some parents have been wondering from three recent studies whether they are in opposition, in the case of protecting their kids. recent research suggested that dangerous chemicals in canned foods, vinyl lunch boxes, and dozens of rice products, which we don&39t know of, could be harmful to us. the center for health, environment and justice chej pointed out through a research that children are at a major risk, as they are vulnerable to harmful toxic chemicals where their brains, bodies, metabolism and behaviors are affected. this summer, the advocacy group found out through a study on vinyl lunchboxes and other backtoschool items that popular kid products have high levels of phthalates, which give rise to problems like birth defects, asthma, diabetes, adhd, and so on. another study brought out the connection of the controversial chemical named bisphenol a bpa and childhood obesity. the american medical association journal had a publication that researchers determined on bpa exposure affecting the fat cells and hormones in the body. moreover, several studies report that bpa, which is present in a lot of canned goods and plastic products, have a link to loads of other health concerns. a recent study, third in the row, arsenic was found in rice products by consumer reports, which include organic infant rice cereal. it is disturbing that the first solid food that babies have contains a toxic chemical. therefore, the limitation of rice products consumption is recommended by consumer reports. at the same time, an investigation is being conducted by the fda and the results are expected by the end of the year. while rice containing arsenic is still being under scrutiny by the jury, further evidence on chemicals like phthalates and bpa, which do not fall in the category of food supply, are not required by health advocates. a senior scientist in the natural resources defense council nrdc, dr. sarah janssen stated in a telephonic interview that it&rsquos petrifying and annoying for parents, as such foods are difficult to avoid. most people held their hands up in annoyance saying that they can&rsquot do anything. dr. janssen is also a mother with a medical degree and ph.d. she said that some easy steps can be helpful in protecting the family. she tops the list with the avoidance of processed foods that often contain chemicals. for instance, phthalates are an indirect food additive since the 1950s, though they were banned in 2008 in cosmetics and toys in the united states. dr. janssen further pointed out that many people face the exposure due the ways in which food is processed and packaged. for example, in the case of plastic tubing, something may have been shot into the container that contaminates the food with phthalates. therefore, she emphasizes on consuming fresh foods and not canned food to avoid phthalates, bpa and other chemicals. however, it is yet not clear whether the companies that claim to produce bpafree cans have improved substitutes in use. squid ink reported that the same possible health risks are carried even now by some of the new can linings. dr. janssen stated that many alternatives have not been tested, and so, if it is not safe, even though something is said to be bpafree or phthalatesfree. avoiding canned or processed foods as simple dietary changes can make a difference. according to dr. janssen, a study was done in the bay area, wherein families that participated had reduced levels of bpa and phthalatesfree after they switched to fresh foods for three days. in her blog, dr. janssen conveyed that the end of the study showed the families returning to their usual diets that contained takeout or restaurant food, canned foods and sodas, and other foods like microwavable meals that were packaged in plastic. however, the bpa levels went back up after resuming their normal diet. she also recommends the use of plain soap and water, instead of antibacterial soaps, which have a tendency of containing harmful chemicals. she also gives a tip of leaving shoes outside the door and wear indoor shoes inside to avoid pesticides and other contaminants from entering the home. according to dr. janssen&rsquos belief, parents can be of great influence to businesses in doing the right thing, as pressure from consumers compelled manufacturers and some state laws to ban the use of bpa in baby bottles and sippy cups. the fda is being asked by one mother in a change.org petition to ban cancercausing chemicals from food packaging. another mother has requested disney to stop putting up sales of lunchboxes that contain phthalates. dr. janssen concluded that the more the public is made aware, the more will be the demand for change and it will be more likely for a response from the marketplace. she further said that while the federal government should focus on ensuring that products are free of chemicals that are harmful, parents and the public should also be knowledgeable to produce change. 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