7gen Bloc

Did you know that babies are born with more than 200 man-made industrial chemicals in their blood?

Did you know many of the consumer products we use, from cosmetics to foods to household products, contribute to this phenomenon?

When you look at a label on a cleaning product, do you truly understand what you are reading as well as you do when reading a food label?

Chances are, "No, I don't," is your answer. Many people are unaware of the relationship between frequently used products and our health. Seventh Generation is one of the companies that wants to change that.

A champion of ingredients disclosure, Seventh Generation recently hosted an interactive discussion on the topic of chemicals and our children. The conversation, held in mid-October at the Boston Children's Museum, featured Jane Houlihan, vice president of research at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, and Courtney Loveman, of Seventh Generation. It was moderated by EMMY award-winning environmental journalist Simran Sethi.

Parents and caretakers, children, healthcare providers, academics, and media turned out for an engaging and informative evening. We learned very quickly that the concept of chemicals and our children is scary, but it is a problem we must recognize -- and do everything we can to solve.

Today we are excited to provide you a segmented Web cast of the event. In addition to hearing our speakers and seeing a presentation and videos, you'll be able to watch the audience question and answer portion to help address some of the concerns you're likely to have as well.

The most important takeaways from the discussion follow:

According to Jane Houlihan and the Environmental Working Group's research, man-made chemicals that our bodies harbor -- otherwise known as the "body burden" -- are directly linked to the rise in birth defects, cancer, and infertility.

Additionally, the EWG research explains that even at its smallest dose, any chemical can cause an effect. Think of various medications you've taken. Even a tiny bit can have life-impacting consequences. The same can be said for dangerous chemicals in what we digest, inhale, or absorb.

Dr. Greene pointed out that manufacturers of consumer goods are not required to disclose ingredients unless they are of a certain toxicity. Additionally, many companies who list ingredients intentionally omit dangerous chemicals, falling back on intellectual property and confidentiality as the excuse. This is particularly frightening when you see labels boasting, "Warning!" or "Danger. Keep away from children."

"The good news is that environmental triggers mean there are environmental solutions," Dr. Greene said to nods from the crowd.

Lastly, Courtney Loveman, Brand Mother at Seventh Generation, unveiled an unprecedented move in the consumer goods industry. The entire team at Seventh Generation worked tirelessly in collaboration with its scientists to create a Label Reading Guide. This is an essential tool for your "conscious consumer" arsenal.

The Label Reading Guide was created by purchasing every product in the cleaning aisle – including Seventh Generation's – and, based on the information provided on the packaging, compiling a comprehensive database of ingredient definitions, uses, relations, and even commonly used (but hardly understood) terms.

For example, if the label says "use with adequate ventilation," you might be using the product without taking such measures, leaving you perplexed by the burning sensation in your lungs. This guide (a sample is below) provides you more insight and background to often ambiguous terms and conditions.

Adequate Ventilation:
A term used to describe a continuous exchange of fresh air with contaminated air. Although many labels indicate the need for adequate ventilation, there is no regulated standard for the term "adequate."

Look for the adequate ventilation warning on labels and try to avoid chemicals such as: ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, butoxyethanol, and VOCs. Included on product labeling to prevent lung, eye, or throat irritation associated with product use.

The Label Reading Guide is available for desktop download, as Windows Vista gadget, and as a mobile application for web-enabled phones so you can use it at the store or from the comfort of your home. iPhone and Mac versions are coming soon. Click here for more information.

Seventh Generation has disclosed all ingredients – without encouragement – for years, and thinks it's time consumers had the right to help make healthier, more informed buying decisions. Essentially, as a transparent company, we show you what's inside.

Part of this effort is not only arming you with information, it's providing you an opportunity to do something about this issue outside of the cleaning aisle.

Visit Show the World What's Inside to:

1) Take action by signing the declaration in support of the Kid Safe Chemical Act initiated by EWG and currently under review in congressional sub-committees. Use your voice to make a difference on Capitol Hill.

2) Have fun by creating a tree online to show what's inside of YOU. Wine? Work? Family? Or maybe naps. Your unique tree will reside in the Show the World What's Inside forest for other concerned consumers to view. It's also a great activity for kids.

3) Purchase an Ingredients T-shirt in baby through adult sizes to show the world what's inside of you and contribute to the EWG.

As consumers, we should also consider non-toxic products whenever possible. It just makes sense!

For a blogger's account of the discussion, visit Christine Koh of BostonMama's post.

Finally, here's a last bit of inspiration for you.

There is hope for a smarter, healthier future for us and our children. And it starts with you and me…