We want to create a long-term relationship of trust and health with parents and children.
Many things, such as smoking, exposure to cigarette smoke, and drinking alcohol can have harmful effects during pregnancy. Exposure to certain everyday substances in our homes, workplaces and outdoor environment can also have harmful effects during pregnancy. Our bodies can store certain substances for long periods of time so even small amounts can add up. The purpose of this factsheet series is to help you – the service provider – inform pregnant women and families about the most harmful environmental substances and how they may affect the fetus, infants and young children. The series includes numerous tips for pregnant women and families to take action to reduce exposure to lead and mercury and the chemicals found in pesticides, cleaning products, plastics, paint, personal care products and the air.
Environmental exposures during pregnancy—such as air pollution, chemicals in household products, heavy metals and certain plastics—can influence both maternal health and fetal development. Studies show that exposure to pollutants like VOCs, pesticides, or lead may be associated with respiratory issues, impaired neurological development, or other adverse outcomes in early life (WHO, 2023; EEA, 2022). This article provides a clear, evidence-based overview of common exposures and practical steps families can take to reduce everyday risks.
Air Quality
In Toronto, outdoor air pollution is associated with approximately 1,700 early deaths and 6,000 hospital visits each year. Smog is a big component of outdoor air pollution. It forms when heat and sunlight react with gases and fine particles in the air. The pollutants in smog are mainly from the burning of fossil fuels like gas and coal used to power homes, vehicles, and electricity plants. Air quality research also indicates that the air inside buildings can be as polluted as the air outside, or even higher than outdoors. With Canadians spending the majority of their time indoors, both indoor and outdoor air quality are significant factors in our health.
Outdoor air pollution can worsen heart and breathing problems and cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable because of increased breathing rates and lung development. Some pollutants can also cross the placenta and affect the fetus.
Indoor air pollution is linked to allergies, asthma, lung cancer, environmental sensitivities, and throat and lung infections. While the effects of maternal cigarette smoking are well known, indoor air quality is influenced by many other factors.
This factsheet focuses on dust, mould, pet dander and VOCs (chemicals that evaporate into the air) which commonly cause allergies and sensitivities. Chemicals in cleaning products and pesticides can also affect indoor air quality.
Swallowing:
- Touching dusty surfaces and unknowingly transferring dust into the mouth, especially common among young children who crawl and play on multiple surfaces.
Breathing:
- Breathing in smog, indoor dust, dust mite feces, mould spores, pet dander, and VOCs from household products.
- Smog studies show that depending on pollutant type and timing, pregnant women exposed to high levels of air contaminants may experience impacts on fetal development.
- Frequent use of aerosol sprays and air fresheners during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of diarrhea and earache in children. These products can also trigger asthma in both mother and baby.
- Outdoor air pollution: coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, worsened asthma, inflammation and lung damage, shortness of breath, weakened immunity, and heart problems.
- Indoor air pollution: allergic reactions, eye and throat irritation, respiratory infections, headaches, dizziness, coughing, wheezing, and worsening asthma.
- Check the Air Quality Health Index at www.airhealth.ca before outdoor activities.
- Reduce strenuous activity during poor air quality periods, especially during afternoon rush hour.
- Avoid idling your car and lawnmower.
- Avoid products with fragrances such as air fresheners, perfumes and scented cleaning products.
- Ventilate rooms after purchasing new furniture or particle-board items.
- Wash hands often to reduce dust and germs.
- Vacuum and dust regularly using a wet cloth or mop.
- Wash bedding and stuffed toys weekly in hot water.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Fix water leaks to prevent mould growth.
- Ensure kitchen and bathroom fans work properly.
Cleaning Products
The chemicals that are found in cleaning products are responsible for disinfecting, cutting grease and breaking down fat, whereas, other chemicals are included to enhance their appearance/format (e.g., foaming activity) or smell (e.g., various fragrances).
- Some chemicals in cleaning products are toxic and can cause severe health effects, including acute poisoning if swallowed.
- Certain people are sensitive to chemical ingredients and experience respiratory symptoms from inhaling volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Canadian manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, making it difficult to know exactly what is included in a product. Some ingredients are treated as “trade secrets,” especially fragrances.
Swallowing:
- Touching cleaning product residue on surfaces (e.g., scouring powder on countertops) and transferring it to the mouth.
Breathing:
- Breathing in fumes from cleaning products. Aerosols and sprays are more harmful because tiny chemical particles can reach deep into the lungs.
Absorbing:
- Touching residues from corrosive or irritating substances. Labels often warn about corrosive products.
- Use of cleaning products during pregnancy has been associated with wheezing and asthma in preschool-aged children.
- Some products contain endocrine disruptors, which may affect hormone systems. Animal studies link these chemicals with reduced fertility and abnormal neurological and sexual development.
- Immediate effects from high-level exposure include dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, skin and eye irritation, headaches, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and sensitivities.
- Long-term daily exposure may affect organs, respiratory system, circulation, and may increase cancer risk.
- Accidental poisoning is a risk, especially for young children.
- Avoid cleaners labelled flammable, corrosive or chemically reactive.
- Look for products with the “Ecologo” certification.
- Choose products labelled “eco,” “non-toxic,” or “safe.”
- Products containing ammonia, bleach, alcohols or turpentine.
- Scented products, including air and fabric fresheners.
- Disinfectant cleaners and soaps when not necessary.
- Use vinegar and water for windows and floors.
- Use baking soda for scrubbing sinks, tiles and bathtubs.
- Use pure or unscented soap, washing soda or cornstarch for cleaning.
- Choose unscented detergents for dishes and clothes.
- Borax can be used as a bleach substitute (follow instructions carefully).
- Keep children out of the room while using products.
- Follow instructions carefully; do not mix products.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
- Use the smallest amount needed.
- Prefer creams and liquids over aerosols and sprays.
- Contact poison control if someone feels unwell: (416) 813-5900 or 1-800-268-9017.
- Dispose of unwanted products at hazardous waste sites.
Lead
Lead is a soft metal that in the past was an ingredient in numerous products. Today, it is still in some products but to a lesser degree due to government restrictions. For example, it was common to put lead in gasoline before 1990 and in interior household paint before 1980. (For more on lead in paint, please see the paint factsheet in this series). Today, lead is still in some items, such as toys, costume jewellery, colourful glazed pottery and imported folk remedies. In homes built before the mid-1950s, the drinking water service pipes may contain lead.
- Lead is toxic to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and children.
- Even low levels of exposure can affect health and development.
We are all exposed to small amounts of lead through air, soil, household dust, food, drinking water and consumer products.
Swallowing (high exposure route for children):
- Touching surfaces contaminated with lead dust (e.g., floors, windowsills) and transferring dust into the mouth.
- Lead dust is generated when old lead-based paint chips, peels or is sanded during renovations.
- Eating, chewing or swallowing objects that contain lead.
- Eating or drinking from lead-containing containers (e.g., lead crystal).
- Drinking tap water from pipes that contain lead.
Breathing:
- Breathing in lead-contaminated household dust.
- Exposure in workplaces where lead is used.
- Lead crosses the placenta and may affect fetal brain and nervous system development.
- Lead stored in a woman’s bones from earlier exposure may be released during pregnancy and reach the fetus.
- High workplace exposure can affect sperm and male reproductive health, increasing miscarriages and stillbirths.
- Lead exposure (even at low levels) can affect children’s intelligence, behaviour and development.
- High-level exposure can cause severe illness including stomach pain, anemia, vomiting, tremors, seizures, coma and rarely death.
- Discuss taking a prenatal multivitamin to ensure adequate calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C intake.
- If lead exposure is suspected, ask about blood testing.
- If a child swallows an item that may contain lead, seek emergency care immediately.
- Avoid sanding, scraping or vacuuming peeling paint (creates lead dust).
- Remove loose paint chips with a wet cloth and dispose safely.
- Ensure proper professional repair for peeling or damaged paint.
- Pregnant women and children should avoid renovation areas.
Homes built before the mid-1950s may have lead service pipes. Until replacement:
- Flush pipes after periods of inactivity by running very cold water for at least one minute.
- Use cold tap water for cooking, drinking and preparing infant formula.
- Consider NSF-53 certified filters for lead removal.
- Pregnant women and children may consider bottled water or ready-to-feed infant formula.
Note: Breastfeeding remains the safest choice; breast milk contains much lower lead levels than tap water.
- Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking soil indoors.
- Wet dust frequently, especially in children’s play areas.
- Damp-mop floors and vacuum carpets regularly.
- Encourage frequent handwashing.
- Older toys and some imported toys may contain lead — choose unpainted natural materials.
- Check product safety updates from Health Canada.
- Avoid letting children mouth painted surfaces or costume jewellery.
- Choose arts materials labelled “AP”, “CL”, or “ASTM D-4236”.
- Pregnant women should avoid hobbies involving lead-based materials.
- Do not store or serve food or drinks in lead crystal or foreign-made pottery.
- Avoid imported folk remedies unless proven safe.
- If your workplace uses lead, ask about protective measures.
Mercury
Mercury is a by-product of industrial processes and a metal used in many products like glass thermometers.
Mercury exposure is harmful during fetal and childhood development because it can affect the brain and nervous system.
Swallowing:
- Eating fish that contain mercury due to contamination of lakes, rivers and oceans.
- Taking traditional or folk medicines that contain mercury.
Breathing:
- Breathing mercury fumes in workplaces where mercury is used (e.g., dentistry, mining, smelting, battery manufacturing).
- Breathing fumes from broken mercury-containing products such as thermometers.
- Exposure from silver dental fillings and some religious practices involving liquid mercury.
- Mercury can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development.
- Children of mothers exposed to high levels of mercury during pregnancy may have lower intelligence scores, delayed motor and verbal skills, impaired hearing and poor coordination.
- In infants and children, mercury can affect brain and nervous system development, mood, memory and thinking.
- Exposure can also affect kidneys, stomach and intestines, as well as blood pressure and heart rate.
- Severe exposure may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, tremors, vomiting, coma or death.
Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fats that support fetal brain, eye and nerve development. Key recommendations include:
- Choose fish low in mercury such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, rainbow trout, Arctic char and Atlantic mackerel.
- Eat at least two 75 g servings per week of low-mercury fish.
- When buying canned tuna, choose “light” tuna more often than albacore (“white”) tuna.
- Avoid high-mercury fish: escolar, marlin, orange roughy, sea bass, shark, swordfish and tuna steak.
- Consult Ontario guidelines before eating sport fish from local lakes and rivers.
If a workplace involves mercury, speak to the Occupational Health and Safety Officer about exposure precautions.
- Avoid folk medicines that contain mercury or related toxic ingredients.
- Avoid using “azogue,” a mercury-containing substance used in some religious rituals.
- Avoid thermometers that contain mercury.
- Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury — avoid using them where they may break.
- If a mercury-containing product breaks: ventilate the room, do not vacuum, carefully collect droplets, use tape to pick up residue, and dispose at hazardous waste sites.
- Never throw mercury in regular garbage or drains.
- Dispose of CFLs, batteries, switches and electronics at approved hazardous waste sites.
Paint
Paint is made of a mixture of chemicals. Two types of paint are common: latex paint is used mostly for households and oil-based paint is used mainly in industry, as well as for art and hobbies. Certain chemicals are included in paint for thinning, preserving, killing fungus and preventing rust.
- Exposure to paint fumes containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause respiratory problems and may affect the nervous system.
- Solvents found in oil-based paints, removers and thinners can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus.
- Paint made before 1980 (indoor) and before 1990 (outdoor) may contain lead, which can affect the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children.
Swallowing:
- Swallowing lead-contaminated paint chips or dust.
- Chewing old painted surfaces such as windowsills or banisters.
- Eating soil contaminated by deteriorating exterior lead paint.
Breathing:
- Breathing fumes from fresh paint, thinners and solvents.
- Inhaling lead-contaminated dust from sanding or deteriorating lead-based paint.
- Long-term or high-level exposure to solvents may reduce fertility in men and women.
- Exposure is linked to menstrual disorders, high blood pressure during pregnancy and miscarriage.
- Solvent exposure may slow fetal growth, cause birth defects, developmental disabilities and increase cancer risk later in life.
- VOCs can cause respiratory issues and affect the nervous system.
- High-level solvent exposure may cause skin irritation, asthma, environmental sensitivities, reduced brain function, kidney issues and heart problems.
- Lead-based paint dust can harm brain and nervous system development in infants and children.
- Avoid painting, refinishing furniture or using thinners when pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If painting is necessary, ensure pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children stay away until fumes are gone.
- Use latex paint labeled low-VOC or VOC-free whenever possible.
- Ventilate well and paint during warmer months when windows can be opened.
- Store painting products securely and away from living areas.
- Old peeling paint should not be sanded or scraped — use wet cleaning and hire professionals.
- Dispose of paint products at hazardous waste facilities.
- Avoid hobbies involving solvents such as oil painting, spray painting or photo developing.
- If a home was built before 1990, avoid gardening or placing play structures close to the house due to possible soil contamination from lead paint.
Personal Care Products
Personal care products are products for the body, skin, and hair. They include face and body lotion, soap, shampoo, hair spray and dye, self-tanning lotion, and nail polish. Some chemicals are included in the personal care product to accomplish its intended function, whereas, other chemicals are included to provide other benefits, like a lengthy shelf life or fragrance.
- Some ingredients in personal care products may cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or affect hormonal balance.
- Imported products may still contain harmful substances such as lead or mercury.
- Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, making it difficult to know what is included.
Breathing:
- Inhaling fumes from products containing solvents, fragrances or other chemical ingredients.
Absorbing:
- Applying lotions, soaps, moisturizers, shampoos, hair products or makeup to the skin or scalp.
Ingredient overview and potential health effects:
Fragrances:
- Contain multiple chemicals, including phthalates that help scents adhere to skin.
- Pregnancy often increases sensitivity to fragrances, which may irritate skin, eyes or the respiratory system.
- Some studies suggest phthalates may affect reproductive development in animals.
Solvents:
- Included in products to dissolve or enhance absorption.
- High-level exposure may cross the placenta and affect fetal development.
- Can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin.
Triclosan / Triclocarban:
- Used in antibacterial soaps and deodorants.
- May affect hormonal systems, and frequent use may contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
- Scented products may cause headaches, respiratory irritation or skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Reduce overall use of personal care products, especially scented lotions, powders and shampoos.
- Choose fragrance-free products (check labels for “fragrance”).
- Check warnings and follow all instructions.
- Test new products on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours before broader use.
- Heavily scented products.
- Self-tanning creams (skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy).
- Nail polish and remover — if using, choose acetone-free and apply in a ventilated room.
- Hair spray and hair dye — if using, wait until after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Antibacterial soaps — regular hand washing with normal soap is usually sufficient.
Pesticides
A pesticide is a mixture of chemical ingredients used to kill living things that are considered a nuisance, or that may carry and aggravate disease (e.g., insects, pests). They are commonly used indoors to control pests, such as cockroaches, and outdoors on lawns and gardens to control insect infestations.
- Exposure to certain pesticides is associated with some cancers, reproductive problems, respiratory issues, and impaired neurological development.
- Most research comes from high-exposure agricultural settings, but it provides insight into risks in urban environments as well.
Swallowing:
- Touching pesticide residue on floors and counters and unknowingly transferring it into the mouth (major exposure route for children).
- Eating food treated with pesticides (low exposure due to regulations).
Breathing:
- Breathing fumes from pesticide sprays and powders.
Absorbing:
- Applying products containing pesticides (insect repellents, head lice treatments).
- Touching pets, grass or surfaces treated with pesticides.
- Certain pesticides disrupt endocrine (hormonal) function in animals, and possibly in humans.
- Exposure may lead to fertility issues in men and women.
- Exposure before and during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, birth defects or impaired fetal growth.
- In-utero exposure may increase risk of neurological issues and childhood cancers.
- Chronic early-life pesticide exposure may contribute to respiratory illness, nervous system damage and weakened immune function.
- Long-term exposure can increase cancer risk.
- Prevent pests by eliminating food sources, blocking entry points and fixing moisture problems.
- Choose least toxic options such as boric acid (natural does not equal safe — follow instructions carefully).
- Use chemical pesticides only as a last resort.
- Ensure pregnant or breastfeeding women and children stay away for 8–10 hours (ideally 24–48 hours) after spraying.
- Use traps, gels and pastes instead of sprays or powders to reduce airborne residue.
- Know your tenant rights: landlords must notify residents before spraying.
The benefits of fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks, but exposure can be reduced by:
- Washing produce with warm water and scrubbing with a brush.
- Not peeling fruits and vegetables — beneficial nutrients are in the peel.
- Eating a variety of produce to avoid repeatedly consuming items with potentially higher residue.
- Removing outer leaves of leafy vegetables.
- Trimming fat from meat, fish and poultry.
- Choosing local produce in season.
- Choosing organic foods when possible.
- Growing your own produce using natural garden care methods.
- Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatments if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Wear gloves when applying lice treatments to others.
- Manually remove lice and nits daily for two weeks using tape or a fine-toothed comb.
- Be cautious with alternative treatments such as vinegar, petroleum jelly or mayonnaise — effectiveness not proven.
- Choose repellents with 10% or less DEET.
- Follow all label warnings and instructions.
- Some products may not be recommended for pregnant women or children.
- Try DEET-free repellents approved by Health Canada (e.g., soybean oil–based repellents).
- Consider eucalyptus-based repellents for children over age three.
Plastics
Plastics are made of a mixture of chemicals that ensure product longevity, strength and flexibility. Plastic is ideal material for items such as car seats, bicycle helmets and unbreakable containers. Over time, plastic can break down under certain conditions and as it deteriorates, the chemical ingredients can leach out. Exposure of the fetus and young children to certain chemical ingredients may be associated with neurological or hormonal problems.
Recycling Symbol 3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Contains phthalates (used to soften plastics).
- Releases VOCs (“new plastic smell”).
- Common sources: soft plastic toys, teethers, shower curtains, flooring.
Recycling Symbol 7 – Polycarbonate & Epoxy Resins
- Contains Bisphenol-A (BPA), used to harden plastic.
- Common sources: reusable water bottles, baby bottles (older ones), lining of food cans.
Swallowing:
- Chewing or sucking on certain plastic items, especially soft plastics.
- Eating food heated in certain plastics that may release chemicals.
Breathing:
- Inhaling vapours from new plastic materials (e.g., flooring, shower curtains).
- Phthalate and BPA exposure in pregnancy and infancy may disrupt hormones or endocrine function.
- BPA exposure may affect neurological, behavioural and reproductive development.
- Phthalate exposure in childhood may contribute to respiratory or allergic issues, and may affect reproductive development.
- VOCs from plastics may cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea or dizziness.
Breastfeeding is the best feeding option.
- If using baby bottles, choose glass whenever possible.
- If choosing plastic bottles, look for BPA-free labels.
- Sterilize by boiling items for 2 minutes — but do not pour boiling water directly into a plastic bottle.
- Let boiling water cool in a glass container before use.
- Prepare formula according to instructions and refrigerate; use within 24 hours.
- Avoid soft plastic teethers and toys.
- Choose hard plastics labelled phthalate-free or PVC-free.
- Dust using a wet cloth or mop to reduce exposure to plastic particles in household dust.
- Never burn plastics — toxic chemicals are released during burning.
- Air out new plastic items (e.g., shower curtains, mattress covers) by placing them outdoors or in a ventilated area for a few days.
Note for readers: While many of the environmental health findings referenced here come from Canadian public health sources, the underlying scientific evidence is universal and consistent with current European Union and Croatian public health guidance. Families in Croatia may refer to the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) and EU chemical safety directives for local recommendations and regulations.This article is adapted and expanded from educational materials originally developed by Toronto Public Health. All content has been medically reviewed and updated to reflect current scientific evidence and practical recommendations for families. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be interpreted in the context of individual health needs.
