tox ic: 1. having to do with, or caused by a toxin or poison: a toxic illness.

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1 Stay Smart, Stay Safe: Stay away from toxics Terry Busch RNC Developed by SGEC with funding provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency tox ic: 1. having to do with, or caused by a toxin or poison: a toxic illness. 2. poisonous: Fumes from an automobile are toxic. Toxics in the Environment Are Interconnected Toxics in Air Toxics in Food Toxics in Soil Toxics in Water Toxics in Consumer Products Routes of Exposure Ingestion Fetal Circulation Inhalation Skin Absorption Where Toxics Go Inside Our Body Water-soluble toxics are processed by liver or kidney and eliminated. Fat-soluble toxics collect in our body s tissues and cells. 1

2 Why Children Are More Vulnerable Why Children Are More Vulnerable They have increased BIOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY They are DEVELOPING ORGANISMS They Are in a Dynamic State of Growth Nervous system Respiratory system Reproductive system Immune system Biological Relativity The impact of any event or experience is greatest on the most actively changing or dynamic system. The power of any experience is greatest during development. Experiences during the organization of a neural system have more impact than experiences after the system has organized. Bruce D. Perry M.D, process starts most activity occurs Neurogenesis 1st trimester in utero Migration 1st trimester in utero - one year Differentiation..1-2nd trimester..3rd trim - 1 year Arborization 3rd trimester first year Synaptogenesis 3rd trimester - 8 months Synaptic Sculpting birth first 4 years Myelination birth first 4 years Why Children Are More Vulnerable They have BEHAVIOUR that increases exposure to toxics Bruce Perry

3 Why Children Are More Vulnerable Their DIET exposes them to high levels of pesticide residues and additives Pesticides Acute effects: Irritation of eyes, skin, lungs, headaches, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, coma and death. Chronic effects: Birth defects, cancer, mutations, chemical sensitivities, fatigue or muscle weakness, neurological impairment and problems with mental functioning. Environmental Tobacco Smoke Acute effects: Irritation of: eyes, skin, bronchial passages, and lungs. Chronic effects: Class A Carcinogen, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic middle ear effusions, asthma, SIDS, behavioral and cognitive problems. Organic Solvents Acute effects: Skin and mucous membrane irritation of eyes, CNS depression, and death. Chronic effects: Birth defects, nervous disorders, liver and kidney problems, passed through breastmilk. Examples of Organic Solvents Rug cleaners Dry cleaning fluid Nail polish remover Furniture Polish Glues Aerosols Spot remover Paint thinner Oil-based paints Heavy Metals Lead Mercury Cadmium 3

4 Lead Lead Is Found In: Naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth s crust Can be found in all parts of our environment Most of it comes from human activities (manufacturing, burning, mining) Batteries Metal Pipes Gasoline Solder Ammunition Paint Lead-glazed pottery Lead or pewter cooking utensils Lead Exposure comes from: Eating food or water containing lead. Playing in area where paint dust or lead chips are present. Living or working near sites where airborne lead is high. Mercury Naturally occurring metal which has several forms. Metallic=shiny silver odorless liquid. Heated=colorless, odorless gas. Mercury Is Found In: Mercury Batteries Eye makeup Teething powder Fungicides Fish and seafood Thermometers Fluorescent light bulbs Eye drops, nasal spray and other products with Thimerosol Exposure comes from: Eating fish or shellfish containing methylmercury. Breathing airborn mercury. Release of mercury from dental and medical treatments. 4

5 Cadmium Natural element in the earth s crust Found as a mineral combined with other element such as oxygen, chlorine, sulfur All soil and rocks coal and mineral fertilizers contain some cadmium Cadmium Is Found In: Galvanizing Tobacco smoke Electroplating Nicad batteries Color pigments in plastic and paints Cadmium Exposure comes from: Drinking contaminated water Breathing contaminated air Eating foods with high levels such as shellfish, liver and kidney meats. (low levels in all foods) Learning Disabilities Poor Motor Skills Shortened Attention Span Behavioural Problems Cadmium X X Lead X X X X Mercury X X X X ETS Toxics May Affect The Brain Organic Solvents X X X Pesticides X X Simple Steps to Reduce Children s Exposure to Toxics Recognize toxics and their relationship to nutrition Purchase organic foods whenever possible Read labels and choose the least toxic products Make your own safer alternatives Shop for safe art supplies Reducing Food Exposure Buy organic food whenever possible Buy fruits and vegetables in season Always wash food before eating Vary diet; especially for children Use glass for food storage and reheating 5

6 Most Contaminated Fruits/Vegetables Healthy Alternatives Spinach U.S. U.S. Mexican Romaine Chilean Least Contaminated Fruits/Vegetables Sweet potato Avoiding The Rainbarrel Effect Brussel sprouts U.S. Plum Can You Think Of Other Toxics Present In Our Environment That Are Of Concern? Reducing Exposure to Toxics Leave shoes at the door Talk to your schools Use non-chemical pest control Air dry cleaning outside 6

7 More Simple Steps Don t smoke around children Change clothes before holding infant Check out facility regulations where your children spend time. More Simple Steps Use cold water for cooking Serve foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C Don t use lead or pewter cooking utensils, lead glazed pottery. Limit fish consumption Encourage children to WASH HANDS Read Labels to Reduce Exposure What s in this product? What does it do? Is there a safer alternative? FHSA (1960) Regulates NON-Pesticide, NON-Cosmetic products Signal Word Poison or Danger. Warning... Caution. LD 50 Few drops 1 tsp - > 1 ounce 1 tsp - > 1 ounce AMLA (1988) Regulates ARTS / CRAFTS products FIFRA (1972) Regulates PESTICIDE products EPA identification on label Signal Word Poison or Danger. Warning... Caution. Non-Toxic LD 50 Few drops 1 tsp - 1 ounce > 1 ounce Safe when swallowed Signal Word Poison or Danger. Warning... Caution. LD 50 Few drops 1 tsp - 1 ounce > 1 ounce 7

8 Read Labels Recognize Signal Words & EPA ID # Which of these is a pesticide? Which of these has a lower acute toxicity? Adapted from toxics in your home -you bet! Make Your Own Alternatives Bicarbonate of Soda/shaker Lemon Juice Pure soap (olive oil) Vinegar Castile Soap Flannelette Nappies Eucalyptus Oil Steam It s up to all of us to make a difference 8

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13 West 74 th Street Shawnee Mission, Kansas USA 13