CEHN works to promote the protection of all children from environmental hazards. Children living poverty and/or from racial/ethnic communities may suffer not only more frequent and more direct exposures to environmental hazards, but exposures to many more of the toxic chemicals and other pollutants that pose risk to human health.  These children often live in areas which traditionally have been distinguished by toxic-waste landfills, power plants, heavy industry, and heavy pesticide use.  Children in those communities are often placed at multiple risk for illness due to poor or inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and limited access to health care, combined with potentially damaging environmental exposures.

CEHN makes the health and safety needs of all and especially the most vulnerable children a top priority.  This perspective is embedded into all of CEHN's programs and initiatives.