- Buy lead-testing kits from Home Depot or Lowes and test toys or surfaces you are concerned about
- Do not allow your baby to suck on windowsills or playground equipment that has chipped paint
- Use a HEPA-filter vacuum to reduce the concentrations of contaminants and allergens in your house. “Studies detect low levels of lead from paint, chemical fire retardants, allergens, pesticide residues, and even arsenic tracked in from pressure-treated wood decks. A bad vacuum doesn’t trap these things effectively, and could instead recirculate them in the air,” Lundar says.
Mercury.
Sadly, methyl mercury now pollutes our oceans and streams due to coal-burning plant emissions. Large fish contain higher levels of mercury, and some tuna fish cans have been found to have levels unsafe for pregnant women. Mercury can arrest brain development and has been linked to neurological disorders.
What You Can Do:
- Pregnant women should avoid fish with high mercury levels such as tuna, swordfish, shark, tile fish (like bass or snapper), and King Mackerel
- Ensure that the Omega 3 supplements you or your child takes are steam distilled and tested for mercury and other contaminants
- Ask for mercury-free flu shots for your children. “Mercury is still used in many flu shots (some states have banned it in children’s shots). Mercury-free shots are available at little additional cost,” explains Lundar.
Perchlorate.
Perchlorate is a toxic rocket fuel ingredient now found in some drinking water and in foods like milk, lettuce, and other vegetables. It can affect the thyroid and may cause brain damage to growing fetuses or children.
What You Can Do:
- Moms—take an iodine-containing pre-natal vitamin while pregnant and nursing to thwart the effects of perchlorate on your thyroid, insists Lundar
- Use iodized salt in food you prepare
- Ask your local water company if they test for perchlorate and if they do, request a test. If your water contains it, buy bottled water or consider a water delivery service so no vegetables or foods are washed with tainted water.
- If your water is polluted, write to your mayor and ask that this issue be brought up in the next council meeting
