Every wonder what all the hype about BPA and VOCs is? We’re told they aren’t good for us, but why?
Want some more answers? Maybe some a blonde person like me can understand? Well, I have a very special guest for you today to do just that: The Hubs!
As some of y’all know, the sweet hubs is almost finished with a master’s degree in public health and is starting the med school part of his 5 year program in January. He’s been studying about these environmental hazards, and I’ve asked him to share a bit about it with us.
So, without further ado, I give you The Hubs:
Hi Budget Blonde readers! I’m Cat’s husband, and I’m sure you might have heard read about me in some form or another, usually as the person who helps Cat load her trash vintage items into the car.
A few weeks ago, I was telling Catherine about some of the things I’ve been studying in my Public Health classes, and she asked me to share some of it on her blog. Up until now, I’ve just been a faithful reader of the blog (because I’m supposed to), but now I’m in the driver’s seat.
Just like any other profession, there are many specialties in Public Health. I study how our environment affects our health. By environment, I don’t necessarily mean trees but rather, the places we spend our lives (home, office, school, etc.)
Because Cat’s blog focuses partially on DIY interiors, I thought I’d share three easy ways you can improve your environmental health in your home:
1. Use no VOC paint
You’ve heard the term, but what does it really mean? VOC stands for volatile organic compounds which are basically gasses emitted from paints and glues. You know that “new car smell” you love? Those are VOCs. The good news is that in small doses, VOCs are relatively harmless. But you don’t want to breathe these things in every day because they could make you and your family sick. Because a painted wall can release fumes for years, I would recommend using No VOC paint.
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2. Unstick yourself from nonstick pans.
Many nonstick pans contain a chemical that most likely causes cancer. The makers of these pans will tell you that they are completely safe, and they are, when used correctly. However, if your nonstick cookware is heated above 450 degrees (stir fry anyone?) or if you accidentally scratch the surface (we’ve all done it) then you could be exposing yourself and your family to this dangerous chemical. My advice, use high quality stainless steel clad aluminum cookware like All-Clad® or my personal favorite: cast iron.
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3. Go BPA-Free
BPA is an endocrine disrupter (a chemical that can cause developmental diseases among other things). It can be found in many plastics and resins. Unfortunately many products that contain BPA are not labeled. There are a few ways to avoid this pesky chemical. First, you could buy only BPA free products. Second, you can look on all of your plastic containers for the recycle code number (it’s the number found inside the 3-arrowed triangle). If it has a 3 or 7 on it, it could have BPA in it. Lastly, avoid plastic altogether, because even if it doesn’t have BPA, it could still be dangerous. Try to use wooden or metal cooking utensils instead of plastic. You could also try using non-reactive containers like glass. Mix health and vintage by finding some vintage glass milk bottles like this one and store milk in them instead of in the plastic jug.
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So, there are three easy things that you can do to improve the environmental health of your home. Remember, this is just a start. There are many other things you can do to avoid environmental health hazards, which Catherine might let me come back and talk about if I do a good job today! Also, while these changes may not seem budget-friendly up front, you are investing in your heath and preventing expensive complications down the road.
I’d like to part with one final thought: it’s better to be safe than sorry. When the safety of something is undetermined, it’s best to treat it as unsafe. Once upon a time people thought cigarettes were safe.
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Of course we now know that cigarettes cause cancer. VOCs, nonstick pans, and plastic bottles are likely to make you and your family sick; thus, it’s better to err on the side of safety.
On another note, I’d like to thank Cat for throwing caution to the wind and letting me (her super nerdy, chemistry loving husband) take over her blog for the day.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about public health, environmental or occupational health, indoor air quality, or any of the things on Cat’s blog today, feel free to contact Cat@BudgetBlonde.com and she will forward the e-mail to me.
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Thanks Hubs! I hope this has been an interesting and helpful Budget Buddy feature for everyone. Please give the hubs some props in the comment section and thank him for sharing his brain with us!
xoxo,
Cat
Love it! My husband is in Indoor Air Quality and he’s always lecturing me about VOCs with my air freshener.
This is great info! Question about the milk – so is it ok to still buy the milk in the plastic jug & then transfer to glass or is it already “too late” if it’s been sitting in plastic at the grocery all that time?
thanks!
Stephanie
http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/
Great question Stephanie! Hubs says: The plastic milk cartons usually have the #2 inside the recycle triangle which means they probably don’t have BPA in them. Thus, they are probably safe. But, we err on the side of caution and get organic milk in the paper carton. I like the organic milk mostly because it lasts longer and thus, I don’t waste it! Hope it helps.
xoxo,
Cat & Hubs
Fantastic tips! Thanks so much for sharing.
BTW, Cat’s husband, will you be taking a CSEC exam to come practice medicine in the US when you finish school? Because we just might run into each other if you do!
I’d also recommend if you do have plastic tupperware possibly containing BPA (particularly baby bottles) to not heat them in the microwave or boil them. Baby bottles are a big source of BPA and although studies are not conclusive regarding the effects of this chemical, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Great post! Ever since I had my little one, I’ve been a little passionate (okay, a fanatic) about avoiding plastics. We ditched all our plastic storage containers – even the BPA-free ones – because I just don’t trust plastic at all.
Most baby items, like bottles and pacifiers, are BPA free, but you NEVER hear people talking about the dangers of consuming BPA while pregnant. It’s a HUGE deal, so I love it when people bring talk about it!
Great job, Cat’s Nameless Husband.
Such a great post! Thanks!
We switched from plastic storage containers to glass a few years ago because of health concerns (okay, MY concerns, notsomuch Mark’s), and I love using them. They don’t get the icky red stain from tomato products, and they don’t get mishapen in the dishwasher. So in my book they’re a better investment period, not just a better health investment!
We also get milk (and my almond milk) in the paper cartons… BUT, do you think there’s any chance there’s some kind of kicky plastic coating on the inside of the paper?? I never even considered that until reading your post just now.
xoxo,
tanja
Tanja, I just asked the hubs – He said there could be a plastic coating on the inside on the carton since it’s known to be in resins. That’s what we use though, bc. it’s the lesser of the two evils.
xoxo
Cat
My favorite milk is the stuff from the local dairy that comes in the glass bottles.
But it’s definitely pricier.
This was a great and totally informative post!!
So much great information! Thank you for sharing! It was a fantastic read!!
xoxo,
Jen