Bismillaah

It’s very depressing to think that so many of the things we use could be the cause of the majority of health problems. There are so many studies that link this or that to such and such disease and sometimes you just sit there and wonder ‘What is safe anymore?’ As Muslims though (as my husband reminded me) we can do two things. Firstly, remember to accept the Qadr of Allaah (the good and the bad) by placing our trust in Him and secondly, we can do our part by atleast putting an effort towards betterment of our lives.

With that in mind, I hope that as parents we can look more into the lifestyles we provide for our children. If we can find ways to better protect them, we should do our best to take those paths insha’Allaah. Below are some interesting articles for people who are health conscious. If you aren’t, then it may be time to start thinking of your health which is a trust upon you from Allaah.

The following should interest anyone who uses plastics (plastic baby bottles, sports water bottles, food storage containers, etc.. etc..!), eats food from cans and what not!

New Studies Link Asthma, Prostate Cancer to Toxic Chemicals

Two new studies link diseases with exposure to low levels of chemical pollution. One study suggests the chemical Bisphenol-A, found in some plastic bottles and food cans, can promote prostate cancer. The other study finds small amounts of pesticides can stimulate allergic reactions, including asthma. Dr. Pete Myers, chief scientist for Environmental Health Sciences, tells host Steve Curwood about the studies.

Plastic Containers

What to look for

Safer plastics–#2HDPE, #4LDPE, and #5PP

What to look out for

Risky Plastics–#3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate)

Tips and Alternatives

Here are a few suggestions you can follow to reduce plastics and toxic exposure in your home:

• Avoid single-use, disposable packaging

• Buy food in glass or metal containers

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers

• Avoid storing fatty foods, such as meat and cheese, in plastic containers or plastic wrap

• Bring your own containers to salad bars, yogurt shops, etc.–anywhere you’ll be served in plastic

• Avoid plastic cutlery and dinnerware, especially when cooking or heating food; use stainless steel or wooden utensils and look for recycled paper products.

• Use wood instead of plastic cutting boards and spray your wooden board with a mist of vinegar, then with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, to kill bacteria

• When purchasing cling-wrapped food from the supermarket or deli, slice off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic and store the rest in a glass or ceramic container, or non-PVC cling wrap (see Shopping Suggestions)

• You can also write a letter to manufacturers of food and drink packaged in plastics, indicating your concern about plastics–especially if their packaging is #3, #6 or #7. Tell them you are actively seeking products packaged in safe, reusable glass, metal and recycled paper. Ask manufacturers for a mailing address by calling their toll-free question/comment line, usually listed on the back of the product; alternatively, you can find their mailing address on their website.

Eating organic produce reduces a child’s organophosphate exposure

Children eating organic are less likely to be consuming inappropriate levels of organophosphate pesticides.