We live in a chemical world and often do not realize the effects of the many chemicals we come in contact with each day which do, in fact, affect our health.

Infants, children, and even the unborn fetus, are especially affected because, pound for pound, they eat, drink and breathe more for their size than adults. Children also live closer to the ground, play outside in the dirt, and put things in their mouths, which puts them at greater risk to the effects of chemicals.

Here are a few things to think about:

1) Many of our materials are made out of polyester (which is plastic) such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, baby blankets, children's sleep ware and other clothing, auto interiors, toys, food containers, etc. To minimize harmful absorbsion of these items here are some suggestions:

" Buy cotton bedding and clothing when possible, especially sleep ware (contrary to what you have been told), as polyester is plastic and will melt, plus it has added chemicals which are absorbed by the skin, or breathed in.

" Do not use the microwave, or use it at a minimum. If you use it at all, do not heat in plastic or styrofoam containers, but use glass instead.

" Furniture and automobiles are better purchased once "seasoned", or slightly used, as to have lost the initial harsh chemical smells found in the fabrics.

2) Pesticides are another area of great awareness. Playgrounds, lawns, sport fields, agriculture fields, insect repellants, insect sprays and exterminations, tick and flea dips and sprays for animals, and even produce grown with chemical insecticides can all be hazardous to our health.

Research shows that there is direct correlation between common insecticides and forms of learning, behavioral and development disabilities. Says Herbert Needleman, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, "A toxin has much more devastating affects on a developing nervous system. The child's brain, because it is still growing, is much more vulnerable than an adult's brain. And because children play on floors and on the ground, put their hands in their mouths, and eat more fruits and vegetables per pound of body weight, they receive a greater overall exposure to pesticides."

" Especially with toddlers, it is a great idea to make a family habit of taking shoes off at the door when entering the home. Just think about all the places the family has walked throughout the day (streets, restrooms, place of work and school, lawns, dirt, etc.) and what harmful contaminants, solvents, and pesticides can be tracked in the home and into the carpets and on floors.

" Do not use bug sprays and exterminations inside the home, even if they are considered "non-toxic" or "odorless". Avoid using them if at all possible, but if needed, use them only outside and do not breath in the fumes or have direct contact with anything sprayed.

" Choose "organic" produce, grains, beans and other food products! Eat foods that have been grown without pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers as much as possible. The cost may be slightly more, but you are getting a higher nutritional content and can omit the toxins that your body does not need!

3) Solvents are another area of toxic substances to avoid. Solvents such as polish remover, gasoline, thinners, degreasers, cleaning products with ammonia or alcohol, glues, paints, alcohol perfumes, alcoholic beverages, and dry cleaning chemicals are all harmful. Solvents are highly volatile, meaning that they easily convert from liquid to gas at room temperature. They fill the air, we inhale the fumes, and they are quickly absorbed into the body. And if solvents can break down a stain, dissolve glue or grease, imagine what they can do to the body! Here are more suggestions to avoid these toxic substances:

" Most uses of these chemicals can be avoided. Omit aerosols and the harsh chemical products as much as possible.

" When using paints, varnishes, chemical cleaners, etc., wear a face mask and goggles and have good ventilation: open windows, turn on a fan, or just do the job outside if possible.

" Use earth friendly cleansers, degreasers, and fragrances instead. Use citrus based cleaners, water based paints, baking soda, vinegar, bleach, tea tree, and other essential oils. There really are a lot of less volatile products on the market (but you may not find them in your regular shopping mart). Check out the natural markets.

Many get discouraged in looking at this long list of "hazards to our health". But understand it is reality, and you can do something about it, if your body, as well as your children's, is worth it! Check out better products, toss the harsh chemicals, and use some common sense. We may live in a chemical world, but we can avoid much of the toxic effects on our bodies.