These areas of our web site may be useful for parents and families with young children:
Plus, see the links on the left to specific environmental hazards and health risks pages, which have lots of tips for keeping children healthy.
Throughout our site, words in green are linked to their definitions in the glossary.
Information for Parents & Families
There is a lot that parents, families, and other caregivers can do at home to protect babies and children from harmful pollutants. Growing children are more susceptible than adults are to the harmful effects of environmental pollutants. As children’s bodies develop, so do the systems they need to protect them. Exposure to toxicants during the early years can interfere with healthy development.
Tips for Keeping Children Healthy
Here are some ways to reduce your child’s exposure to pollutants at home:
Air pollution — Polluted outdoor air comes inside your home even through closed windows. Get involved with people in your neighborhood who are working to clean up the air. More about air pollution and community organizations working to reduce pollution.
Secondhand smoke — Don’t smoke at home, in the car, or in any other closed spaces where pregnant women or children are present. More about secondhand smoke.
Pesticides — Use low-toxicity pest control products such as sticky traps, bait stations, and gels. These products are safer, last longer, and are more effective than sprays, bombs, and fogs. More about pesticides.
Pest allergens — Eat food in just the kitchen or dining area, keep the kitchen clean of food spills and crumbs, and store food in well-sealed plastic or glass containers. More about pest allergens.
Lead —Tell your landlord about any peeling paint at home; your landlord is required by law to fix the problem. More about lead.
Mercury — Don’t eat fish that are high in mercury. Don’t touch mercury when a fever thermometer breaks. Don’t carry azogue in a pouch, burn it in candles, or use it in your bath, perfume, car, or in religious rituals. More about mercury.
Mold — Check pipes and faucets regularly and fix any leaks immediately so that there won’t be damp places for mold to grow. More about mold.
Also see our Easy Ways to “Go Green” and Keep Your Family and Community Safe, Clean and Healthy!, published for Earth Day 2008.