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| News from the NIEHS |
| World Health Organization |
| EPA Office of Children's Health Protection |
| Collaborative for Health and the Environment |
| American Academy of Pediatrics |
| National Children's Study |
Air pollution Key leaders described a multitude of concerns about outdoor and indoor air quality. Outdoor air pollution from buses, cars, agriculture, factories, and refineries were among the most frequently mentioned hazards. Indoor air pollution concerns include poor ventilation and circulation in homes, buildings, and schools, as well as mold, mildew, and pesticide use. Groups also discussed the relationship between air pollution and environmental justice. They described how many transportation routes, refineries, and factories are located next to neighborhoods where children of color live--disproportionately exposing them to air pollution compared with other communities. Many leaders explained that some health consequences, such as bronchitis and asthma, may be due to or exacerbated by poor air quality. Brownfield Developments Numerous leaders stated that brownfield developments (abandoned lots that may be polluted) are another issue impacting children's health in California. Many experts stated that developing these sites have great benefit, because the infrastructure of roads, electricity, telephone lines, and sewage systems are already in place. However, some people questioned whether clean-up standards are safe enough for children, and stated that the development of brownfields can raise the cost of living in a neighborhood, sometimes displacing residents in those communities. Hazardous Waste Leaders were alarmed by the amount of pollutants industries emit into the environment. Many expressed concern about the potential health consequences living or working near industrial facilities may pose (such as municipal incinerators, sewage treatment facilities, refineries, medical waste incinerators, land fills, oil and agricultural fields, and/or computer chip manufacturers). People also discussed how communities of color and lower income communities tend to live closer to these facilities, potentially facing greater health burdens compared with other communities. Pesticides Leaders cited a multitude of concerns about pesticides, including how pesticides contribute to the contamination of drinking water and food supplies. Poor air quality, partially due to pesticides from agricultural use and its impact on children who live nearby, was also discussed. Specialists described the overuse of pesticides in homes, parks, and schools, and explained that pesticides are frequently used without a plan for integrated pest management. A few groups noted pesticides in lumber as another exposure in homes and schools. Water quality Experts stated that many toxicants pollute California's drinking water sources, coasts, bays, lakes, and harbors. These toxins include mercury, lead, arsenic, pesticides, diesel, and dioxin. While some leaders preferred fluoride in drinking water to minimize dental decay among children, others opposed the idea. Other concerns Other important issues identified include secondhand
tobacco smoke, mold and mildew, methamphetamine labs,
Superfund sites, pthalates, endocrine disruptors,
biodiversity, environmental degradation, ozone depletion,
electro-magnetic field exposure, rice burning, leaf
blowers, genetically modified foods, and chlorine in
paper. There were also concerns about the effects of
prenatal exposure to any of these pollutants. |
