Pest Control and Babies

The NIH agrees, reporting that most pesticides can be harmful to both people and pets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this development process that children's systems are still undergoing is coupled with an immune system that may provide less natural protection than that of an adult's. They also point out that children are often at greater risks from the pesticides because they play on the floor or the lawn, where they are usually applied. Babies also put things in their mouths, which also increases their risk factor.

Exposure generally happens through one of three methods: skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Pesticide use is such a big problem that the EPA reports more than a billion pounds of pesticides are used each year across the country.

"Depending on the particular pesticide, certain forms have been linked to childhood cancers, learning disabilities, and even asthma," says Dr. Kelly. "Since the effects of many of these chemicals are unknown, it is advisable to minimize exposure to pesticides as much as possible, especially for pregnant women, infants, and small children."