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Recognizing Toxins In The Park And Playground

By HERWriter
 
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It's not easy keeping your kids away from toxins, even when you're spending an afternoon at the park. Here are a few more things to try to avoid.

Many playgrounds contain equipment, benches and picnic tables made from CCA-treated wood. CCA is chromated copper arsenate (CCA) which leaches arsenic, a carcinogen, from the wood. This material has been banned but many parks and playgrounds have insufficient funds to replace this CCA-treated wood.

Recycled tires may pose health risks. Forty-nine chemicals have been identified as released from tire crumbs from recycled tires. Pesticides used in parks and playgrounds can cause asthma, behavioral problems, cancer, hyperactivity, among other health problems.

You can do your homework and call the Park and Recreation department and ask some questions.

"But, the easiest and most important thing you can do is wash your child’s hands. Really, it’s that simple. A primary route of exposure to any of these contaminants is hand-to-mouth behavior. And, look for an actual sink if possible. Friction and running water are the workhorses of effective hand-washing. (Hand sanitizers are made to kill bacteria, not to remove dust and dirt that can harbor chemicals.)"

http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/3_toxic_risks_you_face_at_the_park_and_how_to_avoid_them/?utm_source

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Jody Smith
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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