Non-Toxic Dad News: July 04, 2024

Summer is officially here, and many of us are heading to the pool to cool off and have fun. But before you dive in, have you ever considered the potential health risks lurking in that refreshing water?

For those who aren’t aware, many public and private pools commonly use chlorine to kill bad bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause infections and certain illnesses. While this is good for hygiene, chlorine is also toxic to your health if it gets into your body.

If you swim in a pool treated with chlorine long enough, your skin will absorb some of the chlorine, which can lead to problems such as disrupting your body's microbiome, causing skin irritations, other skin problems, thyroid issues, and even more serious health concerns like cancer.

Given these potential risks, it is important to limit your exposure to chlorine. To understand just how toxic it can be to swim in chlorine-treated pools, we conducted a simple test using an EPA-approved method to measure the chlorine levels in a community swimming pool. The results were eye-opening!

Here’s what we found:

• Fresh pool water showed chlorine levels at about 0.4-0.6 ppm, which is on the low side of normal.

• After immersing my hand in the water for JUST 30 seconds, the chlorine levels dropped to about 0.1 ppm. This indicates that around 80% of the chlorine was absorbed or reacted with the skin!

For those who aren’t aware, many public and private swimming pools commonly use chlorine to kill bad bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause infections and certain illnesses. While this is good for hygiene, chlorine is also toxic to your health if it gets into your body.

When planning a home renovation, cabinets are often a focal point due to their functional and aesthetic importance. However, many homeowners might need to realize that their cabinet material choice can significantly impact indoor air quality and overall health. This is because many commonly used materials are off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm human health.

Ah, coffee — that warm, comforting elixir that powers our mornings and fuels our adventures. But what if I told you there’s more in your mug than just caffeine and flavor? Yep, we’re talking about Mycotoxins in Your Morning Coffee. Sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, right? But they’re very real, and they could be hanging out in your coffee.

Swimming in chlorinated pools can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated due to chlorine absorption. To help you safely and effectively remove chlorine from your skin, we've got a fantastic, non-toxic recipe for a homemade body wash. This body wash is gentle, moisturizing, and perfect for removing chlorine after swimming. Plus, it's free from harmful chemicals and easy to make at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup liquid castile soap

• 1/2 cup organic aloe vera gel

• 1/4 cup raw honey

• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• 1 empty bottle (preferably a squeeze or pump bottle)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

   • Measure out all your ingredients before you start. This will make the process smoother and ensure you have everything you need.

2. Mix the Base:

   • Combine the liquid castile soap and organic aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl. Stir gently to blend them together.

3. Add Honey and Coconut Oil:

   • Add the raw honey and organic coconut oil to the mixture. Honey is antibacterial and helps hydrate the skin, while coconut oil provides additional moisture and acts as a natural barrier against chlorine.

4. Incorporate Baking Soda:

   • Stir in the baking soda. Baking soda is a natural cleanser that helps to neutralize chlorine and remove any lingering residues on the skin.

5. Blend Well:

   • Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, homogeneous liquid. Ensure the honey and coconut oil are well incorporated into the mixture.

6. Transfer to Bottle:

   • Pour the mixture into your empty bottle using a funnel to avoid spills. Secure the lid tightly.

7. Shake Before Use:

   • Before each use, give the bottle a good shake to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

By using this homemade chlorine-removing body wash, you can enjoy your time in the pool without worrying about the negative effects of chlorine on your skin. It's a simple, effective, and natural way to keep your skin healthy and chlorine-free.

Enjoy your swims and stay non-toxic!

Product Spotlight

What’s a 4th of July party without corn chips?! Luckily, I’ve got a Non-Toxic Dad Approved snack swap for your next party (or snack attack). MASA's 100% organic corn chips are made without seed oils and just 3 ingredients: organic corn, grass-fed tallow, and sea salt! I hope this inspires you to make easy changes for your and your family’s health. 

I may receive a small commission if you purchase products through these links, but this won’t affect the cost for you in any way. 

You can use code ‘nontoxicdad’ at checkout to save 15% off your MASA order!