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I've referred to PVC as the poison plastic, along with the Center for Health, Environment and Justice for quite some time. The plastic is loaded with phthalates, sometimes lead, and other potent chemicals and is unsafe for everyone.
Now the CHEJ has found a new study that links PVC and vinyl flooring with Autism. According to the CHEJ, "The study found that children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit phthalates, are twice as likely to have autism. The is the first study to link PVC flooring with autism spectrum disorder, and adds to a growing body of scientific evidence linking phthalates in PVC flooring with asthma and other respiratory problems in children and adults. The study focused on vinyl flooring in the home but children are routinely exposed to this toxic material in their schools as well."
Happily, phthalates have been banned in toys. But for many kids, they are surrounded by phthalates in vinyl flooring and can suffer the same health consequences due to exposure. Again, according to the CHEJ,
“'A number of studies have found a correlation between phthalates found in PVC flooring and asthma. Now for the first time – scientific researchers found a connection between phthalates in PVC flooring and autism. While phthalates have been banned in children’s toys, they’re commonly found in PVC building materials in schools. This new study underscores the need for school districts coast to coast to use healthier PVC-free flooring materials when renovating and building new schools. In light of the growing evidence that PVC is toxic from production to disposal, we’re launching a new campaign to encourage schools to use PVC-free flooring and other building materials,' says Mike Schade, CHEJ’s PVC Campaign Coordinator."
I'll certainly be paying attention. We've got to find the reason(s) for the growing numbers of children with Autism in our country.
image: Vinyl Flooring by wendizzle on Flickr
Monday, April 6, 2009
PVC and Vinyl Floors Linked to Autism
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3 comments:
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Kids are so inundated with chemicals right from birth. They start off spending 12 - 14 hours a day sleeping on mattresses made with polyurethane and waterproof coverings of PVC/Vinyl (if studies show that vinyl flooring can increase the risk of autism, just imagine how bad it is to put a baby's nose less than an inch away from a vinyl crib mattress surface day after day), then play with toys loaded with phthalates, eat chemical-laden food stripped of nutrients, have baths and get their hair washed with toxic soaps and shampoos, and a huge percentage are even given toxic medications. It goes on and on, despite a multitude of studies proving these substances can have very dangerous side effects and consequences. It's no surprise that conditions like autism are becoming more and more common, just as it's no surprise that the U.S. now ranks very low on 'healthiest countries' assessments. I'm glad you're going to be paying attention. I'll look forward to your updates.
Gloria
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattresses, Pads and Bedding.
I have to agree with Gloria. My little guy was diagnosed with autism in April of last year, and we have been doing our best to rid out home of toxic chemicals, buying only organic foods, using handmade vegan soaps, etc. We have been looking to replace our floors with laminate, and this article put a big halt in that. Thank you so much for sharing this. I find your information most helpful!
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