Some Disturbing News About Phthalates
By Lafe | October 10, 2008
There’s been so much focus on Bisphenol A lately (including on this blog) that it’s almost easy to forget the dangers of phthalates — which are also contained in plastic resins and can also disrupt hormonal activity. USA Today (courtesy of Liz Szabo, one of my favorite reporters out there right now) just posted news of this troubling report from Environmental Research. The study ties phthalates to incidences of abnormal genitalia in baby boys. What I find most troubling about the report is that phthalates are in relatively common items and can then find their way into “drinking water, breast milk, and household dust.”
Topics: Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic Activity, Plastics, Reproductive health, phthalates | No Comments »
95 Percent of Us Positive For Bisphenol A
By Lafe | October 3, 2008
I ran across an article on Yahoo’s Shine online publication, reprinted from Eating Well, with four interesting facts to help you determine whether or not you should be concerned about your use of plastics and Bisphenol A. Included in the article was one particularly startling fact — according to a 2005 Center for Disease Control study, 95 percent of those screened tested positive for BPA.
The article also mentions dangers of BPA leeching from plastics, particularly when hot or boiling water come in contact with the plastic — which may or may not include during dishwashing. (The handful of studies on this have returned mixed findings.)
But it’s the 95 percent positive statistic that raises my eyebrows. While adults reportedly are exposed to much lower levels than would be deemed dangerous by the FDA, we know that it can be transferred from mother-to-baby through the umbilical cord. And if you’ve been following this blog or other sources talking about the BPA controversy, you know the concerns around children being exposed to BPA.
Topics: BPA, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic Activity | No Comments »
Kudos from Natural Solutions
By Lafe | September 26, 2008
We just got some great news from one of our favorite publications! Natural Solutions, a magazine dedicated to “vibrant health” and “balanced living,” just awarded our Hemp Oil Roll-On Deodorant as one of its Editors’ Picks for its Beauty With a Conscience Awards. What makes us proudest about the award is it honors us for having principled standards for our products. As they say in their introduction of the award winners on the website:
“Unfortunately, even products marketed as ‘natural’ can come packed with hormone disrupters, carcinogens, toxic by-products, and heavy metals. In fact, the average woman applies more than 150 chemicals through her skincare daily. Knowing the link between this unnecessary toxin exposure and serious health concerns, we made the decision to honor companies that use only the cleanest, healthiest ingredients available.”
That, of course, is right in line with our philosophy — especially for our baby products. The decision to go with EA-free packaging for the baby line came from the question that guides all our products: “How can we make this as clean and as simple as possible?” We’re glad that Natural Solutions is out there taking notice of companies like ours motivated by the desire to create the cleanest possible products.
Topics: Lafe's In the News, organic, sustainable living | No Comments »
More Scientists and Consumer Advocates Weighing In on BPA Debate
By Lafe | September 17, 2008
There was very interesting news in the Bisphenol A debate yesterday — as detailed in this USA Today article, more and more scientists and consumer advocates are coming forward in the debate over whether or not the chemical is safe. A published article just released in the Journal of the American Medical Association links Bisphenol A to higher incidences of heart disease and diabetes, and yesterday’s FDA hearing again revisited the agency’s recent ruling declaring BPA to not be a danger at current exposure levels.
I believe the more we study Bisphenol A, the more we’ll learn about its dangers. I think we know enough now to stay away from Bisphenol A as much as we possibly can — which was the impetus for us to create baby products packaged in EA-free packaging. You’ll note the USA Today article gives readers advice to avoid Bisphenol A, including steering clear of non-recyclable plastics with the #7 symbol on them, especially in the microwave or dishwasher. The government may eventually reverse its position on BPA, but in the meantime, concerned consumers have to be vigilant.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic Activity, Estrogenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, family health, healthy alternative, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates, sustainable living | No Comments »
Organics: Not Just For Health Food Stores Anymore
By Lafe | September 10, 2008
A few weeks ago, I attended a big trade show in Florida featuring a number of major U.S. retailers. I enjoy the opportunity to help retailers and distributors discover what Lafe’s is all about, but I also value attending trade shows because I learn what’s happening. What I learned at this last trade show was that organic products are in higher demand than ever from traditional retailers. While health food stores still carry a wider selection of organic products, more and more stores will be making room for organics in the future.
Part of this has to do with the growth of organic products. I saw presentations throughout the weekend that showed only slight projected gains a specific product, but significant growth for the organic version of that product. The message was clear: Prepare for the increased demand in organics.
I’d like to think this is due to more and more people looking for clean and healthful options in the products they buy, whether it’s what they put in their bodies or what they put on their bodies. In addition to the work Lafe’s has done to prepare our baby line for its recent release, we also reformulated our deodorant line — the one which launched Lafe’s in 1992 — and relaunched it about the same time as the baby line. It gave us the chance to bring cleaner and purer formulations to our customers.
And if what I saw at this recent trade show continues, it should be easier for you in the coming months to find organic products like ours in a store near you.
Topics: family health, healthy alternative, organic, sustainable living | No Comments »
New Developments in the U.S. Government’s Bisphenol A Debate
By Lafe | September 4, 2008
Several weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration declared that Bisphenol A did not pose a threat for humans, despite a growing number of observers sounding their concerns. Now, it seems that the U.S. Government is reconsidering — this new MSNBC article reports on the National Toxicology Program repeating its initial findings from April. They express “some concern” over Bisphenol A leading to developmental problems in children.
Certainly, this isn’t the last word in the debate, but as the MSNBC report indicates, some manufacturers and retailers are already going ahead with Bisphenol A-free alternatives despite the FDA’s recent ruling. Of course, the just-launched Lafe’s baby line is packaged in plastic bottles free of Bisphenol A, phthalates, or other estrogenic activity chemicals.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic Activity, Estrogenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, healthy alternative, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
Lafe’s Baby Line is Here!
By Lafe | August 25, 2008
We’re excited to announce that we’ve finally done it! Our long-anticipated line of baby products is on its way to stores. The line includes baby shampoo and bodywash, massage oil, baby lotion, bug spray and mother-to-be deodorant — all at least 95 certified organic (thus earning the USDA’s prestigious green seal) and all contained in plastics free of estrogenic activity chemicals. This combination of organic purity and baby-safe plastic makes this a truly worry-free choice for parents who are concerned about Bisphenol A, phthalates, and a number of other lesser-known endocrine disruptors.
Here’s a look at the official press release we sent to newsrooms across North America.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Endocrine disruptor, Estrogenic Activity, Estrogenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, Reproductive health, eco-friendly, family health, healthy alternative, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates, sustainable living | No Comments »
Austin Business Journal article on Lafe’s in Mexico
By Lafe | July 28, 2008
Did you know that there’s an increasing demand for healthy and green personal care products in Mexico?
There was a great article in the Austin Business Journal recently detailing our plans to make Lafe’s available in Mexico. It happened thanks to Austin Community College’s International Business Institute. We’re one of a select group of companies that the Institute represented on a recent trade mission to Monterrey. We learned some very interesting statistics on the trip regarding Mexico’s population. Two that stood out for me in particular were that 44 percent of Mexico’s population is 20 years old or younger, and a quarter of the population is at the upper middle class income level.
You can see the whole article here.
Topics: Lafe's In the News, eco-friendly, environment, family health, healthy alternative, organic | No Comments »
COMMONLY USED BABY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT PUT INFANTS AT SUBSTANTIAL RISK
By Lafe | June 2, 2008
I came across this article by Dr. Darlene McCord and it confirmed a lot about what many of us in the natural products industry have been describing for years. I would like to publicly thank Dr. McCord for her fine research.
Here is the link: http://www.darlenemccord.com/baby-skin-care.html
And here is the article in full:
COMMONLY USED BABY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT PUT INFANTS AT SUBSTANTIAL RISK
Darlene McCord, Ph.D., FAPWCA
Infant Skin The arrival of a new baby brings many concerns and issues for new and incumbent parents. While new parents are faced with a myriad of issues for the first time, incumbent parents have to deal with the information explosion and change in thought on issues which have evolved since their first parenting experience. In addition, when parents have a second child, if the sex is different some of the issues are also new. Chief among the issues for both new and incumbent parents is the proper care of newborn skin. In fact, in many surveys of parents of newborns this issue often ranks first on the list of concerns. For example, in one study published in the journal Bedside Nursing, a group of mothers with infants under the age of 15 months was asked to consider the chief problem they faced in their babies’ first year. The study reports that the most common concern was how to care for their babies’ skin. Not only are new parents unaware of how to treat their newborn’s skin, but most pediatricians are also unaware of optimal infant skin care. Pediatricians are given very little exposure to pediatric dermatology in medical school and residency training. The minimal experience they do have is usually with severely diseased skin, rather than the care of healthy, but vulnerable skin, as is the case with newborns. This topic is also not addressed in most textbooks of pediatric medicine St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby Co., 1983. The lack of clinically available information leads to the continued use of harmful chemicals on infants. Shockingly, while trying to treat the newborn cautiously and safely, the average newborn is exposed to as many as 48 different chemicals without consideration of the potential toxicity of the chemicals or the products that contain them.
A full-term newborn’s skin is only 40% to 60% the thickness of adult skin, thus rendering it considerably more vulnerable and more permeable. The ratio of body surface area to weight is up to five times that of an adult. Thus, the combination of thinner skin and high body surface area ratios render the infant at significant risk with any integrity disruption of the skin. The skin of premature infants is of even greater risk as it has a significantly less developed stratum corneum when compared to term babies. Accordingly they are at even greater risk of thermal instability due to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Hence, the skin is a critical protectant of the infant for water and thermal control. When improperly cared for, an infant’s skin can be a serious potential health hazard.
Hazardous Ingredients in Baby Skin Care Products Many commonly used baby skin care products contain potentially very harmful ingredients. Baby skin care products containing dyes (artificial color) should be avoided as many of these artificial colors are known sensitizers and may result in dermatitis and allergic reactions. As this may become a health concern, dyes in products should be avoided. Fortunately, they are not life threatening. However, many of these products contain additional chemicals that may be life-threatening and must be unequivocally avoided. Three commonly used baby skin care chemicals that must be avoided are talc, propylene glycol and glycerin.
Talc One of the most dangerous ingredients in baby skin care products is talc. It is a common ingredient of the most popular baby powders in use. In a survey conducted by Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Il, 47% of the respondents used baby powder (talc). Another study of baby powder usage found that 69% of parents routinely applied baby powder to their newborns’ skin. In this study parents used the baby powder because they believed that the powder killed bacteria and yeast and prevented diaper rash, neither of which is a valid action of baby powder. Fewer than 500 of the respondents were aware that aspiration or ingestion of powder (talc) was a health hazard.
Baby powder use has been associated with morbidity and mortality due to inhalation . In a review of talc related infant deaths, it was found that of the 25 cases reviewed, fatality occurred in 20% of these reported cases. Based upon the potential hazard of talc use, baby powders containing talc should be discouraged for infants.
Propylene Glycol and Glycerin Propylene glycol has been studied for its toxic effects that include seizures, sudden collapse, cardiac arrhythmia and asystole, hepatic damage, renal damage and hyperosmolality. In a survey conducted on neonatal skin care practices, the authors warned against the use of propylene glycol and glycerin on infants. They cited the associated risks of hyperosmolality and seizures . Propylene glycol is the second ingredient listed on the world’s leading baby lotion ingredient disclosure. While baby products containing propylene glycol and glycerin may bear names of “trusted” companies, further review of the wisdom of their use is warranted. Remedy products contain less than 0.30% propylene glycol.
Mineral Oil Mineral oil is a hydrocarbon that is processed from crude oil. Many people confuse the name as having the connotation of containing vitamins and minerals, rather than its actual meaning which is derived from the earth’s crude oil. Mineral oil is a separation component along with kerosine and gasoline. While the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA), the leading industry lobbying group, has pointed out that mineral oil should not get the same treatment as other hydrocarbons such as kerosene and gasoline, the Commission continues to pursue the closure regulations . While mineral oil has not been studied to the same degree in the same pediatric literature as talc, propylene glycol or glycerin, it is clear that the Commission’s findings will trigger interest in warning against its use on infant skin. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing a ruling that would mandate child-resistant closures on baby oil that contains more that 10% mineral oil. Beyond the available data, with the risk of other hydrocarbons well known in the causation of various cancers, it seems extremely unwise to apply a hydrocarbon to the delicate skin of a baby. This is especially true when no nutritive value of mineral oil to the baby or the skin can be identified, and there are many other, better options for skin ingredients.
Conclusions While trying to do the best thing for baby, use of many commonly available baby skin care products is actually or potentially harmful to babies. Increasingly, parents are realizing the importance of early exposure of babies to damaging compounds in their first months of life. The marketplace is not only ready, but in many ways, through their purchasing choices for themselves, demanding natural alternatives with better health implications for their baby’s skin. McCord Research has developed a line of skin care products that can be used on babies. The line of skin care products is natural and has eliminated or greatly reduced potentially harmful ingredients. Remedy products, distributed exclusively by Medline Industries, were developed by scientist and physicians. This is the most scientifically developed skin care line in the marketplace and is environmentally-friendly as well as baby-friendly.
Topics: BPA, Baby Lotion, Baby Products, Baby shampoo, Bisphenol A, EA free, Estrogenic Activity, Estrogenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Plastics, eco-friendly, environment, family health, healthy alternative, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
Austin American-Statesman Interview
By Lafe | May 2, 2008
It was great to be a part of this article from the Austin American-Statesman on our friends at PlastiPure who developed the EA Free resin we are using in our baby products packaging coming out in May. Check it out!
Topics: BPA, Baby Products, Bisphenol A, EA free, Estrogenic Activity, Estrogenic Activity Free, Harmful chemicals, Infant health, Lafe's In the News, Plastics, eco-friendly, environment, organic, phthalate-free, phthalates | No Comments »
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