The industrial revolution has caused a dramatic increase in the amount of carbon dioxide and other chemicals that are being released into the environment. There are now over 100,000 synthetic chemicals available on the market for a wide variety of purposes. Over half of these chemicals have never been tested for their toxicity on the human body. From the moment of conception our children are affected. Although, there’s still a common assumption in society that babies inutero are immune from these chemicals - that they are pure and untouched. The research I have conducted shows that there is a range of chemicals in babies’ blood and bodies. Chemicals are transferred through the umbilical cord and placenta, then breast milk. Some of these chemicals include those in perfumes, flame retardants, plastics, garbage and smog. So even before a baby is born, there is a whole host of chemicals going into their little bodies. This is why pre-conception care is so important.

Another area is cleaning and personal care products used around the house. Most off the shelf bubble baths, for example are highly toxic! Any product which produces bubbles is made from a chemical so when you’ve got a little child inhaling and absorbing it through their skin, it’s a health risk. When children get older, we need to think about what’s on the ground- What’s in the carpet? Have you recently had it steam cleaned? Have pesticides been sprayed outside? We don’t always consider these things when we’re parents.  

Vanessa: Is it a matter of reducing rather than eliminating chemicals that we come in contact with?

Sarah: It’s both, in the case of cleaning products, there’s no reason why chemical based cleaning products should be in the household. We can use everyday ingredients such as bicarb of soda, lemon juice and vinegar in conjunction with chemical free cloths available on the market. My advice is to start off slowly and reduce the number of products with chemicals in the household. Kids don’t need a lot in terms of personal care products. Buy a few good certified organic products and use products that are as close to nature as possible. You should be able to recognize most of the ingredients on the back label. If there are long words you can’t pronounce or substances derived from acids, then they are not from nature. If food items have numbers next to them then they contain additives and preservatives and our bodies don’t need these.

Vanessa: From your research, what impact do these toxic chemicals have on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing?

Sarah: Most parents notice behavioural changes such as moodiness or lack of attention but some don’t notice anything. Some kids, depending on their body composition experience immediate effects and for others, the effect may not show up for weeks, months or years later. Chemicals can also accumulate in the blood, in the organs of the body and in fat cells. We may not see immediate effects but over time heart disease starts to take place, or a deterioration of organs, behavioural changes, mood swings, diabetes, obesity and cancer. We are not yet seeing some of the long term effects. Essentially our bodies aren’t designed to break
down these chemicals.

We all have the opportunity to take action and move towards a toxic free world. You can do this by becoming a more conscious consumer by asking questions before buying such as: Is this product made in line with my values? Am I supporting the local economy? Does the product contain hazardous chemicals? What is the impact on the environment with this product? For your copy of the book ($28) email nobleearth@bigpond.com.au