Go on over to Eco Women where I’ve written about how easy it is to make your own lip balm and moisturizer. There’s nothing but good stuff in them (no chemicals or artificial fragrance) and I’ve included recipes for them.
Recently tested toys contain high levels of toxic metal January 10, 2010
UPDATE January 11, 2010: MSNBC is reporting Walmart as saying the AP report was troubling, “and we have a responsibility to take swift action.”
MSNBC is reporting today on an Associated Press investigation which reveals high levels of cadmium in some children’s toys. Some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal, cadmium, over lead since it has been barred from being used. Charm bracelets and shiny pendants with cadmium are being sold throughout the United States.
Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Like lead that can hinder brain development in the very young, according to recent research. It does not have to be swallowed for a child to be exposed — they can get persistent, low-level doses by regularly sucking or biting jewelry with a high content.
The most disturbing test results were from charm bracelets sold at Walmart, the jewelry chain Claire’s and at a dollar store. High levels of cadmium also were detected in “The Princess and The Frog” movie-themed pendants. These toys are:
- Three flip flop bracelet charms sold at Walmart, which are no longer sold to the store. However, Walmart would not say if they are still on the shelves.
- Four charms from two “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” bracelets sold at a Dollar N More store in Rochester, N.Y. The company that imported the Rudolph charms, Buy-Rite Designs, Inc. of Freehold, N.J., has gone out of business. The report does not specify if these items are still being sold.
- Two charms on a “Best Friends” bracelet bought at Claire’s.
- Pendants from four “The Princess and The Frog” necklaces bought at Walmart.
MSNBC reports, “If the products were painted toys, they would face a recall. If they were industrial garbage, they could qualify as hazardous waste. But since there are no cadmium restrictions on jewelry, such items are sold legally.”
Click here to read more about the report.
A healthier and safer New Year! January 1, 2010
Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you the very best for the upcoming year! Here’s a few sites to help you throughout the year in buying local, safer food and items:
Discovery Health’s Farmer’s Market Map – Find where your closest farmer’s market is.
HealthyStuff.org – See listings of common toys and how they tested for harmful chemicals.
Cosmetic Database Skin Deep – Environmental Working Group’s listings of many common cosmetics and personal care products with ratings on how safe their ingredients are.
What’s On My Food – This site has a searchable database that allows you to see residue data from pesticides on food and information about each of the chemicals. You can check a list of 89 foods or search by pesticide name.
Environmental Defense Fund – Visit this site for a handy card to keep in your wallet showing which fish are safest to choose when you’re deciding on dinner at a restaurant or supermarket.
Photo from Flickr by Optical Illusion
