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Quick Tips

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 Healthy Child’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

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