Follow our tips and protect your baby and yourself from endocrine disruptors!




 
  • Limit your use of personal care and beauty products, especially those that stay on your skin or nails or in your hair (body lotion, nail polish and hair dye, etc.). These products may well contain endocrine disruptors.
  • Instead, choose skin care products that do not contain any fragrance, preservatives, dyes or essential oils. To reduce stretch marks, you can use neutral vegetable oils such as almond oil.
  • If you can, choose care products made in Europe, as their composition is strictly regulated.
  • Ventilate the bathroom regularly to prevent moisture and mould.


  • Avoid heating (or reheating) food in plastic, by using glass plates or bowls instead. Whenever plastic is heated, it releases substances that can be dangerous to your health or that of your baby.
  • Keep plastic bottles of water out of sunlight for the same reason.
  • Wash or peel fruits and vegetables to reduce contaminants.
  • Avoid using non-stick pans and cookware if the coating is damaged, as harmful substances can end up in your food.
  • Wash new dishes and utensils before using them for the first time, to keep chemical substances to a minimum.



 
  • Ventilate your home for 15 minutes, twice a day, including in winter in order to remove any potentially harmful substances. These substances may come from products in your home such as cleaning products, perfumes, adhesive, new furniture, dust and so on. That is why it's important to refresh the air inside your home, as it is often more polluted than the air outside.
  • Avoid using air fresheners or room perfumes – they may contain harmful substances. Ventilate the room if there is an unpleasant odour.
  • Clean your home using simple products (Marseille soap, baking soda, etc.). Try to use cleaning products with the EU Ecolabel, as they contain fewer hazardous substances. Clear away dust regularly using a damp cloth. Only use disinfectants (products labelled ‘anti-virus’, ‘effective against bacteria’, etc.) when necessary.
  • Use the right dose and follow the instructions for use of your household products. That way, you can limit unwanted effects such as irritated eyes or irritated skin, allergies.
  • When treating the plants in your home and/or garden use as few harmful agents as possible. To avoid trouble from insects, it's best not to leave food out. A fly screen in your window or doorway or a mosquito net will keep insects at bay without endangering your health.
  • Avoid doing any DIY projects, so that you do not inhale any chemicals that are toxic to you and your baby. Endocrine disruptors can be released from paints as well as from new furniture, carpet and flooring, etc.
  • Ask for help if you want to set up or paint the baby's nursery. If possible, choose paint with the EU Ecolabel, ventilate the room well and schedule the work in good time before your baby arrives.



 
  • Wash your new clothes and those for your baby, before wearing. Textiles (clothing, curtains, dishcloths, etc.) are often treated with potentially toxic substances.
  • If possible, choose laundry products with the EU Ecolabel, as they contain fewer hazardous chemicals, or use traditional products (Marseille soap, black soap, baking soda, etc.). Respect the stated dose and follow instructions for use of your product.
  • Also consider second-hand clothing: it has been washed more often and therefore contains fewer chemicals and is better for the planet.
  • Avoid clothing and textiles marked “anti-odour” or “antibacterial” or “stain-proof” (or treated to prevent stains), as they contain chemicals that may disrupt your hormones.



 
  • Find out about the risks of exposure to potentially harmful substances in your workplace or training programme. Ask your employer/prevention manager about the prevention policy.
  • Inform your employer of your pregnancy as soon as possible: he or she is obliged to protect you from the specific risks associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are self-employed, discuss this with your family doctor.
  • Follow the prevention measures you have agreed upon with your employer, the prevention consultant, the company doctor and/or your family doctor.