Protecting Your Baby From
Environmental Toxins During Pregnancy

Reprinted with permission by Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC).  CHEC is a national nonprofit organization working to educate parents and others about preventable health and environmental problems caused by exposure to toxic substances.  

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