What You Need To Know

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Beware of lead paint.

Beware of lead paint.

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Cover any lead paint with fresh paint, wallpaper or tiles. Keep children away from chipping paint and soil around your home. Never sand or remove lead paint yourself. Call 1-800-424-LEAD for more information.

Choose organic produce when possible.

Choose organic produce when possible.

Make sure to eat fruits and vegetables every day. Wash produce before preparing and eating it to reduce exposure to pesticides. If you’re not able to purchase organic, limit your intake of fruits and vegetables that retain high pesticide levels even after washing, such as strawberries and spinach.

Lead Education Materials

Lead Education Materials

The California Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch has developed lead education materials in multiple languages for parents and families, healthcare provider offices, child caregivers, businesses and organizations, and others...

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

This article from the CDC highlights where lead can be found in a child's environment and how parents, healthcare providers, and public health professionals can take steps to prevent lead exposure. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/index.html

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead in Drinking Water

This fact sheet was developed to help health care professionals respond to concerns about potential exposures to lead in drinking water across the United States. Health professionals are encouraged to follow the guidance below to help navigate discussions with...

How to Quit Smoking

How to Quit Smoking

This website from the CDC provides helpful smoking cessation resources, including resources for quitting, how to manage withdrawals, social media resources, and chatline services. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html

Plastics & Plastic Toys

Plastics & Plastic Toys

This factsheet from Eco-Healthy Child Care helps early childhood learning environments to be as healthy, safe, and green as possible by reducing children’s exposure to toxic chemicals. It provides an overview of the health concerns of certain plastics in children's...

Prescriptions for Prevention

Prescriptions for Prevention

Western States PEHSU's Prescriptions for Prevention is a resource that provides actionable steps based on their Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit (PEHT). The PEHT offers evidence-based information on health hazards from air, water, food, and consumer products....

Personal and Community Climate Actions

Personal and Community Climate Actions

In this 5th episode of "Climate Is Health" from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Raj Mundra engages in a discussion with three of his students about their climate activism and the motivations behind their actions. Raj Mundra, Dean of Studies and biology...

Basics of Climate and Health

Basics of Climate and Health

In the first session of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health's "Climate Is Health" series, Gina McCarthy discusses her government experience with climate and environmental issues. She emphasizes the crucial yet often overlooked connections between climate and...

Climate Is Health Series Introduction

Climate Is Health Series Introduction

This video from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health introduces the concept of climate change as a determinant of health and wellbeing. Governor Peter Shumlin discusses the idea behind this new series of teaching resources, and expresses optimism about the...

A Tale of Two Zip Codes

A Tale of Two Zip Codes

This video highlights how your zip code impacts your health more than your genes. Many U.S. communities lack access to healthy food, parks, and quality education—key factors influencing life quality and duration. The California Endowment’s 10-year Building Healthy...

Climate Change, Heat Stress and Health

Climate Change, Heat Stress and Health

This video from the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (WS PEHSU) at UCSF explores the impact of climate change on health, focusing on protecting children and pregnant people from heat stress. Part of the "Prescriptions for Prevention"...

EWG Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals

EWG Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals

Per- and polyfluorochemicals, or PFAS chemicals, are extensively used in coatings for their water, grease, and stain resistance across various consumer and industrial applications. The EWG’s Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals provides strategies to steer clear of these...

Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home

Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home

The most effective ways to improve your indoor air are to reduce or remove the sources of pollutants and to ventilate with clean outdoor air. In addition, research shows that filtration can be an effective supplement to source control and ventilation. Using a portable...

New Frontiers for SafetyNEST

New Frontiers for SafetyNEST

I started SafetyNEST with the deep conviction that every pregnant woman and family deserves clear, credible, and actionable guidance to safeguard their pregnancy and family. While it is widely accepted that toxic chemical exposure contributes to reproductive, child, and adult disease, addressing these exposures has been largely absent from professional healthcare practice.

Environmental Justice Index

Environmental Justice Index

The Environmental Justice Index (EJI) scores census tracts using a percentile ranking which represents the proportion of tracts that experience cumulative impacts of environmental burden and injustice equal to or lower than a tract of interest. For example, an EJI...

Resources for Environmental Justice

Resources for Environmental Justice

Grounded in a mission to increase awareness and access to education about intersectional environmentalism and drive support toward grassroots environmental justice efforts, this organization builds programs and partnerships that seek to empower communities that are...

EWG Dirty Dozen Guide

EWG Dirty Dozen Guide

The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ represents EWG’s analysis of the latest fruit and vegetable testing data from the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration. The 2024 guide includes data from 47,510 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables....

Wildfires and Children’s Health

Wildfires and Children’s Health

Large forest fires in the western United States have been more frequent in recent years and many have been much more devastating. With a changing climate this is likely to continue or worsen.  Because children breathe more air per minute than adults, and have lungs...

Climate Change and Health

Climate Change and Health

Climate change presents a fundamental threat to human health. It affects the physical environment as well as all aspects of both natural and human systems – including social and economic conditions and the functioning of health systems. It is therefore a threat...

Choosing a Baby Formula

Choosing a Baby Formula

To keep baby formulas safe, the U.S. government and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules about what goes into them and how they are made and sold. When shopping for infant formula, you'll find several basic types. Here are some tips on formula types and...

Breastfeeding Overview

Breastfeeding Overview

Most health professionals are familiar with the benefits of breastfeeding. The AAP continues to support the unequivocal evidence that breastfeeding protects against a variety of diseases and conditions.. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding here.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Even if you don't smoke, breathing in someone else's smoke can be deadly too. Secondhand smoke causes about 3,000 deaths from lung cancer and tens of thousands of deaths from heart disease to nonsmoking adults in the United States each year. Learn more here.

Childproofing Your Home for Poisons

Childproofing Your Home for Poisons

Children are naturally curious and love to explore. Young children especially like to explore by putting things in their mouths. Before or as soon as your child begins crawling or walking, take extra steps to make sure harmful items are out of reach, out of sight, and...

Poisonous and Non-poisonous Plants

Poisonous and Non-poisonous Plants

Some plants can be poisonous if you eat them. Others can hurt you if you get them on your skin. For some plants, all parts of the plant are poisonous. For others, only certain parts of the plant are harmful. The danger can range from mild irritation to severe illness...

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

A growing body of evidence suggests that using talcum powder (also called talc) in the genital area can increase a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer. The more years she uses talc, the more likely she is to develop ovarian cancer.1 Talc is an ingredient in...

Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About

Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About

Germs are everywhere! They can get onto hands and items we touch during daily activities and make us sick. Cleaning hands at key times with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid...

Triclosan

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is added to household and industrial products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Triclosan’s chemical structure has striking similarities to thyroid hormones and to several known endocrine disruptors including...

Toxic-Free Future

Toxic-Free Future

Toxic-Free Future is a national leader in environmental health research and advocacy. Find a variety of resources focused on climate change, water quality, plastics, environmental justice and more here.      

Kitchen Tips

Kitchen Tips

Get quick tips from Icahn School of Medicine's Professor and Pediatrician Dr. Maida Galvez about ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals that might be found in your kitchen.   https://youtu.be/B6WsWOU25OI

Safe Microwave Tips

Safe Microwave Tips

Hear from Dr. Maida Galvez, Pediatrician and Professor, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, about how best to safely heat up your food using a microwave.   https://youtu.be/WPfgtBUvNvI        

Urban Pest Control Tips

Urban Pest Control Tips

Get tips from Icahn School of Medicine's Dr. Maida Galvez, Pediatrician/Professor about safe pest control in your apartment or house while minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals.   https://youtu.be/633o2aLM3iE

Glyphosate

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is often applied to lawns and gardens, and can contaminate plants, soil, air, and food. Glyphosate can be inhaled or ingested. Glyphosate used on lawns and in parks can be tracked into homes on shoes or strollers that have had contact with...

Create Change

Create Change

This infographic works to describe how you can take steps to create change locally and on larger scales. They write, community groups, such as religious organizations, tenant associations, and schools, can help create awareness about environmental problems in the...

Reducir el Estrés

Reducir el Estrés

Este mundo puede ser estresante, pero el exceso de estrés puede aumentar los problemas de salud y empeorar los efectos de los productos químicos a los que se está expuesto. La actividad física, la meditación y una buena red de apoyo a su alrededor son la solución para...

Comida Saludable

Comida Saludable

Elegir alimentos sanos puede ayudar a prevenir y controlar problemas como enfermedades del corazón, presión arterial, diabetes y cáncer. Las verduras y las frutas son ricas en antioxidantes que ayudan a proteger su cuerpo de las toxinas que se encuentran en nuestro...

Eat Fresh

Eat Fresh

Making healthy food choices can help prevent and control many problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants that help repair your body from toxins in our environment. This infographic gives more...

Productos de Limpieza Verdes

Productos de Limpieza Verdes

Muchos limpiadores tienen fragancias fuertes y otros productos químicos como el cloro y el amoníaco que pueden irritar los ojos y los pulmones. Estas sustancias se pueden encontrar en el aire que respiramos y en el polvo que se acumula en su casa. Estos recursos lo...

Green Cleaning

Green Cleaning

Many cleaners have harsh fragrances and chemicals, like bleach and ammonia, which can irritate your eyes and lungs. These chemicals can be found in the air you breathe and in household dust. These resources help you avoid these chemicals through recipes and...

Advice about Eating Fish

Advice about Eating Fish

The FDA provides a high level overview of advice about eating fish for those who may be sensitive to metals that can be found in fish (children and/or people who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant).     [embeddoc...

Proposition 65

Proposition 65

Weblink describes proposition 65: which requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. This site helps with tips on how to avoid these exposures, as...

Fragrance Disclosure

Fragrance Disclosure

This web link explains issues with fragrance disclosure, or lack of understanding what is encapsulated within fragrance in products.This web link explains issues with fragrance disclosure, or lack of understanding what is encapsulated within fragrance in products.

Food Matters

Food Matters

This brochure is compiled by UCSF and provides tips for making food choices to protect your health and the health of your family and community. The brochure also provides many more resources to learn more about how the food we eat impacts our health. For more...

Wildfires and Our Health

Wildfires and Our Health

This resource created by UCSF discusses the harmful effects of wildfires and their smoke. This infographic describes what wildfire smoke is, how it harms human health, and how we can stay safe from it during fire season and beyond.      [embeddoc...

Wall Paint

Wall Paint

Planning to paint your walls to freshen up the look of your home? The good news is that paints no longer contain lead. The bad news is newer paints can release other chemicals that may affect your family’s health. Pregnant women and children should stay away from...

Stroller

Stroller

Taking your baby for a stroll can have many benefits–fresh air for you both, soothing nap time for your baby , exercise for yourself, and more. Here are some tips to make sure the materials in your baby stroller are free of harmful chemicals.

Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding

Breast milk is truly nature’s perfect food for infants. If you are able, breastfeed for at least six months (ideally a year or longer). In our industrialized world, mothers can transfer toxic chemicals in their bodies to their infants through breastfeeding, though the...

Smoking

Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy and after birth exposes your child to many harmful chemicals, including nicotine. Nicotine can permanently damage a fetus’s brain and lungs. Smoking can also increase the risk of a preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), meaning the baby...

Plants

Plants

Having green houseplants is a wonderful way to beautify and enliven your home. Plants help purify the air and some are even edible and medicinal. However, be aware that certain plants can be poisonous to kids. Eating the leaves or even drinking the water in the plant...

Pets

Pets

Though the joys of having pets are unquestionable for many families, studies on whether or not pets benefit young children have shown mixed results. Some research suggests pets may trigger allergies in children, while other science shows pets may decrease the...

Pests

Pests

Pesticides are toxic chemicals for killing insects and rodents but they can also harm your health. Keep insects and rodents out of your home. Clean up crumbs and spills. Store food in tightly closed containers. Seal cracks around doors, window sills, baseboards, and...

Music Player

Music Player

Having your child listen to music has so many important benefits, including improved thinking, coordination, and bonding. But there are a few precautions you should take to make sure what you’re playing doesn’t become a form of noise pollution–possibly...

Cell Phones and WiFi

Cell Phones and WiFi

Cell phones have become integral to our lives. Having all that information at our fingertips and being able to quickly communicate is fantastic. But cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. Babies are more likely to be harmed by radiation exposure...

Baby Monitor

Baby Monitor

Having a baby monitor seems like the perfect solution to make sure your baby is safe when you can’t be in the same room. Unfortunately, wireless baby monitors emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, just like cell phones. Babies are more likely to be harmed...

Air Purifiers

Air Purifiers

Indoor air quality seems like it should be the least of your worries, right? But in fact, indoor air is frequently even more polluted than outdoor air. Lots of contaminants may be lurking in the air at home that aren’t healthy for you or your baby to breathe. Air...

Baby Wipes

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are incredibly convenient, making changing your child’s diapers or wiping off their sticky hands that much easier. Unfortunately, many contain harmful ingredients that you wouldn’t want on your own skin, much less on your baby’s. Here are some tips:

Mobiles

Mobiles

Mobiles can add a playful and developmentally positive element for babies – either over the crib or diaper changing location. While not a necessity, if you decide to add a mobile to your nursery area, make sure it is completely out of baby’s reach and securely...

Water

Water

Most of the time, your tap water is safe to drink. But it’s a good time before or during pregnancy to know where your water comes from and if it’s regularly tested. To make sure you and your family have the best possible water, check out our tips and consider having...

Fish

Fish

Fish is a great source of nutrients including protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are important for a healthy pregnancy. However, some fish contain mercury, which can be harmful to a developing baby's brain and nervous system. To stay safe while enjoying the...

Pests

Pests

Keeping your home pest-free is important, but it’s even more important to avoid chemicals that could affect you and your baby’s health! Here are some tips to help you make safe and informed choices about pest control.

Microwave

Microwave

Microwaving food can be a convenient and time-saving way to prepare meals for you and your family. With the right precautions, it is also a safe cooking method. The main thing to keep in mind is the type of containers or wraps you use when microwaving food.

Lipstick and Lip balm

Lipstick and Lip balm

Lipstick and lip balm can provide a quick pick-me-up if you enjoy wearing makeup. Since you can’t avoid swallowing some of what you put on our lips—and you don’t want to kiss your baby and leave a residue of harmful ingredients on baby’s skin—here are some quick tips...

Nail Salons

Nail Salons

Having your nails done can feel like a few moments of luxury in the whirlwind of life. Do your best to make sure you minimize your exposure to the unhealthy chemicals often found in nail products and at salons. Fortunately, there are healthier options available for...

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

A little bit of sun can be healthy, but skin cancer (melanoma) is on the rise. Protecting you and your family from harmful UV rays is essential, but putting harmful chemicals on your skin – and your child’s -- is not the way to go. Fortunately, your family can be...

Perfume

Perfume

Putting on a little perfume can help boost your spirits when you’re busy and tired, but perfumes often contain toxic ingredients, many of which are not disclosed. Exposure to some of these chemicals may be particularly harmful to pregnant people and babies. Here are...

Makeup Remover

Makeup Remover

Having a child is both thrilling and at times, exhausting. When you’re running on little sleep and pulled in many directions, sometimes taking a few minutes to pamper your face can give you the emotional lift you need. We're here to help you find safe face and body...

Makeup

Makeup

No one wants to put toxic chemicals on their face or body, but most cosmetics contain harmful ingredients that can affect your health.  Here are some considerations when buying skin care products and make-up:

Bath Mat

Bath Mat

Bath mats are useful to make sure you or your children don’t slip and fall while in the tub. Unfortunately, many bath mats have chemicals in them that may be harmful to you and your family. Here are some tips for choosing a healthier bath mat: