2. Which of the following best describes you:

Pregnant A parent Planning on becoming pregnant A combination of the above

Pregnancy/Child Care Tips

Reduce chemical exposures during pregnancy or in childhood. Some chemicals can cause harm to growing children.

Food Purchasing Tips

It is important to know what influences someone to make certain food choices. There are ways everyone can make changes to reduce chemical exposure through food.

Some chemicals can be found in food and food packaging. These chemicals can have negative health impacts. To reduce your exposure please see the Government of Canada pesticide food safety website as well as the Government of Canada’s ‘Maximum residue limits, human health and food safety’ information.

Limit the use of canned foods, as they can contain BPABPA: A chemical used to make hard plastic, and can also be found on the inside of food and drink cans. or other toxins. However, canned goods can be budget-friendly and provide more nutrition.

Avoid heating your food in plastic wrap or plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic instead.

Look for fresh, locally grown food in season.

Increase home-cooked food and reduce eating fast food.

Talk to your healthcare provider and healthcare team or walk-in medical clinic for more information about reducing chemical exposure in food.

To learn more about environmental contaminants, visit the Government of Canada: Environmental Contaminants.

Growing Your Own Food Tips

If you are growing your food and need to use pesticides, it is important to do so safely. Here are a few tips:

• Use hand control methods first, such as hand weeding and traps
• Read the product label and follow the product directions very carefully
• If you are pregnant or have children, stay away from areas where pesticides are being applied for at least 12 hours or longer according to label directions
• Keep pesticides in their original containers, away from children and pets
• Never make a homemade pesticide, as these are not regulated
• Only use pesticides that are authorized for use in Canada and that are permitted in your area
• If you think you are experiencing a health harm from a pesticide, call a poison control centre immediately or call 911

To learn more, visit: Government of Canada: Pesticide Safety.

Hunting/Fishing Tips

Those who regularly hunt or fish could be exposed to environmental contaminants, bacteria, natural toxins, or parasites through wild game.

Wild animals may have been exposed to or accumulated environmental contaminants, natural toxins, bacteria, or parasites. Connect with your local hunting and fishing organizations to learn more. Here are a few safety preparation tips for hunting to consider from the government of Canada:

Bring:

• sufficient drinking water
• sanitizer or liquid hand soap to clean hands and tools
• clean cloth or paper towels
• sharp knives and bone saw
• rope to hang the carcass
• gloves, cheesecloth, and a cooler

Use steel shots instead of lead.

Do not use lead weights when fishing.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s recommendations at this link: Food Safety For Hunting.

For provincial/territorial information, visit:

• Hunting BC
• Hunting Alberta
• Hunting, Trapping, Angling SK
• Hunt and Fish Guide MB
.

• ON Hunting
• Hunting and Fishing Quebec

• NB Hunt and Trap
• Hunting NS
• Fishing, hunting, trapping PEI
• NF Hunting and Fishing

• NWT hunting
• Yukon Hunting
• Nunavut fisheries/sealing
• Nunavut Hunting

Food Consumption Tips

It is important to learn which fish have the least mercury to reduce exposure

Fish is an excellent source of protein and nutrients, including omega-3 fats. Eating fish during pregnancy can have many benefits, such as helping heart health. It can also support the healthy development of your baby's brain, nerves and eyes. It also provides valuable substances like DHA for breastfeeding or chestfeeding or for those planning to become pregnant.

Certain types of fish may have mercury levels that can harm human health, especially for pregnant people, children and developing babies. These types of fish should avoided:

• fresh/frozen tuna
• shark
• swordfish
• marlin
• orange roughy
• escolar

For canned tuna, opt for ‘light’ tuna and avoid albacore

Talk with your healthcare provider about safe fish consumption. To learn more, visit Government of Canada: Mercury in Fish or this booklet.

Food Storage Tips

It is important to assess what factors influence decisions for food storage and heating. Some food containers can contain harmful chemicals which are released when heated

Some plastic food containers and packaging contain chemicals that can harm your health. Here are some simple actions you can do to reduce your exposure:

• Choose glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers for storing food. Note, when choosing glass or ceramic, consider where it was made. Made. . If you bring in glazed ceramic cookware from abroad, be aware that it may not meet Canadian permitted levels for lead and cadmium
• Avoid plastic wrap
• Do not heat food or store hot food in plastic -Use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving
• Avoid non-stick pans or cookware as they contain chemicals that can be harmful
• Use stainless, ceramic or cast-iron instead
• Avoid plastics with recycling numbers 3, 6, and 7
• Recycle damaged or cracked plastic containers

Children's Toys Tips

It is important to assess what factors influence the decision to buy toys. Some toys can contain harmful chemicals.

Some toys and everyday objects for children, such as bibs, can contain harmful chemicals. There are simple steps you can take to reduce exposure when choosing toys:

• Consider using a ‘toy bank’ of pre-loved, safe, clean toys
• Resist the ‘pester power’ of children for trendy toys that end up in landfills. Encourage longevity with toy use
• Avoid products that have the recycling numbers 3 (PVC), 6 (Polystyrene/PS), and 7 (polycarbonatePolycarbonate: This is used to make clear hard plastic for objects such as water bottles and formerly for baby bottles. These products contain BPA, which may disrupt natural hormone function and impact brain development./BPA)
• Avoid toys with “PVCPVC: is also known as vinyl. PVC can contain harmful chemicals such as lead and phthalates.,” “phthalatesPhthalates: This chemical is often added to PVC to make soft plastic. It is harmful because it can disrupt natural hormone function, which can alter the development of a fetus or child. Polystyrene is usually found in foam for drink cups or clear plastic packaging. Clear plastic packaging is not always recyclable and takes hundreds of years to break down.” or “vinyl” on the label
• Avoid inflatable toys as they often contain PVC
• Avoid painted wooden toys unless you know that the paint is non-toxic
• Opt for washable cloth bibs rather than plastic ones

Talk with your healthcare provider, healthcare team or walk-in medical clinic to learn more about toy and plastic safety.

Visit these links for more information: Plastics Info Sheet in FR/EN, Plastics, Children's Environmental Health Network

Cleaning Product Tips

It is important to assess what factors influence the decision to choose cleaning products. Some cleaning products contain harmful chemicals.

Cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals, such as VOCsThis is short for volatile organic compounds. This chemical, commonly found in cleaning products, can have harmful health impacts by creating indoor air pollution. Fragrance also contributes to air pollution from spray cleaners or plug-ins., that can impact health.

There are simple steps anyone can take to reduce exposure. Here are some cleaning tips:

• try damp dusting by getting a cloth wet with water rather than dry dusting
• avoid cleaning products with synthetic fragrance
• vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap small particles *HC )
• remove unnecessary carpets or rugs
• avoid using air fresheners or scented plug-ins,
• open your windows if the air quality allows
• choose green cleaning products that list ingredients
• avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia in cleaning products
• if you must use cleaning products with fragrance or harsh chemicals, open windows while cleaning your home, use gloves, and keep children away
• you can make your own low-cost, non-toxic cleaning products. Click this link to learn more about the Environmental Defence Cleaning Guide or Breast Cancer Action Quebec
• Talk with your healthcare provider, healthcare team or walk-in medical clinic about cleaning product safety.

To learn more, visit:

• Government of Canada: Healthy Home
• Government of Canada:Household Chemical Safety
• Environmental Defence Indoor Air Pollution

Safe storage of household chemical products ensures the safety of all family members, especially children.

Household Chemical Tips

Household chemical products, such as cleaning liquids and powders, drain cleaners, paint and paint thinners, liquid laundry detergent packets and windshield washer fluid can be dangerous. They can cause poisonings, burns, fires or explosions if not handled safely. Household chemical products are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under 5 years old (Use household chemicals safely - Canada.ca)

“What to do if someone is exposed to household chemical products.

If someone has been exposed to a household chemical product and you think they may have been harmed:

• Call a poison centre or your health care provider right away.
• Tell the person who answers the phone what the product label says. A border on the back or side of the product label should surround first aid instructions.
• Bring the product container with you when you go for help.
• Report the incident to Health Canada (Government of Canada: Use household chemicals safely)

Chemical Disposal Tips

Hazardous waste is unwanted material or products that can cause illness or death to people, plants and animals.

Household hazardous waste can be found anywhere in your home: in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. They can also be found in storage areas like the garden shed, garage, basement, and attic.

Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals. Once released, these chemicals can contaminate our body, home and the environment.

Additional information:

How to dispose of household hazardous waste - David Suzuki Foundation

Laundry Product Tips

Access the factors that influence laundry product choice. Some laundry products can contain harmful chemicals

Some laundry products contain ingredients that can have a harmful impact on health. Here are some simple steps to avoid this:

• Avoid scented products. Try non-fragranced instead
• Use vinegar in the rinse cycle or wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets or fabric softeners
• Try drying clothes on a rack inside or outside (weather and municipal regulations permitting)

To learn more, visit: Environmental Defense Indoor Air Pollution

Dry cleaning can include the use of harmful chemicals.

Dry Cleaning Tips

PERC is a common chemical used in dry cleaning and is a carcinogenSomething that can increase your risk of developing cancer., affect the immune system or central nervous system, and can affect the developing baby in pregnancy. It is harmful for people who work in the dry cleaning business, for customers, and for the environment. “Wet cleaning” is a safer alternative for health and the environment and is effective for cleaning delicate fabrics with a dry clean label. Many clothes can also be hand-washed or washed in a delicate cycle even if they have a dry clean only label. You can look for a local wet cleaner near you.

To learn more, visit these links from environmental defence:

• Rethink DryCleaning
• Wet Cleaning FAQs

Personal Care Product Tips

Some personal care products contain chemicals that can have negative health impacts. Here are some tips when choosing personal care products:

Avoid these ingredients:

• “Fragrance”/phthalate/paraben
• triclosan/triclocarban (often in antibacterial soaps)
• benzophenone, oxybenzone, or octyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate)
• microbeads in soaps/scrubs
• get rid of expired care products
• try natural, low-cost alternatives to commercial products (ex. Coconut oil for conditioner)

Scented products (air freshener spray, scented candles, incense and diffusers) are "significant sources of indoor air pollution

Use:EWG Care Product Database to look up your care products

To learn more, visit these links:

• Toxic_20_pocket_guide.pdf (acsqc.ca)
• Silent Spring Top 10 Tips for Personal Care
• CPCHE Fragrances Fact Sheet

Insect Repellent Tips

DEET is safe to use, but it is important to be educated on concentrations for certain age groups.

It is important to prevent insect bites on you and your children to avoid insect-borne diseases, There are safe ways to do so.

DEET

Insect repellents containing DEET can be used safely, depending on age.

The right concentration of DEET for:

• 12 years and older is up to 30%, including pregnant persons
• children aged 2 to 12 years is up to 10%
  • you can apply the product up to 3 times daily
• children aged 6 months to 2 years old is up to 10%
  • you should not apply the product more than once a day

Children younger than 12 years old should not use a DEET product daily for more than a month. For infants younger than 6 months old, do not use an insect repellent containing DEET. Instead, use a mosquito net over a crib or stroller when babies are outdoors.

Icaridin

Icaridin products repel mosquitoes and ticks. These products should not be used on infants younger than 6 months old.

Permethrin

In Canada, clothing treated with the insecticide permethrin is available to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. Adults, including pregnant women, may wear permethrin-treated clothing; however, it is not available for children under 16. Adults wearing permethrin-treated clothing may touch or hug young children but avoid prolonged contact, such as carrying a child who can suckle or chew on the fabric.

Depending on the fabric, permethrin-treated clothing can remain effective for several wash cycles, as indicated on the clothing label.

More information for babies and toddlers:

• To prevent babies and toddlers from getting tick bites, put mosquito netting over carriers and strollers.

Ask your healthcare team for advice on safe insect repellent use.

To learn more, visit:

Health Canada on Insect Repellents

Location Tips

Living close to major roadways or traffic routes could increase exposureExposure to fine or ultra-fine particles from traffic (including school bus idling), industry, welding, trash burning, and mosquito coils can affect many body systems, especially in children. Landfills can be sources of air, water and soil pollution with a range of potential health impacts to certain chemicals. To learn, visit:

• Government of Canada: Does traffic take your breath away?

• Government of Canada: Protecting your indoor air from outdoor pollutants.

• Government of Canada: Choosing a portable air purifier.

Living close to mines, wastewater treatment plants, or manufacturing sites could increase exposure to certain chemicals or heavy metals, such as lead or mercury. Talk to your local environmental organizations and environmental public health unit to learn how to best protect yourself.

If you are still determining if you live near one of these facilities, take a look at this map: Government of Canada: National Pollutant Release Inventory Map.

Lead Information

To learn more, visit this link:

Government of Canada: Lead Information Package

Understanding the time your house was built can help assess if lead exposure is a risk.

Lead Information

Older homes may put people at risk for higher leadThis natural metal is used widely in several industries. However, lead can have harmful health impacts, especially on fetuses and young children. exposures because of the timing of regulations. For example, homes built before 1960 with original paint may have lead-based paint. Until 1991, homes may have had lead-based paint on the outside of their houses. There are other possible sources of lead exposure, such as piping. Lead can have harmful health impacts, especially for fetuses and young children. Consider talking to an expert if you think your home has lead-based paint or other lead sources. To learn more, visit these links:

information link:

• Government of Canada: Lead Information Package
• Government of Canada: Lead -based paint

Home Renovation Tips

For information on home safety, please see the following web pages:

• CPCHE Top 5 Tips
• Government of Canada: Healthy Home
• Government of Canada: Chemicals and Pollutions in the home
• Government of Canada: Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Home Renovation Tips

Renovating can create poor air quality. This is especially harmful for pregnant people (developing fetuses) and young children.

Although renovations are sometimes necessary, they can create poor air quality. When you are pregnant or have young children, reducing your exposure to the poor air quality that renovations create is especially important to reduce negative health impacts. Here are some tips for safe renovations:

• before renovating a home built before 1991, ask an expert about avoiding exposure to potentially harmful building materials (e.g. asbestos, lead paint, etc.)
• if possible, pregnant people should not be involved in the renovation
• keep children out of the renovation area
• Keep the renovation area separate from the living areas. Seal the renovation area with sheets and duct tape and block off vents that will circulate air to the rest of the home
• choose products that are low in VOCsThis is short for volatile organic compounds. This is a chemical commonly found in cleaning products or paints that can have harmful health impacts through creating indoor air pollution.
• keep the renovation area clean by vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth daily
• ensure whoever was working in the renovation area changes their clothes and washes them separately from other clothing
• keep windows open while the renovations are being done

Ask your healthcare provider, health care team, or walk-in medical clinic about safe renovations while you are pregnant or have young children.

To learn more, visit these links:

• CPCHE Top 5 Tips
• Government of Canada: Healthy Home
• Government of Canada: Chemicals and Pollutions in the home
• Government of Canada: Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
• Government of Canada: Chemical Safety for Do-It-Yourself projects and renovations, see tab for “renovations.”
• CPCHE Renovation Tips

20. Do you take your children or the children in your care to playgrounds?

Yes No NA

It is important to assess occupational risks to reduce any negative health impacts. Learn to recognize health hazard signs.

Occupational Tips

Some workplaces require you to work with harmful substances. It is important to reduce your exposure as much as possible. Ask your employer for information and safety data about chemicals used in your work. Ask your employer, union, healthcare provider, healthcare team or walk-in medical clinic on how best to protect yourself and your family from toxic exposures. Request a change in work if pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Take these additional precautions:

• Wear PPE or work clothes appropriately as per guidelines. Change your work clothes and shoes before leaving work. If not, as soon as you get home
• -wash and store your work clothes separately from other clothing
• follow all employer safety manuals
• report and refuse any situations that you feel unsafe in
• Review your rights. Visit these links to learn more about COHS (website), CCOHS Chemical safety (image)

If your hobby involves exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, you can take the following steps:

• Read the labels carefully of any products you use and follow the instructions
• Wear appropriate protective clothing, including gloves and masks
• Ensure good ventilation if working indoors. Use exhaust fans if necessary.
• Ensure good handwashing with soap and water following the use of chemicals
• Look for safer alternatives