Kids & Toxics
It is especially important to protect children and fetuses from toxics, they are more vulnerable than adults.
Be aware of pressure treated wood surfaces. (Fences, home-made playground equipment, decks or benches may be made with pressure treated wood.) If you’re unsure – cover a picnic table with a cloth and wash kids' hands after they come in contact with the wood.
Avoid buying cheap jewelry trinkets. Keep them away from children as they can contain lead or lead-based paint.
Perform the "grey line" test. If an object can easily draw a grey line on paper (and it's not a pencil), it probably contains lead.
If your house was built before 1950, or if your plumbing system was installed before 1989 and you have soft water, have your water tested by a ministry-approved laboratory to see if you have higher than normal levels of lead. Learn more about Drinking Water.
Prevent young children from putting electronics (such as cell phones or remotes) in their mouths, and wash their hands thoroughly before eating.
Avoid soft vinyl or soft plastic toys or bottles for young children.
In general, don't allow kids to use cosmetics, nail polish or dyes. (They often contain harmful levels of lead and other toxins.)
For more on making your home toxic-free, see Canadian Partnership for Children's Health & Environment's brochure Creating Healthy Environments for Kids (PDF).
