How to reduce toxins in the home To protect children From lead and PFOA/PFOS substances

It is said that “there is no place as comforting as our home.” Creating and maintaining a healthy home for your family is important. Zero Water, USA has partnered with the Children's Environmental Health Network (CEHN) to raise awareness of children's exposure to lead and PFOS/PFOA, and that children How do you get these toxins? And what impact does this have on children?

Children's Environmental Health Network It is a national non-profit organization. and is a leader in children's environmental health. It offers a perspective rooted in pediatrics and environmental health science.

We all want the best for our children. And managing a home that is conducive to health is the key to overall good health. and prepare the children Be prepared for both short-term and long-term success.

Risks and prevention of lead exposure

Lead is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to the nervous system. This can have serious consequences for the child for the rest of their lives. Including behavioral and learning problems, and can also cause IQ to decrease. Lead exposure in adults can affect the reproductive system, kidney problems, and cardiovascular disease. Including nerve disorders Although lead is harmful to both children and adults, But those most at risk are pregnant women. Those who are breastfeeding and children under 6 years of age because they are in a period of rapid development. or are raising a child who is in a fragile stage of development

The Centers for Disease Control says children are most at risk from the effects of lead exposure in the home. So how did it happen? And how to avoid it?

Environmental Health Council Policy Statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics said, “There are no specified criteria. or safe levels of lead in the blood.”

How are children exposed to lead?

• Drinking unfiltered tap water especially If it's water from a private well or from an old water pipe
• Lead-based house paint (usually found in old houses)
• Lead-glazed pottery or glassware
• Some products such as cosmetics, toys, jewelry
• Dust around the home and clothing brought into the home from outside can also contain lead.

What effect does lead have on children?

• The central nervous system is damaged.
• Delayed growth and development
• Learning and behavioral problems

Why is lead dangerous?

• Lead is toxic to the nervous system and can accumulate in the brain, blood, and bones.
• It can enter the central nervous system across the blood-brain barrier, causing permanent damage.

How can we avoid lead exposure?

• Test your water for lead and use a water filter certified for lead removal. Zero Water's 5-stage water filter is third-party tested for lead reduction and particle reduction (Class 1) against NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53.
• Test your tap water for lead and other contaminants.
• Take off your shoes when entering your home to prevent lead contamination in the soil.
• Wash your hands every time you enter the house.
• You don't want your safest space, your home, to become contaminated. Be sure to take some time to look for the warning signs of lead in your home.

Risks and prevention of exposure to PFOA/PFOS

PFOS/PFOA is a serious concern these days. They contaminate almost everywhere. Whether it's the environment or drinking water.

Both of these substances are compounds that were created. It is in a group of chemicals known as Polyfluoroalkyl substances
Or PFAS for short.

How are PFOS and PFOA different?

PFOS is an indestructible compound that repels water, grease, and dirt. It is often used to coat pans and raincoats. PFOA, on the other hand, is highly repellent to water and oil. It is a substance used in Teflon. or the pan's non-stick coating Packaging of fast food and containers to take home

When these chemicals cannot be naturally biodegraded They therefore remain in tap water. And research indicates that these substances are harmful to both humans and animals.

How do PFOA and PFOS affect health?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, PFOS/PFOA has the following health effects:

• Development of the fetus and breastfed infant (low birth weight Physiological changes occur before adulthood. and bone changes)
• Testicular or kidney cancer
• Liver damage
• Affects the immune system (Creation of antibodies and immunity)
• Thyroid and cholesterol changes

How can we prevent PFOS/PFOA exposure?

• Be careful when using non-stick coated cookware (even if it says they are PFOA free).
• Bring a container to put your own food home. When going out to eat
• Bake your own popcorn Because most popcorn bags will contaminate your delicious snack.
• Avoid using protective coatings such as Scotch Guard spray.
• Use a water filter that meets standards from the Water Quality Control Association. To remove contaminants such as PFOS/PFOA
• Support Clean Water Action to increase testing of drinking water for PFAS and to receive legislative action to reduce PFAS use in products and industries. Visit CleanWaterAction.org. and download additional information
• Zero Water's premium 5-step water filtration pitcher. It has passed standards certified to actually reduce lead from NSF/ANSI and has also been certified by the Water Quality Control Association to reduce PFOS/PFOA as well. You can rest assured that your family will drink safe water. And it tastes great!
• Learn to protect the health of children (and adults) from the pollution of the home environment.

References:

Overview of Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity
Lead-Safe Toolkit for Child Care
Why Do So Many Schools Have Lead in the Drinking Water?
How States Are Handling Lead in School Drinking Water

Keywords: PFOS/PFOA, ZeroWater, Reduce Toxicants, healthy home, drinking water