Children may get sick more easily from harmful chemicals in our homes and in the environment. Learn how you can limit your child’s contact with harmful chemicals.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill unwanted things like insects, weeds, rats, and more. Pesticides are found in products like bug sprays and cleaning products. Some pesticides can cause health problems, especially in children. Learn how to protect your child from pesticides on our Protecting Your Child from Pesticides page.
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a natural metal that has been used in many products. Lead can be in the air, water, food, and inside our homes. Most lead can be found in paint in old homes but there are also other sources of lead. Small amounts of lead can build up in the body and cause lead poisoning, resulting in lifelong learning and behavior problems. Find out how to prevent lead poisoning in your child on the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program webpage.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. Cars, gas stoves, and some heating systems can make fumes that have carbon monoxide in it. These fumes can build up in places with poor airflow. Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when you breathe in too much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause health problems and death. Read recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how to protect your child from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mercury in Fish
Fish is a healthy food for both children and adults. However, some fish have traces of mercury. Mercury is a metal that can cause health problems, especially for babies and children. If a woman is exposed to too much mercury while she is pregnant or breastfeeding, it can cause health problems for her and the baby. Read recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on guidelines for pregnant women. Children who eat a lot of fish with mercury can also have health problems. View recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to protect children from contaminated fish.
Avoid eating fish with high levels of mercury including:
- Shark
- King Mackerel
- Tilefish
- Swordfish
Fish with low levels of mercury are OK to eat (but only eat up to 12 ounces per week):
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Pollock
- Catfish
- Canned light tuna
- Albacore (white) tuna – Don’t eat more than 6 ounces of this tuna in 1 week
Poison Control
Many things in your home could be poisonous for your child, including medicines, cleaning products, alcohol, and antifreeze. Children are more at risk for poisoning because they frequently put things in their mouths. It is important to keep dangerous items out of reach of children. Read recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to protect your child from poisoning. If you think your child has been exposed to a poison, call 9-1-1 or California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Drinking Water
Children need to drink more water for their size than adults. United States drinking water is very safe because of our environmental laws. View recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to make sure your drinking water is safe for you and your family.
Sun Safety
It is good for children to spend time playing and exercising outdoors. It is also important to protect your child from the sun when they are outside. View recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to protect your child from too much sun.
Page Last Updated: October 30, 2023
