Lower your child’s exposure to toxic chemicals at home with these tips from Healthy Child Healthy World by Christopher Gavigan of www.healthychild.org.

1 - Do away with garden pests with natural insecticide and weed killer, and use natural fertilizer on lawns. Always have kids wash their hands after playing outside.

2 - Use natural cleaners and personal care items labeled chlorine-free, phosphate-free, biodegradable, paraben-free, petroleum-free, and organic.

3 - Open windows, change heat and air-conditioning filters, and buy indoor plants or air purifiers. Plus, don’t forget to periodically empty or change the vacuum’s dustbin.

4 - Choose as many organic foods as possible. And pass up highly processed and fast food.

5 - Replace toys made from plastic, certain types of which can leach toxic chemicals after repeated use, with toys made of wood, metal or cloth.