Families are children’s first and best teachers. As a family member, you can make a big difference in the way your child looks at life and learns about all its wonders.
In this section of the site, you will learn about ways in which your entire family can be involved in this look at environmental health problems.
Remember that environmental health problems include a vast array of syndromes that can affect people in many different ways. Environmental problems are those that are related to the environment around you-the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the chemicals you use in your home, the beauty products you use. Your environment can also trigger or cause other illnesses, such as asthma and other breathing problems, to become worse.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Environmental health and safety risks disproportionately affect children. From pesticides in schools and playgrounds to nitrates in the water, children are at increased risk for a variety of adverse health effects such as developmental delays and asthma.” As caretakers of our children, it is our responsibility to understand the environmental risks are children face, learn how we can deal with or eliminate them, and help our children understand what is happening.
We hope this section of the site will help your family do this.
Great Sites for Families to Investigate
This site provides links to kid-friendly sites where you and your family can learn more about environmental health. The site is constantly being updated, so be sure to check back here for new resources. EPA’s Children’s Environmental Health Facts
The EPA has created a page that describes several environmental factors that impact children’s health.