Look around you...how many things to you see that are made of plastic? Plastic is everywhere. Have you ever flipped a plastic bottle or Tupperware over and wondered what the number on the bottom mean? We know that some plastics have a higher toxicity level than others...but how do you know which is which? Keep reading to find out! :)
The numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles or Tupperware are also known as "Resin Numbers". These numbers go in order from 1 to 7 and are surrounded by three arrows making a triangular shape. You may also notice that under the numbers are different letters, those letters stand for the name of the chemical or type of plastic that was used to make the object. I will start in order:
1 PET- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)
What kinds of things are recycled with things labeled 1 PET?
>Fleece jackets
>Filling inside of a comforter
>Food containers
>Bottles
>Strapping
>Film and sheet
2 HDPE- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
What kinds of things are recycled with things labeled 2 HDPE?
>Shampoo and conditioner bottles
>Liquid detergent bottles
>Antifreeze bottles
>Motor oil bottles
>Plastic outdoor lumber pieces used for decking, fencing, and picnic tables
>Film and sheet
>flowering pots
>Gardening edging
3 PVC- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 3 PVC?
>Pipes
>Paneling
>Gutters
>Floor tiles and mats
>Electrical boxes
>Packaging
>Garden hoses
4 LDPE- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 4 LDPE?
>Shipping envelopes
>Floor tile
>Furniture
>Compost bins
>Trash cans
>Outdoor lumber
5 PP- Polypropylene (PP)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 5 PP?
>Automobile battery cases
>Signal lights
>Battery cables
>Oil funnels
>Shipping pallets
>Storage bins
>Garden rakes
6 PS-Polystyrene (PS)
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 6 PS?
>Thermal insulators
>Thermometers
>Light switch plates
>Vents
>License plate holders
>Cameras
>Video cassette casings
>Foam containers
>Plastic moldings
7 OTHER-This code means that there is more than 1 resin that was used to make this plastic or it was made with a type of resin not listed above.
What kind of things are recycled with things labeled 7 OTHER?
Plastic lumber applications and bottles.
SO which ones are bad?
3 PVC- can release toxins including pthalates into your food or drinks. The risk is highest when plastic are heated, or very worn out.
6 PS- these are your typical Styrofoam containers that release toxic chemicals into your food or drinks. You should avoid number 6 items as much as possible.
7 OTHER- can leach Bisphenol A (BPA)- a hormone disruptor into liquids. The government has had concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA) causing neurological and behavioral issues in children.
Play it safe. Flip those bottles over and check numbers. Some plastics don't even label with a number so just be safe and not use it. Always check to make sure things that you are giving to your children are BPA FREE. You could always try something like shatter proof glass or plastics labeled 1 & 5.
Sources: http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics
1 mama. 1 kid. 1 life. Go Big or Go Home.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Who are you hanging out with?
Being a mom can be mentally and physically exhausting, but is the most rewarding blessed job of all!! I think it is super important to surround yourselves with other moms so you can all share every new challenge or exciting event together. I like to have friends and moms who are supportive and believe in the same things I do. For this reason I joined my friend Kim Dreilings moms group. It is called Absolute Life Moms. You can find more about this group at absolutelifemoms.com
This website is full of great things. There is a moms social to get to know some other moms, great blogs posted by Kim herself and some other really great moms. Kim has lots of useful information and is very knowledgeable about healthy living and eating! Thanks to Kims group I have met some really awesome moms who all have the same goal: Raising healthy children.
This website is full of great things. There is a moms social to get to know some other moms, great blogs posted by Kim herself and some other really great moms. Kim has lots of useful information and is very knowledgeable about healthy living and eating! Thanks to Kims group I have met some really awesome moms who all have the same goal: Raising healthy children.
H1N1
What is in the H1N1 vaccine?
The H1N1 is also known as the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine.
There are 3 main companies who produce this vaccine.
*CSL Limited
*Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited
*Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
The vaccine from CSL Limited is made for usage on adults 18 and older. CSL also makes the vaccine AFLURIA which is processed the same way as the H1N1 vaccine they produce. AFLURIA has not had any controlled clinical studies to prove if it is effective or not.
What is in H1N1 vaccine produced by CSL Limited?
*thimerosal- derivative of mercury
*Egg Protein
*Polymyxin or Neomycin- antibiotics
*Inactive H1N1 virus
*beta-propiolactone-carcinogen
*Sodium taurodeoxycholate- carcinogen
The H1N1 vaccine made by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, the makers of FLUVERIN. (the seasonal flu shot) Both FlUVERIN and H1N1 are made in the same process. Novartis H1N1 vaccine is made for usage on persons 4 and older.
What is in the H1N1 vaccine produced by Novartis?
*thimerosal- derivative of mercury
*Egg Protein
*Polymyxin or Neomycin- antibiotics
*Inactive H1N1 virus
*beta-propiolactone-carcinogen
The H1N1 vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur Inc (makers of FLUZONE). is made for usage on persons 6 months and older.
What is in the H1N1 Vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur Inc?
*Inactive virus
*Egg protien
*formaldehyde- carcinogen
*Gelatin
*Sucrose- table sugar
*Thimerosal- a mercury derivative
*No antibiotics are used in the H1N1 vaccine produced by Sanofi
Non of the H1N1 vaccines have been tested for carcinogens, or have been tested to see if the chemicals may impair fertility.
Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm181950.htm
The H1N1 is also known as the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine.
There are 3 main companies who produce this vaccine.
*CSL Limited
*Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited
*Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
The vaccine from CSL Limited is made for usage on adults 18 and older. CSL also makes the vaccine AFLURIA which is processed the same way as the H1N1 vaccine they produce. AFLURIA has not had any controlled clinical studies to prove if it is effective or not.
What is in H1N1 vaccine produced by CSL Limited?
*thimerosal- derivative of mercury
*Egg Protein
*Polymyxin or Neomycin- antibiotics
*Inactive H1N1 virus
*beta-propiolactone-carcinogen
*Sodium taurodeoxycholate- carcinogen
The H1N1 vaccine made by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, the makers of FLUVERIN. (the seasonal flu shot) Both FlUVERIN and H1N1 are made in the same process. Novartis H1N1 vaccine is made for usage on persons 4 and older.
What is in the H1N1 vaccine produced by Novartis?
*thimerosal- derivative of mercury
*Egg Protein
*Polymyxin or Neomycin- antibiotics
*Inactive H1N1 virus
*beta-propiolactone-carcinogen
The H1N1 vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur Inc (makers of FLUZONE). is made for usage on persons 6 months and older.
What is in the H1N1 Vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur Inc?
*Inactive virus
*Egg protien
*formaldehyde- carcinogen
*Gelatin
*Sucrose- table sugar
*Thimerosal- a mercury derivative
*No antibiotics are used in the H1N1 vaccine produced by Sanofi
Non of the H1N1 vaccines have been tested for carcinogens, or have been tested to see if the chemicals may impair fertility.
Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm181950.htm
Monday, October 26, 2009
Shot or no shot?
There has been a lot of controversy about flu shots and if they work or should you get one. I think the main question should be is...are you aware of whats IN the flu shot? I highly believe in people educating themselves on a subject then make decisions based upon that. If the CDC would just come out and give a whole list of what is inside the shot then people could educate themselves, right? Well, unfortunately I could not find that list from the CDC, but I could find a list from a health advocate mom I know (Kim Dreiling www.absolutelifemoms.com) . SO here it is.
1. What's in the regular flu shot?
Egg proteins: including avian contaminant viruses
Gelatin: known to cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are usually
associated with sensitivity to egg or gelatin
Polysorbate 80 (Tween80TM): can cause severe allergic reactions,
including anaphylaxis
Formaldehyde: known carcinogen
Triton X100: a strong detergent
Sucrose: table sugar
Resin: known to cause allergic reactions
Gentamycin: an antibiotic
Thimerosal: mercury is still in multidose vials
2. Do flu shots work?
Not in babies: In a review of more than 51 studies involving more than
294,000 children it was found there was "no evidence that injecting
children 6-24 months of age with a flu shot was any more effective than
placebo. In children over 2 yrs, it was only effective 33% of the time in
preventing the flu. Reference: Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy
children." The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2 (2008).
Not in children with asthma: A study 800 children with asthma,
where one half were vaccinated and the other half did not receive the
influenza vaccine. The two groups were compared with respect to
clinic visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations
for asthma. CONCLUSION: This study failed to provide evidence that
the influenza vaccine prevents pediatric asthma exacerbations.
Reference: "Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for the prevention of asthma
exacerbations." Christly, C. et al. Arch Dis Child. 2004 Aug;89(8):734-5.
Not in children with asthma (2): "The inactivated flu vaccine,
Flumist, does not prevent influenza-related hospitalizations in
children, especially the ones with asthma...In fact, children who get
the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than children who
do not get the vaccine." Reference: The American Thoracic Society's 105th
International Conference, May 15-20, 2009, San Diego.
Not in adults: In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000
adults, "Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza
by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one
day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go
to hospital or take time off work." Reference: "Vaccines for preventing
influenza in healthy adults." The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
1(2006).
Not in the Elderly: In a review of 64 studies in 98 flu seasons, For
elderly living in nursing homes, flu shots were non-significant for
preventing the flu. For elderly living in the community, vaccines were
not (significantly) effective against influenza, ILI or pneumonia.
Reference: "Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly." The Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews. 3(2006).
Ultimately, as mothers we do what we think is best for our children. It is not always an easy decision and remember that there will always be nay Sayers. The proof is in the facts. Educate yourself!
1. What's in the regular flu shot?
Egg proteins: including avian contaminant viruses
Gelatin: known to cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are usually
associated with sensitivity to egg or gelatin
Polysorbate 80 (Tween80TM): can cause severe allergic reactions,
including anaphylaxis
Formaldehyde: known carcinogen
Triton X100: a strong detergent
Sucrose: table sugar
Resin: known to cause allergic reactions
Gentamycin: an antibiotic
Thimerosal: mercury is still in multidose vials
2. Do flu shots work?
Not in babies: In a review of more than 51 studies involving more than
294,000 children it was found there was "no evidence that injecting
children 6-24 months of age with a flu shot was any more effective than
placebo. In children over 2 yrs, it was only effective 33% of the time in
preventing the flu. Reference: Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy
children." The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2 (2008).
Not in children with asthma: A study 800 children with asthma,
where one half were vaccinated and the other half did not receive the
influenza vaccine. The two groups were compared with respect to
clinic visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations
for asthma. CONCLUSION: This study failed to provide evidence that
the influenza vaccine prevents pediatric asthma exacerbations.
Reference: "Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for the prevention of asthma
exacerbations." Christly, C. et al. Arch Dis Child. 2004 Aug;89(8):734-5.
Not in children with asthma (2): "The inactivated flu vaccine,
Flumist, does not prevent influenza-related hospitalizations in
children, especially the ones with asthma...In fact, children who get
the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than children who
do not get the vaccine." Reference: The American Thoracic Society's 105th
International Conference, May 15-20, 2009, San Diego.
Not in adults: In a review of 48 reports including more than 66,000
adults, "Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza
by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one
day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go
to hospital or take time off work." Reference: "Vaccines for preventing
influenza in healthy adults." The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
1(2006).
Not in the Elderly: In a review of 64 studies in 98 flu seasons, For
elderly living in nursing homes, flu shots were non-significant for
preventing the flu. For elderly living in the community, vaccines were
not (significantly) effective against influenza, ILI or pneumonia.
Reference: "Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly." The Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews. 3(2006).
Ultimately, as mothers we do what we think is best for our children. It is not always an easy decision and remember that there will always be nay Sayers. The proof is in the facts. Educate yourself!
Introduction
Hey everyone!! I am so excited to be writing my very first blog entry for my new blog site! As most of you know I am in the process of writing a book. I did not realize how much work it is! I am so glad to have my supportive husband and friends on my side. My book coming out is called "Be Clean" and it is focused on detoxing your home and has recipes in there for making your own non-toxic cleaners. So many people are unaware of what chemicals do to our body's. In my book I have listed some of the main chemicals that would be found in ordinary house hold cleaning products. I research toxins all the time and even I was surprised at what the FDA approves companies to use in their product! It is really kind of scary!
I am very anxious/ excited/ and nervous to see where all of this will go. If you have any topic you would like some information about please let me know! I can see if I can assist you, and maybe make a blog about it! There are so many things in life to learn about. Every time we learn something we transform our minds and grow into better people. The possibilities are endless!
I am very anxious/ excited/ and nervous to see where all of this will go. If you have any topic you would like some information about please let me know! I can see if I can assist you, and maybe make a blog about it! There are so many things in life to learn about. Every time we learn something we transform our minds and grow into better people. The possibilities are endless!
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