Healthy spaces for children
When the environment is unhealthy, being small makes a big difference.
Children two years of age and under have ten times the risk of adults from exposure to toxins. Infants take in more air - 45 breaths to 10 adult breaths. Infants' immune systems are weaker. Their lungs and airways are especially susceptible to harm from toxins, particulate matter and ozone in the air.
Associations have been made between environmental toxins and asthma, cancer and developmental problems. Studies also show that exposure to toxins early in life may be associated with autism, violence and depression. Even alienation, aggression, and antisocial behavior have been linked to breathing toxic air.
Outdoors and in public you may have little control over infants' exposure to toxins. Become aware of sources of toxic air emissions and other sources of toxic exposure. Be sure to report emissions and avoid exposure.
Avoid outdoor activities on high ozone days, and try to reduce the amount of time infants spend in cars and on the freeway where benzene levels are high.
In your home, install an air filter that has a HEPA and carbon filter. Use environmentally friendly paint on the walls and avoid carpeting and vinyl flooring. Make sure toys and other products for infants are made of natural rather than manmade materials. Make sure playground equipment and picnic tables are made of materials that do not outgas or contain harmful chemicals in the sealants.
Children depend on adults to keep them safe and to protect their health Do your part by giving them healthy spaces to live and play.