Phthalates and Children’s Products

The ban on phthalates is the result of a law passed in 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The law permanently bans BBP, DBP and DEHP from toys and child care products, and temporarily bans DIDP, DINP and DnOP until a scientific board (the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel) determines for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) whether or not they are safe. A few months before the bill passed, major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Babies “R” Us promised to remove or severely restrict children’s products containing phthalates by the end of 2008. But children and adults in the U.S. are STILL EXPOSED to phthalates in many other products, including shampoo, soap, lotions, and food packaging.

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Obesity in America: Are You Part of the Problem?

Despite our country’s obsession with weight and appearance, most people who are medically overweight don’t realize it. What we’re talking about isn’t “love-handles” or a body that doesn’t match the supermodels we see in magazines. Instead, we’re talking about a weight that affects your health, well-being, and longevity. Our collective weight problem is so bad that only cigarette smoking causes more preventable deaths in America than obesity does.

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The Benefits of Pets for Human Health

Animals play an important role in many people’s lives. In addition to seeing-eye dogs and dogs that can be trained to detect seizures, animals can also be used in occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical rehabilitation to help patients recover. Aside from these designated therapeutic roles, animals are also valued as companions. Learn more about the possible benefits of that companionship.

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