Learning Hazards

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To reduce her children's exposure to contaminants, Michele also vacuums frequently, using a machine with a HEPA filter, which catches the finest particles of dust and contaminants, and Rowan spends less time around the computers at his grandparent's. "Next time I buy a couch, I'm going to ask if it has any fire retardants," she says.

What You Can Do
Pesticides
*See "Nontoxic Pest Control," p. 2.
*Practice organic lawn care and integrated pest management (IPM). See "Pest Control" and the Lawn Care Product Report
*Plan ahead: "People can work with their school systems to adopt and utilize IPM," says Mark Miller, M.D., M.P.H., at the University of California San Francisco (GG #92).
Phthalates
*Choose phthalate-free products. See Moisturizers, Flooring, Toys and Plastic Containers at www.thegreenguide.com.
*Download the Dirty Dozen Ingredients in Personal Care Products at http://www.thegreenguide.com.
PBDEs
*Vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter; see Vacuum Cleaners at www.thegreenguide.com.
*Cover exposed foam in furniture; dispose of items with crumbling foam.
*For more products and information, see the PBDE report, Learning Hazards, at www.thegreenguide.com.
Lead
*Test pre-1978 homes for lead at an EPA-certified lab before remodeling.
*For labs, contact the National Lead Information Center at www.epa.gov or 800-424-LEAD.
Mercury and PCBs
*Avoid high-mercury fish. Download Fish Picks at www.thegreenguide.com.
*To avoid PCB-laden freshwater fish, see state advisories at map1.epa.gov.

Resources
PBDEs: "Catfish Flambé"(GG #106)
phthalates: "Taking Personal Care" (GG #94).
pesticides: "New Studies on Children and Pesticides" (GG #95) and "Pesticides on Airplanes" (GG #97)

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