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How Safe is Your Child's Bubble Bath?
by Dolores G. Wix
On May 10, 2002, PBS aired a special report "Kids and Chemicals" on NOW with Bill
Moyers. The program looked at families throughout the country with children who are
suffering from learning and behavioral disabilities, childhood cancers like leukemia,
and asthma. What are the causes of these illnesses? Research suggests that everyday
chemicals may be putting the children at risk.
"The disturbing increases in childhood illnesses in America cannot be ignored," says
Bill Moyers. "How does the exposure affect children's health? The new research is
studying how chemicals enter the human body, and posing questions that they could
never ask before: Do chemicals affect children, babies and unborn fetuses more than
adults? What factors increase toxicity, and how can we protect children from harm?"
One of the medical experts interviewed was Dr. Phillip Landrigan of the Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York City. He is working with scientists around the country
to understand how children are affected by being exposed to chemicals. "Of the 3000
high production volume chemicals in use in this country today, only 43% have been even
minimally tested," he told Moyers. "Only about 10% have been thoroughly tested to
examine their potential effects on children's health and development."
A special investigation by "The Doctor's Prescription for Healthy Living," a monthly
publication published by Freedom Press, Inc. revealed startling information. In their
Volume 4, Number 4 issue, an article entitled, "How Safe is Your Children's Bubble
Bath?" stated, "Children's bubble bath products contain potentially harmful ingredients
and contaminants." They reported that some government studies revealed that some of
the ingredients in children's bubble bath products are cancer-causing.
One such ingredient is DEA or diethanolamine. DEA is used in over 600 home and
personal care products including bubble baths, dishwashing and laundry detergents,
soaps, cosmetics, lotions, shampoos and conditioners.
Keep in mind that DEA is just one of many ingredients used in every day personal and
home care products suspected of causing or contributing to cancer. Some ingredients,
safe by themselves, can become harmful if they interact with certain other ingredients.
Can you imagine how long it would take to test these millions of different combinations?
Before any changes are forced, the FDA wants scientifically valid, conclusive proof
that can only be obtained through studies. Do you really want to risk your child's or
your health waiting for the conclusions of a lengthy study?
So What is the Solution?
Investigate and educate yourself about the ingredients in the products you use every
day. Start using products on your children, grandchildren as well as yourself that
are chemical free. Find one of the handful of companies out there that offer safer
ingredients in personal and home care products and that are more interested in your
welfare than their bottom line.
Copyright 2002 Dolores G. Wix. Dolores G. Wix is a distributor for Young Living
Essential Oils which offers chemical-free products for children and adults. To
experience the physical, mental and emotional benefits of essential oils,
visit: fgp.younglivingworld.com.
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