What do experts—activists, scientists, and policy wonks—do to protect themselves?

Small changes will help protect you
Most think it not worth bothering to try to get rid of the chemicals already in our bodies. And few are eager to get tested—it’s extremely expensive, and comprehensive tests are available only with participation in a scientific study. Instead, most people’s suggestions were basic and easy to put into practice.

1. Eat low on the food chain (less fatty meat and high-fat dairy).

2. Stick with organic produce when possible A study found that children who ate only organic produce had one-sixth the level of pesticides in their bodies of those who ate conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

3. Vary the fish and shellfish you eat to lower your exposure to mercury. Pregnant women should eat no more than 12 ounces a week of cold-water fish such as tuna and avoid shark, swordfish, and king mackerel altogether.

4. Use a water filter.

5. Air out dry-cleaning before bringing it into the house.

6. Don’t microwave food in plastic containers.

7. Vacuum often, and use a machine that has a HEPA filter because contaminants often cling to household dust.

8. Steer clear of carpets and furniture treated with stain-repellents.

9. Avoid pesticides and get rid of chemically laced household cleaners in favor of plain soap and water. When I asked one expert whether that could leave you vulnerable to bacterial contaminants, he scoffed, “Counters are not operating rooms; they don’t have to be sterile.”