With smaller bodies, higher metabolisms, underdeveloped defense systems, and an active lifestyle that puts them closer to life’s contaminants, children start out with the odds stacked against them when it comes to staying safe and healthy. This is especially true where sensitive young lungs are concerned.

Take these simple steps that go a long way toward keeping bad household air and the toxins it contains away from our kids:

1. Use untreated natural bedding. Permanent press and other treated sheets contain formaldehyde that’s emitted and inhaled while kids sleep. Similarly, don’t buy flame-resistant pajamas or other textiles.

2. Wash bedding at least once a week and keep bedroom humidity below 50 percent. Both steps can help reduce or eliminate dust mite allergens.

3. If you use candles, use only non-petroleum candles with cloth wicks and natural essential oils.

4. Use only natural cosmetic and personal care products, and avoid synthetic scents and perfumes.

5. Keep particleboard and other pressed composite wood products out of your home. These building materials are made with glues and other chemicals that give off dangerous fumes, including formaldehyde.

6. Let fresh air into your home frequently even in winter. A good healthy air exchange is worth more than any warmed or cooled air you’ll replace and is the best way to rinse out any unhealthy pollutants that have accumulated. Let kids sleep with a window opened as much as possible.

7. At school, request that bus drivers turn off their engines while they wait for classes to get out.

8. Avoid indoor pools treated with chlorine.

9. If you get new carpeting that isn’t made of natural materials, air it out thoroughly before installation.

10. Use only safe non-toxic cleaning products.

11. Have furnaces, water heaters, and any other combustion devices in your home inspected and serviced annually to make sure emissions aren’t escaping into your living spaces.

12. Use only safe and natural arts and crafts supplies.

13. Don’t use pesticides or any chemical flea and tick preparations.