PROTECTING YOUR BABY
FROM ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
DURING PREGNANCY
SEE YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY
- Schedule prenatal check-ups.
- If you, or your partner, work with toxic materials, discuss possible harmful exposures.
- Review alternative remedies and complimentary medicines.
BREATHE CLEAN AIR
- Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to other sources of smoke.
- Ventilate your home well by opening windows daily, except on high ozone days.
- Fix leaks and moisture problems to control mold growth.
- Properly install and maintain combustion appliances; install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
- Test for radon gas.
- Stay away from gas fumes; don’t pump your own gas.
DRINK CLEAN WATER
- Get your water tested.
- Let the tap water run for several minutes in the morning to flush lead out.
- Use cold water from the tap for cooking & drinking.
EAT SMART
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron and folic aid.
- Buy organic or locally grown produce.
- Wash and peel non-organic fruits and vegetables
- Contact your state department of health for fish consumption advisories; consult CHEC’s Safe Fish list.
- Reduce consumption of animal fats.
- Don’t use ceramic dishes unless they are certified lead-free.
- Avoid microwaving in plastic containers or wraps; use glass.
- Avoid alcohol and aspartame sweeteners.
AVOID TOXIC MATERIALS
- Do not sand or paint. Consider ANY renovation done in your home potentially harmful to your baby.
- Determine if lead hazards are present in your home
- Damp wipe lead paint dust from painted windowsills and door jambs.
- Discard vinyl mini blinds of unknown origin.
- Avoid gardening within three feet of your home's foundation if built before 1978.
- Wet mop floors to reduce exposure to dust.
- Avoid toxic fumes emitted by new carpeting, vinyl flooring and furniture.
- Don’t use pesticides in your home, or on your lawn and garden.
- Use less toxic cleaners or natural cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar.
- Avoid solvents found in nail polish, artificial nails, hair coloring, hair spray and perfumes.
- Do not use dry cleaners.
- Use mercury-free, digital thermometers.
- Do not get silver (amalgam) fillings on your visit to the dentist.
START WITH THIS LIST - it is not designed to be all-inclusive
For more helpful information visit us at: checnet.org
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Written by: Children's Health Environmental Colition
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