Sally J. Spadaro 222-4700 ext. Persistent and toxic contaminants, including lead and mercury, continue to pose significant health threats to children in the Rhode Island.
Pollution prevention is the most effective way means to better protect their health.
Institutions and individuals can substitute environmentally preferable materials and products for those that can cause harm. Doctors can educate their patients about environmental health threats, especially lead and mercury exposure, and the preventative steps that parents can take. Businesses, institutions, and communities can reduce their use of hazardous materials and generation of hazardous waste. Communities can adopt integrated pest management practices to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and can alert parents when pesticide spraying is scheduled to occur in public areas to minimize children's exposure. Everyone can help improve air quality and reduce asthma by limiting individual vehicle use and taking advantage of public transportation, walking, or riding bicycles.