Healthy Baby Guide Glossary
We talk a lot about toxic chemicals and the harm they can do to our bodies and the environment. But what exactly are they all and what do we know about them? Read our Glossary to learn more. We review the ones you’ve heard of, like BPA, phthalates, pesticides, PVC, VOCs, and formaldehyde, as well as many you don’t yet know.
Healthy Baby Guide Glossary
BPA
Made from polycarbonate, which then leaches the BPA, a hormone disrupting chemical that mimics estrogen and has been associated with problems such as early onset puberty, diminished sperm and hyperactivity.
Formaldehyde
A preservative found in cosmetics, glue, particleboard, and paint and is the most common fabric finisher. A known allergen, respiratory and skin irritant and according to the EPA, has been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.1
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, produced by Monsanto. In 2015, Glyphosate was listed as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. It is the most used herbicide in the world and is sprayed on a range of crops, including cotton. Learn more in our article What is Glyphosate?.
Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl)
Banned in Europe, these are the most widely used cosmetic preservatives in the U.S. There is evidence they mimic estrogen and are therefore endocrine disrupters.
Off-Gassing
The release of chemicals as by-products of toxins.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Flame-retardants used in many products, including the foam in couches and mattresses. They can cause liver and thyroid damage, hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems. PDBEs do not bind to the molecules of materials, so it is easy for them to escape into the air in the form of dust. PDBEs have been banned in Europe since 2004, and American women carry 10-70x more PBDEs in their breast milk, tissue, and blood as Europeans do. Exposure to PBDEs during fetal development can negatively effect how the brain develops. 2
Phthalates
Chemicals used in beauty products and to make plastic more flexible. They have been found to cause liver cancer in animals and can cause damage to the reproductive systems of fetuses and children. Phthalates are also used as a fixative in fragrances and, as such, are not required to be listed on labels. In 2009, phthalates were banned in children’s toys. A 2000 study by the CDC found that 75% of Americans tested had traces of phthalates in their urine.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a widely used hard plastic that is made softer by the addition of phthalates. Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen that can lead to cancer, endocrine disruption, and immune system damage. 3
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds – Carbon based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air and contaminate it. Australian studies have linked VOCs to asthmas. Paint can release VOCs that include benzene, formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, and other toxins.
Sprout Approved
There are thousands of untested and unregulated chemicals in everyday products. Many of these are known to be carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, or to have other negative health impacts. Some are banned (in very specific products), most are not. There is no guaranteed safe minimum exposure, and no research into the effects of compounded exposures. By choosing organic, natural fibers and reducing the toxins in your home whenever possible, you will go a long way to reducing your family’s everyday exposure.
“Sprout Approved” means no toxic chemicals. That includes the big ones you’ve heard about like BPA, BPS, phthalates, toxic dyes, perfumes, pesticides, PVC, and formaldehyde—as well as many you haven’t heard of yet.
Read All Our Healthy Baby Guides
Healthy Baby Guide to Clothing
Healthy Baby Guide to Diapers
Healthy Baby Guide to Toys
Healthy Baby Guide to Personal Care
Healthy Baby Guide to Bedding
Healthy Baby Guide to Mattresses
Healthy Baby Guide to Furniture
Healthy Baby Guide to Household Cleaners
Healthy Baby Guide to Food
Healthy Baby Guide to Bottles & Food Storage
Healthy Baby Guides Overview
Resources
- Barnett, Sloan. Green Goes with Everything. pg. 123
- http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html#Health%20Effects
- Dolan, Deirdre and Zissu, Alexandra, The Complete Organic Pregnancy, pg 36