B00AFU6252 EBOK (51 page)

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Some nail polishes; anything vinyl (shower curtains, raincoats, backpacks); anything that lists “fragrance” on the ingredient label, like cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, scented candles, etc.

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Phthalate
a group of chemicals used as plasticizers or fragrance components

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Twenty years of research suggests that phthalates can mess with our hormones and damage our reproductive health, so it’s especially critical for pregnant women, babies, and young children to steer clear.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Look for nonvinyl alternatives whenever you’re purchasing a traditionally vinyl item (shower curtain, raincoat, etc.).

Only use “fragrance-free” cleaning supplies and personal care products.

Skip the mani-pedis or DIY at home with three-free polish.

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Cigarettes, candles, gas stoves, incense

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Scents and smoke
released from cigarettes, candles, and other sources

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Tobacco smoke components, including nicotine, can quickly cross the placenta and lead to birth defects and low birth-weight babies.

Any kind of smoke releases particles that can cause respiratory problems and may pose other risks for pregnant women.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Don’t smoke (duh).

Don’t let anyone smoke around you or anywhere in your home—even if you’re not there. Tobacco smoke particles can linger in curtains and carpets for days.

Steer clear of candles and incense.

Always crack a window and use the range hood when you use a gas stove.

Get your chimney cleaned seasonally

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Children’s bubble bath, regular shampoo, soap, shower gel, hair relaxers

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Sudsing agents like
sodium lauryl
or
laureth sulfate, “PEG,”
and ingredients that include the terms
“xynol,” “ceteareath,”
and
“oleth.”

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
They make things foamy—but when they undergo a manufacturing process called “ethoxylation,” they create a toxic by-product chemical called
1,4-dioxane
which easily penetrates our skin and may cause cancer and birth defects. It may also be toxic to our kidneys, neurological system, and respiratory system.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Choose cleaner personal care products; see
Chapter 2
.

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Hot dogs, bacon, other cured meats, some smoked fish

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Sodium nitrates
(meat preservatives)

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
Can trigger migraines, may be linked to cancer.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Skip smoked and cured meats during your pregnancy (your doctor has probably already told you avoid the deli counter!) or, when you do indulge, choose only
nitrate-free
bacon.

BE AWARE THAT THIS STUFF:
Concealer, mascara, sunless tanning lotion

COULD CONTAIN THIS TOXIN . . .
Triethanolamine (TEA)
and
diethanolamine (DEA),
both types of proteins used to adjust the pH level of a product or as a wetting agent.

WHY IT’S SKETCHY?
When TEA is combined with certain preservatives, it can create cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Check product labels.