The solution:
• Don't dye your hair within the first three months of pregnancy. Though a recent review of medical literature showed that hair-dye products do not cause birth defects, anxious moms-to-be may want to be extra cautious, says Koren.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may want to minimize use of personal-care products, since animal studies suggest there is some risk to using certain chemicals, such as parabens (often found in cosmetics and lotions), and toluene, phthalates and formaldehyde (found in nail polish).
There is also some concern about the health effects of nanoparticles, but they are so new, it's hard to know for sure if they pose a risk, says Dr. Riina Bray, a family physician who specializes in environmental health. Besides, it's not always possible to know which products contain them. Nanoparticles are molecules that have been forced into unnatural forms to meet manufacturing goals, for example, to make zinc oxide sunscreen appear clear instead of white, or for a lotion to penetrate the skin better to deliver an anti-aging agent.
• Sunscreen is not recommended for use on infants under six months. Keep babies out of the sun for prolonged periods.
• Look for a sunscreen made with zinc oxide that doesn't go on perfectly clear, often found at health food stores, says Bray.
The issue: Pesticides. These may be associated with long-term health effects, including such cancers as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fetuses and children exposed to pesticides may develop reproductive problems later in life.
The solution:
• Never use pesticides or herbicides.
• Avoid any areas sprayed with pesticide.
• Remove outdoor shoes when you come indoors, to avoid bringing outside contaminants into your house.
• Buy organic produce whenever possible. "Foods are the largest source of pesticide exposure we have in our everyday lives," says Bray. Try to buy organic alternatives of the fruits and vegetables that are especially high in toxins, including peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach and potatoes. (For more information, visit The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.)
• Pesticide residue in cotton bedding and clothing is minimal, says Walker. But consider buying items made from pesticide-free textiles for babies, who are likely to put those items in their mouths.
• For tips on how to use insect repellents safely on children, check Health Canada site and look under Your Role. Opting for natural bug repellent is strictly a precautionary measure. There is no proof that DEET-based repellents are a danger, and repellents are certainly recommended in regions where mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, says Koren.
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