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The Importance of a Healthy Environment for Your Child
Everyday, whether at home, school or out in public, children are
exposed to various hazards. Many of these hazards can be controlled
and even eliminated, but some can not. Therefore, as a parent it
is important to recognize and understand the hazards your child
faces in his environment. Providing the healthiest environment possible
for children is crucial for their future and ours. The following
information is not intended to frighten you but to educate you on
common environmental hazards your child will face as he grows and
develops. All of the topics in this section are designed a question
and answer format.
Factors Contributing to Exposure to Environmental Hazards in Infants
and Children
Children should not be thought of as "little adults"
when it comes to exposure to environmental hazards. Their tolerance
for exposure is different from adults and can be more intense and
potentially harmful. The reasons are simple and are as follows:
- Growing children have rapidly dividing cells that are more vulnerable
to toxic effects from environmental hazards.
- The skin and gastrointestinal tract are highly permeable to
toxicants.
- Normal exploratory behaviors - they mouth anything and everything.
- Diet - they eat a limited variety of foods - mostly those in
the fruit/vegetable and dairy groups. These foods are more likely
to be exposed to chemicals and pesticides than other foods.
- Children have higher metabolic rates. This means they have a
proportionately higher degree of exposure to inhaled toxicants
with every breath.
- They play on the floor and in the grass. Toxicants can be heavier
than air and tend to settle on the or near the floor.
- Children spend significant time in schools and day care centers.
These places may have air quality issues associated with "sick
school syndrome".
- Adolescents may be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (either
by smoking themselves or being around smoking teens).
- Adolescents may be exposed to toxicants while working at an
after-school or summer job.
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