Archive for May 23rd, 2007

May 23, 2007 | Food & drink, Health, Organics, Pregnancy, News

Joni Mitchell said it best, “…Hey, farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now. Give me spots on my apples, just leave me the birds and the bees, please!…” Now we can add to the birds and the bees line, babies and brains too!

News this week? Babies conceived in the summer months don’t do as well in school as those conceived at other times of the year. Neonatologist Paul Winchester analyzed the scores on standardized tests and found that children who were conceived in June, July, and August were significantly less proficient in language and math. He attributes the effect to high levels of environmental pesticides during the most crucial months of nervous system development. “The pesticides we use to control pests in fields and in our homes and the nitrate we use to fertilize crops and even our lawns are at their highest level in summer,” Winchester says. He suspects that pesticides are causing higher rates of hypothyroidism in pregnant women, a condition known to affect brain development in growing babies. Not only that, pesticides and fertilizers are also blamed for premature and preterm birth.

So, no more makin’ whoopie in the summer time! Well, scratch that. But if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant this summer, I’d say it’s high time to start buying organic produce, and limiting the chemicals you use in and around your home. Switch to natural cleaning products (or a natural maid service, like… need I say? Broom Huggers!), see if you can manage your lawn and indoor pest control without pesticides and fertilizers. And most definitely, buy yourself some organic 2% milk (miscarriage rates rise a bit in women who drink skim), and limit your beef intake.

Cleaning tips

The IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration) has some great tips to keep your home healthy this spring and into summer. Check this out:

Spring into Cleaning With April showers and May flowers come dust and pollen that can leave your home in desperate need of a seasonal makeover. Spring cleaning may not be one’s idea of fun in the sun, but the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has a few tips to make cleaning a breeze. HVAC filters - Use quality electrostatic filters that attract particles to the filter. To keep filters in top shape, clean once per month. Control moisture and humidity - Maintaining humidity at 50 percent or below prevents the growth of mold and the infestation of dust mites; two of the most common allergens. Increase vacuum frequency - Since about 75% of carpet soil is dry particulate, vacuuming more often prevents soil from embedding deep into carpets. Vacuum heavy-traffic areas slowly and repeatedly. Use high efficiency filter bags - High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) double-lined vacuum filter bags filter out 99% of particles that cause respiratory irritation. For professional cleaning jobs, look for an IICRC-Certified Firm - Confirm their technician’s training and certification in the type of work to be performed and always obtain a written estimate.