Table 1 Some recommendations aiming at reduced exposure to health hazards during pregnancy and early postnatal life

Everywhere

Stop smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol

x

x

x

Limit as much as possible passive smoking

x

x

Avoid frequent close presence to power lines; limit the use of cell phones or cordless mobile phones

x

Limit the use of plastic or rubber toys and prefer products declared to be free of bisphenol A or phthalates

x

Stay in a cool place in case of heat > 30 °C

x

Personal care

Restrict the use of cosmetics and lotions as much as possible

x

Prioritize unscented products and stop using perfumes

x

Do not color your hair; do not polish your nails

x

Avoid tattoos

x

Food and drinks

Prioritize food and drinks from glass container instead of plastic bottles or metal cans

x

Do not microwave food in plastic recipients

x

Use quality-controlled water in glass bottles

x

x

Prioritize organic food whenever possible

x

x

Avoid processed, especially nitrite treated, meat

x

Avoid charred meat and consumption of bread or other cereal products that are darkened due to high temperature treatment

x

Limit (once a week) consumption of predator fish (tuna, swordfish, …)

x

x

Home care

Wash new clothes before wearing them

x

x

x

Avoid exposure to organic solvents

x

Avoid as much as possible painting or coating (walls, doors, floors, …)

x

x

Avoid scented cleaning products, air fresheners and fragrances

x

x

x

Clean inside the house using damp clothes and reduce dust

x

Do not use insecticides

x

Ventilate the bedrooms and living rooms at home for 10 min, 1–2 times a day

x

x

Outdoor

Avoid the use of herbicides or pesticides

x

x

Close the car windows and recycle air while driving on highways, in tunnels and in heavy traffic

x

x

Prefer exercising in green areas and avoid heavily polluted air such as within 200 m of heavy traffic

x

x

Others

Avoid exposure to medical x-rays unless really necessary

x

x