Are Stain Repellants making you more susceptible to developing Thyroid Disease?

The latest research from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has for the first time linked thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

This chemical is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics. It is also used during the process of making common household and industrial items, including nonstick pots and pans, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing, wire coatings, and chemical-resistant tubing. PFOA can also be formed by the breakdown of certain other highly fluorinated chemicals used in oil- and grease-resistant coatings on fast-food containers and wrappers and in stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints. Some of these products are everyday items that are used in our home.

Numerous animal studies show that PFAAs can affect the functioning of the mammalian thyroid hormone system, which is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature, and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and mental health

This latest study revealed that people with higher concentrations of PFOA in their blood were more likely to report a history of thyroid disease.

Tamara Galloway, a professor of eco-toxicology at the University of Exeter (U.K.) School of Biosciences and the study’s senior author, says, “These results highlight a real need for further research into the human health effects of low-level exposures to environmental chemicals like PFOA that are ubiquitous in the environment and in people’s homes. We need to know what they are doing.”

However due to the methodology used in conducting the experiment Galloway stresses that the evidence from the new study does not rule out the possibility that having thyroid disease may change the way the body handles PFOA. Further research is needed.

If you’re already dedicated to making healthy choices then you may already be avoiding many of the possible offenders. Our advice from a natural living and healthcare perspective is to choose natural products for your home wherever possible, for instance, natural paints, wood flooring, or wool rich carpets and natural fabrics such as hemp or jute. If possible avoid stain repellants especially in closed spaces and on sofas and furnishings. Avoid re-using fast food wrappers and containers and safety dispose of them in the bin. Choose pots and pans that are stainless steel or ceramic based rather than non stick and opt for natural fibre, untreated organic clothing where possible.

Icecream and hot chocolate – Sophie and Chloe’s inspiration behind the new autumn range of bamboo babies and children’s clothes stocked by buyOrganics

Summer visions of strawberry, chocolate and pistachio icecream are still be on the menu despite the chilly autumn with a beautiful new autumn range of co-ordinated organic outfits for baby and toddler boys and girls from Bamboo Baby, available online at buyOrganics

Organic children’s clothing fashioned from bamboo fleece is becoming increasingly more popular on the designer circuit, and to reflect this growing trend, buyOrganics has just added this new autumn range of beautiful new colours and designs to their stock.

Girls will be in neopolitan heaven with soft and snug pink and chocolate knit dresses, and boys – will revel in pistachio warmth with khaki combats and chocolate pullovers. Team the outfits with buyOrganics’ range of baby and children’s bamboo T-shirts, bodysuits, vests and socks for the warmest, softest look this autumn. The range from Bamboo Baby, was inspired by sisters Sophie and Chloe, who wanted their new knitwear range to be both comfy and snuggly as well as unisex. Their visions of hot chocolate in front of a roaring winter fire has created this beautiful selection of jumpers, combats and dresses. Sophie originally studied fashion design at Kingston University and went into business with her sister Chloe. They both knew that they wanted to do something eco –friendly.

Bamboo children’s clothing is not only luxurious to wear and 100% organic, but probably the most sustainable, ethical material currently available. So your kids won’t just look good – they’ll be helping save the planet! Plus it’s durable for all that indoor and outdoor toddling, climbing and tripping over!

The new autumn chocolates range, which is organically certified by OCIA, is the perfect solution for keeping baby and child warm and trendy during the cold winter months – as well as its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, bamboo fleece is temperature regulating, making it soft and cosy in the cold. It also wicks away moisture from the body naturally, meaning no sweatiness when you come in out of the cold into a warm room or shop.

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet – like hemp it grows prolifically and has a short cultivation cycle, meaning the moment you cut it down, up it shoots again! It absorbs absolutely loads of carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and is so naturally hardy that absolutely no chemicals are required for growth and, more importantly, requires minimal precious water.

So start baby as they mean to go on this autumn – healthy, well-dressed and environmentally friendly!