1. Buying Naughty or Nice?
A Toxic-Free Guide
to the Holidays

2. ELECTRONICS Flame Retardant Chemical-Free
The U.S produces 3.19 million tons
of toxic e-waste every year, creating
massive amounts of toxic waste
that ends up in landfills – here and
overseas, where it pollutes air and
water and poses severe dangers to
children and families. Flame
retardants are widely used in almost
all computers, printers, and TVs, yet
studies have linked these chemicals
with lower IQs, reduced fertility,
impacts on brain development in
infants and children, and other
serious health problems. Resist the
urge to buy the ―latest and greatest‖
new device (it’ll become obsolete
before you know it!), and instead,
learn ways to extend the life span of
your electronics from CEH. Parents
with kids itching for smart phones
can hand their old iPhone down
with these tips. For cheaper
electronics, nab great, refurbished
equipment from suppliers like
Techsoup.org.

3. PURSES Lead-Free
Giving purses, wallets or other accessories
can be tricky, with all the styles, colors and
fashion trends one needs to take into
account. Now there’s another crucial factor:
the toxic poison lead. CEH is working to
eliminate the threat from lead-tainted
purses, but our recent testing shows that
the some stores (especially certain retailers,
like Forever 21) are still selling too many
lead-tainted products. Lead exposure has
been linked to higher rates of infertility in
women, and an increased risk of heart
attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure,
among other health problems. Scientists are
increasingly concerned that there is no safe
level of lead exposure, especially for
pregnant women and young children. To be
safer, avoid faux leather (plastic) purses
and bright colors, especially yellows and
reds.

4. TOYS Phthalates-Free
Text or graphic Lead-tainted toys are rare now thanks to
CEH’s work to expose lead threats from
toys and children’s products--which helped
create the first-ever national law banning
lead in all kids’ products. However, plastic
remains a key material in many toys, and
vinyl (PVC) is an especially nasty "poison
plastic‖ known for posing health risks from
production through use and disposal.
Phthalates are a class of chemicals
commonly found in vinyl (and some other
plastics) that have been linked to hormone
disrupting health problems like
infertility, abnormal reproductive
development, and others. Several major
retailers have committed to ending or
reducing the use of PVC in
products, especially products for
children, but there are still some
toys, backpacks, dolls and other kids’
products made with the toxic material.

5. CLOTHES Pesticides-Free
Maybe you’re looking for a robe for Dad or
Text or graphic pj’s for Mom. Whatever the item, many
consider cotton to be a safe, natural
material, but more than 10% of all
pesticides (and 25% of all insecticides)
applied worldwide are used to grow cotton.
These pesticides threaten the health of farm
workers, rural communities, and wildlife.
Studies have linked pesticides commonly
used on cotton to impacts on brain
development, lower birth weight, and
possible links to cancer, birth defects, and
asthma -- not to mention acute exposures
that lead to injuries and even deaths among
farm workers. Look for organic cotton or
other natural materials whenever possible.

6. FACE & BODY PRODUCTS Triclosan-Free
Bath and body care products make a
Text or graphic popular holiday gift basket, but many such
products contain a hormone-disrupting
antimicrobial called triclosan. Animal studies
have linked triclosan to decreased sperm
production and other health problems, and
the American Medical Association has
stated that the chemical could contribute to
the rise of disease-resistant bacteria and
advises the public to ―avoid the use of
antimicrobial agents in consumer products.‖
Organic is a trusted food label, but some
personal care companies are falsely using
the term "organic." Last year, CEH exposed
a rash of phony ―organic‖ labels on dozens
of hair and personal care products. For
example, the Organix brand of shampoos
and other products contains few or no
organic ingredients at all, yet uses
ingredients that health studies suggest may
be harmful. Be sure to check the ingredient
labels on organic products you buy: the
majority of ingredients should be organic,
and should exclude harmful chemicals like
triclosan (also sometimes listed as
triclocarbon, Irgasan DP 300, and Ster-
Zac).

7. JEWELRY Lead & Cadmium-Free
Thanks to our work over the past ten years,
Text or graphic CEH has seen a dramatic decline in
problems from lead and cadmium-tainted
jewelry. But some tainted items remain,
especially inexpensive, imported jewelry.
When shopping, avoid cheap metals and
jewelry with vinyl cords.

8. COOKWARE Polytetrafluoethylene (PTFE) & Perfluouric Acid
(PFOA) -free
Giving the latest kitchen gadget is always
Text or graphic fun, but some cookware, like Teflon or other
non-stick pans may contain
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which have
been linked to hazardous fumes and in
animal studies have caused cancer and
birth defects. Our guide to safer cookware
can help make your kitchen the safest room
in the house!

9. FOOD & CANDY GMO & Lead-Free
Holiday giving often includes specialty
Text or graphic foods, like Christmas cookies or the
dreaded fruitcake. This year, think about
making or buying foods produced without
pesticides or risky genetic engineering
(GMOs). Local Harvest and other groups
have resources on avoiding GMOs and
choosing local, organic foods.
As discussed in our recent post about
Thanksgiving, added sugars in the U.S. diet
are a major factor in many health care
problems, like diabetes and heart disease.
You can also avoid genetically modified
(GMO) foods, which pose risks of new
allergies and unexpected food toxins, by
avoiding processed foods with corn, soy,
sugar beets or canola. Consider alternatives
for this year's stocking stuffers or Hanukkah
gelt--substitute homemade low-sugar treats
or gift certificates for family activities, like
cooking together or going on hikes. If you
do buy chocolates, choose organic, fair-
trade brands like Tcho Organic, Endangered
Species, or Antidote.

10. Hormone Disruptors-Free
Some people may opt to buy a nice,
reusable water bottle for the yogi or athletic
friend or family member in their life.
Reusable bottles are a great way to be less
wasteful, and most companies have
eliminated the toxic, hormone disrupting
chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) from their
plastic bottles. Sadly, because of a
regulatory "toxic shell game," we can't know
if chemicals in plastic used in place of BPA
might also disrupt our hormones and cause
health problems, like birth defects and even
cancer. Stick with glass or stainless steel
bottles for the safer bet.

11. VOCs-Free
Crafting kits and art supplies are great
Text or graphic presents for the creative kids and friends in
your life. Make sure to avoid strong glues
and markers—some can release volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), which can
cause eye & throat irritation, nausea, and
damage to the liver and nervous system. If
a product contains a specific health
warning, like ―harmful if swallowed‖, then
steer clear. Choose water-based products
rather than solvent-based products (solvent-
based products often have a strong
chemical smell).

12. Half of all paper consumed in the U.S. is for
paper to wrap and decorate gifts or
consumer products. Worse yet, wrapping
paper is often not recyclable, due to the
dyes and coatings often applied. Reuse old
gift bags, or try some creative, fun
alternatives (like a present scavenger hunt)
this year!

13. CEH has a sixteen-year track record of protecting communities from the health impacts of toxic pollution
and has previously uncovered lead and other toxic health threats to children from wood playground
structures, toys, vinyl baby bibs and lunchboxes, imported candies, children's jewelry, children's
medicines, and many other products. CEH also works with major industries and leaders in green business
to promote healthier alternatives to toxic products and practices. In 2010, the San Francisco Business
Times bestowed its annual "Green Champion" award to CEH for its work to improve health and the
environment in the Bay Area and beyond.
CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
2201 Broadway, Suite 302 Oakland, CA 94612 Tel: 510-655-3900 www.ceh.org