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District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
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Children's Environmental Health

A 2007-2009 community-driven environmental health assessment revealed that children's environmental health (childhood exposure to toxics in particular) is a priority issue for many residents in the PHS district.

PHS has prepared a number of informative webpages on environmental health that are relevant for both adults and children. But keep in mind, children are a very vulnerable population when it comes to exposure to toxics:

• They are more likely to come into contact with some potentially harmful chemicals
  • think crawling, thumb-sucking, mouthing objects, inadequate handwashing....basically, being a kid!
• They absorb more of the chemicals they come into contact with than adults do
  • they have quicker more efficient metabolisms, breathe more air than adults in proportion to their body size, etc.
• They have body systems that are more susceptible to their harmful effects than adults'
  • their brains and other systems are still developing, not yet as protected against chemical effects compared to adults
• Certain chemicals and toxics commonly found around the home and community are especially toxic to children, and can affect them into adulthood (some can even affect their future children!)

Click on the following links to view information about:

Indoor Air Quality

Lead

Pesticides, fertilizers, household chemicals

Mercury

Mold

Radon

School Health and Safety

Other helpful links on Children's Environmental Health:

Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook (EPA)

Children's Environmental Health Network

Children's Health (NIEHS)

Institute for Children's Environmental Health

Tips for protecting children's health:

• Have their blood lead levels tested.
• Wash floors and window sills to remove dust and paint chips, especially in older homes where lead based paint is more likely to be found.
• Repair peeling or chipping paint in older homes.
• Control asthma triggers such as pet dander, mold, and second-hand smoke.
• Don't smoke around children.
• Check the local public water supplier for annual drinking water quality reports.
• Have private water wells tested annually for contaminants.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals in or around the home.
• Store pesticides and other chemicals in a locked cabinet.
• Replace mercury thermometers with digital or mercury-free products.
• Test your home for radon.