That New Car Smell Can Kill You and Your Kids

Do you like that 'new car smell.' That “new car smell” might be composed of all kinds of toxic chemicals, according to a new study from a nonprofit organization called the ecology center. This study suggests that new car smell comes from toxic chemicals off-gassing in a car’s interior, like brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chromium, and lead. In all, researchers identified more than 275 different chemicals wafting around in the car. Many of these toxic chemicals, breathed in by you and your kids are associated with learning problems, birth defects, liver problems and of course – cancer!

The 2012 new vehicle study from the nonprofit Ecology Center analyzed the chemical content of more than 200 new cars for its top 10 healthy and unhealthy car interiors. The 2012 Honda Civic had the healthiest interior but that was because it did not have any PVC fabrics or trims or bromine-based flame retardants.

The worst new cars, when it comes to off-gassing, are the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2011 Chrysler 200 SC, which both had high-levels of chemicals in them. These would be cars to avoid if you want to keep your children healthy.

So where do these poisons and toxins lurk inside the actual vehicle? Common areas that off gas are seats, arm rests, steering wheels, door trim, and shift knobs. The higher the temperature in the car the more chemicals it is going to release into the air. Chemicals found in some cars include chemical elements such as lead, cadmium, chlorine, arsenic, mercury, tin, and antimony. All of these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and through the air.

The EPA says indoor air pollution is one of the top environmental threats to public health, since Americans spend 90% of their time indoors and indoor air pollution can be inside your car! Next to homes and offices, Americans spend the most time in automobiles, an average of one-and-a-half hours per day.

So it seems that if you are going to buy a car try to by one that does not smell so much like a new car as that would be an indication that it is going to break down less volatile compounds as time goes on. The smell would in fact, be an indication that you are about to buy a toxic vehicle. It is much better for you to stick to buying a vehicle that has been reported to have less off-gassing potential.

Quick Health Breakfasts for Moms on the Go

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – not just for your kids, but also for you! Breakfast is the day that jump starts your metabolism. You are actually less likely to binge on foods that are bad for you later in the day. Women who eat breakfast are 25% less likely to be overweight than women who skip breakfast or who just have coffee for their morning meal.

Thankfully there are all kinds of quick breakfasts that are easy for busy moms to have with their coffee in the morning that are healthy and can help prevent low blood sugar and weight gain.

One of the easiest and healthiest of morning meals is to simply eat cereal with low-fat milk. Sprinkle a bit of frozen milk or chocolate chips in the mix for a healthy treat.

If you have time to make cereal you might also have time to make instant oatmeal. Add skim milk and raisins for a breakfast that is rich in protein, iron and B vitamins.

Smoothies are also an obvious choice. Make with milk, yogurt and fruit. Be sure to add crushed ice to make it extra frothy. If you are trying for weight loss add a little bit of protein powder to the shake.

A quick high protein choice is to eat whole grain toast spread with a nut butter drunk with a glass of low fat milk. A half a bagel with a light spread of peanut butter and cream cheese also works to keep your tummy full during the busy morning hours. Yogurt with berries and low fat granola is also a good idea.
Another fabulous low-fat breakfast choice is to scramble an egg with some salsa in a tortilla. If you are not watching your weight you can also add a bit of cheese.

If you are in a super-hurry grab a handful of nuts and a banana as you go out the door and eat it while you commute or are driving to work. This is a very filling high-energy snack that is also low calorie and healthy. If you do not like sweet things for breakfast then you can also try grabbing a piece of string cheese, turkey or ham and a piece of fruit.

If you really do not have the time for breakfast then start drinking a meal replacement drink from a can or at the very least have a glass of milk. Drinking a glass of milk just as you fly out the door is better than no morning meal at all!