Why ingredient safety is particularly important for young kids
Despite some progress on chemicals of concern, our kids are still at risk
Our kids are uniquely vulnerable family members
Children can be uniquely vulnerable to health impacts from exposure to toxic chemicals. Babies are particularly vulnerable, including when they are still developing in their mother’s wombs. The risks to the smallest members of our families are unique because their bodies are small, their systems are rapidly developing, they don’t function at their full capacity, and they are sensitive. These circumstances mean that certain kinds of chemicals, often at lower concentrations or smaller “doses” can potentially impact their health.
Chemical exposures can come from a variety of sources including from the air our kid’s breath, the water they drink, the food they eat, and the products they use and that we bring into our homes. See the Children’s Environmental Health Network for more detailed information about how chemicals in products can impact the health of our kids.
Chemicals in products are tough to avoid
Depending on your family’s resources, it may be more difficult or easier to avoid some kinds of chemical exposures for your children. If you have the money, you can choose to live in a neighborhood with better air and water quality. If you have the money, you can choose to eat organic foods which reduces exposures to toxic chemicals in pesticides and herbicides. The same holds true for choosing safer products, sometimes.
Of the sources of exposures to chemicals of concern for kids products, we think reducing exposures to toxic chemicals in products is the least straightforward. In some cases, more affordable products may contain a higher number of toxic chemicals and at higher concentrations.
This can be the case for some kinds of toys, crafts, and hair and body care products for kids. But not always. Sometimes the opposite is true and more expensive products represent more significant sources of potential exposure for our kids. This can be the case for some kinds of kitchen products like frying pans and baking trays. Take action on toxic chemicals in kitchen products by joining our PFAS Out of Our Kitchens campaign.
Hilde’s ratings focus on ingredient safety
A big part of our company evaluations and ratings involve ingredient safety. We even have a set of dedicated criteria designed to help assess the ways in which companies approach the topic. You can find company ratings for baby products and kids products on our ratings page, along with other product categories for your home. Learn more about our company evaluation methods.