CHEC Virtual Kitchen

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7 Misconceptions about Plastic and Plastic Recycling
Do you think that all plastic is recyclable? Think again. Several common misconceptions about plastic's recyclability are de-bunked.

A Doctor's Viewpoint: Pesticides
Household pesticide use exposes children to toxic chemicals. Find out what the risks are and what you can do about them.

A Doctor's Viewpoint: Winter and Indoor Air
When it's cold outside, we close the doors and windows to stay warm. But what does that do to our the quality of the air indoors?

A Sane Home: In A Plywood, Particleboard & Pressure-Treated Wood World
Safe, economical alternatives to manufactured woods like plywood, particleboard and pressure-treated wood DO exist. And they won't put your kids at risk.

Activist Group Warns of Unsafe Mercury in Tuna
June 20, 2003, Reuters -- One of every 20 cans of white or albacore tuna sold in the United States may contain unsafe levels of mercury, which can hurt the nervous system of fetuses and young children, according to a consumer activist group.

Alert to Parents Links Mercury, Found in Fish, to Learning Disabilities

March 14, 2005, Clear the Air Press Release- In a new brochure, educational and learning disabilities advocates have linked fetal and childhood exposure to mercury with learning disabilities and other damage to the brain.

Alternatives to Antibacterials and Disinfectants: Safer Ways to Keep Germs at Bay
Tips on killing germs on hands and surfaces without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Antibacterial Ingredient Shown to Cause Health, Environmental Effects, According to Beyond Pesticides Review
New review of triclosan, a popular antibacterial ingredient in cleaners, toothpastes, deodorants and other personal care products, shows that they can cause environmental and health effects.

Antibacterial Soap Doesn't Stop Infection Any Better Than Plain Soap
March 12, 2004, Children's Health Environmental Coalition -- Antibacterial soaps are no better than plain soap in preventing infectious disease, according to a recent study from Columbia University. It's probably because antibacterial products don't stop viruses.

Antibacterials and Disinfectants: Are They Necessary?
New antibacterial products are hitting the shelves everyday, but the chemicals in them may increase antibiotic resistance and may even be harmful.

Antibiotics In Our Food
Some people avoid meat, eggs and dairy products from animals that have been given antibiotics. Is there cause for concern?

Antibiotics in Our Food: How to Resist Resistance
Tips on finding antibiotic-free foods, how to prepare foods to avoid bacterial contamination and avoid cross-contamination.

Book Review: Healthy Highways: The Traveler’s Guide to Healthy Eating
Any car trip can result in a visit to a fast food restaurant. Fight the urge by keeping a copy of the book, Healthy Highways: The Traveler's Guide to Healthy Eating in your vehicle at all times!

Boycott of Genetically Engineered Fish Announced
September 27, 2002--A nationwide boycott of genetically engineered fish has started out of concerns that bioengineered foods may cause harm to humans and could impact the environment negatively. Parents are particularly concerned about the impact of GE foods on children, because they may contain unknown allergens.

California EPA to Pass Rule on Chemical Used in Plastics Used for Toys and Hospital Products: Concern About Birth Defects
October 21, 2003, San Francisco Chronicle -- California will become the first state in the U.S. to rule that DEHP, a type of phthalates used to soften the plastic, can cause birth defects, The Chronicle has learned. Phthalates are used in hospital IV bags, medical tubing, teethers, toys, flooring, wiring, cosmetics, and many other products.

California Supermarkets Warn Consumers of Mercury Risk from Fish
February 24, 2002--E-Wire News

Cattle Growth Hormones in Waterways Could Be Causing Gender Distortion in Fish
June 11, 2002--Most cattle in the United States are treated with growth hormones. Recent research suggests that growth hormones that leach into waterways from animal feedlots could impact the reproductive organs of fish and other species.

CHEC Action Alert: Tell the U.S. EPA to Strengthen Utility Mercury Emissions Rule
The proposed final rule on mercury emissions from utilities falls short in protecting children. Act now by submitting comments on the rule before it goes into effect. The deadline is March 30, 2004.

CHEC's Spanish Materials
List of CHEC materials in Spanish

Chemical in Personal Care Products Found in Tumors of Breast Cancer Patients
January 12, 2004, The London Independent -- Scientists have detected the preservative chemical parabens - used in some underarm products, cosmetics and foods - in samples of breast cancer tumours. This small study, coupled with earlier suggestive evidence that parabens are estrogenic, indicates that further study is necessary.

Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke Can Have Life-Long Breathing Problems
September 2005, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences -- The largest study of its kind shows that early life exposure to second-hand smoke can produce life-long respiratory problems, including chronic cough.

Children's Blood-Lead Levels Declining, but Studies Show Exposure Causes Long-Term Risks
January 12, 2003--New national statistics show that lead levels in children are declining, but new studies emphasize that any exposure to lead can have an impact on a child's future. One study links lead exposure to delinquency and another shows that high levels of lead in adults can increase significantly the likelihood of mortality.

Clean Water Act Diluted by Obsolete Data System
May 27, 2003, USA Today -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to monitor and control water pollution is being severely undermined by an outdated computer system, finds a new report from the agency's internal watchdog.

Could Cleaning House Give You Asthma? Women More Likely To Get Asthma Than Men
February 11, 2003, WNBC.com

Court Upholds EPA Arsenic Rule for Water
June 20, 2003, Miami Herald -- A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals today unanimously upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2001 arsenic in drinking water rule and ruled that the federal Safe Drinking Water Act is constitutional.

Showing results 1 - 25 of 35
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Red	Orange	Yellow
Danger! Prevent Exposure	Warning Avoid Exposure	Caution Limit Exposure

1,4-dichlorobenzene
used in mothballs and deodorizers

1,4-dioxane
solvent stabilizer in paints, pesticides; also contaminant sometimes found in personal care products

2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid
A widely used herbicide used on lawns and golf course

3-(alpha-acetonylbenzyl)-4- hydroxycoumarin (warfarin)
highly toxic rodenticide

alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates
surfactants and their breakdown product; used in some cleaning products, adhesives, plastics, hair care products and spermicides

ammonia
gas with sharp, irritating odor, used in some household cleaners, such as window cleaners

arsenic
toxic heavy metal

aspartame
artificial sweetener

bisphenol-A (BPA)
building block of polycarbonate plastic

butylated hydroxyanisole
food and cosmetic preservative

cadmium
heavy metal

carbaryl
neurotoxic insecticide used in anti-flea products and garden pesticides.

chlorine
highly corrosive gas

chlorothalonil
organochlorine fungicide

chlorpyrifos
Organophosphate insecticide, phased out for use in homes in 2000.

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)
persistent organochlorine insecticide, banned in the U.S., but used in other countries

dieldrin
organochlorine insecticide

dioxins
organochlorine compounds

diphacinone
highly toxic rodenticide

d-limonene
naturally occurring oil used in cleaners, foods and fragrances.

endosulfan
persistent bioaccumulative organochlorine insecticide

environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)
smoke produced by burning tobacco products

fluoride
Compound added to water and toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.

formaldehyde
volatile organic compound that is a common indoor air pollutant

lead
highly toxic metal once used in paints