protecting the fetus and the child
from environmental hazards

a healthy environment
for all children

[ home ] [ resource guide ] [ training manual ] [ get involved ] [ publications ] [ index ] [ about CEHN ]

If you care for children, here are some things you can do:

• Choose to use fewer chemicals, in your home, on your lawn.

• Don't use pesticides if you don't have to - look for alternatives.

• Have your child's blood lead level tested, especially if your child spends time in a house built before 1960.

• Don't smoke or let others smoke near your kids.

• Kids and pregnant women should obey area fish advisories.

• Vary children's diets as much as possible while giving them plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consider buying organic foods if available.

• Pay attention to air pollution reports and limit children's outdoor activities on ozone alert days and other times when air pollution is bad.

• Learn about your local drinking water. Read your water system's Consumer Confidence Report, available from your water supplier -- and it may be online at http://www.epa.gov/safewat er/dwinfo.htm.

• Ask your pediatric health care provider to take an environmental health history of your child.

• Work with your school, community recreation system and others to decrease their use of chemicals. Many schools are cutting back on pesticide use and are giving parents advance notice before applying pesticides.

• Tell your elected officials that you want government policies to specifically take children into account and that protect children's health.

• For more ideas, visit the EPA Web site