Two Decades of Enhancing Children ’s Environmental Health Protection at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Conclusion Building on two decades of experience, the U.S. EPA continues to focus its efforts in three principal areas—science to better understand early-life susceptibility, consideration of children in environmental regulations, and outreach to inform health care providers and the public. Much of the U.S. EPA’s work during the past 20 years to protect children from environmental hazards can be considered primary prevention. These are actions and measures at the population level that minimize hazards to health and that inhibit the emergence and establishment of factors known to increase the risk of disease. For example, the U.S. EPA’s regulations for Pb and OP pesticides have reduced children’s exposures and thus, the potential for neurodevelopmental disease. The evolution and expansion of children’s environmental health protection over the past two decades has been remarkable. At the U.S. EPA, significant efforts have been made to address the special susceptibility of children, and our work continues to address emerging environmental concerns to ensure that children’s environments are free of hazards and support healthy development. References AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health). 2012. Pediatric Environmental Health. Etzel RA, Balk S, eds. 3rd Edition. Elk Grove Village, IL:AAP. Ahdoot S, Pacheco SE, Council on Environmental Health. 2015. Global Climate Change and Children’s Health. Pediatrics 136(5):e1468–e1484. Appel A. 19...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Perspectives Brief Communications Children's Health December 2016 Source Type: research