This sheet is about exposure to methylmercury in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. What is methylmercury? Methylmercury is an organic form of mercury. Methylmercury is found in water, soil, plants and animals. Methylmercury is different from elemental mercury, the type of mercury that is found in thermometers and some dental amalgams (tooth fillings) and inorganic mercury (which can be …
The Baby Blog: Environment & Natural Disasters
Breastfeeding Following a Natural Disaster
This sheet is about the possible exposures during breastfeeding after a natural disaster. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What could I be exposed to in a natural disaster? While many substances enter breast milk, most are not likely to harm a breastfed baby. In most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any risk from an exposure. However, if you notice anything unusual in your nursing baby, tell your …
Lead
This sheet is about exposure to lead during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is lead and where is it found? Lead is a heavy metal. It can be found in many places, such as: soil, water, cosmetics, children’s & costume jewelry, old paint, plumbing, batteries, bullets, solders, and gasoline. Lead can leach out of pipes into drinking water. Living near metal smelters or mining …
Carbon Monoxide
This sheet is about exposure to carbon monoxide in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a gas. It has no color, smell, or taste. Small amounts of carbon monoxide are normally found in our bodies and in the air we breathe. Large amounts of carbon monoxide gas can be released from poorly working heaters, furnaces, grills, kerosene stoves, or other …
DEET (N,N-ethyl-m-toluamide)
This sheet is about exposure to DEET in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is DEET? DEET (N,N-ethyl-m-toluamide or m-DET) is the active ingredient in many common brands of insect repellent. It is the most effective and well-studied insect repellent ingredient on the market. DEET is particularly effective in preventing mosquito bites and tick attachments. MotherToBaby has a fact sheet …
