During the past several years, interest, concern, and action related to environmental problems have increased. Among the problems creating the concern have been materials that can cause pollution and biological damage in and near the home and the disposal of materials used in the home. Discussed in this digest are the reduction of problems related to hazardous and toxic materials in the home; student and parent awareness of hazardous and toxic materials found in the home and regulations concerning those materials; environmental decisions regarding home purchase and the correction of environmental problems in a family's current home, and the addition of information regarding hazardous and toxic materials to the school curriculum. Several good sources of information on the subject are recommended. A list of 12 references is included. (CW)