With the school year drawing to a close and the warm weather approaching; families will begin to plan summer activities. However, many are unaware of the potentially harmful toxins that may be lurking in common areas, such as swimming pools, sun block, and even in a sandbox. As part of its Toxic Free Kids initiative, the Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation (CCRF) urges parents to become familiar with the possible dangers associated with common summertime activities.
According to Arthur W. Perry, MD., FACS, a board certified plastic surgeon, Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University and a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Dr. Oz Show, chemicals found in certain sunscreens can soak into the skin and quickly find its way into the bloodstream. These chemicals scatter all over the body without being detoxified by the liver and can be detected in blood, urine, and breast milk for up to two days after a single application. A number of these chemical ingredients are also endocrine disruptors, which can cause abnormal development in fetuses and growing children.
To help avoid the risk of exposure to potentially cancer-causing substances, CCRF is offering the following summertime safety tips:
- Toxic Free Sunscreen: A number of harmful chemicals can be found in many brand name sunscreen products. While sun block is extremely important in preventing skin cancer, it is important to choose sun lotions with labels indicating toxic free.
- Safe Swimming Alternatives: Hitting the swimming pool is a favorite childhood pastime. According to Parenting Science, there is evidence that disinfectant by-products — formed when chlorinated water is mixed with microorganisms, human body fluids, cosmetics, and sunscreen — can increase the risk of cancer. Consider using a chemical-free system or bromine and salt systems instead. Also, children should be taught to keep their mouth closed while swimming to avoid ingesting pool water. Running under the sprinkler is a fun alternative.
- Toxic Free Sand: Typically, white sand found in sandboxes contains microcrystalline silica, a dangerous carcinogen. Certain sand products found at your local stores display a health hazard warning label. Always read the label to ensure you are purchasing a safe product. The American Academy of Pediatrics Safety in the Sandbox, recommends using natural beach or river sand and to avoid products made from crushed limestone, marble, crystalline silica (quartz), and products that are obviously dusty.
- Opt for Natural Insect Repellents: Summertime is notorious for mosquito bites. Unfortunately, certain mainstream bug sprays contain harmful toxins. According to WebMD, soy-based products, oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella and peppermint oil are all environmentally-safe alternatives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers additional recommendations, including DEET-free insect repellants.
About Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation (CCRF):
Headquartered in Harrisburg, PA with a division in The Woodlands, TX, the Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation supports children under 18 and their families facing the hardships of cancer. The foundation performs acts of care and kindness through the following programs: Bear-Able Gifts (largest distributor of gifts to children with cancer in the U.S.); Toxic-Free Kids (educates families on the dangers of environmental toxins); New Era Cancer Research Fund (funds research for less toxic, minimally-invasive pediatric-cancer treatments); International Aid (provides medications and supplies to clinics in developing and impoverished countries); Helping Hands Fund (provides emergency financial assistance to families); and Camp Scholarships (allows children in remission to reconnect with activities they love). With a national pediatric-hospital partner network of 215+ locations, the foundation directly helps more than 15,000 children affected by cancer and their families every year. Please visit www.ChildrensCancerRecovery.org.
Company Name: HLD Communications
Contact Person: Don Miller
Email:Send Email
Phone: 516-629-3286
Country: United States
Website: www.ChildrensCancerRecovery.org
Source: www.abnewswire.com
