If your kids are wearing pyjamas that you've purchased at your local department or children's store, they are sleeping with a host of toxic chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers - also known as PBDEs.

PBDEs are used as flame retardants. While the intention is good - we want to protect our children from the dangers of fire - these known toxins are rapidly building up in our bodies with unknown long term effect.

Recent studies show that levels of PBDEs in American women and their babies are sufficient to cause harm in developing brains. In fact, current levels in adult American females are as much as 100 times that of adult European females because Europe has already banned two key forms of PBDEs since 2004.

PBDEs are found in a host of plastic and foam products in homes and offices, from upholstered furniture and bedding to building materials, televisions, computers and other electronic equipment. However, the most frightening use of these toxins is as an addition to our children's pyjamas.

Most children spend an average of 10-12 hours in bed every night. How can we ensure a safer sleep environment, with less chemicals?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission stated in 1997 that snug-fitting untreated cotton sleepers provide as much safety for your child as sleepers treated with fire retardant. This is great news for parents who don't want to give up protection against the hazards of fire, but also don't want their children soaking up chemicals as they get their beauty sleep.

Even sleepwear which does not state that it has been treated with fire retardants can have them in it. In many cases, the fabrics for kid's pyjamas are made with those chemicals bonded right in, before the clothing is cut and sewed. When you buy organic pyjamas, the cotton used is completely free of all chemical finishings. Just be sure that the clothes do not have a label that indicates a fire retardant has been applied after manufacture.

You don't have to dress your children in sleep clothing that is specifically designated as pyjamas. Especially as children get older, you can buy comfortable "regular" clothes and wear them to bed! Even babies can be tucked in wearing "daywear", with the addition of socks or knit slippers to help keep feet warm. It's easy enough to buy t-shirts and leggings or sweat pants for your child at any age and tuck them into bed that way.

To help avoid other chemicals that could be in their sleep gear, stay away from permanent press, crease resistant, no-iron, shrinkproof, stretchproof, stain-proofed, water-proofed or water repellent items. The chemicals used in these treatments can pose other health risks. Your best bet is more natural or organic alternatives.

Want to do even more to reduce your child's sleep-related chemical exposure? Buy your child (and yourself) an organic mattress. Mattresses (and all the fibre materials in mattresses) are also treated with fire retardants.

Want to reduce other types of chemical exposure? Pesticides are affecting our families too. Read about 5 easy ways to reduce your consumption of pesticides.