For Parents + Caregivers

When you’re concerned about the health and safety of your child, you want to have information in one place to find the answers to your questions. This page serves as a gateway to assist families and caregivers with finding the answers to their environmental health concerns.

The resources below, some of which are from our Center and others from our partners, are targeted to Philadelphia regional parents and caregivers, including those in rural and suburban areas. They include tools to identify environmental health issues, prevent and remediate contaminants and provide information to families on what to do to protect your children.

Mother playing with child in a living room.
External Resource

How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Health Video

Video to see how indoor air quality impacts health and view recommendations on maintaining good air quality at home.

Fruits and vegetables dunked in water.
External Resource

What Chemicals are in Your Food?

EWG’s Food Score database tells you what chemicals are in the food products and provides a list of health concerns associated with each chemical if there are any.

External Resource

Pennsylvania Health Action Network

In need of health insurance for you or your child? PHAN’s free helpline provides assistance in understanding, applying for and enrolling in health coverage.

Bee pollinating flower.
External Resource

Pollen Count Forecast

This Pollen Tracker will help you and your family know when to stay indoors to decrease symptoms from allergies.

Two kids blowing bubbles.
External Resource

Air Fresheners Low in Volatile Organic Compounds

Air Fresheners can be sources of toxic chemicals in your home. Use this database to identify the least toxic air fresheners you can use to keep your home asthma and allergy friendly!

Cleaning supply bottles and the ingredients needed to do-it-yourself cleaning fluid.
External Resource

Volatile Organic Compounds in your Home

Where can volatile organic chemicals be found in your home? Find out where they are and how to lower your family’s exposure.

Hands putting lotion on.
External Resource

EWG’s Guide to Healthier Sunscreens

Search EWG’s database for less toxic sunscreens for you and your children.

Peeling paint in ceiling.
External Resource

Identifying and Remediating Lead in your Home

Click on your county to find local resources to identify and remediate lead in your home.

CSOCast screengrab
External Resource

Map of Sewers Contaminating Philadelphia Waterways

When it rains, raw sewage from homes flows into Philadelphia waterways. Use this map to find out when and where it’s happening.

External Resource

Hazardous Waste Sites Near You

Use the map linked on the webpage to identify current and past hazardous waste cleanup sites in your community.

Peeling paint in ceiling.
External Resource

Certified Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Firms Near You

If your home was built before 1978 you should use a lead certified contractor for all home renovation and repair.

Cigarette and smoke.
External Resource

Quit Smoking

For free counseling on quitting smoking and/or medication to help quit, call 1-800- QUITNOW or visit this website.

Well Field
External Resource

WellExplorer

Find hydraulic fracturing well sites near them and learn about the chemicals used at these sites.

Cockroach crawling on kitchen counter next to microwave.
External Resource

Less Toxic Methods to Control Pests

This fact sheet contains information on effective pest control methods without adding toxins to your home.

Cleaning supply bottles and the ingredients needed to do-it-yourself cleaning fluid.
External Resource

EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning

The Environmental Working Group database lists the least toxic cleaning products to use at home.

Smoke stacks at factory emitting pollution.
External Resource

Air Quality Alerts

Sign up for air quality alerts, so you’ll know when to keep children and vulnerable adults inside.

Pipe with valve.
External Resource

Emergency Leak Repair Resource

Basic Systems Repair Program provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philly.

External Resource

Mercury at Home and in Your Diet

Fact sheet on common ways people are exposed to mercury in their home and diet as well as tips to avoid it.

Three infants on floor
External Resource

Protect Your Child from Chemicals in Plastic

Fact sheet on what plastics you should avoid in your child’s toys, baby bottles and more.

Second hand smoke is dangerous.
External Resource

Free Smoke Detector Installation for Philadelphia Residents

Philadelphia residents can request a free smoke detector installed by the Fire Department. You can call 311 or visit this website.

Rodent on kitchen sink with leftover food. Rodents can be asthma triggers.
External Resource

Report Rats in Philadelphia

Report rats in and around your residence to the City Department of Public Health and get free pest control resources by calling (215) 685-9000.

External Resource

Summer in the City Activity Book

Print this activity book for a fun way to keep your kids busy while educating them on staying safe in extreme heat!

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