Reduce your risks

The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

Zimbabwe

We live in a chemical world. They are in use all around us - from pesticides to cosmetics and baby bottles to computers. Some chemicals are known to be toxic and we know very little about many others.

There are simple actions you can take to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. And protect wildlife from the toxic threat.

In the living room and bedroom

Avoid

dry cleaning wherever possible
re-carpeting when you are pregnant
synthetic carpets, carpet underlay or upholstery with synthetic foams, foam rubber, latex or plastic coverings, because these emit VOCs
air fresheners, go for fresh air - open your windows! If you can’t do that, use natural odour eaters such as a bowl of baking soda, or natural fragrances such as potpourri

Buy

carpets from organic natural fibres such as wool, cotton, rattan or jute
machine washable clothes and clothes with fewer chemical treatments such as stain repellents

In the bathroom

Avoid

cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes with synthetic fragrances
long-term use of permanent hair dyes, especially those carrying a warning "can cause an allergic reaction"

Use

beauty products such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners and hair care products made from natural ingredients
fragrance-free products
unbleached toilet paper and sanitary products

In the kitchen

Avoid

tinned food products
chemical air fresheners or heavily scented cleaning products such as dishwashing liquids, floor cleaners and washing powders
cling film when reheating or cooking food in the microwave
microwaving food in plastic containers unless they are designed for that purpose

Use

organic products whenever possible
fresh, frozen or dried food rather than tinned food;
a water filter to reduce the levels of chemical contaminants in drinking water
non-vinyl flooring

In the garden

Avoid

using creosote-based preservatives or products pre-treated with creosote
using pesticides indoors or in the garden - use alternatives and try gardening organically

Use

paints, varnishes and glues labelled ‘Low VOC content’, or those that are water-based water-based
organic or natural paints made from plants oils - ask in the store to find which products are available.
garden furniture not treated with creosote

In the nursery

Avoid

polycarbonate-plastic baby feeding bottles. The vast majority of plastic feeding bottles are made from polycarbonate which contains bisphenol A, a hormone disrupting chemical that can leach into the liquid inside. Polycarbonate can be identified by looking on the packaging for PC 7 or looking inside the recycling triangle for the number 7. Wherever possible, breast feeding is always the best option
using old and worn plastic baby bottles

Use

baby bottles that are not made of polycarbonate
children's teething products and dummies from a reputable source

Woman with arms crossed

Play the Toxic Blaster game

Every person, every animal has been exposed to a cocktail of dangerous man-made chemicals.

WWF needs your help now to fight the chemical threat.