Show 84: Everyday Toxins & Your Family

Our modern way of living has brought us many conveniences and advances, but we also live amongst many more chemicals and other potentially harmful substances than ever before as a result. So this time we're exploring the ways in which we encounter toxics and chemicals in our daily lives. What kinds of effects can toxins have on women of childbearing age? Who is most at risk for complications in Alaska and why? And how can you – a caregiver and a consumer – be aware and make informed choices?

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining KTD Host Shana Sheehy in the studio to help sift through the stories, studies and scares surrounding environmental toxins are four experts and advocates. 

• Marta Dina Arguello is the Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles. She visited the state this year and spoke to Alaskans of her group's concerns about harmful chemicals in our environment and what individuals can do to keep informed and safe.

• Vi Waghiyi (Native Village of Savoonga, and Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics) and...

• Andrea Carmen (Executive Director of the International Indian Treaty Council/Yaqui) both took part in a recent International Indigenous Women's Environmental and Reproductive Health Symposium held in Chickaloon Village in the Matanuska Valley in May, 2012. Participants developed a report that will be presented to the United Nations.

• Dr. Liz Snyder is an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her training is in environmental health and soil science, with a focus on characterizing the fate, transport, and risk of environmental contaminants.

10 Common Household Toxics to Avoid (And What to Use Instead)

Not only are these everyday toxins harmful to your family's health, they are also bad for your budget. We found this clean + economical list from Rodale.com.

1. Microwave Popcorn - Ditch those storebought bags coated in nonstick ick and make your own instead. Here's how.
2. Antibacterial Soaps - Triclosan, a major ingredient in these soaps, is linked to a bunch of health issues. Just wash up with regular soap or use alcohol-based cleaners instead.
3. Chemical Pesticides - Wreaking health havoc on both flora and fauna, weed out this nasty stuff. If yard weeds are the problem, regular mowing + compost will knock them out naturally.
4. Wrinkle-resistant Clothing - The same chemical that keeps corpses fresh also keeps the wrinkles at bay - yep, that would be formaldehyde. Try vinegar in the rinse cycle or a steamy bathroom for a flat finish.
5. Air Fresheners - Sprays, gels and candles are teeming with chemicals; instead try a bowl of vinegar or essential oils to truly freshen up the joint.
6. Nonstick Cookware - But how will keep dinner from sticking to the pan, you ask? Go with stainless steel, glass or best - cast iron pans.
7. Bottled Beverages - Leave the plastic on the shelf and instead filter your own water and tote it in glass or stainless steel.
8. Stain-repellent Fabrics - Carpets and clothes coated in this chem-cocktail are linked to male infertility and thyroid issues. So, either be neater or check out this guide to natural stain removers.
9. Household Cleaners - Some can trigger asthma, allergies and contain carcinogens. Now that's dirty. Vinegar once again comes to the rescue, or check out these other DIY green cleaners.
10. Dry Cleaning - Don't hang up a wardrobe full of nasty chemical cleaners, instead look for green cleaners who don't use "PCE" or check out these other ideas for cleaning dry clean only garments. 

What are your healthy, budget-friendly ideas for avoiding every day household toxins and chemicals? Tell us in the comments or write to us at mail (at) kidsthesedays.org.

FEATURED STORIES:

- Media Literacy & Toxins - Many of us rely upon the news sources we trust to learn the facts about chemicals and toxins when it comes to protecting our family's health. For some insight on how to be a savvy news consumer while reading so many conflicting reports we asked Paola Banchero, Chair of the Journalism and Public Communications Department at UAA, for some media literacy tips. She spoke with KTD Producer Sarah Gonzales.

Relevent news articles: 

• FDA Bans BPA From Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups (NYTimes.com, 08/17/12)
• FDA Decides Not to Ban BPA in Food Packaging (LATimes.com, 3/30/12)