The flame retardants' industry star witness lied in testimony that was "part of a decades-long campaign of deception that has loaded the furniture and electronics in American homes with pounds of toxic chemicals linked to cancer, neurological deficits, developmental problems and impaired fertility," according to the Chicago Tribune.
And a new study published by the National Institutes of Health found women whose mothers were accidentally exposed to brominated flame retardants at higher risk of miscarriage as adults -- even more so if they were additionally exposed through their mother's breast milk.
Lead In Hose Water
An Ecology Center study of hoses -- along with 200 other gardening products -- found high amounts of lead, phthalates and BPA in the water they delivered, after only a few days of sitting in the sun, Healthy Stuff reported. The organization also compiled a list of safer rubber hoses, as well as tips -- such as letting the water run for several minutes before watering and never drinking directly from the hose -- essential for safe summertime fun.
Pesticides Linked to Brain Damage
A study assessing pregnant women who were exposed to the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which was banned in household use but is still considered safe in agriculture, found that they may be putting their unborn children at risk for brain damage associated with lower IQ and memory problems, Fox News reported.
Organic in the Green
The latest data from the Organic Trade Association found the industry grew nearly 10 percent in 2011, racking up $30 billion in sales. That means manufacturers who provide products made without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified ingredients are seeing a whole lot of green.