Your Kids

Don’t let reports of toxic chemicals in face paint and costumes frighten away your fun on Halloween. Follow these easy tips to make sure the only thing scaring you and your kids are ghosts and goblins!

It is a sad reality that our environment puts a lot of hurdles in the way of young children. Exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products is one of these hurdles that may impair kids’ ability to learn and reach developmental milestones.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers, especially pregnant women and young children, to avoid kids’ products, electronics, mattresses, and home furniture that contain certain toxic flame retardants, known as organohalogens.

Which dry erase markers are the safest? How toxic are the fumes? What are the safest adhesives for children to use? Do crayons contain lead? Are crayons non-toxic? What art products are acceptable for children to use?

Read about choosing safer art and craft supplies.

Read about choosing safer mattresses and changing pads.

Gearing up for a newborn? We’ve got tips for safer baby essentials that will help you navigate the must-haves with an eye toward healthier products for your little one.

Toys should inspire imagination, creativity, and fun! However, inadequate protections for products mean that toys, even those made for very small children, can contain hazardous chemicals and plastics.

Finding great childcare requires a bit of detective work and delicate balancing as parents weigh priorities. Consider placing environmental health near the top of your checklist to minimize children’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Here are ten questions to ask.