Keeping kids healthy is at the top of every parent's priority list, but one mom says we're hurting our kids by the products we use in our own homes. From plastic water bottles to shower curtains, author Libby McDonald says they're filled with environmental toxins; but her new rule book may be too long for some moms to handle.

Many would argue it's the most important job on the planet. While the focus on the playground is fun, the pressure of parenting never leaves these busy moms the latest list of do's and don'ts can be overwhelming.

"There is no way to avoid everything if you try to avoid everything that is out there that's potentially dangerous you really would live in a bubble," one mother said.

But according to McDonald, when it comes to raising kids, the environment can be enemy number one. A list of worries, combined with a year of research, helped the mother of four write "The Toxic Sandbox." She says the first hidden danger in our homes: plastics.

"My feeling about plastics is that we should get as many of them as possible out of our homes."

Libby says her research shows the chemicals in plastics called phthalates are known to harm reproductive organs in boys and cause liver and kidney problems. What can you do in your own home to start the process of removing plastic? McDonald advises parents to begin in the bathroom and replace plastic shower curtains with canvas curtains. Then, she says, head to the kitchen and open your refrigerator. She tells parents to replace plastic containers with glass ones and also says to swap your plastic drinking bottles for stainless steel versions; but some doctors say don't go overboard.

"It was just until recently that we thought there might be a potential for harm in humans, but the overwhelming majority and governing bodies and manufactures and safety counsels both in Europe and America that I've come across have deemed them to be safe," said Jake Seligsohn, M.D., a pediatrician at Pediatric Associates in Hollywood, Fla.

The next danger according to McDonald … mercury, found in the fish we eat. The health impacts range from seizures to depression and a loss of IQ points.

"What's tough about fish is nutritionists say eat it … public health scientists say stay away from it," McDonald said.

According to "The Toxic Sandbox," larger predatory fish like tuna, swordfish and sea bass have higher levels of mercury. Smaller fish like anchovies, crawfish and shrimp are safer.

Danger number three … dust that collects around furniture and electronics. McDonald says it's packed with toxins that come from the chemicals used in flame retardants and plastics. For moms, it can be a lot to handle.

"We have a lot of parents coming in here, giving us stories of what they saw on the news, what they saw on TV an article they read and there is a lot of data fiddling sometimes in certain studies," Dr. Seligsohn explained; but parents say they'll do all they can to keep their kids safe, as long as there's time for childhood.

If you’re not sure what some of the products in your home are made out of, McDonald says it’s always a good idea to call the manufacturer directly and ask for a list of materials in the products.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Libby McDonald
libmac@earthlink.net
www.toxicsandbox.com
www.ewg.com
www.thegreenguide.com