I was so happy when I read this story. I did a post on phthalates in toys a couple of months ago. It has been reported for years that Bisphenol A, used to make polycarbonate plastic, the substance used to make hard clear plastic baby bottles is not safe and that it can leach out of the bottles. For some reason the FDA says that low levels of bisphenol A pose no health risk to humans. San Francisco is not buying it. They will be prohibiting the sale, distribution or manufacture of toys and child care products intended for use by children under the age of 3 if they contain phthalates, which are used to soften polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) and bisphenol A, which is common in hard, clear plastic.

I am so proud of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Although they have not yet implemented it, the ordinance will go into effect after the holidays.

A group of chemical manufacturers, toymakers, retailers and the owner of the children’s store Citikids filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco’s ban on the sale of toddler toys and child-care products that contain certain chemicals suspected of being toxic substances.

The suit argues that state law, including the California Hazardous Substances Act, pre-empts the San Francisco ordinance.

San Francisco, is the only city in the world to ban bisphenol A in toys and child care products for youngsters.

It has to start somewhere. Someone has to take a stand and make some changes for the future generation. These companies are just mad because they are going to have to spend some money to change how they produce their product. It makes you wonder how they sleep at night knowing that the product they sell could harm innocent babies and children. I hope more cities take note and follow San Francisco’s lead.

Here are some effects from Phthalates:

·Phthalates can interfere with the natural functioning of the hormone system.
· Phthalates can cause reproductive and genital defects.
· Exposure is linked to premature birth and early onset of puberty.
· Phthalates may lower sperm count and are associated with the risk factors for testicular cancer.
· Phthalates are linked to allergies and asthma.
· Exposure may be linked to liver and kidney damage.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.

Scientific studies show that at very low levels:

· Bisphenol-A can disrupt the normal functioning of our hormones.
· Bisphenol-A can cause behavioral effects, including hyperactivity and increased aggression.
· Bisphenol-A can lead to impaired learning.
· Bisphenol-A is associated with obesity and diabetes.
· Bisphenol-A exposure can affect the timing of the onset of puberty.
· Bisphenol-A stimulates mammary gland development, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
· Bisphenol-A can significantly increase prostate size.
· Bisphenol-A can alter the functioning of the immune system.
· Bisphenol-A is associated with miscarriages in women.
· Exposure can also interfere with the normal development of a fetus.

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SOURCE:SFGATE

SOURCE:ENVIRONMENT CALIFORNIA

Cole was born in August of 2005 after only being in my belly for 24 weeks - weighing only 675gms.

Very early on our baby was labelled lazy, the nurses and doctors would tell us he just didn’t feel like breathing. I called it relaxed, he knew the machine would do the work for him if he didn’t breathe himself.

He was on a ventilator for 8 weeks, Nasal Cpap for 4 weeks and Low Flow for 3 weeks. Making sure he tried out all of the breathing equipment at the hospital, Cole was oscillated for 3 days in his first week after both his lungs collapsed.

At birth he was diagnosed with IVH (intraventricular hemorrhage) and Lobar holoprosencephaly. We were very lucky that the IVH healed itself around week 37. This sometimes happens to micro-preemies.

He spent a total of 114 days in the NICU before coming home 3 days after his due date.

We learned early our son was a fighter. While I was 5 weeks pregnant a doctor performed a procedure on me that should not have been done if I was pregnant. He didn’t check the pregnancy test before starting. My placenta was lifted at that point and I spent the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy on bed rest in the hospital. Most doctors we met with told us it was a miracle he survived the procedure and then he gave us a double miracle by surviving prematurity.

Please do what you can to support an organization that is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.

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Dino looks cute!! He is bright, colourful and durable. This cuddly plush dino makes for a soft seat. Handles and footrests along with the anti-tip design add stability while little ones ride. His colorful spikes crinkle and his tail rattles as he rocks away.

For kids ages 12m - 24m

25″L x 14″W x 19″H. Surface wash with damp cloth. $99 Sensational Beginnings

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Naissance on Melrose is a great shop to get cutting edge maternity clothes. They carry trendy casual clothes plus chic evening wear as well. Not everyone will be able to purchase their whole maternity wardrobe here but it is nice to get a few cool pieces for the winter.

Look #1 “Ramones”long sleeve shirt $68 U.S. Jeans/skirt $69 U.S.