Protect your child's environmental health

We all want to protect the planet. After all, our children's future is at stake, as well as our own. But for most moms and dads, hybrid minivans and solar panels are out of reach — and who has the energy to give up diapers or dishwashers?

The good news is, small changes can make a big difference. We went to top environmental experts to get their best tips for busy parents and parents-to-be. Their advice will help you leave the world a healthier place for your child and save you money to boot. What could be better than that?

Here are 7 ways to protect your child's environmental health:

Can the pesticides

"Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to pesticides and should avoid them whenever possible," says NRDC's Solomon. Young kids who are exposed to pesticides are at greater risk of developmental delays and childhood cancers, specifically leukemia and brain tumors. At the top of Solomon's list to avoid: flea dips and collars, bug bombs, roach spray, and pesticides on lawns and gardens, which can be tracked into the home and which run off into local streams and waterways. "To keep fleas at bay," says Solomon, "wash pet bedding in hot water every two weeks, vacuum often, bathe your pet with pet shampoo, and flea comb regularly." If that doesn't work, Solomon recommends oral pest control like Advantage for fleas or Frontline for ticks.
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