In addition to taking off your shoes, use a doormat to reduce dust. Shoes can carry toxic chemicals into your home.

Many products have ingredients that can harm reproductive health. Avoid products with “fragrance,” “parabens,” and “oxybenzone.” Check EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database for information about specific products.

Select foam products, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, that have a label that says “flame retardant free” or “compliant with TB-117-2013.” Flame retardants can harm health and affect a child’s brain.

Any home built before 1978 may have lead paint. Cover any lead paint with fresh paint, wallpaper or tiles. Keep children away from chipping paint and soil around your home. Never sand or remove lead paint yourself; hire a contractor who is certified in lead abatement. For more, contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD or check their website.

Cooking releases toxic chemicals in your indoor air. Using the stove fan helps to remove them and preserve indoor air quality.

Dry cleaners use chemicals that can harm fetal and child development. Hand wash or ask your dry cleaner to “wet clean” instead. If you need to dry clean your clothes, air them out afterwards in a well-ventilated area.

Increase the distance from wireless devices to increase safety. Minimize your exposure to wireless technologies. Avoid placing your cell phone next to your body, and don’t sleep next to your phone. For more information, see this guidance.

Limit use of air fresheners, candles, oil lamps and wood fires as they impact air quality in your home. Don’t burn incense indoors.

Choose cleaning products labeled 'fragrance-free.' Or clean with vinegar and baking soda which avoids harmful chemicals and saves money. For cleaning resources, see information on Safe Cleaning Products from Women's Voices for for the Earth.

Dust can contain harmful chemicals. Using a wet mop or rag minimizes dust in the air. Microfiber mops or cloths can also be useful for capturing dust, although they can shed microplastics. Use water to clean rather than synthetic sprays or wipes.

Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter to capture dust rather than blowing it around your home.

Plastic-covered pods shed microplastics which pollute food and water. Powder detergent works well and reduces use of plastic packaging.

They contain harmful chemicals. Wool dryer balls can be used or save money and use nothing at all.

Second-hand smoke is harmful to everyone in the home, especially children and pregnant people.

Radon is a gas that can cause lung cancer. Learn how to get Radon test kits here.

If you are pregnant, don’t work on remodeling projects and stay away from recently remodeled rooms. Materials that are not VOC-free or water-based can release toxic chemicals long after they are used.

Avoid outdoor activities on bad air days. Visit AirNow to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) where you live.

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is good, open your windows and doors to improve your indoor air.

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is bad, keep windows closed. If you have a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, use MERV13 or higher-rated air filters and replace every 3 months. If not, use portable HEPA air filters or make a DIY air filter.

Takeout food is typically put in packaging that can leach harmful chemicals into your food.

Nonstick cookwear is made with PFAS, which can be absorbed into the food.

Never microwave in plastic, even when directions say to do so. Transfer food to a glass or ceramic dish before microwaving. Store leftovers in glass containers and avoid plastic cling wrap.

This reduces exposure to BPA and other bisphenols, toxic substances used in the lining of most cans.

Limit intake of fish high in mercury, like tuna and swordfish, and don’t eat fish from polluted lakes or streams. Check your local fish advisory before eating fish you catch. The FDA provides updates and information about seafood safety for consumers on their Seafood guidance.

Wash your produce before preparing and eating it to reduce exposure to pesticides. If you're not able to purchase organic, limit intake of fruits and vegetables that retain high pesticide levels even after washing, such as strawberries and spinach. See Pesticide Action Network's Do You Know What's in Your Food? webpage for more information.

This is especially important when storing hot food and drinks. Don’t use plastic containers as heat makes plastic release harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates and vinyl chloride.

Heat releases harmful chemicals from plastic.

Most plastics are not recycled or recyclable. When plastics are recycled, they are typically burned, emitting harmful toxins in the air. Also avoid purchasing products made with soft PVC and vinyl, such as plastic toys.

Clean up crumbs and spills promptly and store food in tightly closed containers to keep insects and rodents out of your home without relying on pesticides. If you do have a pest problem, see pesticide.org for pest management options.

Wash pet bedding frequently and don't use chemical tick-and-flea collars or flea baths on your pet. See NRDC's article on Nontoxic Ways to Protect Your Pet.

For resources on how to manage household pests, read this guide. As a last resort, if you face a serious situation that requires hiring a pest exterminator, ensure they are licensed and that they are willing to use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. Beyond Pesticides has a helpful resource on sourcing providers.

Drive less to reduce emissions, which improves air quality. Instead, carpool, take public transportation, bike or walk.

Furniture, tires and plastics are among the worst polluters when burned.

For more resources, see Beyond Pesticides.

This includes car oil, pesticides, paints, solvents and medicine. Your local health department or landfill site can provide tips on how to safely dispose of these pollutants.

Crumb rubber, often used under the grass, can be made from recycled tires, which contain lead and other harmful substances. Plastic grass can contain PFAS. More information can be found at healthyplayingsurfaces.org.

After playing on synthetic turf, leave sneakers or cleats outside your home, shower immediately, and wash clothes separately from other laundry. Never place food or drink - even in sealed containers - on synthetic turf.

Ask your employer for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals you are exposed to at your workplace. Read the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) information on Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances and look up information on specific chemicals on ChemHAT.org.

Request a change in duties if you are pregnant and exposed to toxics. Talk to your health care provider, union representative, safety and health specialist or supervisor for guidance if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are exposed to one or more toxic chemicals at work. Read about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act for more information.

PPE is considered a last resort when you are unable to eliminate the exposure. The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on the toxic chemical you are exposed to, but may include coveralls, goggles, NIOSH certified N95 or N99 masks and gloves.

If you or anyone you live with works with toxic chemicals, change clothes and shower at work if possible. If not, do so immediately upon arrival at home. Work clothes should be washed separately from family laundry, with hot water.

There are resources with detailed information available in many languages. Read UC Berkeley's School of Public Health information on pesticide safety.

Learn how to register so you can vote in federal, state, and local elections at usa.gov.

Find contact info for your state and federal representatives at usa.gov.

For examples of effective environmental policies, check out Children's Environmental Health Network's Recent Policy Statements.

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Avoid non-sustainable and non-durable products. Choose alternatives to plastic products or products packaged in plastic and ask businesses you frequent to use sustainable packaging.

Doing some great work are: Collaborative for Health and Environment, Earthjustice, Environmental Working Group (EWG), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Silent Spring Institute, Toxic Free Future, and WeACT for Environmental Justice.