| Source / Ingredients |
**Impacts / Issues |
Alternative Ideas |
Airborne chemicals:
Air fresheners, aerosols or fine-mist sprays, products containing synthetic fragrances or chlorine, ozone generators (some electric air cleaners), petroleum-based wax in candles and manufactured fireplace logs. Other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in new paints, carpets, varnishes. |
Respiratory irritants. Some may induce asthma. Anything with synthetic fragrances is likely to contain phthalates - linked to cancer, infant male genital abnormalities, early puberty in females, and more.
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Minimize. Use less toxic cleaners with no synthetic fragrance. Do NOT use electric air cleaners that generate ozone. Pour liquid cleaners on cloth instead of spraying. Avoid Endust and other propelled spray cleaners. Use vegetable or beeswax candles and ensure the wick does not contain lead.
Use low VOC paints and carpets (or no carpet) for nursery. Ventilate well before and when baby moves in. |
Airborne particulate:
Wood burning stoves, fireplaces, second hand smoke, laser printer toner. |
Breathing tiny (ultrafine) particles can cause respiratory irritation, asthma, and more severe illnesses such as heart disease and cancer (with long term exposure). |
Vent stoves and fireplaces per code. Turn printers off when not in use.
Utilize good ventilation and/or open windows with cross-ventilation.
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Baby bottles and formula:
Polycarbonate and other plastics, such as bottle liners contain BPA. Formula that comes in metal cans and powdered formula in certain foil lined containers has been found to be contaminated with BPA from the can liner.
Lead from hot tap water used in reconstituting powdered formula. |
Bisphenol-A (BPA) can leach from polycarbonate bottes when exposed to heat. BPA is associated with reproductive toxicity in young males, interference with brain cell development, thyroid resistance disorder, and a predisposition towards obesity in mice exposed in the womb.
Old pipes, and faucet fixtures may leach a small amount of lead if hot tap water is used directly. |
Some are lucky enough to avoid bottles altogether. If not the case, use glass. Avoid all ready-to-eat formulas in metal cans and those pre-mixed with fluoridated water.
Avoid plastic bottle liners.
Avoid microwaving baby milk or forumla.
See EWG's Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles & Formula
When tap water is used to reconstitue powdered formula, let the water run cold for 15-30 seconds. Never use hot tap water for formula or cooking. |
Baby food:
"Dirty Dozen" produce items (and baby foods made out of those items) that should be organic. Genetically modified foods. Additives. Processed chicken may contain fluoride.
Leachable lead in hot tap water. |
Pesticide residuals on produce. And, research shows that organic produce, generally packs more antioxidants and other healthier and more flavorful phytochemicals.
Genetically modified foods (may include squash, corn, soy, canola, cottonseed and byproducts), can cause allergies, evidence that they could generate pesticide in the gut, general lack of long term safety data.
Additives, such as dyes and synthetic preservatives can cause allergies, behavioral changes, and some are even suspected carcinogens.
Processed chicken may contain flouride residuals used in mechanical deboning.
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Buy or make organic baby food containing any of the dirty dozen produce items, or containing GM foods (including corn syrup), additives (including beef hot dogs with nitrates and benzene hexachloride, etc.) and food dyes, or processed chicken.
Do not use hot tap water to mix with baby cereal, or to cook. Always use cold tap water, filtered if possible. |
Baby meds:
Synthetic sweeteners (aspasrtame, splenda, acesulfame), corn syrup, dyes (especially red#40, yellow#5) |
Synthetic sweeteners are neurotoxins.
Corn syrup may be genetically modified and is not good for youngsters.
Food dyes are often allergens, and some are suspected carcinogens.
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Follow strict dosages. If no dosage, call pediatrician.
Avoid artificial colors/dyes, and sweeteners.
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Baby skin care products:
Avoid:
Sodium borate in butt creams.
Synthetic fragrances (likely to contain phthalates). Parabens.
Any baby products with mineral oil (baby oil, vaseline, baby washes and lotions).
Baby powders - talc/other.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) in various products.
Products containing PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene, and ceteareth-20.
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Sodium borate can collect in the brain and liver, cause testicular damage, and is readily absorbed into broken skin (e.g., bad rashes).
Phthalates (see impacts above) are labelled with their chemical name, and may not be readily recognizable as phthalates.
Parabens are reproductive toxins, and have been found in breast tumors (although no proven causal relationship with cancer).
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a skin irritant.
Mineral oil is a byproduct of crude oil production, and forms a 'plastic' layer on baby skin, slowing ability to get rid of other toxins. Once absorbed, it is broken down by the liver and passes through the intestinal tract.
Baby powders send tiny breathable particulate flying around, and is not good for sensitive baby lungs, even if the ingredients are inert. Some are not. Absolutely avoid talc as an ingredient in powders - it is carcinogenic.
PEGs used on broken skin can lead to kidney damage.
Products containing PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene, and ceteareth-20 are likely to be contaminated by the manufacturing process, with two carcinogens: formaldehyde, and 1,4-dioxane.
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Visit Skin Deep's Parents Buying Guide to check out the chemicals in your baby care brands.
Visit Safe Start for Kids for specific product suggestions.
See Toxic Chemicals Found in Kid's Bath Products |
Baby toys
Plastic toys and packaging may contain lead, cadmium, or phthalates. Toys may be painted with lead paint. Magnets. |
Heavy metal stabilizers are neurotoxins; cadmium has hormonal affects and toxicity to some organs. Phthalates are hormone disruptors. Magnets, if swallowed, can be fatal. |
Check out the toy database at www.HealthyToys.org, and toy recall lists. Avoid toys with magnets. Try to buy products without a lot of packaging. If packaging is unavoidable, get it to the outdoor garbage can (out of your house) as soon as possible. |
| Baby wipes |
Synthetic fragrances (see above).
2-phenoxyethanol and benzythonium chloride are undesirable.
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (or Bronopol) and DMDM Hydantoin - allergens and irritants that can form cancer-causing contaminants if mixed with cocamide DEA or triethanolamine.
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Try homemade wipes, plain soap and water, or clean cloth diapers.
Evaluate your wipes at EWG's Skin Deep Database. |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) |
Exposure can cause death if fresh air is not available. CO can emanate from faulty gas furnace or appliances, or an attached garage where auto is left idling. |
Install monitors outside all sleeping areas and near garage entrance or venting (if attached garage). |
| Disposable diapers: solvent residue, sodium polyacrylate |
Sodium polyacrylate (the chemical causing the gelatenous beads in wet diapers), which was banned in tampon use in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Chlorine (trace amounts).
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Elimination Communication or Natural Infant Hygiene methods. (It works - I did this with two babies - but requires diligence and time with baby).
Use Cloth. On average babies in cloth diapers are potty trained about one year earlier than those in disposables). |
| Household dust |
Shown to contain and carry numerous contaminants, especially phthalates and brominated fire retardants. |
If possible, find a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner to minimize re-entry of fine particulate, dust, and other contaminants into indoor air.
Devise simple/quick ways to damp dust/mop - "spot" mop dusty or dirty zones.
Frequently dust electronics. |
Fire retardants, especially brominated, in mattresses, polyurethane furniture, plastic casings on TVs and computers, baby jammies |
The impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are not fully known, but are linked to reduced cognitive development and cancer. PBDEs take decades to break down in the environment. PBDEs have been taken off the market in Europe.
Dust on TVs have been shown to contain high levels of PBDEs. |
Use wool or organic cotton mattresses. If conventional mattress, allow to air out as much as possible. Put (non-PVC) covers over the mattress.
Minimize future purchase of upholstered furniture containing PBDEs. (Ikea offers non-PBDE furniture).
Baby jammies may contain a different fire retardant. Due to danger of fire liability, nothing is recommended here.
Dust TVs and computer casings with a damp cloth, taking care to minimize spread of dust.
Use a HEPA filter bag in your vacuum cleaner to avoid sending fine particulate back into indoor air. |
| Flouride |
American Dental Association admits that infants age 0 to 2 should not ingest fluoride. It causes damage to permanent teeth. A study in China revealed cognitive impairment of children drinking fluoridated water. |
Avoid fluoride (and triclosain) toothpastes until child can expectorate. Avoid pre-mixed baby formulas and juices reconstituted with fluoridated water. Avoid processed chicken (in baby foods, chicken nuggets, etc.) |
| Formaldehyde may breakdown from products in baby washes, and can offgas from nail polishes or treatments, manufactured wood products (OSB, pressed board, etc.), floor coverings, and more. |
Immune-system toxin, allergen and respiratory irritatant (and asthma trigger), classified as a human carcinogen. |
Avoid baby exposure to nail polish fumes.
Avoid furniture with pressed board, chip board, laminated, including cribs.
Avoid quarternium-15 compounds in baby washes and other products - these may break down to formaldehyde. |
| Lanolin (for soreness during lactation, or in baby creams) |
Toxic pesticides if not organic. |
Avoid, unless organic. Use organic olive oil for sore nipples due to breastfeeding. |
Lead paint and contamination
Released from pre-1978 paint that chips or 'sheds' over time or during construction, and becomes dust in the home. Lead may be in soil around homes previously painted with lead paint.
Some children's toys may also be coated with lead-based paint.
Car keys may have lead in the plating.
Hot tap water. |
Lead is a neurotoxin and can cause serious, irreversible damage in the developing brains and neurological systems of toddlers. |
If you suspect or know about lead paint or previous use of lead paint in your home, ensure it remains intact. If chipping or visibly dusting, take professional measures to remediate. If exterior lead paint has been removed, have soil tested.
Avoid painted plastic or wooden toys from China. Check the CDC lead recall site for your toys. Instant lead test kits provide an indicator of lead content and some have tested more accurate than others. However, laboratory tests are more accurate.
Do not allow your baby to mouth or play with car/house keys.
Do not use hot tap water for formula, baby cereal, or other cooking. |
| Medicines and vitamins (may contain corn syrup, dyes, artificial sweeteners, and serious allergens for some children) |
Various, including hospitalization for overuse, allergic reactions, dtowsiness and other nuerological symptoms. |
Buy dye-free. Rigidly follow doseages. Store all meds/vitamins in a place inaccessible to children. Avoid aspartame, acesulfame, and surcralose. |
| Moisture/dampness in the house |
May be conducive to mold growth, releasing airborne mold spores which are known to cause illness in some people. |
Ventilate, use exhaust fans, ensure exhaust fans are adequate in bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas. Ensure dryer vent is exhausting outdoors.
Try Zeolite packs as a dessicant in damp areas.
Contact a mold specialist if you suspect mold in wall cavities, under carpets, etc. |
| Pesticide and fertilizers |
Depending on the type of pesticide -links to asthma, cancer, and nervous system impairment. |
Consider taking shoes off in the house. Use throw rugs at each entrance. Minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers in the yard. Eat organic. |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products (baby mattress encasement, vinyl bibs, teethers, toys, inflatable toys, fake christmas trees, christmas tree light wires, and more) |
Likely to contain lead and phthalates, which can offgas or offdust from these products. Lead is a neurotoxin. Phthalates are reproductive toxins, especially for boys. |
Avoid PVC! |
Sunscreens
Oxybenzone, DMDM Hydantoin, homosalate, octinoxate, triethanolamine, parabens |
Oxybenzone In sunlight, can produce allergy- and cancer-causing chemicals. DMDM and triethanolamine are allergens and irritants, and can transform into cancer-causing contaminants. Parabens (see above). |
Use umbrellas or other shade in lieu of sunscreens as much as possible. Check Skin Deep for safest sunscreens.
Consider giving baby some off-peak sun exposure for healthy Vitamin D formation.
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| Triclosan (antibacterial) in some toothpaste and antibacterial soaps |
Linked to thyroid disruption (in frog studies). Thyroid hormones are important for human brain development. Triclosan is bad for aquatic life (after it goes down the drain). |
Search for children's toothpastes at Skin Deep.
Avoid antibacterial soaps. |
| Vaccines |
May contain formaldehyde and aluminum. Kids' flu vaccines (excluding inhalers) still contain thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative). |
Due to liability concerns, this is not advice to forego the flu shot, however, if you are considering flu shot for infants or children, please read up on the limits of their effectiveness, and the risks of exposure to mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde used in the vaccine formulation.
Aside from flu vaccines, if you do vaccinate, do not give multiple shots each visit. Request that the three constituents of MMR vaccine be given each in single doses. |
| The Unintended - Cleaners, pills, toilets, objects or toys with small magnets. |
Various issues, both safety and exposure related. Ingested magnets can cause can tear or block internal organs and even cause death. |
Air on the side of caution when putting things away or aside. |
