Children and Environmental Toxins

Preface

Introduction

1. Changing diseases in a changing environment

Patterns of childhood disease -- then and now Environmental changes

2. New chemicals and new childhood chemical exposures

Explosive growth of chemicals Early warning signs Gaps in safety and toxicity testing Childhood exposure to new chemicals 3. Children's unique vulnerability to toxic chemicals in the environment

Unique windows of vulnerability exist in children Children process toxic exposures more slowly than adults Children's higher metabolism rates make different demands on their bodies than adults Childhood exposures can incubate for many years and may cause adult disease Exposures are proportionately greater in children than in adults Normal hand-to-mouth behavior increases their exposure to toxins Children live closer to the ground and have different exposures than adults Other risk factors compound the problem

4. The links between childhood disease and toxic chemicals in the environment

The increase in autism, ADHD, and other problems of the developing brain The increase in male birth defects, early puberty in girls, and testicular cancer in young mem The increased incidence of asthma and allergies New links between household toxins, obesity, and diabetes The links between childhood exposures and adult disease The growing problems with reproduction The increases in childhood cancer

5. A Guide for Parents: Keeping Your Child Safe from Environmental Toxins

An environmental checklist for your home Over 100 ways to protect your children and promote health as they grow

At home 10 ways to make baby's room safer 8 ways to avoid asthma and allergy attacks 10 practical ways to prevent lead poisoning 25 ways to minimize your child's exposure to endocrine disruptors 9 cautions about pesticides 11 ways to reduce exposure to unsafe foods 14 tips for avoiding exposure to household chemicals 6 ways to grow your child into a healthy adult

At day care 10 ways to make day care safer

At school 10 ways to make school safer

In the neighborhood 10 ways to make the neighborhood safer

Tips for future moms and dads 10 ways to protect future children

6. A Call to Action

Children's health, toxic chemicals and you

Policy and legislation: where we stand now

Evidence-based prevention US standards vs standards in other countries Consequences of our current situation

A call for a new public health revolution

New ways to protect children from environmental toxins Our call to action - community based actions, state initiatives, federal legislation Career opportunities for the future of public health