Where's the Corn in TOYS?

Toys. The symbols of an innocent, carefree childhood. America is up in arms about the hidden dangers of lead and melamine in products for young children, but we don't think twice about the sinister dangers lurking beneath the words "All Natural".

Nature is safe. For most folks.

There is an exception, though. As we keep pointing out, for those with allergies, nothing is sacred. Toys and other playthings are no exception.

Things to watch out for:
"Scented"--Many of us uncornies react to scents. Perhaps its the corn based ethanol, or maybe it's something else. Baby powder odors most certainly are applied with a liberal dose of cornstarch. Whatever the cause, scented baby dolls, play food kits, and other tantalizing playthings should send up large red flags.

"All natural, eco-friendly and/or Green"--as in all other areas, these words are more commonly found in unison with corn. Corn is cheap, readily available, and they need to get rid of it somehow. Alright, alright, it does have that nasty habit of actually decomposing quickly in a landfill which I suppose makes it technically eco-friendly, at least in some regards. Corn can be used to make cloth and stuffing for soft rag dolls and plushies; plastic polymers (think plastic tea sets)

Modeling compounds: Corn starch has great chemical properties for things like putty and play-dough. It's also non-toxic (when you aren't allergic to it) and the FDA claims it's hypoallergenic. Currently, FAAN seems to agree. Which makes it an appealing option to most child-friendly art suppliers.

Art supplies: As stated above, as a food product, corn based ingredients appeal to most companies that cater to kids. They feel it's a low allergy risk, and non toxic compared to most petroleum options. Besides, most parents reach for the label proclaiming "All natural!" It simply sells better.

Rattles and Beanbags: Corn kernels make a delightful rattling sound. They also settle well in the hand, and are slightly lighter and cheaper than dried beans. And, they can be used as soothing ice or hot packs. Corn kernels will eventually break down and the dust could, potentially, be problematic.

Cardboard: There are some playhuts and kitchen sets that include cardboard or are entirely designed of cardboard. Be aware that many corrugated cardboards are made with corn material. The dusty sensation many people experience when handling cardboard is corn starch, and when airborne (especially that thick) it can get accidentally ingested, causing GI reactions even for allergy sufferers who aren't contact sensitive.

Soft, malleable vinyl or plastic: these products, like the clothing for certain small pocket-sized dolls, can be coated with corn oil or starch to keep it from cracking. In fact, the manufacturers recommend regular dusting with baby powder or cornstarch. I'm not sure at this time if all toys can be cleaned of the residue, but many manufacturers will send out a coupon or rain check in return for merchandise that makes someone ill (You will probably need to return the product, with or without packaging; at their expense). So, if you react call the company and return the product. It lets them know there's a problem, and lets you get something safer for your household.

Anything meant to be blown up usually has a light dusting of cornstarch on the inside to keep it from attaching to itself; so don't use lung power to inflate balloons, swim rings or beach balls. A thorough rinsing of the outside, in theory, will remove corn starch residue.

Stuffed animals and other cloth: Corn is increasingly popular as an eco-friendly fiber. Watch out for corn stuffing, and soft corn fabric animals and dolls. The upside is, most manufacturers are proud of the corn-derived status. Popular names for corn fiber are amaizing wool (mostly used for mattresses and bedding for the time being) and Ingeo.

Crayola

Since Crayola colored pencils were mentioned on the avoiding corn forum as being corn-free, I let Baby E color with some today. She had a great time.

But Baby E got welts on her neck wherever the colored pencils poked her. They seemed awfully big and red for just a pressure mark, so I called the company.

The representative I spoke with was very helpful. Here's what she told me:

The colored pencils do not contain corn, but they do contain soy.

The crayons contain cornstarch in the glue that fastens the paper wrappers. The crayons themselves do not contain corn, soy or coconut/palm oil. They are made in a paraffin base, not vegetable or beeswax. I am going to try taking off the wrappers and washing the crayons, and then letting Baby E use them.

The only product that contains coconut/palm oil is the oil pastels.

I did not check on the paints--if anyone does find out about them, please let me know.

Yummy Earth - Hard Candies

A while ago, we did a post about Yummy Earth lollipops and how helpful and honest the company was about the sources of their ingredients.

Recently, Yummy Earth came to Delphi Forums and posted some updated information.

Yummy Earth, due to demand, has expanded their product lines to include "drops" or individual hard candies without the stick.

They've also started selling their products in individual flavors so you're not stuck with that one flavor you can't eat (due to allergy) or that you just don't like.

If you're like me, you're a big Yummy Earth fan, and you just can't wait to order a bulk of your favorite flavor... I've included a link that goes directly to their ordering site.

Yummy Earth Online Shop

Allergies and Immunizations - Is it worth the risk?

(updated 8/2011)

Many immunization drugs are made with allergens. Whether it be corn, soy, beef, egg, milk, lactose, MSG, or yeast, the risks of getting the shots may or may not be worth it.

First, let me address why to immunize..

Immunizations started as a way to fight diseases before they could become epidemics. Most immunizations are for diseases known to kill, or severely maim humans. Many are for diseases which are highly communicable. Thus all states require immunizations in order for a child to attend school. You can get exemptions, but I'll address that hassle later.

It is important to consider the risks of not immunizing as well the risks of immunization. There is a good informative article on immunizations at Quackwatch.org, which talks about the importance of immunizing which the writers at Quackwatch will probably think the rest of my article here to be "quackery"..

For recommended list of vaccinations/immunizations go to the CDC:
Child Immunization Scheduler
Child/Adolescent Immunizations
Adult Schedule

Also at the CDC, make sure to check out the VIS or vaccine information statements which answer many questions about what the disease is that the vaccine will try to prevent, when to get it, what to expect, etc.

Now onto the really scary stuff.

Many vaccines/immunizations use fillers, carriers, etc to get the actual vaccine/immunization into the body in a viable way. Which means, you may have to decide whether to take the chance of getting a disease which might kill you or getting the vaccine which might kill you.

That is why I'm writing this.. Its better to be educated ahead of time, and know your risks, so you're prepared.

Getting ahold of the ingredients of an injection ahead of time, may be impossible as most health care providers who perform these injections are not well versed in allergies and probably won't have what you need to know. So the more you know before you go in, the better off you'll be. If you have a reliable cooperative doctor, you may be able to get this information (vaccine insert) ahead of time to check with the manufacturer about possible allergens.

Check this PDF (you'll need Adobe Reader - a free software) for a list of ingredients in immunizations, to see if your child may be at risk for a severe allergic reaction. Vaccine Excipient & Media Summary  see also this PDF.

You'll also want to check the CDC's contraindications chart.

In case of a severe reaction, contact the your doctor and CDC. A Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System form needs to be filed. You can contact the CDC about this at 1-800-822-7967.

There is also a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program ( 1-800-338-2382 ) which is to help provide assistance for those having adverse reactions. More information about filing a claim can be found at their site: http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/

If you read through the Vaccine Excipient & Media Summary  (also PDF) or the CDC's contraindications chart and you want to get out of having a vaccine, you're going to want to get the ball rolling and be prepared ahead of time.

You will want to call your local or state health department's immunization program. They should be able to provide you with forms you'll need to have filled out. There are usually two reasons for exemptions on this: Religious reasons, Health Reasons. Health reasons usually require a doctors signature or statement.

Your child's school will also need to be notified and proper forms filled out.

More Information links about Vaccines and Immunizations:

Mercury Vaccines? (also contains manufacturer names for possible contact)

Australian Site: Ingredients & Purpose in Immunizations. Vaccine Components & Constituents

Anti-vaccine information with a Christian oriented religious vaccine waiver

More information about getting a waiver to avoid a vaccination:

How to legally avoid unwanted immunizations


More Reading:


Immunizations and Gut Disorders - possible connections