For parents, keeping their kids safe, especially at home, is very important. And of course, you would not want to expose your kids to anything harmful. However, there are actually some household objects that can potentially cause harm to your kids, without you even knowing!
Phthalates and Aldehydes
Scientists found that some household products such as shampoos, some cosmetics, and even paint contain aldehydes, which, according to researchers, have previously been linked to cancer.
Additionally, phthalates, which are commonly found in plastics, even in your child’s bottles and sippy cups, has been linked to lower thyroid function in girls. The thyroid is important since it helps your child’s brain develop.
The alarming thing about these household chemicals is that they can be found everywhere inside your home. Aldehydes have been found to cause damage to a gene that prevents cancer, and once that gene is damage, the risk that a person acquires cancer goes up.
Phthalates on the other hand, are found in different types of plastic, such as the cover of your phones, plastic toys, electronics, plastic containers, and even shampoo bottles.
What can parents do?
So, in order to avoid exposing your children to these harmful chemicals, it pays to be much more vigilant when it comes to the products that you use.
To avoid phthalates, make sure to avoid products that have “fragrance” written on the label. Chances are, the containers of these products containp phthalates. Additionally, when using microwave containers, make sure that they’re actually microwave safe, as some plastics look like they can be microwaved, but in reality, they’re not microwave safe.
For aldehydes, there’s not a lot that you can do, since there are a lot of products that have aldehydes. So, it would be best to minimize your exposure to products that have aldehydes, such as shampoos, car fumes, and alcohol. Try to use organic or natural products, and try to avoid places where there are a lot of vehicles that have harmful fumes.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to remain vigilant, read the labels of the products you’re buying, and do some research on the safety of your purchases.
Sources: sciencedirect.com, nhs.uk
READ: Emergency first aid for common household injuries: Important info for parents
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