghosts and goblins! Continue reading
Families with college-age kids are checking off their Dorm Essentials lists and packing up the car for that iconic family event – College Move-In Day. Here are some tips to reduce your college student’s exposure to toxic chemicals in their new digs and making a healthy college dorm room for them. Continue reading
A recent report that some crayons contain cancer-causing asbestos is a good reminder that not all art supplies are healthy choices for kids. But by following a few simple tips and choosing art supplies carefully, it’s easy to keep your kids’ artistic endeavors healthy and fun! Continue reading
Last week Lego announced that it will begin searching for a more sustainable material to replace the plastic in its iconic toy blocks. It’s not only great news for consumers, but could also be an example of how state disclosure laws and consumer demand are helping make the marketplace a little less toxic. Continue reading
Revving up for a home remodel? Build a better home while protecting your family’s health by choosing less-toxic building materials and taking extra care during construction. Follow these tips for safer remodeling from start to finish. Continue reading
The following blog post was written by Rachel Koller, a long-time WTC TFF volunteer, on her experiences while shopping for a new mattress for her daughter.
When my daughter turned 3 we knew it was time to get her into a twin bed. This was a challenge not because we worried about her wandering around in the middle of the night without the confines of a crib, but because it involved buying a new mattress, and we are picky consumers. We have “lofty” goals when buying furniture: avoid chemical flame retardants, and protect indoor air quality. We also believe that a mattress should be comfortable, durable, and affordable. Would this be too much to ask? Continue reading
Lotion, acne wash, cologne, deodorant… young people lather and primp daily with lots of personal care products, resulting in exposure to many combinations of untested and potentially harmful chemicals. Help guide tweens and teens toward safer cosmetics and bodycare with these tips.
Spring is here and the upcoming warmer, dryer months are a great time to tackle remodeling projects! Before you or your contractor start any demolition, make sure to find out if there is lead paint in the house. If your home was built pre-1978, it likely contains lead paint. A new EPA law enacted in 2010 to prevent children’s exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation requires contractors to be certified in lead-safe work practices. Exposure to lead hazards is especially dangerous for kids and can lead to lower intelligence, learning disabilities, and behavior issues. Lead is also harmful to adults, especially pregnant women who can transfer lead to fetuses. Continue reading