Every day, children and adults are exposed to a variety of chemicals found in common household items. Now a growing body of research suggests that many of these chemicals — which are used to make plastic more flexible, fruits and vegetables more abundant and upholstery less flammable — may also pose a threat to the developing brain.

Written By RONI CARYN RABIN JULY 1, 2016  for the New York Times

To read the full article click on the following link: http://nyti.ms/298PL8f

Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.”

The Food and Drug Administration ruled on Friday that it is banning the use of 19 active ingredients found in antibacterial soaps and washes. The most common  of these are triclosan, typically used in liquid antibacterial soaps, and triclocarban, used in bar soaps.

Manufacturers will have one year to remove the ingredients from their products, or be forced to take them off the market.  To read more click here:  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm517478.htm

Last Friday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a final rule amending HUD’s lead-based paint regulations from 20 micro-grams of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL) to 5 in order to reduce blood lead levels in children under 6 years residing in federally-owned or assisted housing. The new rule is in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) blood lead threshold.

“This important change to HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule will allow for a faster response when a young child (specifically, under six years old) is exposed to lead-based paint hazards in their HUD-assisted homes, a key component of a primary prevention strategy”. Read the full announcement here!