Special Contributor to Real Mama, Inc.

The Quick Facts: Air pollution and “bad air” days can occur throughout the year, but in many parts of the United States they tend to be more frequent during the summer months. To protect your children from the effects of air pollution when playing outside, following the guidance outlined below by an expert in the field.

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The Quick Facts: Energy use and costs are increasing at a fast pace. Most of our energy is generated by burning fossil fuels, which contributes to global climate change. Saving energy reduces utility costs and impacts on the environment. By understanding the “energy eaters” in our homes, we can help our family budget and the environment. Efficiency and conservation are the keys to wise energy use, lower utility bills, and protection of natural resources.

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The Quick Facts: Whether you’re a busy mom carting your kids around to school and activities or planning that summer road trip, you should be aware that spending too much time in your car could prove to be harmful to your family’s health. A study conducted by the International Center for Technology Assessment shows that the air inside of cars contains more carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides than ambient air at some monitoring stations. In addition, that ‘new car’ smell present in your automobile is actually the off-gassing of harmful chemicals used in the manufacture of seat cushions, armrests, floor coverings and plastic parts. There are steps you can take to lessen your exposure to in-car air pollutants, including: roll down car windows; park in the shade; use interior sun reflectors; keep as much distance as possible from other vehicles; properly maintain your car; choose less congested roads; avoid rush hour; drive in the carpool lane; and take public transportation.

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The Quick Facts: Burning candles in your home may be more of a health risk than just the creation of a fire hazard. Candles that are made with lead-cored wicks and burned indoors can exposure your family and kids to lead. In 2000, an investigation by the nonprofit Public Citizen found that a significant number of candles on the market had lead-cored wicks despite a voluntary industry commitment made in the 1970s to not use lead-cored wicks in candles. In 2001, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission placed a ban on the sale of both domestic and imported candles with lead-cored wicks. This ban became effective in October 2003. Despite the federal ban you may want to take steps to reduce your family’s exposure to lead by examining, testing, researching and observing your candles to determine if they have lead-cored wicks prior to burning them.

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