Hidden Chemical Exposures – Should You Be Concerned?

by Suzan Ferreira
Hidden chemical exposures & should you be concerned

Chemical exposure is inevitable. Chemicals are present in our air, waterways, food, the products we use, and even in our homes & the furniture we sit on. Daily chemical exposures are at an all-time high, so what is your best defense on reducing the number of chemical exposures you’re subject to on a daily basis? Knowledge.

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OUR ETSY STORE IS OPEN!

For the last 10+ years or so, our household has been on a mission to reduce the number of daily chemicals we are exposed to. Cleaning up our eating habits by growing & raising our food organically was the first step. Arming yourself with the knowledge of “Vegetable & Herb Seeds – Know The Differences” can be a good start for those just starting out.

Cleaning up, literally, by making some of our own cleaning products, allowing us to know exactly what ingredients are being utilized. “How To Make Laundry Detergent On The Skinny” was one of the first we changed.

How To Make Laundry Detergent On The Skinny laundry detergent final product

Cleaning up our daily personal care products. “How To Make The Best Natural Deodorant & Why” and “How To Make The Best Homemade Toothpaste” as well as “How To Make The Best Homemade Moisturizer” are products that almost everyone uses every day and can be made organically easily or purchased.

How To Make The Best Homemade Moisturizer For Dry Winter Skin

We also began to consider cleaning up products that we use infrequently or seasonally such as sunscreens. Take a peek at the article “Staying Safe In The Sun” that goes in depth as to why we should be concerned with using conventional sunscreens as well as how we create our own protection.

In making these products for our own personal use, A LOT of interest in these products has come to the forefront. Many just don’t have the time or the interest in making their own but would love the organic alternatives we provide. Thus, we are so very excited to be introducing our new product line available for purchase. These products are made organically using only the finest organic & natural products, many of which have been grown, harvested or wild-crafted here on our sustainable farm, in small batches to ensure you receive the freshest product possible.

Dandelion Balm 4 oz tin display

For a full list of my organic products be sure to visit the Etsy store.

Arming yourself with the knowledge of what is in the products we use on a daily basis as well as the risks of those chemicals, allows us to make appropriate choices. Knowing what chemicals should be of concern & how they may affect our physical health is key.

According to an article written Nadia Kounang, CNN, “Dangerous Chemicals Hiding In Everyday Products” we are exposed daily to many chemicals.

These everyday chemicals, including organophosphates, flame retardants, and phthalates, can be found in food, plastics, furniture, food wrap, cookware, cans, carpets, shower curtains, electronics, and even shampoo.

Kounang – CNN

CHEMICALS OF CONCERN & POSSIBLE HEALTH AFFECTS

There is a multitude of factors when considering and trying to determine chemical exposures. Often we hear the terms “allowable”, “safe levels”, and “acceptable levels” concerning chemical exposures. Really? The concerning issue with these statements is the fact that every body will react differently to the chemicals they are exposed to. The kind of chemical, the exposure level(s), how long & how often the exposure, how it entered the body, and one’s own immune system (health) will determine whether one person becomes ill, another develop cognitive issues, or one escapes the chemicals wrath completely. It is an unknown factor. Therefore, how can there ever be “acceptable or safe levels”?

ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES

According to Project TENDR, “a unique collaboration of leading scientists, health professionals and children’s and environmental advocates”, organophosphate pesticides is of main concern. What are they?

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are a class of neurotoxic chemicals initially developed for use as warfare nerve agents in the 1930-40s. Many OPs, including malathion, dichlorvos, azinphos-methyl, and chlorpyrifos were licensed for insecticidal use during 1950-60 before there were requirements for evaluation of the potential human health or environmental impacts of pesticides. OPs are currently used on a wide variety of crops including fruit trees, vegetables, wheat, soy, corn, and cotton. While agriculture use of OPs has been declining in the United States, 33 million pounds were still applied in 2007 alone.

Project TENDR

Organophosphate pesticides account for nearly half of all pesticides utilized in the U.S. How can you be exposed? According to the CDC, “Cancer Clusters” report, exposures often happen through the following ways:

~ By working for companies that make or apply organophosphates.
~ By ingesting (eating or drinking) or breathing them or by getting them in your eyes or on your skin.
~ By touching contaminated soils or contaminated runoff water or groundwater.
~ Eating contaminated food and skin contact during home application are the main sources of exposure.

CDC

Farmers & workers at plants where these chemicals are created are at greatest risk of exposure to these chemicals, often bringing residual traces of this chemical home with them on their clothing, boots, & skin inadvertently exposing their family members as well. Those living & going to school in close proximity to agricultural areas are also at greater risk of exposures. Public lands (parks, schools, hospitals, right-of-ways, & golf-courses) utilize OP’s for pest control. OP’s are now present in drinking water and food sources.

OP exposures may result in quite a list of health issues according to the CDC. Including but not limited to symptoms such as “headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, salivation, watery eyes, and small pupils. Severe symptoms are seizures, slow pulse, difficulty breathing, and coma. Long after exposure, people also can develop nervous system problems such as muscle weakness and numbness and tingling of the hands and feet (neuropathy)”.

Long-term exposure to organophosphates can cause confusion, anxiety, loss of memory, loss of appetite, disorientation, depression, and personality changes. Other symptoms such as weakness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting also may occur.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are a synthetic chemical that binds and softens (plastics) and can be found in a wide array of products from “shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, hair sprays, perfumes, colognes, soap, nail polish, shower curtains, medical tubing, IV bags, vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging and coatings on time-release pharmaceuticals” according Kounang.

Expecting mothers and parents BEWARE. Phthalates are known to cross the placenta during pregnancy, thus exposing the fetus to this chemical known to alter neurodevelopment in children. According to Project TENDR, “children are exposed through food, toys, personal care products, and other consumer products, & generally have higher exposures than adults”. This chemical, according to TENDR is linked to:

Effects seen include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like behaviors, problems with conduct and aggression, as well depression and other internalizing behaviors. In addition, prenatal exposure has been associated with deficits in child IQ, working memory and executive functioning, as well as with problems in emotional regulation. In a large Swedish population-based study the presence of PVC flooring in the parents’ bedroom, which is a known source of phthalate exposure, was associated with autism.

Project TENDR

According to Kounang “You can reduce your exposure to phthalates by using unscented lotions and laundry detergents, microwaving food in glass containers rather than plastic, using cleaning supplies without scents, and avoiding air fresheners and plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No 7.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

PBDE’s are industrial chemicals used for flame retardants that can be found in TV’s, computers, insulation/foam products, children’s toys, pillows, baby products, carpet pads, fabrics, wire, & cable coatings. These products produce a contaminated dust as PBDE’s are not chemically bound to the products.

The little’s in your life come into contact with this toxic dust & are more exposed to PBDE’s contaminates as THEY crawl & play…always hand to mouth. Due to the health & environmental concerns, PBDE’s were stopped being made in the U.S. between 2004 and 2013. However, China, India, & Japan are still manufacturing PBDE’s.

Exposure to contaminated dust has been linked to thyroid issues, according to Kounang. Project TENDR states that children are at greater risk for contamination of PBDE’s. The health risks of this chemical include:

Studies show that some PBDEs are associated with harm to children’s brain capacities that are critical for thinking and success in school. These effects include loss of IQ and problems with verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, motor coordination, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention.

Project TENDR

AIR POLLUTANTS

All living beings breath in one shape or form. The issue of air pollutants affects us all. When we think health issues as a result of air pollutants, we usually think of respiratory issues that can easily be treated with medications. However, according to WHO (World Health Organization), two million or so people die prematurely each year from exposures from air pollutants.

Air pollutant chemical exposures stem not just from burning fossil fuels (gas, oil, & coal), but include many other chemical “criteria” air pollutants according to the CDC “Air Pollutant” list. The six pollutants that made the “criteria” list include “carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), and sulfur oxides”.

Health issues stemming from air pollutants include but certainly are not limited to asthma & other respiratory diseases including cancers (WHO determined that outdoor air is carcinogenic), cardiovascular diseases, and adverse pregnancy’s.

These are just a few chemicals we should be aware of and just the tip of the ice burg. Not mentioned in this article are BPA’S, household cleaning products, and of great concern BABY PRODUCTS! Obviously, we cannot control many of the chemicals exposures we come into contact with on a daily basis. One of the main sources of a large number of exposures we can control, however. Personal care & baby products.

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT CONCERNS

The average individual adult uses 9 personal care products on a daily basis consisting of 126 unique chemical ingredients. Since women utilize more products than males, the exposures increase to 12 products with 168 unique chemical ingredients, many of which are “known or probable reproductive and developmental toxins, linked to impaired fertility or developmental harm for a baby in the womb or a child”.

In addition:

One of every five adults are potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients — hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide. The top most common impurity ranked by number of people exposed is hydroquinone, which is a potential contaminant in products used daily by 94 percent of all women and 69 percent of all men.

EWG – Exposures Add Up
Hidden chemical exposures -should we be concerned shampoo ingredient list
Example of Shampoo Ingredients

The above listing of ingredients, the majority of which one cannot pronounce, never mind know their purpose, is the reason why we chose to begin making our own personal care products. Slowly, over a long period of time, experimentation, and a lot of devotion, we have been able to greatly reduce our daily chemical exposures by using these products. A complete list of organic, handcrafted personal care products and baby products is now available from It’s My Sustainable Life Apothocary.

Finding ways to reduce our daily hidden chemical exposures is an ongoing task and one that can be involved & confusing due to our present labeling system. It is a topic that we are continually revisiting, researching, discovering, & introducing ways to further reduce our hidden chemical exposures.

What are some of your ideas & suggestions for reducing chemical exposures? We would love to hear from you & hope that you take a moment and share your thoughts below.

Love, Light, & Laughter ~

Signature
Hidden Chemical Exposures - Should You Be Concerned? pinnable image

DISCLAIMER

Recommendations and or suggestions made by this blog regarding husbandry and or herbal remedies etc. are not meant to replace solid advice from qualified professionals.  None of the information on this blog has been evaluated by the FDA.  Products or remedies mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  Please do your due diligence.  Research, talk to qualified professionals and proceed at your own risk.

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55 comments

jen July 12, 2019 - 11:38 pm

Admittedly, this is not a subject I am up on and I need to learn more and be more mindful. Thank you for the article.

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Suzan Ferreira July 13, 2019 - 11:34 pm

You’re welcome, Jen!

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Annette Durbin July 12, 2019 - 3:09 pm

WOW!! This is amazing info!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

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Chris July 11, 2019 - 1:38 am

Thank you, as always, for the very informative and interesting post.

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Cindy July 11, 2019 - 12:20 am

I’m doing this too, limiting chemical exposure and making my own products or purchasing plant based products that are chemical and dye free. How awesome that you will be selling your own line of products! I’ll be watching for your online store.

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Suzan Ferreira July 13, 2019 - 11:35 pm

Thank you, Cindy!

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Barbara July 9, 2019 - 10:36 pm

I have not thought to much about these chemicals for me. For my children and grandchildren I do. I guess I need to take these chemicals more seriously. Thank you for opening my eyes a little more.

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:07 pm

Thank you for reading!

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Lina July 9, 2019 - 10:35 pm

As I am getting older I am being more cautious in what I use or bring in the home. So many chemicals everywhere. Thank you for your diligence in bringing awareness.

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:08 pm

Thank you for stopping by, Lina!

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Michelle July 9, 2019 - 10:08 pm

There are so many chemicals hidden in everything these days! I actually read something recently about the ones in sunscreen actually damaging our coral reefs – plus they are now figuring out that our skin absorbs a lot of the chemicals just by wearing the sunscreen. Which, I mean I guess it makes sense that your skin would do that with a lotion, but still – if they knew that why haven’t they thoroughly tested the safety of absorption?

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:12 pm

My article “Staying Safe In The Sun” goes over just what you are speaking of. There are over 1000 toxic chemicals that have been banned in Europe as opposed to the U.S. (statistics from 2017). It is my belief that the U.S. standards of “testing” are lacking to say the least. We are our own best advocates and knowledge is power. Thank you for reading!

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Ruth Iaela-Pukahi July 9, 2019 - 8:19 pm

I loved reading about the many family and household products that you’ve been able to make yourself. I’m guessing you are also able to save money by making them yourself too.

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:13 pm

That’s for sure! Thank you so much for stopping by.

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Stephanie Dee July 9, 2019 - 7:39 pm

Such great information. It’s helpful to know, but also a little terrifying. It looks like the only way to know exactly what’s in something is to make it yourself. But in reality, who has that kind of time. Unfortunately, it looks like something we’ll have to make the time for.

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:14 pm

Exactly why we make our own. It really doesn’t take too much time as several batches are made at a time and stored in the refrigerator until needed. Thank you for reading!

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Tricia Snow July 9, 2019 - 6:14 pm

I make my own deodorant too! I actually like it better than the commercial brands!

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Suzan Ferreira July 10, 2019 - 12:16 pm

We do as well. Our favorite recipe can be found in “How To Make The Best Natural Deodorant”.

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Yolanda July 9, 2019 - 3:21 pm

Your articles are always very informative. I thought about you the other day because of your article on sunblock and the fact that I need some for my children. Thanks and I will be checking out the product list.

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 4:01 pm

Thank you so much, Yolanda. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

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Magan July 9, 2019 - 12:21 pm

I appreciate your diligence in spreading the word about this. Some people just aren’t aware of the chemicals that are used in processing and have no idea that those effects linger beyond the processing. Thank you for sharing!

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 4:02 pm

Thank you, Magan, so glad you stopped by!

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Jennifer July 9, 2019 - 12:12 pm

This is such good information! When I had my first child I started researching for a safe sunscreen. The choices for a store bought option were so slim! I now make my own so that I completely avoid all those harmful chemicals! Great read!!

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 4:02 pm

Exactly why we do the same. Thank you for stopping by!

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Heather July 9, 2019 - 10:48 am

As I get older, I become more and more concerned about this. It is funny, in Europe, there are so many more chemicals that their governments had banned. I wish the US would get on board with this.

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 4:03 pm

Exactly. Thank you for taking the time to read this Heather!

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amy July 9, 2019 - 2:27 am

Thank you for this article because it provides great information. I had completely switched over to non toxic cleaners once I became pregnant with my first child but I always wanted to dabble in some of the home made products. I think I’m going to check out your “how to make homemade deodorant” for a future project. Should be interesting!

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 9:24 am

Wonderful to hear Amy! Give yourself time to re-adjust to non-conventional deodorants, but after a short time works like a charm!

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Catherine July 9, 2019 - 12:24 am

Great information! I have started to replace some items in my home with things that I make so they are safer! Love this article.

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 9:25 am

Great to hear! Thank you for reading.

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Nissa July 8, 2019 - 8:27 pm

Wow! Definitely saving this! I’m pregnant right now and anything I can learn to keep my baby safe is important!

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 9:25 am

Couldn’t agree more, Nissa! Especially for those little ones.

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Brittany July 8, 2019 - 8:16 pm

It’s so scary to find out some of the hidden things we are exposed to with our everyday products. I have been trying more and more to go more natural. Thank you for the information!

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Suzan Ferreira July 9, 2019 - 9:26 am

Your most welcome, Brittany! Thank you for stopping by.

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Haley Kelley July 8, 2019 - 7:02 pm

I love your posts about using dandelions for all natural things! Keep it up!

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 7:14 pm

Thank you so much Haley!

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Kendra July 8, 2019 - 6:57 pm

Great information. I’m very sensitive to chemicals and fragrance. I’ve swapped out all chemical based cleaners and fragrances with essential oils and totally ditched dryer sheets.

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Maureen July 8, 2019 - 6:56 pm

I’ve always wondered if my stepson’s ADHD was brought on by environmental factors or food additives/chemicals. This was really eye-opening for me to read. Excellent info.

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 7:14 pm

Thank you, Maureen. I’m sorry your stepson is having to deal with ADHD. Thank you for reading!

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Karla July 8, 2019 - 6:38 pm

It is so frustrating to be surrounded by so much without our consent. I supposed purchase equals consent, but the amount of chemicals surrounding us is gross!!!!

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 7:15 pm

I couldn’t agree more, Karla.

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Jane July 8, 2019 - 6:28 pm

Great information Suzan! Thanks for educating us. Nowadays it’s hard to find products not diluted with chemicals. Scary! At home, I try to make my own cleaning ingredients and try to buy organic food.

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 7:16 pm

Thank you, Jane. Knowledge is power in our opinion. Glad to hear you are taking steps to reduce your overall exposures.

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Angela July 8, 2019 - 5:21 pm

Product lists scare me – it is like a foreign language. I wish there was an app where you can hold up the bottle to be “read” and then it will tell you what they all mine – translate. Hmm, if it is not invented maybe I am on to something!?!

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 7:17 pm

If only, Angela! I would be the first to use 🙂 Unfortunately, many companies are not even required to put their ingredients on their “lists”. Until legislation changes, our hidden exposures will be there.

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Melissa Jones July 8, 2019 - 4:14 pm

Wow! That’s a lot of information I never thought about before. Thanks!!

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 4:59 pm

Your welcome!

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Kymberly Irwin July 8, 2019 - 4:08 pm

Great information and definitely a serious issue. My sister-n-law has chemical sensitivities. When she visits, she has to bring her own towels and laundry detergent. 🙁

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 4:59 pm

So many are becoming intolerant of chemicals in so many ways. Thank you for reading!

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Laura July 8, 2019 - 1:55 pm

It’s scary how many chemicals are in everything. I feel we can’t get away from them. Thanks for this info

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 3:07 pm

I agree it is scary. However, there are steps we can all take to greatly reduce the numbers! Thank you for reading.

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Joanne July 8, 2019 - 12:46 pm

Wow! So many chemicals! I never really gave this much thought but obviously I need to start thinking about this.

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 3:08 pm

It can seem daunting, Joanne. It is one of those subject matters that we feel is so important for all to understand. Thank you for reading!

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Linda July 8, 2019 - 2:21 am

Hi Suzan, thanks for sharing your latest post on hidden chemicals. It is a big concern for all. The new party is not all about decorating. It is open to most topics. Even chemical posts are written creatively. Just to clarify it all. I am hoping most people will want to continue sharing their posts. Have a good week ahead.

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Suzan Ferreira July 8, 2019 - 10:29 am

Hi Linda ~

Thank you for the clarification and I look forward to sharing on the new Love Your Creativity party!

Reply

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