Many of the problems our children face we will never be able to fix completely. However, reducing our children's exposure to chemicals that can cause disease is one of the battles we can fight and win. Today, our children are facing a serious health crisis and it will take everyone working in their own communities and collaboratively nationwide to stop the poisoning and give our children a healthy life. The Center For Health, Environment and Justice has established a Children's Environmental Health Project because of this serious health crisis. The White House has recognized the serious environmental health threats to our children.
Children are more vulnerable to environmental chemicals.
Because children's systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to environmental threats. Children eat proportionately more food, drink more fluids, breathe more air, and play outside more, so they are more exposed to environmental threats. When young children crawl on the ground or floor, they are more exposed to contaminated dust and soil, lead paint, household chemicals and other substances than adults. And, regulatory exposure standards are set for healthy adults, not infants or children. Children receive their first exposures while in their mother's womb.