Lower your child's exposure to toxic chemicals at home with these tips from www.healthychild.org, the website for Healthy Child Healthy World, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit.

  1. Do away with garden pests with natural insecticide and weed killer, and use natural fertilizer on lawns. And always have kids wash their hands after playing outside.
  2. Use natural cleaners and personal care items labeled chlorine-free, phosphate-free, biodegradable, paraben-free, petroleum-free, and organic.
  3. Open windows, change heat and air-conditioning filters, and buy indoor plants or air purifiers. Plus, don't forget to periodically empty or change your vacuum's dustbin!
  4. Choose as many organic foods as possible. And pass up highly processed and fast food.
  5. Replace toys made from plastic, certain types of which can leach toxic chemicals after repeated use, with ones made of wood, metal, or cloth.